In the Secondary School we offer an integrated programme using the national curriculum and a series of individual and theme-based projects to investigate and extend all topics. International GCSE courses are began in Year 10 (although more able students begin their studies in Year 9) building towards external examinations in Year 11.
Our Sixth Form will open soon, offering the best in international education to students in their final two years of study before entering tertiary education with confidence, equipped to make a difference in local and global communities.
Curriculum Overview - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
IGCSE Options - September 2012
Mathematics
Go down deep enough into anything and you will find mathematics!
Maths is taught using a combination of both traditional values and innovative new technology designed to engage and challenge our student. Ivars Peterson said:
'To most outsiders, modern mathematics is unknown territory. Its borders are protected by dense thickets of technical terms; its landscapes are a mass of indecipherable equations and incomprehensible concepts. Few realize that the world of modern mathematics is rich with vivid images and provocative ideas'. At St John's we look to provoke and bring to life those images!
The essence of our mathematics learning is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple. We aim to both prepare our students for IGCSE's as well as to inculcate a lifelong fascination of the beauty of mathematics as an everyday tool for life. In his book The Search for Truth Eric Bell summed it up rather well:
The cowboys have a way of trussing up a steer or a pugnacious bronco which fixes the brute so that it can neither move nor think. This is known as ‘the hog-tie’, and it is what Euclid did to geometry.
Maths is all around us and at St John's we aim to enjoy the view!
Science
“Science is fascinating and the practical’s are great” IGCSE Student
Science is taught by specialist science teachers from year 4 upwards.
The schemes of work reflect both the needs of the National Curriculum and the IB principles. Pupils are encouraged to be inquiring, confident and caring.
Science is taught up to and including IGCSE. We are currently offering a combination of single science and double award programs. Students at IGCSE are encouraged to become independent learners in preparation for the IB Diploma philosophy.
The main aims of the course are to develop:
- A thorough knowledge base in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Scientific awareness.
- Successful and confident enquirers
French
“The lessons are fun but challenging”
French in the Senior School is taught by an experienced native speaker.
Our ultimate aim is to develop proficiency in all four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing and ensure that flexibility, enthusiasm and a lively teaching style remain the key elements.
Lessons are delivered in the target language to add an element of authenticity and all units of work are presented in a varied and enjoyable manner to maintain interest and promote learning.
We not only teach to the pupils’ individual ability but also add a touch of challenge to enable each and every learner to realise his/her full potential. Realistic targets are set so that pupils make visible progress which not only helps their confidence and self-esteem but also ensures that all lessons are conducted in a pleasant environment conducive to learning.
Information Technology
“I enjoy the problem solving aspect of ICT” IGCSE Student
ICT is encouraged from the earliest year groups to be used as an aid to learning. Each PYP classroom is equipped with interactive learning tools, and ICT is taught as a discreet subject from year 1 up to IGCSE.
The programs of study are based around the needs of the National Curriculum using both Microsoft and specialist software.
The newly equipped ICT suite boasts a substantial bank of computers - all less than two years old and loaded with the latest Microsoft programme, Windows 7. St John’s School also has a bank of laptops that are available for pupils use within their lessons and which are due to be updated shortly.
St John’s School takes the protection and security of their members extremely seriously. Therefore, we have a very efficient and secure IT network. Students are also taught to evaluate their own ICT usage and safety issues.
Business Studies
We chose to follow the Cambridge IGSE Business Studies syllabus because it utilises an enquiry-based and active approach to the subject, an approach which our students welcome because of it's relevance to the world they live in. The course is broken down into 42 short units which provides 'bite-size' learning opportunities, each with individualised learning objectives and a 'Business in context' case study involving the examination of and reflection on real world settings.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
“I enjoy the group discussions” year 9 EAL student
The EAL department aims to encourage and develop personal fluency and confidence in the student by developing English language skills, individual learning programmes, cultural and academic integration and the pursuit of relevant formal qualification. The work covered is cross curricular, and the skills required, for example in essay writing, transfer well into other subject areas.
Students are prepared for IELTS and IGCSE examinations. The IELTS examination is currently the mostly respected and influential test for language students, which is used worldwide. Staff and parents have been delighted with their results over several years. The IGCSE is a two-year programme. Most students take English as a second language alongside other IGCSE subjects in year 11.
Art
“The teachers are always there for you”
The Art Department is housed within the Cottage, enjoying stimulating countryside and sea views. We aim to develop an inspiring environment where pupils are able to fulfil their potential. We encourage creative thinking, self-expression and problem solving. Pupils are taught how to use a range of media such as clay, paint, pastels, printing and collage. Current projects include Clay Graffiti, Underwater collage, Bugs, Personal Shields and Matisse figures.
Drama
Drama in the Secondary School is a core component of the curriculum and weekly lessons are taken by all students. The primary goal is not 'theatrical' performance, but rather developing confidence in articulate public speaking; teamwork skills; empathetic listening and understanding; general knowledge of theatre and film history and trends on a global scale; and, finally, having fun while learning.