News list
Remembrance Day falls every year on the 11th of November, the date in which the armistice was signed in 1918 to signify the end of World War One. This year, we have been able to mark this important day in person at both Byron House and Senior House and commemorate those who have fallen and mark this occasion with sincerity and respect.
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.
St John’s College School is celebrating after achieving the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s (ISI) highest grading of excellent. The rigorous four-day inspection included interviews with pupils and staff; lesson observations; parent, pupil and staff questionnaires; an examination of pupils’ work; and a scrutiny of all policies to enable the inspectors to assess the school’s compliance as well as the educational quality in all areas of school life.
Current parent, Mrs Patel, gave an insightful talk to Form 4 about the customs and traditions of Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest surviving religions and the religion they are currently studying in class. The children found out about the Hindu belief that life is a cycle of birth, death and rebirth and that the actions in this life, or ‘karma’, have an effect on the future.
Form 2 enjoyed an Eco-action day to Lackford Lakes, part of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, which was designed to empower and inspire the children to take action for environmental sustainability. The three main activities focused on water conservation, food miles and reducing plastic usage. It was linked to the sustainability work the children have undertaken on Wangari Maathai. Maathai was a Kenyan social, environmental and political activist and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She achieved the Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and
Despite the very rainy afternoon, the weather held and the 2021 SJCS Parents' Association fireworks were back with a bang on 3 November. After having to cancel last year due to Covid, it was wonderful to see so many parents, children and staff out and enjoying the spectacular display with up to 900 enjoying the much anticipated event.
The children in Forms 4 and 5 were treated to a captivating and often humorous adaptation of the Young Shakespeare Company’s touring production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The Young Shakespeare Company specialise in introducing Shakespeare's plays to a younger audience. They skilfully involve the children by stopping at crucial points in the play, explaining the key plot lines and seeking audience participation.
Form 4 visited Wandlebury Country Park, a 110 acre estate in the Gog Magog hills, just south of Cambridge for a whole day’s activities learning about the life of the inhabitants of the Iron Age. The trip provided an insightful peak into the topic of Prehistoric Britain and the day was full of a selection of hands-on learning activities as well as providing the children with opportunities to discuss and reflect on Celtic life. They children learnt about Iron Age hill forts, tribal kingdoms, farming, art and culture.
The children threshed and winnowed ears of grain and ground it in
Form 6 had a collaborative art and design technology whole day workshop with world-renowned visual artist, Mr Michael Brennand-Wood in contact via Zoom. The children were encouraged to think about geometry, coloured patterns, the use of different materials, negative shapes and rhythms to create their own unique artwork, exploring textiles and taking inspiration from the artist’s own imagery. Mr Brennand-Wood is internationally regarded as one of the most innovative and inspiring artists working in textiles. All the material used for the children's work was recycled.
On 17 October 12 members of staff ran in 10th edition of the Cambridge Half Marathon which consisted of a route of 13 miles taking in the most iconic landmarks in the city, including some of the University Colleges, the Bridge of Sighs, Cambridge University's Botanic Gardens, Grantchester's Orchard Tea Rooms and finishing at Midsummer Common. Assistant Director of Sport, Mr David Millward, enthused, 'Conditions were favourable and there were many impressive performances, including a number of personal best times! The support on the course was