Issuu

2026

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights 2026

Awards & Scholarships

Maths

English

Sustainability

Forest School

Design Technology

Digital Learning

Research Projects

Emotions 4 Learning

The Hub

Creativity

Play-Based Learning

Sounds-Write Phonics

Philosophy

STEM

Science & History

Charities & Pupil Voice

Latin Play

French

Art

Music

Choristers

Drama

Sport

Enrichment & Trips

Co-Curricular

Parents’ Association

Charities

The Next Chapter

Bus Service

St John’s College School 2026 • 63-75 Grange Road, Cambridge CB3 9AB • www.sjcs.co.uk • admissions@sjcs.co.uk

Year 8 Pathways to Excellence and Scholarship Success At St John’s, academic excellence is founded upon a deep understanding that every child possesses unique strengths, talents and potential. Our intellectually ambitious and highly personalised approach challenges pupils to think deeply, engage critically and develop a genuine love of learning. Within a culture of high expectations and exceptional pastoral care, children are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their individual learning, developing the confidence, independence and resilience that underpin lifelong success. Our broad and forward-thinking curriculum extends well beyond the expectations of the National Curriculum, providing rich opportunities for intellectual exploration and creativity. Our pupils are encouraged not simply to acquire knowledge but to question, connect and apply their understanding in meaningful ways. Through this approach, they develop the academic foundations, habits of mind and strength of character needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world. The strength of our provision is reflected in the outcomes achieved by our pupils. We are immensely proud that 100% of our Year 8 pupils gained places at their chosen senior schools, a testament to their aspiration, dedication and hard work, supported by expert teaching and guidance throughout their journey at St John’s. This year’s cohort has accepted places at a range of leading schools, including:

Brighton College, Charterhouse, Haileybury, Kimbolton, King’s Ely, Oundle, Perse Upper, Rugby, Stephen Perse Foundation, St Mary’s, The Leys, Uppingham and state schools. For pupils with particular strengths and aspirations, our provision offers a wealth of opportunities for challenge, enrichment and scholarship. In Years 7 and 8, pupils are encouraged to pursue academic excellence whilst also developing their talents across a wide range of disciplines, fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership, independence, scholarly ambition, intellectual confidence, critical thinking, academic resilience, intellectual maturity and the confidence to excel. We are especially proud of the outstanding scholarship success achieved by our 2026 Year 8 pupils. Awards have been gained across a range of areas, including academics, sport, music, drama and the visual arts, reflecting both the breadth of talent within the cohort and a culture that inspires every child to pursue excellence, embrace opportunity, realise their full potential and make a meaningful contribution to the wider world.

“Our ambition is that every child leaves not only exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their education but equipped with the knowledge, confidence and intellectual curiosity to flourish for life.” 2

“39 scholarships and awards offered across academic, art, drama, music and sport in 2026.”

“100% of our Year 8 pupils gained places at their chosen senior school, “I was incredibly proud with 39 scholarship offers.” to receive a Sports

Exhibition from Oundle School. St John’s have helped and supported me to get this award, both in terms of my fitness level, and developing my focus and desire to achieve in all areas of sport.”

“St John’s has helped me a lot in my music journey and has inspired me from its music lessons, concerts, Choristers, Drama and so much more. Music is a key part at St John’s and it’s really fun! I love electric guitar and percussion and I will take what I have learned from St John’s to continue to explore music in my senior school and even further.”

Celebrating Mathematical Excellence Our pupils have achieved success across a wide range of national competitions. In the Primary Maths Challenge, pupils secured 34 Gold, 12 Silver and 16 Bronze Awards, with four progressing to the highly competitive Bonus Round. This success continued in the Junior Maths Challenge, where around 90 pupils took part, earning 16 Gold, 24 Silver and 18 Bronze Certificates. Ten pupils qualified for the Junior Kangaroo, achieving a further Gold and five Bronze Certificates. At a more advanced level, pupils competing in the Intermediate Maths Challenge secured a Gold, three Silver and a Bronze Certificate, with one pupil progressing to the prestigious Mathematical Olympiad and receiving a Merit Certificate. Our mathematicians also excelled in external competitions. A Distinction in the Southampton Maths Challenge earned an invitation to the awards ceremony, while our debut appearance in the UKMT Team Challenge saw St John’s finish an impressive seventh out of 20 schools. In the Maths Quiz Club National Competition, teams from Years 5 and 6 demonstrated excellent teamwork and problem-solving skills, with both year groups represented in the Semi-Finals. In the Year 8 Prison Design Project, pupils applied a wide range of mathematical concepts to a real-world design challenge, drawing on geometry, measurement, ratio and scale factors. Working within a specific remit, they used mathematical constructions, loci and scale drawings to design a blueprint for a prison complex. The pupils employed proportional reasoning to allocate space for accommodation, recreation and rehabilitation, used algebraic thinking to model constraints and incorporate surveillance using loci. Throughout the project, they were required to justify decisions, encouraged to think about functionality and use different mathematical construction methods to create shapes within the plan.

“90 pupils competed in national maths challenges.” “Maths is more than numbers; it is a way of understanding patterns, solving problems and making sense of the world around us.” “15 pupils progressed to higher level competitions, including the Bonus Round, Junior Kangeroo and Olympiad.” “106 Awards & Certificates won across UKMT and national maths competitions.” 5

Excellence in Poetry Poetry continues to flourish at St John’s, with our pupils achieving success at both national and school level. This year, ten poems have been selected for entry into the Wonderverse Young Writers’ National Poetry Competition, celebrating the imagination, creativity and originality of our young writers. In addition, four Year 8 pupils have been chosen to enter the highly prestigious Foyle Young Poets Award, one of the most respected poetry competitions for young people in the UK. Closer to home, enthusiasm for poetry remains stronger than ever. More than 500 poems were submitted to our internal Poetry Please competition, with only 20 selected for our annual publication, ‘The Eaglet’. This outstanding achievement reflects not only the depth of literary talent across Byron House and Senior House but also the confidence, creativity and passion for language that continues to characterise poetry at St John’s.

Artificial Intelligence

Devotion

Artificial intelligence,

You be the sun,

structured matter of darkness,

I’ll be the moon.

no hopes, no dreams,

Shine in the day,

just a future of unwanted souls.

and when the darkness comes,

A place where you feel unloved,

just like the moon,

with nothing to do, nothing to say,

I’ll shine it all right back at you

just an empty graveyard

Samantha Platings (aged 12)

whispering secrets. Forgotten hallways, colours fade to shades, and day turns to night without you even knowing. Isabella MacLean (aged 13)

Artwork by Ryah Woolfson (aged 10)

Book Week Book Week was once again a cornerstone of literary life at St John’s, celebrating the transformative power of reading and its vital role in academic and personal development. As part of our commitment to the National Year of Reading, our pupils were inspired by visits from acclaimed authors Pippa Goodhart, Sam Sedgman, Jennifer Killick and Ben Rothery, whose expertise and creativity brought literature vividly to life and encouraged pupils to think deeply about the stories they read and create. Highlights included the new Byron House Book at Breakfast, and Book at Bedtime, alongside the much-loved Book Fair, Book Swap and ever-popular Dress as a Book Character Day, all of which fostered a vibrant culture of reading across the School. More than a celebration of books, the week reinforced the importance of reading in developing an expansive vocabulary, comprehension, critical thinking and empathy, while nurturing the curiosity, imagination and intellectual confidence that lie at the heart of a St John’s education.

