General

20.02.24

House Pancake Races 2024

The Library

The Library is an important and valuable resource at St John’s.  It aims to:

  • support the whole curriculum by providing a balance of book and non-book resources and software appropriate to the School’s needs
  • support and develop information literacy and research skills
  • facilitate and promote reading for enjoyment and pleasure
  • provide an atmosphere in which private study, group research and personal enquiry can flourish together.

Library lessons are timetabled fortnightly for Fourth Form pupils in conjunction with the English Department. Other subject teachers across all year groups are encouraged to bring their classes to the Library to use the resources.  The Library also offers guidance on research strategies for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Open Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm), library staff are available throughout the day to provide help with information, reading suggestions, online resources and research.

Technology

Whilst technology does not replace traditional teaching methods, when used intelligently it can complement and enhance them in exciting and innovative ways. There are many ways in which technology can be added to lessons to develop critical thinking, enhance pupils’ content knowledge and enable pupils to learn in a self-directed way. The key to the successful use of technology in teaching and learning is to integrate any new tool with good pedagogy, ensuring there is real educational value and not just novelty value.

We are committed to integrating technology into the academic life of the School through our compulsory Managed 1:1 Device scheme. This allows all pupils the opportunity to enhance learning seamlessly in the classroom. Effective use of digital tools is pivotal to the modern world and, as a school, it is our aim to adopt a blended learning approach to providing engaging, interactive and stimulating learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Devices must be purchased through our dedicated online portal and include a range of additional services and support like a 36-month extended vendor warranty and accidental damage insurance with £0 excess. All pupils also have free access to all Microsoft 365 applications and free anti-virus protection.

Pupils are given lessons on the use of all major Microsoft programmes and also in digital citizenship. We have established a firm foundation for using technology effectively. Having one-to-one digital devices at all times allows for greater flexibility in teaching and improves continuity beyond the classroom for our pupils.

Reporting

There are three significant points of feedback that pupils and parents receive each year:  two in the form of a full written report from all subject teachers and another through a parents’ evening that pupils also attend.  The timings of these vary for each year group and are staggered across the academic calendar to best fit with the curriculum being delivered.  There are also shorter interim reports at certain times of the year for certain age groups.

There is a strong emphasis at St John’s on the rapport between parents and each pupil’s tutor. To that end, informal feedback will be received from the tutor and the House team throughout the year.