We do this by delivering a focus on the individual and offering a broad curriculum based on Three Pillars: Academic Excellence, Sport and Performing Arts.
We are ambitious for our students academically, but we equally recognise the need for a broad and balanced curriculum. It is essential that they develop a diverse and adaptable skill set.
We also help students to develop the key skills that will help them develop into lifelong learners – to be inquisitive, mentally and emotionally agile, to challenge and be challenged, as well as to be open and creative.
Our educational philosophy is simple; we want each student to explore, grow and learn in an exciting, engaging and dynamic way. Our young people are growing up in a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty. It is our task as educators to equip these young people with the skills, knowledge and an approach to life which will enable them to embrace their future with enthusiasm and success.
Besides our excellent academic provision, St. John’s has a long tradition of providing students with unique opportunities to develop skills beyond the classroom. Our world-class sporting facilities, membership of the prestigious International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST) and commitment to sourcing outstanding professional level coaches ensures the best access possible to a broad range of sports. The emphasis is on participation and skill development. Our teams compete locally and internationally with other ISST member schools, regularly taking our students to the UK, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and France.
St. John’s also boasts professional level facilities for Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts.
Our programmes are delivered by qualified teachers who often also have experience as former professionals in various disciplines in the performing and visual arts, from opera singing to New York Broadway and London West End performances.
Our productions, performances and exhibitions are showcased annually in our 400-seat theatre, often involving over 100 students.
Our Visual Art students work regularly in professionally equipped studios and prepare for exhibition opportunities to be displayed in our vast gallery space.
Assessment and Exam Preparation
We take a cognitive research-based approach to testing with our Cycle Test Programme. This is a weekly test (of all academic subjects on a rotational basis) under examination conditions for all students in Grade 6 upwards. The function of these tests is to provide a snapshot of what a student has achieved, to embed the learning they have done, and to reduce the stress associated with high-stakes assessment through ongoing familiarity with the process. They are also used as diagnostic tools to let teachers know what has been learned by the students and to flag further areas needing consolidation.
Assessment, including formal examinations, forms an important aspect of the IB programme. Students throughout the school take baseline assessments using MAP or CEM. This ensures every child is appropriately challenged and supported throughout their time at St John's. A weekly rota of cycle testing ensures regular review of content. A structure of examinations, with AP exams and mock examinations ensure every student has a thorough preparation for the experience of sitting IBDP examinations and assessments in their final year.
Remote Learning
We developed our Remote Learning Plan using resources and inspiration from schools around the world, as well as on tried-and-tested contingency plans designed to cope with disruptive school closure events. Within the Inspired Group, we also rely on the resources and best practices developed, based on over 100,000 hours of e-learning that have been completed since the recent school closures.
If the need to close the school ever arises, the Remote Learning Plan kicks into action one working day after the campus needs to close. Moreover, hybrid learning is available to any healthy student needing to isolate or quarantine so that student’s learning is uninterrupted whatever the circumstances. Our Remote Learning is held to the same high standards as our regular teaching and learning practices, linked to our values of companionship, integrity, and respect. Student well-being and wellness will continue to always remain at the top of teachers’ minds.