S T J OHN’S A M ERCHANT T AYLORS’ S CHOOL
Encouraging excellence since 19 2 o
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St John’s dedicated staff and approach to learning has given our boys a fantastic start, combining academic achievement with the chance to try new experiences . Current parent
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WELCOME
S t John’s is a wonderful community where aspirational boys aged 3-11 enjoy learning and form joyful memories to last a lifetime. Set in a magnificent thirty-five acre estate overlooking London, our unique learning environment allows space for boys to grow and realise their potential. Our rich heritage as part of the Merchant Taylors’ family of schools was recently commemorated in our centenary celebrations. Traditional values of respect and kindness are blended with an innovative approach to teaching and learning; our ethos is both rounded as well as academically rigorous.
St John’s is a happy, vibrant and successful school where boys’ individual talents are nurtured. Boys who join the school work and play hard: Music, Drama and Sport are flourishing. Talents and passions are encouraged, indeed our senior groups are typically outstanding. Our contemporary curriculum and dedicated staff nurture and inspire the boys. St John’s seeks to work with families to develop rounded, resilient boys. We seek to develop their character in the pursuit of academic excellence and laying the foundations for future success. Alumni progress smoothly at the end of Year 8 to Merchant Taylors’ School, in addition to a variety of other leading independent schools. Here, their formative experiences at St John’s allow them to flourish as confident leaders. I warmly invite you to visit us in order to see the wealth of opportunities your son can look forward to as they begin their journey towards becoming exceptional young men.
Tom Jenkin Headmaster
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EARLY YEARS
Nursery Our Nursery gives the boys time to explore, investigate and develop new skills in a happy, caring and secure setting. The emphasis is on socialising, communicating and developing their motor skills. They are taught by professionals who ensure that the curriculum is suited to each boy’s unique needs. The Nursery is self-contained within our Pre-Prep department where the children benefit from excellent facilities including our own forest area. In addition to the main teaching rooms they have a large covered soft floor playground with zones for different types of play. The nurturing environment prepares the boys and encourages their confidence in readiness to progress through the school. Parents see staff on a daily basis and meet regularly to discuss their son’s progress at consultation evenings.
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PRE-PREP
Pre-Prep Department (Reception, Years 1 & 2) The Pre-Prep is where boys build the foundation for their futures. At St John’s we make their introduction to more formal learning enjoyable and stimulating. Good manners, independence and high standards of behaviour are reinforced. Learning in Reception is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and boys in Years 1 and 2 follow a curriculum including Mathematics, English, Science, History, Geography, Computing, Art and Design. The central person in the childrens’ life is their class teacher, supported by a teaching assistant. They have specialist staff for Music, Physical Education, Games and Swimming and get an early introduction to team sports and on- stage performances. The Pre-Prep offers bright and attractive classrooms and abundant play areas in a modern, secure, purpose built development allowing the boys room for growth and discovery, both indoors and out. We take full advantage of our extensive grounds which allow the boys to explore and learn independently. A variety of after school clubs are available for boys from Year 1 and there is a range of educational trips including a Year 2 residential trip and workshops for all the boys to enjoy.
The Pre-Prep has fostered a passion for learning in our boys while providing a nurturing and supportive environment. Overall, a perfect introduction to school life. Year 2 parent
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JUNIORS
Junior Department (Years 3 & 4) At the age of seven the boys progress to the Juniors. They are allocated Houses, receive their House ties and begin to wear blazers. New boys who join us in Year 3 integrate easily with our own Pre-Prep boys in bright and welcoming classrooms. Years 3 and 4 are taught in the Junior Building where most of their lessons are delivered by their own class teachers supported by a teaching assistant. The class teacher continues to be the central person in the boys’ lives. Specialist teaching is given in French, Computing, Music, Art, Design and Technology, Swimming and Physical Education. The boys are encouraged to become more independent and self-motivated. In the Juniors they start to take responsibility for organising their belongings and homework schedule. In return they are rewarded with house points for academic work, good behaviour and consideration for others. Outside the classroom a range of extra-curricular activities is available including drama, choir, chess and arts and crafts. Year 4 also benefit from a multi-activity residential trip.
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SENIOR SCHOOL
Senior School At this stage our boys are taught by specialist subject teachers and take advantage of the subject-specific areas which include a state-of-the-art Science laboratory and Design and Technology workshop, a dedicated and fully equipped Music department and a spacious Art studio. They learn English and Mathematics in smaller groups which allows us to give the boys greater attention. We teach a wide and stimulating curriculum which exceeds the National Curriculum requirements. The boys begin a Latin course in Year 6 and have more opportunities to be involved in our extensive extra-curricular programme. We prepare our boys to transfer to a broad range of senior independent schools. Although the majority progress to Merchant Taylors’, others sit tests for boarding schools or other local day schools, depending on each boy’s unique character and learning profile. Boys enjoy a rich curriculum which blends traditional academic subjects with innovative opportunities to develop independent learning, entrepreneurial, research and presentation skills, alongside community work and residential trips to Dorset, Normandy and Wales.
