Quae Sursum Sunt Quaerite
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’18 Quae sursum sunt quaerite CONTENTS Welcome to The Johnian Magazine 2018 3 From The Head’s Desk 4 Interview with Rowena Cole, The Head 6 Farewell from the School Captains 8 Johnian Editorial 10 From the Archives 18 Valete 20 Library HOUSES SPORT 26 Lower School 100 Hockey 28 Churchill 106 Football 32 East 112 Rugby 36 Gloucester 116 Netball 40 Haslewood 123 Shooting 44 Montgomery 124 Cricket 48 North 130 Athletics 52 South 132 Sailing 56 Surrey 134 Tennis 60 West 135 Swimming FEATURES 66 Music 68 Chapel Review 70 Drama 75 Debating and Public Speaking 76 School Trips 88 Speech Day 92 Army 93 Navy 94 RAF 96 Community Service Unit Report FROM THE HEAD’S DESK I am writing this during the summer chance. They outperformed expectations holiday as I reflect on the excitement, with an impressive 74% A*/A (9-7) grades, achievements and challenges which have 38% of grades awarded being A* and 30% made my first year as The Head of St John’s at grade 9. Seven pupils achieved straight so interesting and enjoyable. It would be A*s/9s, and a sixth of the whole year group impossible for me to list all of the highlights achieved eight or more A*s/9s, while a of the past academic year – they have been third of the year group achieved five or too numerous and too varied to name – more A*s/9s. Amongst the overall success, and I wonder how we fitted it all in to one there were many individual stories of academic year! outstanding dedication, effort and excellence and I congratulate them all. While academic outcomes When I arrived at St John’s I knew that I was joining a should always been viewed in the broader context of a truly school which prides itself on the strength of its community. rounded education - something St John’s does very well – My family and I were immediately made to feel at home strong examination results can unlock opportunities and and the sense of belonging which I experienced personally choices for young people. For our Upper Sixth leavers, this is one of the characteristics of St John’s of which I am means pursuing their first choice higher education courses most proud. Our house structure, and the way we involve and embarking on careers in the sectors they aspire to; families in school life, gives pupils and their parents a while, for our Upper Fifth, it means they are entering the connection to St John’s which is genuinely special. This is Sixth Form with a strong academic foundation on which to a school with such a strong sense of identity that we know build. our values and ethos hold true, even as we innovate and adapt to ensure that we deliver the very highest standard of The breadth of a St John’s education is outstanding and education for pupils in today’s shifting landscape. you will get a flavour of the variety and scope of our co- curricular activities across the pages of this magazine. Over Towards the end of the academic year I gave an assembly the last year, I have thoroughly enjoyed cheering on our about the importance – and satisfaction - of hard work. teams at sports fixtures, although the weather occasionally It was timed to encourage those who were preparing for tested even my spirits. The artistic life of school, from exams to understand that there are times in life when you artworks adorning the walls to dramatic and musical have to put in the extra effort to achieve your goals, but performances, have delivered colour and vibrancy. And it is a useful reminder for us all. While there will always I have been deeply impressed by the ingenuity, spirit of be some for whom success comes more easily than others, adventure and the willingness to give back which are we only uncover the true extent of our potential when evident every day through charity fundraising, community we commit and put in the work. I was delighted that our projects and activities such as CCF. Upper Sixth heeded this advice and achieved impressive A level results: the cohort of 126 pupils achieved 47% As we embark on a new academic year - full of potential, A*/A grades, 31% of pupils received three or more A* or opportunity and new experiences - I would like to thank A grades, a total of 81% of grades were A*-B and the pass everyone who contributed to making last year so special rate was 100%. We were equally pleased that the Upper and to extend a very warm welcome to everyone joining our Fifth performed so well and achieved the School’s best ever school. GCSE results. The upheaval to the examinations brought challenges which the professionalism of our teaching staff Mrs Rowena Cole helped to mitigate, giving our pupils the best possible The Head 4 THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE THE JOHNIAN MAGAZINE 3 INTERVIEW with Rowena Cole, The Head What attracted you to St John’s? Do you prefer teaching or being The Head? I grew up in Surrey and have known St John’s since I was Teaching is hugely rewarding; being able to impart a a pupil at a nearby school – we used to come to Chapel for concept or idea to a pupil and watching them master a topic our carol service – so I’ve always been aware of the School. and take pleasure in learning is why we become teachers. Working as a teacher and then a headteacher in the local But being The Head also brings other rewards and I love area, I was interested in the way that St John’s has adapted how unpredictable each day can be; it allows me to shape over the years without losing its core values. When the how this whole community will develop and there is a opportunity arose to become The Head, I was excited about sense of satisfaction to that. the potential of leading this amazing community. Do you like the traditions of the School? Like the prefects, Where do you see St John’s in five years’ time? What did you study in university? Did you enjoy it? house system, Christian-foundations, or is this something I would like St John’s to be capitalising on its excellent First impressions of the School? My degree was in Biological Sciences and I loved it – and you would like to change? reputation in areas such as pastoral care and making a The strongest first impression was one of warmth and still do. Traditions are really important in a community like ours. contribution to national discussions in these areas. I would welcome. It is an overused phrase, but at St John’s there is I love the House system and believe it immeasurably like to feel we can become a school that other teachers come a deep-rooted sense of community which extends across Favourite part of biology? Why? enhances life at St John’s, being in Chapel is one of my to in order to learn about outstanding practice. But most pupils, staff, parents, OJs and beyond. Genetics. I still find it awe inspiring that all the differences favourite times of the week, and our prefects make an of all, I hope it will retain its purposeful, happy atmosphere that exist in the natural world are caused by tiny variations enormous contribution to our school. Over time, schools and continue to provide outstanding opportunities for Favourite area of the School? in the DNA. do need to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs young people in the local area. It is hard to choose just one but, if I must, I would say the of pupils, but that doesn’t mean discarding the traditions, Quad. It is a brilliant vantage point and, standing in the What do you like to do to relax? values and ethos which are at their heart. Quad, I love the sense that every aspect of school life is I really enjoy spending time with my family and walking happening around you and everything is within reach. our three dogs. What key values do you want a St John’s pupil to take away from their time here? Best and worst part of the job? Favourite type of food? I am immensely proud of the young men and women I There are many ‘best’ parts to the job, especially watching Cake! see growing up at St John’s. I want our pupils to be open fantastic performances in drama, music or sport, informal minded and open hearted, with a strong sense of their own opportunities to talk with pupils and watching great Did your previous school have prefects? If so, how do the values so that they have the confidence to be guided by lessons. The ‘worst’ aspect of this job is really that there just St John’s prefects differ from them? their convictions and to live their lives in a positive way. aren’t enough hours in the day! We had a school captain team at my previous school. The Courtesy, respect and tolerance are core values at way that pupils with leadership roles behave and undertake St John’s, but I also want our pupils to be brave and Have you always wanted to be a teacher? their duties varies to suit the needs of their particular ambitious, willing to try things beyond their comfort At school I loved the sciences and decided to pursue that school but there are many consistent factors.