News list
Form 1 embarked on an journey into the world of ancient Rome through an immersive Roman Day workshop with 'History Off the Page'. Transported back in time to a bustling Roman fort, the children were engrossed in a vivid recreation of life during that era and engaged in hands-on activities such as becoming lamp, leather and metals workers, wax tablet and mosaic workers, scribes, fresco painters, beauticians and charm makers.
On 11th November our St John's community came together for heartfelt Remembrance Day services, honouring the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and subsequent conflicts, so that we might live in peace. This included 'The Last Post' and 'Reveille' which were played at both Byron House and Senior House by our pupils.
A new literacy programme for the teaching of phonics in Byron House has been introduced this term. After rigorous research carried out by our Pre-Prep teaching leads, the decision was made to choose the Sounds-Write system due to its strong evidence-based foundations. It is an expertly structured synthetic phonics programme based on the science of reading. This multisensory, code-oriented, comprehensive approach to literacy has been designed by teachers—for teachers.
Odd Socks Day on 12 November provided an opportunity for both children and staff at St John's to be themselves, celebrate differences and to spread awareness of the core values of Anti-Bullying Week (11 to 15 November 2024) promotes in a fun and inclusive way.
We welcomed astrophysicist, Professor Jo Dunkley, to St John's to give a talk about the origins and evolution of our universe to our Forms 3 and 4 as part of our Thursday Afternoon Enrichment Programme. Jo Dunkley is a professor of physics and astrophysical sciences who shared her delight in the wonders of the universe with the children.
Our Kindergarten classes enjoyed their first trip at St John's to Cambridge Market. They each had 50p to purchase vegetables which they then turned into delicious soup on their return to school.
Four Young Shakespeare Company actors performed Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy drama, 'Twelfth Night', in a fast-moving fully-costumed interactive production for Forms 4 and 5. The play was brought vividly to life around and among the children, at times including the whole audience to create such dramatic scenes as the storm which shipwrecks Viola and Sebastian and the party at Lady Olivia’s which is so memorably interrupted by Malvolio.
St John's Pre-Prep children and staff enjoyed spending the day with play pedagogy expert and author of 'Can I Go And Play Now?', Greg Bottrill, as he implemented his Play Projects with each year group. After school, Greg gave educators an inspiring workshop on the profound impact of play-based learning on a child's cognitive and emotional development.
We are thrilled to announce that St John's College School has been named as the Pre-Prep School of the Year at the prestigious Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2024.
Once again, our St John's community gave generously over Harvest time to donate non-perishable foods to The Cambridge Foodbank.