Juniors
Welcome to St John’s, a vibrant independent school nestled in the heart of East Devon.
Within the Junior School (Reception – Year 6), we celebrate the unique individuality of each child, fostering an environment where every student is encouraged to explore their passions and talents.
Our commitment to providing abundant opportunities ensures that every child can engage in a rich and varied curriculum, enhanced by a wide range of extracurricular activities. We believe that learning should be an adventure, one that empowers our students to discover their strengths and build confidence.
At St John’s, we define success not just by academic achievement, but by the development of character, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. We nurture well-rounded individuals who are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Join us on this exciting journey which continues seamlessly into the Senior School at Year 7.
Sport, Music, Spanish, Art and Drama
At St John’s, we offer a dynamic range of activities designed to foster both personal and academic growth, ensuring a well-rounded experience for our junior students.
Swimming Lessons: Our comprehensive swimming program takes place in our covered, heated pool, where students build confidence and proficiency in the water. Qualified instructors tailor lessons to suit all abilities, promoting safety and enjoyment while developing essential swimming skills.
Sports Activities: We take pride in our active sports curriculum, featuring rugby, football, netball, and hockey amongst many others. Our experienced team focus on developing teamwork, skills, and a love for physical activity. Regular matches and tournaments not only enhance competitive spirit but also instill values of resilience and sportsmanship.
Music: Music is an integral part of life at St John’s. Students can explore their musical talents through vocal and instrumental lessons, participate in school concerts, and join various music clubs. This encourages creativity and teamwork, while creating a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Spanish: Our Spanish lessons start in Reception and immerse students in the language and culture, using engaging activities and interactive lessons. This hands-on approach helps develop their communication skills, broadening their horizons and fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures. With strong links to our schools in Spain, we are able to offer exchanges from Year 5 all the way into the Senior School
Specialised Teaching: In Year 5, students benefit from being taught by GCSE-level teachers in Science, allowing for a deeper exploration of scientific concepts. This advanced instruction sparks curiosity and encourages critical thinking. In Year 6, our English, Art, and
Drama classes are similarly enriched by the expertise of GCSE teachers, helping students refine their creative and analytical skills while preparing them for future academic challenges.
At St John’s, our diverse range of activities and specialised teaching ensures that each child is encouraged to explore their interests, develop their talents, and achieve success in a nurturing and stimulating environment far in advance of many schools.
PRIMARY YEARS DEVELOPMENT
Individuality
Teachers work collaboratively to ensure that every child has an individualised approach that meets both their academic and pastoral needs. This is further reinforced by receiving subject specialist teaching in Art, Design and Technology, Spanish, Music, Swimming, Physical Education and Science (Year 5 and 6).
Success
As a Junior School, our holistic and nurturing approach to success is measured using summative and formative assessments as well as recognising personal growth and achievements. Alongside continual teacher assessments, our children’s progress is supported by regular computer-based testing which further enables our individualised approach without the pressures of external exams or SATs. All of this allows our teachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinator to identify and respond to every individual’s needs.
Children’s successes both in and outside of school are highlighted in our weekly Junior Celebration Assembly. The assembly also gives children the chance to showcase their talent whether this be performing a musical instrument, sharing their learning or triumphs on the sports field.
Our family-oriented approach works in harmony with our three principles which enable happy, confident and curious pupils with a love of learning.
Curriculum
Across the school, we use the Early Years Foundation Framework in Reception and the English National Curriculum as a basis for our Junior School Enquiry Programme. Both of these are enriched by our extensive co-curricular programme.
Forest School
Children have regular opportunities to access our accredited Forest School where they take their love of learning outside. During Forest School sessions, they learn practical skills such as fire lighting, whittling, tool safety and working with nature. These help build the vital transferable characteristics of self-esteem, risk-taking, confidence and resilience.
Co-curricular Opportunities
At St John’s School, we believe in the importance of a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. Our extensive extracurricular program offers students a variety of clubs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4 PM to 5 PM, encouraging them to explore new interests and develop vital skills.
On Tuesdays, students can participate in external activities like horse-riding and tennis, providing exciting opportunities to engage with the outdoors and improve physical fitness. Our Fun Science club sparks curiosity with hands-on experiments, while Pilates promotes wellness and relaxation.
Wednesdays are filled with enriching options such as table tennis and chess, perfect for honing strategic thinking and coordination. Students can dive into swimming sessions or join our Eco Club, where they learn about sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Thursdays offer a creative flair with clubs like Art and Cooking, allowing students to express themselves artistically while developing culinary skills. Public Speaking enhances communication abilities, and our Sports club promotes teamwork and physical activity.
With such a diverse range of clubs, St John’s School ensures that every child finds their passion, fostering individuality and collaboration in a supportive environment.