The warm days of late June have been filled with copious amounts of joy. Now that examination season is over, and the sun is shining, we focus on our reflective pride in a year jam-packed with fun, learning and achievement. The last few weeks of the academic year were full to the brim with exciting activities and celebratory events.
It was wonderful to hear the laughter and excitement during welcome events for our incoming pupils. Lower Third, Fourth Form and Sixth Form events took place over recent weeks. Ahead of September, pupils were warmly welcomed into school and alongside the excitement of activities and sports, it was a perfect opportunity for pupils to start making new friends, get to know their tutor and ask questions before their first day. Our new team of Prefects thrived during their first events in role and were great ambassadors for the St John’s community.
GCSE and A level artists showcased their talent, hard work, and dedication at the annual St John’s Art Exhibition on Thursday 22 June. It was a fantastic way to proudly celebrate the incredible efforts of our Upper Fifth and Upper Sixth artists.
The Performing Arts Department have been as busy as ever, bringing richness and excitement to St John’s. During the last few weeks of term were entertained by the Summer Rock Concert, a Musical Theatre Cabaret Evening, and the emotional Leavers’ Lunchtime Recital, which passionately showcased a phenomenal variety of talent.
The boarding community made the most of evening sunshine last week, with a joyous classic sports day. Pupils had a huge amount of fun, and it was great to see pupils from all year groups having a great time.
Our sports teams concluded an amazing year with some fantastic successes for our athletics and cricket teams! The outstanding U14 boys cricket team were unbeaten all season and won the County Cup in a nail-biting final on 27 June. The marvellous U15 girls cricket team recently made it into the final of the County Cup which takes place next week. In rugby, we were proud to see pupils taking part in the Touch to Twickenham tournament, as well as providing some magnificent pupil referees.
We were delighted to have supported an Old Johnian, Luke, by collecting a fantastic amount of pre-loved balls and kit from our school community. We were proud to see the kit in use during his recent tour to South Africa, where he is coaching a township school. Earlier this year, we also donated more of our pre-loved kit to SOS Kit Aid, who support similar projects throughout Eastern Europe and Africa.
Last week, Fourth Form pupils took part in a brilliant Careers Carousel where pupils enjoyed learning a variety of skills, hearing from industry experts, and getting hands-on with a range of different careers workshops.
During the final week of term pupils enjoyed a variety of exciting enrichment activities including visits to Kew Gardens and Chessington World of Adventures for Lower Third, and a residential stay with Land and Wave in Portland, Dorset, for Upper Third.
A highlight for the Fourth Form was an exciting visit from One Day Film School, who taught them some fantastic skills including film history, fight choreography, screenwriting, and camera and editing skills) before making short films in groups which were premiered at the end of the day, at the Best Picture Oscars.
Alongside several pupils taking part in the overnight CCF trip, Lower Fifth enjoyed activities including an assault course. Whilst Lower Sixth chose from a fantastic array of activities including trips to The Bank of England, a political walking tour of London, the National Psychology Competition at Royal Holloway, and an inspiring tour and overnight stay at Oxford University. We were delighted to see some of our Lower Sixth pupils welcome local primary school children and coach them in some exciting rugby skills!
Following another busy term of house competitions such as House Croquet, House Tennis and House Swimming, the culmination of the entire year of house events is the epic whole-school sports day! On Friday 30 June, team spirit was high, and pupils were adorned with face paints, flags, glitter, and ribbons as they cheered on their house in the thrilling sports day. This year, the event was held at Xcel Leisure Complex in Walton-on-Thames. With Mr Rao entertaining on the mic, and Mr Parry’s packed schedule of events, there was plenty of fun to be had. Pupils relished getting involved and cheering on their friends, whether on the track, field, or fun races there was something for all to enjoy. Congratulations went to West House, Gloucester House, and Red House (Lower School) who won overall.
As the term neared its close, Lower School took to the marquee for their Speech Day on Thursday afternoon. The Lower School community celebrated the academic year with their families, and pupils spoke wonderfully about the friendships they have formed and their favourite parts of their school journey so far.
We look forward to celebrating the final day of the academic year at Speech Day on Saturday 1 July.
