News list
Form 6 parents were treated to an entertaining and often highly humorous evening of plays involving the Form 6 leavers. Many of the plays were written by the children themselves including the Latin play ultio deorum which was the winning entry in the recent "Ludi Scaenici" Latin Drama Competition.
Great team spirit ensured that the Pre Prep Sports Day on 26 June was one of the highlights of the end of term. It got off to a flying start and saw the children take part in competitive running and relay races. Just for fun the children also took part in various novelty races which included a dressing up race, an obstacle race, an egg and spoon race and a sack race.
Transition 2 (Year 2) children brought the classic first book in The Chronicles of Narnia series, by C S Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, to life in their stage adaptation.
A record number of guests registered for tickets for this year’s free Parents’ Association Evensong, held again in St John’s College Chapel and sung by the internationally renowned College choir, featuring choristers from the school. Attendance at this annual event is always high, though this year it was perhaps buoyed by the buzz following the recent success of the College Choir in the BBC Music Magazine Award 2017, with their latest recording of music by St John’s College alumnus, Jonathan Harvey, winning the choral award.
The Third Form made their debut on the Hinsley Hall stage and performed their rendition of Cinderella. A funky interpretation of a traditional tale, the Third Form production was based on the poem by Roald Dahl, featuring wonderful highlights of music and dancing.
During the Easter break, a group of Senior House Geographers and Scientists set out to explore the wonders of Iceland. The children investigated volcanic activity, lava fields, hot springs, geysers, stunning waterfalls and dark, mysterious beaches.
The performance of the Passion of Christ that closed the Lent term was accomplished by a mature and talented Sixth Form year group. The play recalls the final days of Jesus’ life – from his entry into Jerusalem, to his crucifixion five days later – and all of the complex plotting, political side-stepping and betrayal that facilitated Jesus’ downfall. The Passion Play is a moving story that required a deep intensity and thoughtfulness, which the Sixth Form delivered.
The Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge, has won a BBC Music Magazine Award for its recording of Deo, a collection of sacred works by the late composer and College Honorary Fellow, Jonathan Harvey. It is the first time that a collegiate or cathedral choir has won the award for choral music at the prestigious ceremony. BBC Music Magazine is the world’s best-selling classical music monthly, and the awards are the only celebration of classical releases in which the winners in each of the main categories are chosen by the general public.
The Fifth Form year group performed a double bill with Ghost Writer and Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations. The plays took the performers and the audience on a journey through theatrical history from a traditionally set straight-play to a performance in a ‘black box’. These two well-known, vastly differing styles called on the cast to be adaptable and creative within the use of staging and props.
This year’s dramatic offering from Form 1, Tuishi Pamoja, was by all accounts a delight from start to finish. Full of heart-warming moments, the show promoted the message of acceptance and friendship towards all, regardless of their differences; an important lesson for all.