Top left: Sam Sedgman & top right: Pippa Goodhart

Debating: Building Confidence, Communication & Critical Thinking Debating is a hugely popular activity at St John’s. It is a vital skill that empowers pupils with confidence, organisation and the ability to use rhetoric to persuade. All pupils in Senior House have the chance to debate during English and Religious Studies lessons, as well as at Debating Club, which runs each term for pupils aged 9 to 13. In the Summer Term, Year 8 pupils compete in the Senior House Debating Competition, which provides a platform for pupils to develop their public speaking and win points for their Houses. In June, six debaters from Debating Club presented an impressive “show debate” during Assembly. They confidently argued the motion: This House would always tell the truth. The watching pupils were invited to vote for the team they felt was most persuasive. Controversially, it was the Opposition who won! Standing before their peers to articulate ideas and construct arguments helps pupils overcome any worries about public speaking, boosting self-confidence. This benefit carries over into academic performance and is a valuable life skill. Indeed, many of our debaters go on to join debating clubs at their senior schools and beyond. Thinking on your feet, rebutting opposition arguments, identifying fallacies and organising ideas quickly are increasingly valuable skills in an AI-driven world. The discipline of debate encourages pupils to think critically, communicate clearly and engage respectfully with ideas they may not agree with. By analysing evidence, anticipating counterarguments and adapting their response in real time, they develop confidence, intellectual curiosity and the ability to evaluate information rigorously. These are essential skills for helping young people navigate a world in which information is plentiful but sound judgement remains vital.

“Debating at St John’s prepares our pupils for this eventuality: oracy may well become a superpower, a unique selling point at future schools, job interviews and in the workplace.” 8

500 Words of Wonder Established in 2023 as St John’s successor to the much-loved BBC 500 Words initiative, the 500 Word Story Competition has become a flagship celebration of creative writing. Every pupil in Senior House crafts an original 500-word story within their English lessons, honing key literary skills such as narrative structure, characterisation, descriptive writing and the careful selection of language. The competition encourages pupils to write with precision and purpose, demonstrating how compelling storytelling can emerge within the discipline of a strict word limit. This year’s entries showcased remarkable creativity, originality and technical skill. Following a rigorous judging process involving ten members of staff, an overall Junior Winner (Years 5 & 6) and Senior Winner (Years 7 & 8) were selected. Their success reflects not only impressive imagination but also the confidence, resilience and craftsmanship that lie at the heart of great writing. Below are the openings from the two winning stories:

Mortuus Planetae

The Weight of Silence

They mounted their hoverboards. Even though Koda and Lupin were quite confident of their chances, they were still nervous. After all, they had been dreaming of this day all their lives. They weren’t going to mess it up now. They wouldn’t. They couldn’t.

Every evening, he retreated to the cramped lantern room, a glass-walled cage perched high above the churning Atlantic. There, the rhythmic thrumming of the rotating lens acted as the heartbeat of the tower; a mechanical pulse syncing with his own. Competition was fierce, not least because all 24 semi-finalists would win house points and a bar of the finest chocolate known to humankind.

An immense droning trumpet echoed across the dead landscape. The race had begun. As a hundred Flux Pinning Hoverboard Units buzzed, chaos erupted. But in no time at all, Koda and Lupin were in the leading pack. Hamish Pearson (aged 10) ~ Junior Winner

He leaned over the desk, his shadow stretching across curved walls, and pulled the old radio towards him. It was a heavy, aged thing, its metal casing pitted and crusted, slowly being eaten away by corrosive salt. His oily fingers found the familiar dials, clicking through frequencies that offered nothing but the hollow hiss of static. Farid Emam (aged 13) ~ Senior Winner

Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability Our Kitchen Garden continues to be a thriving hub of learning, sustainability and discovery. Through watering, weeding, growing and nurturing plants, our gardeners have developed a greater understanding of where food comes from and how to care for the environment. Through making recycled seed pots and exploring composting, the pupils gained a practical understanding of sustainability. Our thanks to Cultuvating Change for supporting our project, donating seeds, field compost and a huge bag of mulch. The pupils have helped increase biodiversity by creating a wildlife pond, providing a valuable habitat for insects and other creatures while learning about healthy ecosystems. We have all enjoyed the rewards of their hard work, tasting produce grown including rhubarb harvested and transformed into a delicious compote. Lettuces they nurtured have been harvested for the lunchtime salads, bringing the journey from seed to plate to life. Adding a lasting personal touch, the pupils designed and created a beautiful Kitchen Garden mosaic sign, reflecting their creativity, teamwork and sense of ownership. From growing food and supporting biodiversity to embracing sustainable practices, our pupils are not simply learning about the environment; they are actively caring for it. The Kitchen Garden has become a flourishing outdoor classroom where responsibility, creativity and environmental awareness grow alongside every seed that is planted.

Forest School Each week, our Reception pupils step beyond the classroom for a half-day Forest School session with a specialist teacher, embracing adventure, developing new skills and deepening their understanding of the world around them. Every session offers opportunities for exploration and discovery. The pupils learn about seasonal change, biodiversity and local habitats through activities such as birdwatching, bug hunting, tree identification, den building and naturebased crafts. Visits from experts, including beekeepers, helped them discover how bees help our environment through pollination and honey production. Our Forest School site provides opportunities for hands-on learning, from identifying trees through bark and leaf studies to growing new trees from acorns and conkers. Children create crafts using natural materials, build fairy houses and imaginative play spaces, while stories, songs and games bring learning to life. Forest School also develops practical life skills. Under careful supervision, children learn to use tools safely, build fires, cook simple treats and work collaboratively on real-life problems. Activities such as climbing, balancing, digging and exploring obstacle courses support physical development, resilience and self-regulation. 11

Design Technology: Designing for the Real World Design Technology provides pupils with opportunities to develop creativity, critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills through hands-on learning. In an increasingly digital world, we place particular emphasis on developing haptic skills, so that pupils learn through designing, making, testing and refining products with authentic outcomes and real purpose. Our pupils have engaged in a diverse range of projects that combine technical knowledge with creative processes. From investigating mechanisms and movement through shadow puppets, to exploring engineering principles through pneumatics, pupils have developed a deeper understanding of how design solves real-world problems. Projects such as ergonomic chair design encouraged pupils to consider the relationship between form, function and user needs, while the creation of Memphis-inspired wooden boxes challenged them to combine practical woodworking skills with bold and imaginative design ideas. Pupils have also designed and crafted pewter jewellery, developing precision and attention to detail through specialist manufacturing processes, and explored both hand and machine sewing techniques to produce high-quality textile outcomes. Across all projects, pupils are encouraged to think like designers: questioning, experimenting, evaluating and refining their ideas. By balancing creativity with technical understanding, Design Technology equips pupils with the confidence, resilience and practical ingenuity needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

