News list
‘How do you view stressful situations, as a challenge or a threat?’ Cambridge-based Sports Psychologist, Helen Davis, posed this question to our Form 6 during her inspirational ‘Think Believe Perform’ talk about how to become a more positive and effective thinker, in sports and beyond.
The Fourth Form had a wonderful opportunity to enhance their understanding of Buddhism with a trip to the Cambridge Buddhist Centre. In the Michaelmas term, the children had an introduction to the key Buddhist concepts and practices. The Buddhist hosts at the Centre built on this by answering the children’s questions and putting across the ‘flavour’ of a modern Buddhist life.
We were delighted to welcome Barry Griffiths from Jimmy's Cambridge to talk to Senior House about what the charity is all about and how the money the school raised last term might be spent. Some of the money resulting from Form 4's Victorian Fayre, as well as the total amount from our whole school Christmas Jumper Day helped raise £541 for Jimmy's. Barry also spoke from first-hand experience about what was like sleeping rough and how Jimmy's helped give him hope for a different, more hopeful, future for himself.
Our Sixth Form pupils were eager to get their hands dirty and wade into the river, when they visited FSC Epping Forest a Special Area of Conservation. Our geographers enjoyed getting thoroughly muddy as they studied Loughton Brook which is a tributary of the River Roding. The purpose of the trip to Epping Forest Field Centre was for the children to investigate the downstream changes in the characteristics of Loughton Brook and also to assess whether it conforms to the Bradshaw Model.
Form 6 recently embarked on a trip to the Imperial War Museum Duxford, immersing themselves in the world of Art and English studies centred around World War One. Nestled in the expansive grounds of the renowned former airfield from the First and Second World Wars, Duxford provided the perfect backdrop for them to explore. The hangars, housing an array of iconic aircraft, offered an opportunity for the children to observe and capture their essence on large sheets of paper.
Our annual festive Service in Preparation for Christmas was once again held over two days in the magnificent Chapel of St John’s College. A range of carols, poems and readings were presented by St John’s children. The carols and readings were interspersed with five congregational hymns, including O come, all ye faithful, Hark! the herald-angels sing, O little town of Bethlehem, Lo!
Our commitment to pupil autonomy builds upon the foundation laid in our Pre-Prep curriculum, which emphasises independent, play-based learning. In Year 1 and KG, children have the freedom to explore both outdoor areas and classrooms, with teachers providing accessible resources, introducing learning opportunities, offering challenges, and actively participating in play alongside the children. Through this guidance, we aim to direct, support, engage, and nurture their interests.
Form 4 put on a captivating production at the start of term with 'A Night of Heroes, Monsters and Pirates', showcasing their incredible talents in not just one, but three extraordinary plays. With their unique spin on classic tales like Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island,' Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein,' and Alexandre Dumas' 'The Three Musketeers,' the children left the audience spellbound. As the rehearsal journey progressed, the children were encouraged to add suggestions as to how each character might be portrayed, or how a certain scene might unfold.
'Always find the rainbow. If I can, you can' (Amanda Harrison)
T2W have been thinking about their 'big plans' for this year having been inspired by the picture book 'Mabel and the Mountain' by Kim Hillyard - a story about believing in yourself. In connection with this persevering mindset, Byron House were delighted to welcome adventure pilot Amanda Harrison to talk to them with a truly inspirational message.
We were delighted to welcome Alpha Bah, Director Standards Quality Assurance for The Gambian Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and John Beer, a Director at Teach the Teacher, to St John's on the first day back to school in January. Our visitors observed a Year 7 lesson led by our Head of Computing and Head of English. Mr Bah was particularly interested in witnessing the application of 21st-century, computer-based teaching and learning in the classroom.