ST JOHN S SCHOOL LEATHERHEAD PROSPECTUS stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk
CONTENTS Who are we?... 5 Academic... 7 Pastoral care... 9 House... 13 Day, weekly and flexible boarding... 15 Co-education... 19 Culture... 21 Spiritual... 23 Sport... 25 Community... 29 Progression... 31 1
2 3
Who are we? Whilst intensely proud of our history, our greatest pride is in our pupils. Our school has humble beginnings. It was founded in London in 1851 by a clergyman who wished to educate sons of the poor clergy. Over time much has changed at St John s including the move to Surrey and the introduction of full co-education. But many aspects of our school s ethos have stayed the same, notably a tradition of decency and service. Whilst intensely proud of our history, our greatest pride is in our pupils: their energy, optimism and considerable achievements. Modern yet traditional, open-minded and forwardlooking; above all else we are determined to provide the very best all-round education. 4 5
Academic we encourage our boys and girls to explore those ideas which might interest them. Pupils respond to inspirational teaching and being challenged to think. Our aim is to promote intellectual curiosity and a love of learning within the context of a broad curriculum. So we encourage our boys and girls to explore those ideas which might interest them, to read as widely as they can, to reflect and to debate. The structure of our school day enables us to offer academic enrichment beyond the constraints of a classroom-based curriculum. Strong public examination results are, of course, important because they boost confidence and provide opportunity. Our pupils achieve excellent results. St John s is not an exams factory; we encourage every pupil to perform to the best of their academic ability. We could not ask for more. 6 7
Pastoral care The doors of our school are always open and parents are very much involved in the pastoral dialogue. The cornerstone of a St John s education is pastoral care. The teenage years are never especially easy. Therefore every pupil needs a champion and a mentor. Housemaster/Housemistress, tutor and matron, we are all on hand to listen to our pupils, to anticipate their needs and to offer them advice. We also provide each and every one of them with our full attention. The doors of our school are always open and parents are very much involved in the pastoral dialogue. Together we can provide the boys and girls with the support they need. Above all else we care about our pupils and will do all that we can to ensure their personal happiness. 8 9
10 11
House being part of a House community is about identity, pride and a tremendous sense of belonging. The House system is an outstanding feature of St John s. Without exception every pupil is a member of a House, thereby every pupil is known. Our Houses are physical buildings, parts of the school which the pupils call their own. For many, their House is a home from home. In House the pupils can meet, play, work and relax. The House can provide a refuge from the madding crowd and respite in an otherwise busy day. Loyalty to the House is paramount; to represent one s House is an honour. Above all else, being part of a House community is about identity, pride and a tremendous sense of belonging. 12 13
Day, weekly and flexible boarding Many will stay to enjoy the benefits of boarding life: fun, independence and friendship. We are a local school with great facilities which offers day, weekly and flexible (flexi) boarding to all of our pupils. The school day runs in to the late afternoon and then most pupils go home. Many will stay to enjoy the benefits of boarding life: fun, independence and friendship. Weekly boarders stay for most of the week but others may choose to only stay for the occasional night. It is an arrangement which works really well. Modern family life very much includes the boys and girls spending time at home. That is why we offer flexibility and choice. 14 15
16 17
Co-education friendships are invariably based on mutual respect and our young people learn to grow up alongside each other. We live in a co-educational world. Therefore, we believe that boys and girls being educated alongside each other is the best preparation for life. In a co-educational school, friendships are invariably based on mutual respect and our young people learn to grow up alongside each other. They also thrive being taught together. Whilst we are a fully co-educational school our Houses are single sex, hence our pupils enjoy the best of all worlds. The atmosphere in our fully co-educational school is pleasant and relaxed. Therefore, every boy and girl can develop at their own pace both personally and intellectually. We would not have it any other way. 18 19
Culture Our pupils show a mature cultural understanding and their extraordinary talents are nurtured. It is, perhaps, when we are young that we are at our most creative. Our pupils show a mature cultural understanding and their extraordinary talents are nurtured in an environment in which they are able to fully express themselves. The music which pervades our daily life is both uplifting and profound; the drama helps to define who we are. If you visit St John s you will see the most wonderful works of art full of colour, vitality and imagination displayed around the School. Our pupils cultural performances raise our spirits and warm the soul. 20 21
Spiritual We encourage our boys and girls to explore the concepts of faith and belief as part of their wider education. St John s is a Christian school. Chapel sits at the heart of school life; it provides us all with an opportunity to stop, think and reflect. In Chapel we hear of love, compassion and tolerance values which are central to St John s. We encourage our boys and girls to explore the concepts of faith and belief as part of their wider education. Our task is to broaden their horizons, to provoke them to ask questions, to engage in discussion and to challenge ideas. An open mind is important, as is the quest for knowledge and understanding. It is all part of a preparation for life. 22 23
Sport we aim to provide a team for every boy and every girl whatever his or her sporting ability. We believe in sport for all of our pupils. One should not underestimate the positive impact of physical fitness and competitive games on the wellbeing of young people. So we aim to provide a team for every boy and every girl whatever his or her sporting ability. We also offer a wide range of sports and we celebrate the successes of our pupils whatever the team, whatever the discipline. Many of our pupils excel at sport; some are champions. They are all trained, advised and encouraged to do their very best. Through participation in sport our boys and girls learn team work, camaraderie, self-discipline and leadership. It is a central part of our school s life. 24 25
26 27
Community by holding out the hand of friendship to those in the wider community, they can truly enrich the lives of others as well as their own. The School is rooted in the local community. Our gates are open and our partnerships are strong. As part of their education, our pupils learn about the world which awaits them. They also learn the value of community and of helping others less fortunate than themselves. Such lessons provide them with a moral compass which we hope will point them in the right direction. By the time they leave St John s we want them to understand that by holding out the hand of friendship to those in the wider community, they can truly enrich the lives of others as well as their own. 28 29
Progression Ultimately our pupils leave St John s armed with a positive outlook, good manners, respect for others and humility. A St John s education is a preparation for life. Our boys and girls are encouraged to be ambitious academically and otherwise. But for most young people the prospect of going to university and in to the world of work is daunting. So we offer comprehensive guidance and our full support. We also call on the experience and expertise of the wider school community parents, friends and alumni to listen and to advise. Ultimately our pupils leave St John s armed with the attributes for which they are renowned; a positive outlook, good manners, respect for others and humility. Such qualities will serve them well. 30 31
32 33
St John s School Epsom Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8SP T +44 (0)1372 373 000 stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk Registered Charity No: 312064