“Pupils develop the habits of effective designers by questioning, testing and refining their ideas. Through the integration of creativity and technical understanding, they build the confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills for an ever-changing world.” 12

Top middle: Acrylic Pen Tidy (Alex Lam aged 13); middle: Pewter jewellery (Grace Lambert aged 13) & bottom left: Memphis box (Theo Singh aged 11)

Developing Digitally Confident Learners In today’s digital world, literacy extends far beyond reading and writing. Young people must be able to navigate technology safely, think critically about the information they encounter, and understand the systems that increasingly shape society. By teaching computing throughout St John’s, we empower pupils to become active creators, not passive consumers, of technology. Through programming, computational thinking and problem solving, pupils develop skills that support success across all subjects and prepare them for a rapidly evolving future. Our commitment to digital literacy extends beyond the classroom. Initiatives such as our Code Breaking topic, openaccess lunchtime computing, and a range of clubs, including Micro:bit Maths, provide opportunities for pupils of all ages and abilities to explore technology in creative and engaging ways. We also believe that understanding technology means understanding its history. Year 7’s trip to Bletchley Park allow pupils to discover the story of wartime codebreakers and the origins of modern computing, helping them appreciate how innovation continues to shape the world around us. At the heart of our approach is inclusivity, fostering curiosity, confidence, and capability in every pupil. We believe every pupil should have the opportunity to develop the digital skills that will shape their future, whatever their starting point, experience, or aspiration.

“Digital literacy is no longer an advantage; it is a necessity. Through computing, we are developing the innovators, problem-solvers, and responsible digital citizens of tomorrow.”

Independent Research & Enquiry Projects As part of the Year 8 Leavers’ Programme, pupils undertake an Extended Research Project, drawing together the academic and personal skills they have developed throughout their time at St John’s. The project encourages pupils to pursue an area of genuine interest, formulate their own research question and engage in sustained independent enquiry. Building on skills developed through the My Mind curriculum and Senior House Enrichment sessions, pupils learn how to evaluate sources, conduct effective research, reference accurately and synthesise information from a range of perspectives. They are encouraged to think critically, analyse evidence, solve problems independently and communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence; skills that provide valuable preparation for the demands of senior school study. The project places a strong emphasis on intellectual independence, requiring pupils to manage an extended piece of work from conception to completion. At the end of the process, pupils have the opportunity to share their research, either through a digital presentation or by showcasing their work in poster form, allowing them to communicate their findings in a way that best suits their project and strengths. Through this process, many further develop their communication, presentation and public speaking skills. Showcased at the School’s Open Day, the completed projects reflect the curiosity, creativity and academic maturity of our pupils, providing a fitting culmination to their journey at St John’s and a strong foundation for the next stage of their education.

“How Has Climate Change Affected Marine Life in the Arctic Ocean?” “How Significantly Has Video Assistant Referee Technology Changed Fairness in Football?” “Artificial Intelligence: What Impact Does It Have on People’s Lives?” “What Is the Curse of Knowledge in Psychology?” 15

Emotions for Learning (E4L) Emotions for Learning (E4L) is our whole-school approach to emotional development. Built on the belief that children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and understood, E4L creates the conditions for curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Through a shared language, consistent practices and strong relationships, children develop self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and the confidence to navigate challenges independently. E4L is embedded throughout School life. In Byron House, dedicated lessons introduce key concepts that are reinforced through daily routines and interactions. In Senior House, learning is developed through PSHEE and Mindfulness. Across the School, the Connect, Explore, Act approach helps pupils build communication skills, reflect on experiences, and strengthen relationships. Teachers model these values consistently, ensuring that moments of challenge become opportunities to learn, repair, and grow. At its heart, E4L fosters a culture where every child feels truly known. This sense of belonging and self-understanding underpins academic success, creativity and personal growth. As one Year 8 pupil reflected, “My teachers really know me at St John’s and that has helped me know myself.” Our pupils leave St John’s not only academically prepared but also equipped with the emotional awareness and confidence to thrive beyond School.

“Stilling is like giving my brain a little tidy-up. Once all the thoughts stop zooming around, I can focus on what matters next.” “E4L also sits at the heart of a thriving Outreach programme and is now used in schools across Cambridgeshire.”

The Hub: A Place to Belong, Grow & Thrive Since opening in September 2025, the Hub has become a much-valued part of School life, offering a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all pupils. Here, pupils can focus on their studies, develop strategies for emotional and physical regulation, and build positive, meaningful friendships with their peers. As a calm and supportive environment at the heart of Senior House, the Hub promotes wellbeing, independence and a strong sense of belonging, enabling every pupil to feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive. The success of the Hub has been rooted in its inclusivity. Open to all pupils, it has fostered a culture of patience, kindness and understanding, encouraging young people to be mindful of and supportive towards one another. Through the celebration of events such as Children’s Mental Health Week, World Sleep Day, Earth Day, Mental Health Awareness Week, World Bee Day and International Yoga Day, pupils are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of wellbeing, mindfulness, environmental responsibility and the importance of community.

“It is with great pride that we open the Hub to the pupils because, with every turn of the key, you are unlocking the opportunity to help another young person.” 17

Creativity Inspiring Minds Creating Futures In a world being transformed by artificial intelligence, technological innovation and unprecedented global change, the ability to think creatively has never been more important. Whilst knowledge is increasingly accessible, it is creativity, curiosity, imagination and human ingenuity that will define the leaders, innovators and changemakers of tomorrow. We believe that education must do more than prepare children for the future; it should empower them to help shape it. Creativity sits at the heart of our educational vision. We do not see it as a talent possessed by a select few or confined to the arts. Rather, we view creativity as a fundamental human capability: the capacity to question, connect, imagine and innovate. It is the driving force behind original thought, entrepreneurial thinking, problem-solving and discovery. By nurturing creativity alongside intellectual rigour, we encourage pupils not simply to learn what is known, but to explore what is possible. This philosophy permeates every aspect of School life. Across the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to think independently, challenge assumptions and approach learning with confidence, curiosity and purpose. Whether engaged in scientific enquiry, mathematical reasoning, philosophical discussion, writing, design or collaborative projects, our pupils are empowered to generate ideas, explore multiple perspectives and develop imaginative solutions to complex problems. Learning becomes a process of intellectual exploration in which pupils question, connect and synthesise ideas, developing the confidence and capacity to think with depth, independence and originality.