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The quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. The school successfully meets its aim to encourage pupils to extend and develop their talents and interests, so that they can grow in confidence and fulfil their potential. Independent Schools Inspectorate, May 2023
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CO CURRICULAR
Pastoral Care St John’s is a supportive, nurturing and inclusive community and visitors to the school often comment on the positive atmosphere. Attention to pupils’ wellbeing and high quality pastoral care are central to our ethos, underpinning everything we do. Along with a diverse range of co curricular clubs, we provide every opportunity for St John’s boys to develop a natural, social confidence and a caring approach to life. The House System, which includes a variety of regular inter-house competitions and activities, encourages teamwork and loyalty. The boys work together across the age groups to achieve shared aims. Extra responsibilities are given through our Prefect system, School Council and Eco- Council, allowing pupils to instigate many initiatives and local community projects. We believe that being involved in charitable efforts adds an important dimension to the boys’ educational experience.
The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent. There is a harmonious atmosphere as children are kind to one another. Independent Schools Inspectorate, May 2023
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Sport and Physical Education Every boy is encouraged to get involved in sport and enjoy physical activity and teamwork. Our main sports are rugby, hockey, football, cricket and athletics coached by specialist teachers. St John’s has extensive facilities for physical education. We have four rugby pitches, three cricket grounds, an athletics track, a cross-country course and a pitch and putt golf course. The all- weather playing area provides hockey and football pitches in the winter and six tennis courts in the summer. Our Centenary Sports Hall is well equipped for basketball, badminton, volleyball, indoor cricket and gymnastics. Boys also benefit from the swimming and hockey facilities at Merchant Taylors’. From the age of seven, boys take part in a programme of inter-school matches in our main sports. We enter national competitions in rugby, athletics, swimming and golf. School fixtures are also played in basketball, cross-country, tennis and golf.
My mum and dad chose St John’s because of the facilities, but I think the way we play sport is the most important thing. Everyone tries their best and we all work as a team. Year 6 boy
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CO CURRICULAR
Music Music plays a central part in the life of the school and even the very youngest boys have the chance to perform regularly. From the Nursery upwards they are taught in our well-equipped department and many learn to play a variety of musical instruments. All boys start learning the recorder in Year 2 and every boy leaves St John’s able to read music. There are many opportunities to join choirs, orchestra, the wind band, brass ensemble, drum club and other groups. We put on an extensive programme of concerts both in and out of school. Every year our boys have the opportunity to join older musicians from Merchant Taylors’ School in a concert at the Company’s livery hall in the City. In recent years our musicians have enjoyed great success in local music festivals and outstanding individuals have won music scholarships to senior independent schools.
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Drama Performing on stage develops confidence and teamwork. Boys take part in dramatic productions at all ages with several performances each year. Not only do the boys act but they also assist with stage management, musical accompaniment and scenery. Visits to the theatre start in the Nursery and are arranged regularly to complement the curriculum.
I have seen a quiet, shy little boy flourish into a confident performer in drama and music – it has been a real joy. Year 6 parent
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CO CURRICULAR
Design & Technology In the well equipped and modern Design and Technology workshop boys have the opportunity to work collaboratively with a wide range of tools, machinery and resources including 3-D printers, sublimation printing facilities and a specialist CAD/CAM embroidery machine. Through a variety of projects, boys develop confidence in a range of different processes and techniques. They are encouraged to think and interact creatively in problem-solving activities, both as individuals and as members of a team, becoming increasingly independent as they move through the school. Design and Technology at St John’s fosters boys’ natural curiosity whilst challenging them to find appropriate solutions to design challenges.
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Art Art education engages, inspires and challenges pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create. As pupils progress through the school, they develop a more rigorous understanding of art and gain practical skills. Our Art curriculum provides a range of opportunities for each year group to discover their drawing and painting interests and work with mixed media to create mosaics, collage, textiles, clay sculpture and printing. Boys produce excellent art work in the classroom and then in the specialised art studio. We showcase and celebrate their creativity through clubs, competitions, displays, exhibitions and throughout our school publications.
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ST JOHN’S AT 100
A Legacy of 100 years We commemorated our Centenary with an investment in two new spaces which benefit all the boys at St John’s. Our beautifully designed and fabulously equipped Centenary Sports Hall provides a significant boost to boys physical education. With retractable seating, artificial turf and nets for cricket, automated basket-ball hoops, an amazing sound system, the new sports hall provides amazing opportunities for our staff and boys. Thanks to the generosity of the Merchant Taylors’ Company and the St John’s Association, we were also able to commission a castle-inspired bespoke tree house in which generations of boys will be able to let their imaginations run wild.
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ADMISSION
Admission Most boys join us in the Nursery (3+) in the September following their third birthday or in Reception (4+) after their fourth birthday. Admission is by an informal assessment of free play, based on communication, language and social skills, which is designed to ensure that each boy is ready to cope with the challenges ahead. Boys also join in the Junior Department (7+). Assessments include written tests and a discussion with senior staff. Assessments for each admission group are held: 3+ October/November 4+ Early January 7+ Late November A Personal Invitation You are most welcome to come and see our school at any time of the year. Please telephone for an appointment and we will be delighted to arrange a personal tour with the Headmaster. We invite you to come and see at first hand why generations of parents have trusted St John’s with the education of their boys.
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S T J OHN’S A M ERCHANT T AYLORS’ S CHOOL for boys aged 3-11 Potter Street Hill Pinner HA5 3ZF
Telephone: 020 8866 0067 Email: office@st-johns.org.uk Website: www.st-johns.org.uk Twitter: @stjsnorthwood
St John’s School Northwood Ltd Registered in England No 3411518 Charity Number 1063738 A Merchant Taylor’s Educational Trust School
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