News list
As part of T2’s remote learning they were set a challenge to research a famous building or landmark around the world and create a model of it from materials they had at home, recycled objects, construction toys, Lego or anything they felt was suitable. The children created, amongst others, the Sydney Opera House, Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and the Great Wall of China.
Our annual Service in Preparation for Christmas, scheduled to take place shortly after the second national lockdown ended, was sadly but inevitably not able to take place as usual in the St John’s College Chapel this year. Our response once again demonstrated the school’s extraordinary ability to combine creative, resourceful and collaborative forces to put together an online Virtual Service in Presentation for Christmas, whose preparations and process afforded the meaningful learning experiences our pupils are accustomed to and whose result could be enjoyed by family and friends not
Kindergarten’s rendition of their nativity production, Whoops-a-Daisy Angel, was broadcast live to the school community this year so everyone could share the children’s production and all their hard work leading up to the performance. This delightful nativity play tells the story of a disorganised but loveable angel who is chosen to show the way to Bethlehem.
Members of the Sixth Form took part in this year's Shakespeare Schools Festival (SSF) with their performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and produced a droll and exuberant play featuring ample wordplay which underscored the nonsensical mischief of the plot. Whilst the world was in the grip of Covid-19 an extremely talented group of Sixth Formers, under the guidance of Mr Clarke, Ms Harris, Mr Hawkins and Mr Evans, defied the odds and put on a St John’s first; a live-streamed performance which was enjoyed by audience literally around the world.
In the Michaelmas term each child in Form 5 created a clay rhino sculpture as part of their Thursday Afternoon Enrichment Programme at Senior House. The children learned about the risk of extinction to many species of rhino, particularly the Northern White Rhino. The collection of rhino sculptures are now on display outside in the Piazza for all to admire. The children themselves came up with the idea of donating £1 each to The World Wide Fund for Nature as a contribution to help protect these endangered animals and have since raised £169 for the charity.
This year, like many things, Armistice Day was a little different because of coronavirus. England was in the middle of a four-week national lockdown during this time but, with stringent safety measures in place, St John’s was able to come together at Byron and Senior House to commemorate those who have fallen and mark this occasion with sincerity and respect.
T1’s rendition of their nativity production, Christmas with the Aliens, was broadcast live to the school community this year so everyone could share the children’s production and all their hard work leading up to the performance. The nativity tells the delightful story of a disorganised but lovable angel with a wonky halo who is chosen to show the way to Bethlehem. One T1 parent commented, "It was absolutely awesome and such a treat be able to watch it as if we had front row seats."
For some, Odd & Silly Socks Day comes around 365 days a year. However, on one day of the year it is not simply about grabbing whichever socks you can find. It is about helping raise awareness during Anti-Bullying Week. At St John’s, we took part in Odd & Silly Socks Day on 16 November, the first day of Anti-Bullying Week – a day designed primarily to spread an important message but also a day designed to be fun; an opportunity for the children to express themselves and celebrate their individuality and what makes us all unique.
Every October children at Senior House look forward to taking part in the World’s Biggest Drawing Festival and this year was no exception with another opportunity to celebrate the transformative effect of drawing for Forms 3 and 4. The theme: ‘Climate of Change’ seemed particularly apt when sustainability is very much an on-going focus at St John’s. 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of The Big Draw and the campaign that shines a light on the need for drawing and its role as a tool for expression, creativity, learning and sharing ideas.
Form 1 experienced the world of ancient Rome with a Roman Day workshop. The children were transported back to Roman Britain with a recreation of life in the past including role-play, practical activities and hands-on experiences with Roman replica artefacts. The children were aptly dressed as Roman citizens, slaves or even barbarians!