One of the most distinctive expressions of this approach are our much-loved Wow Days. These immersive, cross-curricular experiences transform learning into an adventure of discovery and possibility. Through carefully crafted themes, authentic challenges and enterprise-driven projects, pupils are placed at the centre of meaningful and ambitious learning. They become historians uncovering lost civilisations, engineers tackling real-world problems, entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions and explorers investigating new frontiers. These experiences ignite imagination, deepen understanding and inspire children to see themselves as capable, creative contributors to the world around them. What makes these opportunities so powerful is their emphasis on the journey as much as the destination. We want children to ask bold questions, embrace challenge and develop the confidence to venture beyond the obvious. They learn that creativity is not simply about inspiration; it is about perseverance, reflection, collaboration and the courage to think differently. In an environment where ideas are valued and mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth, pupils develop the resilience, adaptability and optimism needed to thrive in an uncertain future. By placing creativity at the centre of our educational philosophy, St John’s cultivates far more than academic success. We nurture confident thinkers, compassionate leaders, innovative problem-solvers and courageous learners equipped to navigate complexity and embrace opportunity. Our ambition is that every child leaves with the imagination to see what could be, the confidence to pursue it and the creativity to make it a reality.

Opposite page, top: Year 4 Elements production; bottom: Year 2 treehouse design project This page, top: Year 3’s Italian Carnival Wow Day & bottom: Year 4 Fire of London child-led topic

Growing Thinkers Through Play-Based Inquiry & Imagination We understand that our pupils are powerful thinkers before they begin their educational journey with us. Through play, exploration, imagination, movement and meaningful interaction, our Pre-Prep develop theories, test ideas, solve problems and make sense of the world around them. Our ambition is not only to nurture these processes, but to recognise, value and make visible the thinking that they demonstrate through creative, embodied and imaginative experiences. At the heart of our approach is a belief that learning is most powerful when children make meaningful connections between ideas, experiences and knowledge. We build upon the School’s longstanding commitment to playbased and experiential learning whilst continually exploring how these experiences can support increasingly sophisticated language development, conceptual understanding and visible thinking as they mature. We recognise that thinking is often expressed in ways that extend beyond spoken language. Through storytelling, role play, movement, construction, artistic expression, collaboration and inquiry, our pupils communicate their ideas, interpretations and understanding. 20

By observing carefully, documenting learning and engaging in sustained dialogue, we seek to make this thinking visible, helping pupils to reflect upon, refine and extend their own ideas while enabling adults to respond thoughtfully to their next steps in learning. Pre-Prep are immersed in authentic contexts, meaningful problems, rich language experiences and opportunities to revisit ideas over time. This allows them to deepen understanding, strengthen connections across areas of learning and develop increasing confidence as communicators, collaborators and thinkers. As we continue to develop our practice, we are committed to ensuring that curiosity, agency, imagination and deep thinking sit at the heart of every learning experience. By building on children’s interests through play, we create opportunities for rich reasoning, meaningful communication and lasting understanding, while preserving the wonder and joy of childhood.

“We seek to retain the curiosity, agency, imagination and sense of possibility that characterise playbased learning whilst deepening children’s thinking, reasoning, communication and understanding.” “Children are naturally capable of deep thinking; our role is to create rich opportunities for them to share, explore and demonstrate their ideas.” 21

Sounds-Write Phonics Silver Accreditation We are proud to be the first independent school in the East of England to achieve Silver Accreditation in our Sounds-Write Phonics programme. This is a recognition of the quality, consistency and impact of our provision. Achieving this Accreditation in only our second year of implementation reflects the expertise, commitment and dedication of our staff. Sounds-Write is a stand-out, linguistically structured phonics programme that teaches our pupils how sounds (phonemes) are linked to letters and letter combinations (graphemes). It focuses on four key concepts: letters as symbols, varying spelling patterns, multiple spellings for the same sound, and multiple sounds for the same spelling. The pupils develop three core skills: blending, segmenting and phoneme manipulation, enabling them to become confident readers and writers. Sounds-Write has had a highly positive impact on our pupils. They are excited to learn new spelling patterns, confident in their reading and writing, and eager to apply these skills across their learning. Clear routines and consistent language help children feel secure and successful, fostering a belief that reading and writing are achievable, enjoyable and meaningful. We are currently working towards Sounds-Write Gold Accreditation, which we can apply for after holding Silver Accreditation for two years and evidencing outstanding practice in phonics teaching.

“The excitement around Sounds-Write is clear to see. Our pupils are engaged, confident and often choose to practise their phonics learning independently during discovery time.” 22

Philosophy for Life Philosophy is far more than a subject; it is a way of teaching, learning and understanding the world. From an early age, pupils engage in rich dialogue and collaborative enquiry where ideas are explored, challenged and refined. Changing one’s mind in response to reasoned argument is not a sign of weakness but of the intellectual curiosity, openness and rigour that philosophy seeks to cultivate. In Year 5, pupils explore the tools of philosophical thinking through questions such as ‘Can I know that I am alive?’ and ‘What makes something fair?’. They learn to identify assumptions, justify their reasoning and consider different perspectives. In Year 6, pupils debate complex ideas, using reasoned argument and counter-argument to persuade others, developing the reflective and openminded thinking that lies at the heart of philosophy. Philosophy nurtures creativity, imagination and critical thinking by inviting pupils to engage with some of life’s most enduring questions. Through encounters with thinkers such as Plato, Descartes, Avicenna, Averroes and Spinoza, our pupils explore concepts including reality, knowledge, justice and identity while developing their own insights and perspectives. In an age of instant access to information, philosophy helps our pupils become thoughtful, discerning thinkers who can question ideas, evaluate evidence and make reasoned judgements. By encouraging curiosity, reflection and intellectual independence, philosophy equips pupils with skills that are essential both in School and beyond.

“What makes something fair?” (Ethics) “Can we trust our senses?” (Epistemology) “How can we distinguish between appearance and reality?” (Plato’s ‘Allegory of the Cave’) 23

Developing Analytical Minds Through STEM Beginning in Year 4 and developing throughout the School, our pupils engage in a broad, dynamic and stimulating programme of STEM learning that combines academic rigour with practical exploration. Pupils explore forces through the design and testing of rockets, kites and paper spinners, while studying the work of Sir Isaac Newton and investigating concepts such as mass, weight and air resistance. They develop navigational skills through orienteering activities around Senior House, applying mathematical thinking in real-world contexts. Engineering and technology projects provide opportunities for pupils to design, build and evaluate solutions to practical challenges. They test the strength and suitability of materials, construct bridges before refining their ideas using Bridge Designer software, and learn how successful engineering relies on careful planning, testing and improvement.

In electronics, pupils investigate circuits, switches and batteries, designing solutions to everyday problems such as two-way lighting systems, researching different switching mechanisms and creating their own reed switches using magnets and simple components. Digital technologies are integrated throughout the programme, with pupils using micro:bits to develop computational thinking and creative problem-solving. Challenges include programming custom animations and images, using light sensors to respond to environmental changes and designing solutions that combine coding with physical computing. Alongside this, pupils study habitats and ecosystems through investigations of woodlice and environmental conditions, while regularly planning and carrying out their own scientific enquiries, analysing results and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

“I loved constructing my bridge because we had to keep testing it and improving it until it was strong enough to hold the weight.” 24

National Science Quiz Finalists One of many highlights of the year was the outstanding achievement of our Science Quiz Team, who earned a place in the Final of the Quiz Club National Science Championships, held at Oxford University during the Summer Term. After progressing through highly competitive heats and Semi-Finals, the team secured their place among the top young scientists in the country. Questions explored topics as varied as the Solar System, the human body, animal adaptations, famous scientific discoveries and emerging areas of science.

