News list
This year's David White Memorial Concert was given by Wells Virtuosi, a string ensemble made up of the leading string pupils from the specialist music school Wells Cathedral School. In addition, two of the string ensembles (Stradivarius and Guarneri) from St John’s performed alongside our visitors in a movement from Holst’s St Paul’s Suite. £85 was raised for the Aplastic Anaemia Trust.
In February, the children of Form 1 staged ‘The Great Flood’, their own interpretation of the biblical tale of Noah’s Ark. However, this was no ordinary retelling. Form 1 bent the rules from start to finish; from the sinful humans tickling feet under the tables to the lonely Dodo bird without a partner, Form 1 truly made their unforgettable mark on this age-old story.
Over 70 St John’s parents attended our second Emotions for Learning (E4L) Morning in Byron House. Parents were invited to watch aspects of our E4L curriculum and Mindfulness programme in action during the day, experiencing it with the children, as well as listening to key presentations from the staff.
The T2s enjoyed a whole morning centred on keeping healthy, as part of their PSHEE topic. In small groups, the children took part in different health awareness sessions including: dental hygiene, keeping germs and head lice at bay, Mindfulness and keeping hearts and bodies fit and healthy.
Following the success of last year’s Third Form play, Scheherezade, expectations were high when, as the Fourth Form, the children took to the stage again. The production comprised of 7 individual mini-plays stitched together to tell the tale of Sophie’s encounter with the BFG- the ‘Big Friendly Giant.’ The cast stepped up and produced a performance which was highly amusing and entertaining for all of the audience.
On 14 January 2016, St John’s was delighted to welcome former Archbishop of Canterbury, Master of Magdalene College, Lord Rowan Williams. Lord Williams visited the school as part of the Third Form’s ‘Wonder Afternoons’, comprising of a series of prominent speakers.
The Choristers embarked on a pre-Christmas tour of the Netherlands with the St John’s College Choir and performed five concerts in five venues in six days. Based in Utrecht, the Choristers also took time to sample the local cuisine and delve into the Dutch culture.
The last Thursday before the Christmas holidays is always one of the most anticipated days of the year at St John’s. Festive jumpers and sparkly attire made the atmosphere jolly before the day had officially begun.