Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. Developed over 25 years ago, it is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide and is an international passport to progression and success.

The philosophy underpinning our course structure in Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) is that all students should maintain a broad, balanced and coherent curriculum. Pupils study up to 9 IGCSE’s of which 5 are core subjects and the remainder are selected from option blocks.

St John’s is absolutely delighted to have achieved such a great ranking in the Sunday Times Schools Guide based on its IGCSE results. This recognises the fantastic academic work that is going on at St John’s. That said, results are only part of what we do here. As a school with an extensive network of sister schools around the world and with our fantastic facilities the enrichment opportunities that we are able to offer are just as important as academic success.

Pupils at St John’s benefit from the strong community ethos and traditional values. Each pupil’s progress is monitored closely and our pastoral programme ensures that all pupils and parents are involved in their progress at every step along the way.

Music is embedded in the Clavis programme and plays an important part in building confidence. The Clavis exhibition is an additional opportunity for pupils to compose a piece of original music and perform in front of an audience. Pupils study a variety of musical styles and influences including classical, rock and jazz. Music is offered as an option at IGCSE for pupils with the relevant qualifications and enthusiasm.

Our Chapel provides a beautiful venue for events such as concerts and carols, and the Drama Hall is used on a regular basis with rehearsals for theatre club or musical performances.

Many of our students learn a musical instrument or sing and peripatetic music lessons take place within the school day.

There are plenty of opportunities to experience live music, and recent events have included workshops with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and recording in a professional studio.

Studying art and design helps to create a broad and balanced curriculum, which is an excellent foundation for whatever you want to do afterwards. The transferable skills you’ll gain, such as creativity, analysis and problem solving, complement a range of other subjects and careers. Art also improves performance in other subjects as it improves focus and concentration, drafting, experimentation, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and lateral thinking. Medical students in the USA are often taken to Art Galleries as part of their general training so as to (excuse the pun) “see the bigger picture”. This wide skill set, then leads on to multiple careers, particularly with the explosion of opportunity for digital designers and multimedia.

At St John’s, pupils study these forms as part of the Clavis programme and it is a popular choice at IGCSE. Art plays an important role throughout the school, and our dedicated and talented staff inspire and challenge the perception of art and design in all its many expressions.  Our walls are adorned with the magnificent results, and so it is a hugely popular option. What’s more important is that “Art makes you happy”, both in terms of its creation and observing the complexities.

Whether it is performing in ‘Alice in Wonderland’, designing the set for ‘A Comedy of Errors’ or crafting a recital as part of the Clavis exhibition, Drama is a core component of the Clavis curriculum. Public speaking, presenting and teamwork are vital life skills that are practised and honed in Performing Arts.

Speech and Drama lessons can also be offered as private peripatetic lessons on site, and we currently have talented pupils working towards their Trinity exams which can count towards UCAS points.