“One minute we were answering questions about Newtonian physics and the moons of Uranus, and the next we were discussing plant reproduction and echolocation. It was exciting to work together under pressure.”

National History Competitions Our pupils have enjoyed notable success in prestigious national history competitions, reflecting the depth of their historical understanding, intellectual curiosity and commitment to academic excellence. Two pupils qualified for the second round of the Townsend-Warner History Prize, one of the UK’s oldest and most respected preparatory school competitions. From more than 1,100 entrants nationally, only 250 pupils progress to the second paper, making this a significant achievement. The second round demands not only extensive historical knowledge, but also the analytical thinking, interpretation and imagination required to engage with complex historical questions at a high level. We were equally delighted that two pupils were awarded Highly Commended in the Ampleforth History Essay Competition. Writing on ‘The Great Depression’ and ‘The Harrying of the North’, they produced thoughtful, well-argued essays that demonstrated maturity of thought, fluent written communication and a sophisticated grasp of historical concepts. Together, these achievements exemplify the scholarship, ambition and love of learning that we seek to cultivate in every pupil.

Empowering Pupil Voice Pupil Forum continues to play an important role across the School, ensuring that pupils have a meaningful voice in the life of the community and opportunities to help shape future initiatives. Through regular discussion, collaboration and leadership, representatives from across the year groups have worked together to share ideas, identify opportunities for improvement and champion projects that make a positive difference to their peers and the wider community. This year, pupils demonstrated remarkable initiative and commitment through a range of projects. They raised funds for Reconnect Jamaica, supporting the charity’s valuable work, while also contributing towards a new traversing wall at Senior House, helping to enhance opportunities for physical activity and outdoor challenge. Pupil Forum also ran a Green Court World Cup to raise funds towards a net to cover Green Court. Entrepreneurial thinking was also on display when two pupils delivered a compelling ‘Dragon’s Den’-style pitch to the Head Teacher, proposing and ultimately leading to the introduction of a healthy tuck shop at Senior House. The boys have raised £200 for charity so far! Inspired by a belief that every pupil should feel comfortable, confident and included, a Year 8 pupil led a campaign to give girls at St John’s the choice of wearing either skorts or shorts for games lessons. Her advocacy culminated in a visit from Great Britain and England hockey player, Tess Howard, and founder of an inclusive sportswear brand, who shared her experiences of challenging convention, championing equity in sport and transforming an idea into meaningful change.

“Don’t go where there is a path, go instead where there isn’t one and leave a trail.”

This page, top: tuck shop initiative; bottom: St John’s Got Talent Show Opposite page, top: Green Court World Cup & bottom: Year 8 pupil with GB and England hockey player, Tess Howard

‘Nemo Me Impune Vulnerat’ Latin lessons begin in Year 5, introducing pupils to the richness of the classical world while developing linguistic understanding, analytical thinking and a deeper appreciation of language. Over the years, pupils build their knowledge of Latin through a combination of language, mythology and Roman civilisation, culminating in a much-anticipated Latin play in the final year at St John’s. This year, our Year 8 pupils presented Nemo Me Impune Vulnerat (Nobody messes with me and gets away with it!), an original adaptation of the story of Scylla and Glaucus from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Written and performed by the pupils themselves, the production brought to life a dramatic tale of love, jealousy, magic and transformation, featuring sea nymphs, sailors, gods and mythical creatures. The cast rose magnificently to the challenge of portraying a colourful array of characters, including the memorable transformation of a young girl into a furious sea monster, bringing the story vividly to life on stage. Entertaining some of the younger pupils at Senior House, the performance showcased not only pupils’ Latin knowledge, but also the creativity, confidence and collaboration they have developed throughout their years at St John’s. It was a fitting and memorable finale to their Latin journey, celebrating both their achievements and their enthusiasm for the classical world.

“One of the best parts was creating the play ourselves and bringing the story to life together and then performing it.” “It was even more meaningful as we decided on the story ourselves and how it would develop before we learnt the Latin.” 28

Bringing French to Life French lessons came to life through the popular Year 6 French and Drama project, a cross-curricular initiative that sees pupils take full ownership of producing and performing French plays. From learning lines and perfecting pronunciation to organising staging, costumes and props, pupils drew on skills developed in both subjects to bring their productions to the stage. This year’s performances included a diverse range of titles, from Rapunzel et la Tour Eiffel and Jacques et le haricot magique to Le lièvre et la tortue and Vive la révolution, showcasing both linguistic confidence and creative flair. Three Year 6 pupils also represented the School at the Routes into Languages French Spelling Bee National Final, hosted at the University of Cambridge’s Lady Mitchell Hall. Competing against pupils from schools across the country, they demonstrated excellent pronunciation, speed and accuracy, gaining valuable experience at a national level and representing St John’s with great distinction. Taking part in the National Final was a rewarding experience, enabling pupils to showcase their linguistic skills while gaining confidence and inspiration from fellow language learners. Congratulations to one of our Year 7 pupils, who has been awarded a Highly Commended certificate in the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators 2026. This prestigious national competition, organised by The Queen’s College, University of Oxford, attracted over 25,000 entries from young linguists across the UK. Participants were challenged to translate a French poem into English, balancing linguistic accuracy with creativity, rhythm and style. To be recognised in such a competitive field is a fantastic accomplishment and a testament to the pupil’s talent, creativity and dedication. This competition provides our Year 7 and 8 pupils with an excellent opportunity to apply and extend their language learning beyond the classroom while showcasing their creativity and communication skills. 29

Artistic Expression Our pupils explored a wide range of artistic styles, artists and techniques throughout the year. Younger pupils drew inspiration from artists including Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Alfred Wallis, creating projects such as miniature books, flower still lifes and imaginative space boxes. Our older pupils experimented with increasingly sophisticated techniques, producing bicycle studies, Cubist musical instruments, collaborative Pointillist paintings and artwork inspired by Hurvin Anderson. Year 8 developed highly personal responses to the theme of conflict following a visit to IWM Duxford, while some also created textile self-portraits as part of the Threads of Identity project. Beyond the classroom, art clubs provided opportunities to explore printmaking, sculpture and mixed media through projects ranging from gargoyles and Green Man faces to Sumi-e bird paintings and linocuts. In Byon House, pupils also enjoyed creating masks, fish sculptures, Australian-inspired artwork and Indian-themed mandalas as part of child-led topic work. 30

“Art gives my thoughts wings.”

