Performing Arts
Drama at St John’s is a fully inclusive journey that every pupil experiences from Kindergarten to Form 6. Every child takes part in weekly drama lessons and contributes to at least one full year‑group production each year. This ensures that every pupil, regardless of personality or experience, has the opportunity to step into the spotlight, develop their voice and feel valued as an essential member of an ensemble.
The heart of drama at St John’s lies not only in the final performance but in the rich learning that happens along the way. Pupils learn to listen deeply, respond to others, take creative risks and trust their own ideas. They explore character, story and emotion, discovering how to communicate with clarity and empathy. Through rehearsal and reflection, they develop discipline, focus and the ability to work collaboratively towards a shared goal.
Drama nurtures a remarkable set of life skills that extend far beyond the stage. Through high‑quality drama teaching at St John’s, pupils learn collaboration, communication, resourcefulness, responsibility, rigour and resilience. They practise leadership and teamwork, manage nerves, solve problems in real time and adapt when things change. These skills strengthen academic learning across the curriculum and support children as they grow into confident, articulate and self‑aware young people.
Each year‑group production is a joyful highlight of the school year and an important part of our performing arts provision. Children rehearse, refine and perform with pride, knowing that their contribution matters. Whether speaking a line, shaping a scene, creating movement or supporting backstage, every child is championed and every role is meaningful. The applause at the end is powerful, but it is the journey to that moment that leaves the deepest and most lasting impact.
The Passion Play becomes a defining moment when pupils realise they can stand together with purpose, speak with conviction and move an audience through courage and care.
As pupils move through the school, drama becomes a significant rite of passage. Form 6 take part in the Passion Play and in Shakespeare productions that challenge them to stretch their creativity, deepen their understanding of character and story and work together with maturity and purpose. These performances are treasured milestones in a St John’s education, marking a moment when pupils recognise how far they have come and what they can achieve as a company.
Drama at St John’s reflects our belief that education should develop the whole child. The experiences pupils gain through performance stay with them for life. They learn to express themselves, to collaborate with others, to take risks safely and to embrace challenge with confidence. These strengths shape who they are in the classroom, on the sports field and in every future endeavour
Every rehearsal, every risk and every moment of imagination shapes a child who is confident, collaborative and ready for the world.
Sport
At St John’s, sport is a dynamic and unifying part of school life, nurturing character as much as physical skill. Our PE and Games curriculum builds confidence, fitness and teamwork, while helping pupils develop leadership, communication and resilience. We aim to instil a lifelong love of movement in every child, empowering them to thrive across a wide range of sports and to enjoy the physical and mental well‑being that active living brings.
The heart of sport at St John’s is the belief that we rise higher when we trust, support and grow alongside one another.
Hockey, rugby, cricket, netball, athletics and swimming sit at the heart of our sporting programme, offering pupils the chance to grow in skill, commitment and pride. Alongside these core sports, children can explore exciting opportunities in tennis, rowing, fives, squash and our hugely popular field run. This breadth ensures that every pupil finds a sport that inspires them, challenges them and supports their personal development.
Fixtures are an important and much‑loved part of the St John’s experience. They are not defined by winning or losing but by the journey pupils take together: learning to trust their teammates, embracing challenge with courage and taking pride in collective effort and progress. These shared moments build confidence, camaraderie and a deep sense of belonging.
A wide range of sports clubs enriches daily life at St John’s, encouraging pupils to deepen their interests, try something new and enjoy the friendships that flourish within active, purposeful communities. Through sport, our pupils grow in confidence, compassion and integrity, developing habits and values that will support them long after they leave us.
