Aims, Ethos & Values of St John's
The school motto, vitam impendere vero – be true to yourself – stands behind the ethos and values of St John’s.
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“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. The school successfully fulfils its aim to provide a
stimulating environment so that each pupil can develop a positive and self-disciplined approach to learning and life. Pupils enjoy their learning.”
ISI Inspection report 2023
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Aims of St John’s
To enable each boy to extend and develop his talents and interests so that he can grow in confidence and fulfil his potential.
Both inside and outside the classroom every pupil is presented with a range of opportunities which, when fully grasped, will enable him to flourish. Academically, he will be provided with regular and positive advice about how to improve his performance. Extra-curricular and enrichment activities also provide many opportunities for him to shine individually and within a group.
To provide a stimulating environment so that each boy can develop a positive and self-disciplined approach to learning and life.
Teaching and learning is geared to develop pupils’ enthusiasm and encourage the acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding. In all areas of the curriculum every pupil is provided with the opportunity to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
To prepare every boy for each stage in his educational career, and to become a ‘life-long learner.’
As the boys progress from 3 to 13 at St John’s they should feel sufficiently self confident to seize the opportunities and to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
To ensure that every boy feels safe, secure, valued and respected. Equally, every boy is expected to respect, value and appreciate the feelings and beliefs of others.
The welfare of each boy is paramount. Boys are encouraged to develop their self-identity and reflect on their own wellbeing. The School aims to provide a moral and spiritual framework in which boys will clearly understand that they are an integral part of both the School community and the society in which they live. Boys are taught to respect the cultural identity, feelings and beliefs of everyone in the community. The School teaches and demonstrates the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion of all.
To create a friendly and caring atmosphere within an environment in which high standards of behaviour are expected from every boy.
From his first day at St John’s a boy is made aware of the necessity of good behaviour. This objective is a constant theme. All members of the St John’s community are expected to behave in a way which reflects the values of a civilised community in which self-discipline, tolerance, fairness and honesty
are essential.
To create and foster a partnership with boys’ families in which parents and carers are valued members of the School community.
The School provides good communication with parents and welcomes discussion of all aspects of their sons’ progress and welfare. Such communication recognises that parental support is crucial to their sons’ successful development.
Small Beginnings
We expect each boy to extend and develop his talents and interests, grow in confidence and fulfill his potential. Every pupil is presented with the widest range of opportunities which will enable him to flourish into a fully rounded individual. A positive and aspirational academic environment means every boy achieves his best. Extra-curricular and enrichment activities also provide many opportunities for boys to shine individually and as part of a group.
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Learning and life
A stimulating teaching environment encourages each boy to develop a positive and self-disciplined approach to learning. Teaching is designed to foster pupils' enthusiasm and encourage the acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding. Celebrating achievements of all kinds raises the attainment and aspiration of each boy who gains confidence which will last a lifetime.
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Secure values
St John’s is a safe and respectful community where every boy is valued. The School provides a moral and spiritual framework in which boys are taught to respect the feelings, beliefs and property of others, and to play their parts in both the school community and wider society. Every member of the school community is expected to behave with honesty, fairness and self-control.
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Nurturing and friendly
From his very first day at St John’s, each boy experiences a home from home where he forms strong bonds with pupils and teachers alike. Pastoral care is given a high priority and boys’ social development matures within a warm and friendly environment. Each boy’s particular talents and needs are recognised within a family community that looks out for its members.
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Partners with parents
St John’s places great value on the partnerships we form with parents and carers and recognise that parental support is vital to your son’s achievement. We welcome and encourage contact and discussion of all aspects of their progress and welfare. In addition to regular communications, reports and parents’ meetings, there are many opportunities for informal updates and to share any concerns.
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