“Art empowers pupils to think creatively, express themselves with confidence and discover the unique perspective they bring to the world.” Top: Penelop Tandy (aged 13) & bottom: Hugo Leslie (aged 11)

Music at the Heart of School Life Music at St John’s continues to go from strength to strength. The combination of exceptional pupil engagement and commitment, outstanding teaching, strong parental support and a wealth of opportunities creates a powerful environment in which music flourishes. It remains at the heart of School life, enriching pupils’ personal development, nurturing confidence and creativity, and bringing immense joy to our community. Underpinning the pupils’ musical education in its broadest sense is the outstanding work led by Mrs Fletcher and Ms Harris in the classrooms at Byron House and Senior House. Much of this activity, through which pupils learn to internalise and experience pulse, rhythm, melody and other fundamental musical elements, takes place behind the scenes as those teachers work their magic every day. There are, however, many opportunities for classroom learning to be showcased through the highly creative Drama, Music and Dance collaborations across all year groups, as well as through composition concerts for our older pupils. In the Summer Term, all pupils in Year 7 presented a concert of collaboratively composed ‘Protest’ songs. This empowering project encourages pupils to discover and express their own voice through music. Stradivarius Strings, our leading string ensemble, performed compositions by pupils in Years 5 and 6 in a lunchtime concert, demonstrating both the creativity of our young composers and the valuable partnership between composers and performers. Year 8 pupils also displayed their musical imagination as part of their Shakespeare performance evening, creating incidental music that complemented and enhanced the dramatic narrative. The backbone of our performance programme remains the much-loved series of informal lunchtime concerts and the themed evening concerts, each celebrating particular instruments, including Guitar and Percussion, Harp and Voice, Piano, Strings, Woodwind and Brass. These showcase not only musical progress but also growing confidence, with pupils performing with a relaxed assurance that reflects the supportive and nurturing environment in which they learn.

Beyond the School, we were delighted to return to St Andrew’s Church, Chesterton, in the Michaelmas Term for a concert featuring our Music Scholarship candidates and other accomplished Year 8 musicians. The success of this event over the past three years has led to an open invitation for future performances, establishing another valued tradition within the musical calendar. Our Summer Concert at the West Road Concert Hall provided a fitting celebration of the breadth and excellence of music at St John’s. A diverse programme of classical and non-classical choral and instrumental works featured performances from more than 130 children, from Year 2 to Year 8. The concert exemplified our dual commitment to inclusivity and excellence, balancing large-scale participation with opportunities for our most advanced musicians to thrive. We continue to value collaboration with senior schools, partnerships that are both enriching and inspiring. This year, musicians from Haileybury joined our annual Jazz Evening alongside our Big Band, Rednotes Jazz Ensemble and vocal soloists, all led by the ever-inspirational Mr Lepage Dean, with the Senior House Chamber Choir also taking part. Maintaining a broad musical palette remains important, and our non-classical programme continues to attract performers and audiences from across the community more widely. Rednotes, our flagship jazz ensemble, headlined at both the PA Garden Party and Jazz in the Piazza, impressing audiences with the maturity, energy and skill of their performances. The strength of our vocal programme was particularly evident in our annual Services in Preparation for Christmas in the College Chapel, where approximately 110 children contributed through choral singing of the highest quality. Individual singers continue to develop across a wide range of classical and non-classical styles, and we have been especially pleased to celebrate much outstanding success in Musical Theatre.

“Singing in the Services in Preparation for Christmas is always a very special experience. Hearing all the choirs come together in the Chapel creates a powerful atmosphere, especially with the sound of the organ.”

Instrumental and vocal examinations remain an important aspect of our provision for those who wish to take them. This year, 77% of candidates achieved Merit or Distinction marks and, during the past twelve months, pupils successfully completed 27 examinations at Grade 5 and above, including six Grade 8 examinations and, most impressively, one ARSM Diploma. Year 8 pupils were awarded Music Scholarships to schools with highly regarded music departments, including Charterhouse, King’s Ely, Oundle and Uppingham. In addition, one Year 8 pupil has accepted a place in the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music following a highly competitive two-round audition process. Another pupil, currently in Year 7, will take up a place at the prestigious Chetham’s School of Music this September, representing yet another outstanding individual achievement.

“One of the highlights of the year was performing at West Road Concert Hall. It was inspiring to play in a professional concert hall and to share the stage with more than 130 musicians from across the School.” 34

Successes beyond the School have also been significant. Seven pupils gained places in the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain following auditions in the Michaelmas Term, while another secured a place in the National Children’s Orchestra. These achievements reflect not only individual talent and dedication but also the strength and depth of musical culture at St John’s.

“I remember watching older pupils perform when I was younger and wanting to play an instrument myself. Being able to showcase my violin to younger pupils was a special moment, and it reminded me of the As we reflect on another remarkable year, we do so with great pride confidence, resilience and perseverance that in all that our pupils have achieved. Their enthusiasm, commitment music has helped me develop over the years.” and willingness to embrace every opportunity continue to define the musical life of the School. We look forward with excitement to building on these successes in the year ahead.

St John’s Choristers Perform to International Audiences Following a Christmas Concert to a full Chapel, our St John’s College Choristers went on to perform at London’s Wigmore Hall to another capacity audience, in a concert broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. A few days later, our Choristers embarked on their December tour, performing to enthusiastic audiences at the sold-out Luxembourg Philharmonie before continuing to the Netherlands for concerts in Heerlen and Groningen. In April, the Choristers travelled to Sweden and Denmark, giving performances at Stockholm Cathedral, Herning, Uppsala Cathedral and Örebro.

Top & bottom right: Luxembourg & the Netherlands Christmas Tour

Bottom left: Wigmore Hall Concert, London

(All Choir tour photos courtesy of Isabelle Freeman and SJCS Boarding Staff)

Easter Choir Tour to Sweden & Denmark

“Both tours were filled with incredible experiences and unforgettable memories, and it was a privilege for the St John’s College Choir to perform to sellout audiences in concert halls and cathedrals across Europe.” 37

The Transformative Power of Drama Drama at St John’s is an immersive experience that empowers every pupil to find their voice, grow in confidence and develop skills that will serve them for life. Through storytelling, play and performance, our pupils become articulate communicators, thoughtful collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. Every pupil is given the opportunity to perform, fostering self-belief, creativity and sense of belonging. In a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment, pupils learn to think critically, embrace challenges and express themselves with confidence. Through the development of courtiership, they learn to listen deeply, communicate with poise and show kindness and respect to others.

Year 7: The Pirates of Penzance

Top left: Reception Not Such a Silent Night; top right: Year 1 Christmas with the Aliens; middle left: Year 5 Snow White & middle right: Year 3 The Roman Rewrite; Bottom left: Year 2 Peter Pan; bottom centre: Year 4 Elements & bottom right: Year 6 An Evening of Greek Myths

The Passion Story Brought to Life The presentation of Christ’s Passion by our Year 8s is a cherished St John’s tradition and an important rite of passage. Pupils deepen their understanding of empathy and selflessness while developing confidence, resilience, teamwork and performance skills. Taking ownership of this significant production encourages leadership, commitment and a sense of responsibility as they prepare to move on to senior schools. Through words, song and instrumental music, the script explores the enduring themes at the heart of this story, inspiring reflection, respect and personal growth.

“Being part of the Passion Play made me feel connected to something really meaningful. It reminded us that courage in the face of adversity, compassion for others and the willingness to forgive are not only central to the Passion story but remain qualities in the world today. It felt a privilege to share that message.” 40

Stepping into Shakespeare Taking on three of Shakespeare’s most celebrated works, our Year 8s delighted audiences with performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet and Twelfth Night. Blending comedy, intrigue and drama, the three productions brought Shakespeare’s timeless stories vividly to life. Our Leavers’ Plays are more than just performances; they are a celebrated tradition that brings the Year 8 experience to a fitting close.. The pupils encountered a rich variety of characters, themes and emotions, exploring everything from love and loyalty to identity, responsibility and loss. Pupils embraced Shakespeare’s language with maturity and imagination, reflecting on the complexity of the human experience while growing in confidence through the collective process of performance. By inhabiting these roles and bringing the stories to life, they gained insights that will enrich their future study of Shakespeare. Top: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Middle: Twelfth Night & Bottom: Hamlet

Inspiring Participation, Achieving Excellence “The breadth of sporting opportunity at St John’s is matched only by the enthusiasm of our pupils. Their willingness to challenge themselves, support one another and strive for continual improvement is at the heart of our success.”

At St John’s, we are committed to providing a sporting education that inspires participation, nurtures talent and promotes excellence. Through a rich and varied programme of activities, pupils develop the skills, confidence and character required to succeed both in sport and beyond. We place equal value on inclusion and achievement, fostering a culture in which every pupil is encouraged to embrace challenge, pursue personal growth and discover the lifelong benefits of an active lifestyle. This balance of opportunity, enjoyment and aspiration continues to underpin sporting success across the School. In athletics, the School was strongly represented at both the St Faith’s and Stowe competitions. Our girls were crowned overall champions at Stowe, while at St Faith’s the Junior team (Years 4-6) won their competition and the Senior team (Years 7-8) finished third overall. At the East Area Prep Schools Athletics Championships, a Year 4 pupil became East Area champion in both the long jump and hurdles. We are also delighted that a Year 7 pupil qualified for the National Finals in shot put and that the Year 6 Girls’ relay team secured qualification for the National Finals in Birmingham. Our swimmers continued to impress at the IAPS Regional Swimming Championships, where all 14 St John’s representatives finished either first or second in their races or relay events. Two pupils progressed to represent the School at the National Finals at the London Aquatics Centre. Among the highlights were a fifth-place finish in the 50m freestyle and a twelfth-place finish in the 50m backstroke, both excellent achievements at national level.

Hockey enjoyed an exceptional year across both the boys’ and girls’ programme. The U11 Boys were County runners-up, finished eighth at the East Regionals, were IAPS Regional runners-up and went on to become National runners-up. The U13 Boys also finished as County runners-up and qualified for the Regional competition. The U13 Girls were crowned IAPS Regional Champions before finishing third in the Plate competition at the National Finals and County runners-up, while the U11 Girls completed a remarkable season by becoming County Champions. Our St John’s cricketing success was equally impressive, with both the U13A Boys and U11B Girls completing unbeaten seasons in highly competitive fixtures. In netball, the U13 Girls demonstrated excellent determination throughout the year, culminating in a runners-up finish in the IAPS Regional Plate competition. Beyond team sports, pupils continued to excel in a variety of disciplines. Two St John’s riders showcased their talent at the NSEA Show Jumping Qualifier, securing places at the National School Championships later in the year. The Byron House Field Run also remains one of the highlights of the sporting calendar, bringing together pupils, staff and parents in a wonderful celebration of participation, enjoyment and community spirit. Leading by example is an important part of sport at St John’s. A particular highlight was the contribution of twelve Year 8s who volunteered as umpires for U9 hockey and netball fixtures against Perse Prep, demonstrating confidence, maturity and a commitment to supporting younger pupils. We were also delighted to hold our annual Gym and Dance Showcase for a second year, providing another opportunity for pupils to display their creativity, athleticism and enthusiasm. As we reflect on another successful year, we are immensely proud of all that our pupils have achieved. From national competitions to community events, their commitment, sportsmanship and willingness to embrace every opportunity continue to embody the values of sport at St John’s. We look forward to building on these successes in the year ahead.

“Designing our own gymnastics routine gave us the chance to be creative and work as a team. Performing it in front of an audience made me feel confident, proud and happy.” “Being part of the dance club was so much fun. We worked hard, learned new moves, and it was amazing to share our dance with everyone.”

Gymnastics & Dance Showcase This year’s Gymnastics and Dance Showcase highlighted the enthusiasm, imagination and dedication of our pupils, with performances that reflected both individual talent and collaborative achievement. A particular highlight was the introduction of the new Senior House Dance Club, whose dancers have made an exceptional start, demonstrating impressive creativity, teamwork and commitment to developing their contemporary dance skills. Alongside this, audiences enjoyed nine pupil-created gymnastics routines, each showcasing confidence, originality and technical ability. The everpopular Strictly Come Dancing Club also returned to the stage, bringing energy and flair to the event. Together, these performances celebrated the joy of movement and provided a wonderful opportunity for pupils to share their hard work, artistry and growing self-confidence with the wider school community. 45

Learning Beyond the Classroom Learning is at its most powerful when it extends beyond the confines of the classroom. Through a diverse programme of educational visits, outdoor pursuits and residential experiences, pupils are encouraged to engage with the world around them, deepening their understanding through first-hand experience. Cambridge provides an exceptional backdrop for this journey, offering access to world-renowned cultural, scientific and academic institutions. Regular visits to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Kettle’s Yard, museums and galleries enrich classroom learning and inspire intellectual curiosity. Beyond the city, destinations such as Grafham Water, Stibbington, Epping Forest and Silverstone provide opportunities for exploration, discovery and practical learning in a range of environments. Residential experiences for our Senior House pupils further enhance this journey, challenging them to develop confidence, resilience and independence while creating lasting memories with their peers. A particular highlight is the Year 8 River Study Trip to Epping Forest, where pupils bring their classroom learning to life through handson geographical fieldwork. By investigating the characteristics of a river at different stages along its course, they develop essential fieldwork skills, including data collection, river measurements, environmental observations, field sketching, recording results and evaluating evidence. Working collaboratively in a real-world environment, pupils learn how to gather accurate data, identify patterns and draw conclusions from their findings, deepening their understanding of river processes and geographical enquiry. Together, these experiences foster curiosity, adaptability and a lifelong love of learning, helping to shape confident, compassionate and well-rounded young people ready to embrace the opportunities of the future

Top left: Year 8 Epping Forest trip & top right: Year 7 trip to Rockley; Middle: Year 4 trip to Grafham Water; bottom left Ski trip to La Thuile, Italy & Bottom right: Reception trip to Wandlebury

Pursuing Passions, Building Futures Our academic ambition is underpinned by exceptional pastoral care and enriched by a vibrant co-curricular programme that extends learning far beyond the classroom. Through a diverse range of opportunities in all areas, pupils are encouraged to pursue their interests, embrace new challenges and discover talents. In doing so, they develop confidence, resilience, leadership and a collaborative spirit, while building lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging. This holistic approach nurtures curious, compassionate and wellrounded individuals, equipping them with the character, skills and values to flourish and make a positive contribution to the world beyond St John’s. Some of our co-curricular activities are listed below: Amateur Film Aquathlon Art Athletics Book Café Calm Chamber Choir Chatterbooks Chess Choir Circuits Computer Control & Electronics Computing Cricket The Magic of Dance Debating Design Technology Drama Face Painting Fieldrun

Football Open Studio Free Drawing Origami Fun & Games Pop Choir Grade 5 Music Theory Python Programming Greek Programming Hockey Pupil Forum Indoor Hockey Rowing Jewellery & Accessory Rugby Kapla Science Kitchen Garden Sewing Lego Squash & Fives Martial Arts Strictly@SJCS Maths Clinic Swimming Micro:bit Table Tennis Micro:bit Maths Tabletop Games Mini Tennis Tennis Modern Foreign Times Table Languages Writers Music Yoga Bananas Netball Top: Art Club & bottom: Martial Arts Club

Connecting Families, Strengthening Community: The Parents’ Association at St John’s The Parents’ Association has enjoyed another fantastic year, bringing the St John’s community together through a wide range of much-loved events and activities. Highlights included Fireworks Night, the Macmillan Coffee Morning, Wreath Making, the Festive Sale, Christmas Cards, Quiz Night, Fun Day on the Playing Fields, Evensong and the Children’s Tea Party , Summer Garden Party and the new Pumpkin Sale! The second-hand uniform shop has also had an exceptional year, raising over £6,000 thanks to the dedication of our wonderful team of shop volunteers. None of this would be possible without the enthusiasm, commitment and hard work of the Parents’ Association parent and staff volunteers, whose efforts create memorable occasions that strengthen our close-knit community while supporting important local causes. This year, the Parents’ Association raised more than £15,000 for its chosen charities: Cultivating Change and the St John’s College School Bursary Endowment Fund.

“Our Parents’ Association enriches School life by bringing families together through a shared sense of community, friendship and support. Its commitment and enthusiasm help create the warm and welcoming atmosphere that defines St John’s.”

Top left: Evensong & Tea Party; bottom left: Macmillan Coffee Morning & right: Summer Garden Party

United in Giving The School’s enduring dedication to charitable causes has been clearly reflected in this year’s fundraising events. Pupils, staff and the wider School community have once again united to support a range of worthy charities, demonstrating the power of coming together to help others and make a positive difference. In fostering a culture of compassion, generosity and social responsibility, our pupils learn the importance of giving back and supporting those in need. Each of our four Houses also planned and delivered its own fundraising event at Senior House, exemplifying creativity, teamwork, and commitment to their chosen causes. These combined contributions have helped make a meaningful difference to many individuals and communities. Over £6,000 was raised for the following charities: A Space Between Blue Smile Cambridge Acorn Project Cambridge Children’s Hospital Colours of Dance East Anglican Air Ambulance Jimmy’s Cambridge Senior House Pupil Forum (traversing wall) Raising Her Game Reconnect Jamaica The Rotary Club Teach The Teacher Teenage Cancer Trust The Red Hen Project Top: Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party Bottom: Year 3’s Dance, Byron House Summer Fair

Top: Residential trip to Ardèche France; bottom left: Animal Encounters workshop & bottom right: Debating competition

Ready for the Next Chapter The Year 8 Leavers’ Programme provided a fitting culmination to the pupils’ time at St John’s, combining adventure, enrichment and reflection as they prepared for the next stage of their educational journey. Through experiences such as debating, first aid and personal safety workshops, our pupils developed valuable life skills, while activities including Animal Encounters, a Cambridge scavenger hunt and their Charities Morning encouraged curiosity, responsibility and community spirit. A particular highlight was the trip to the Ardèche, with challenges such as kayaking, climbing and a two-day canoe expedition, building resilience, independence and teamwork. The programme also offered opportunities to celebrate friendships and achievements through the Shakespeare Leavers’ Plays and Music Concert, creating lasting memories and a strong sense of confidence as pupils looked ahead to senior school and beyond. 50

“Camping under the stars during the river descent was a moment I’ll always remember. Ardèche brought us closer together as a year group and gave us memories that will stay with us long after we leave St John’s.”

Leavers’ Service at Great St Mary’s Church As the academic year drew to a close, the St John’s community came together to celebrate our Year 8s as they prepared for the next stage of their educational journey. For the first time, the Leavers’ Service was held at the historic Great St Mary’s Church in the heart of Cambridge, following a walk through the city and across the grounds of St John’s College, a fitting opportunity to reflect on how far the pupils had come and to look ahead with confidence to the future. The Service was marked by moments of gratitude and reflection, including readings and valedictions that celebrated the friendships, achievements and personal growth of this exceptional year group.

Reflecting on themes of independence, resilience and new beginnings, the Service provided a poignant reminder of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. A memorable moment saw younger pupils form a guard of honour on the Playing Fields, applauding our Year 8s as they made their way through the School for the final time, reflecting the warmth and community spirit that define St John’s. While their next chapter begins elsewhere, they leave St John’s not simply with cherished memories, but with a deep sense of belonging, shaped by the friendships, experiences, courtesy and values that have defined their years here. Though they now step forward to new opportunities, they will always remain part of the St John’s story, just as St John’s will always remain part of theirs.

All Aboard Our School Bus Service Our St John’s bus service, operated in partnership with Vectare, continues to provide families with a safe, reliable and convenient way for pupils to travel to and from school. With four dedicated routes serving the local area, the service is available to pupils from Reception through to Year 8, helping to make the school journey smooth and stress-free for families. Beyond the practical benefits of reducing the pressures of the daily school run, the bus service gives pupils the opportunity to develop confidence, independence and friendships as part of their everyday journey. It has become a valued part of school life for many families within our community, and regular users can also benefit from discounted fares, making it an even more cost-effective option throughout the school year. The service supports the school’s commitment to sustainability by reducing the number of individual car journeys and contributing to a greener school community. For many families, it has become an invaluable part of school life, providing reassurance that their children are travelling safely while enjoying a comfortable and well-supervised journey.

huntingdon

Scan the QR code to find out more information

st ives

over buckden

A14

great paxton

hemingford abbots longstanton

waterbeach histon milton

madingley bourn

caxton

A10

cottenham

oakington dry girton drayton

yelling

st neots

willingham

cambourne cambridge

barton

gamlingay sandy

trumpington

haslingfield

potton

sawston

barrington

thriplow

bassingbourn biggleswade

royston

A505

melbourn barley

ickleton M11

“We are delighted to see growing numbers of families making use of this popular service and look forward to welcoming even more pupils aboard in the year ahead.”