Working with us

THE JOHN ROAN

Where a school steeped in heritage meets contemporary learning Headteacher’s Welcome

Founded in 1677, as one of the oldest state schools in the country, The John Roan has a distinguished history of supporting educational excellence for the young people of .

We believe that education should Beyond the two main sites be a positive and transformational the school has priority access to experience, regardless of ability ‘Braithwaite’, an activity centre in the or background. We are fully Lake District. Built on 40 acres of land, committed to raising achievement students can access the beauty for everyone and have the highest of spectacular countryside and expectations of all our students experience the challenge and in every aspect of school life. Our excitement of outdoor life. vision is for students to be the Our founder, John Roan, best that they can be, and our bequeathed his estate to educate role is to provide them with the the children of Greenwich. platform to achieve this. The principles he instilled in At The John Roan we pledge the school remain today; every to provide a rich, broad and child is entitled to be educated varied education such that in inclusive, stimulating and all students are able to make rewarding surroundings. The excellent progress whatever trustees of The John Roan their starting points. In the seven Foundation continue to ensure years that students grow and that his legacy delivers unique develop with the school, they will opportunities to our students. experience a diverse curriculum We would like to welcome and enrichment programme that you to meet us, the team and stretches them academically our aspirational students to and socially. see for yourself the broad and We have a split site, with a outstanding education your child new state-of-the-art building will receive at The John Roan. at Westcombe Park and a fully Cath Smith, Executive Headteacher redeveloped facility at , giving our students access to one Josephine Okokon, Associate of the UK’s most innovative and Headteacher and Maze Hill Lead flexible learning environments. Maze Hill is dedicated to Years 7 and 8 so that they can adapt to secondary school life without needing to share the area with too many older students, Post 16 students are also based at Maze Hill but in a separate block. “The history of this school, is amazing! To still be delivering “I have worked at John Roan for 18 years and education 300 years on is love the school! My children study here. We something to be proud of” are a real community where learning can be fun and strong friendships are forged. Once you get the Roan bug, it’s hard to leave!”

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to “Working in a school that is not only the change the world.” Working at heart of the community, but full of rich and The John Roan school enables diverse history is a real honour. On a daily me to arm all my students basis, I work alongside a range of spirited with the powerful weapon of individuals including new teachers and those an education, and I know that who have been in the profession for years every day I make a positive – their enthusiasm and genuine care for contribution to their lives!” the students is something I really haven’t witnessed in many other places. The school is blossoming and I’ve certainly grown whilst being here; I have the freedom to focus on teaching whilst being encouraged to try new ideas. Our proximity to beautiful Greenwich and Blackheath is also a major plus!” “I love my job for all the little reasons… the honest feedback from students, knowing that I can make a difference in the way they see food and it allows me to be creative.” School Ethos

At The John Roan, the word PRIDE represents the ethos and values of our school.

We are Proud of ourselves, our community and our environment.

We are caring and Respect difference and diversity.

We are Involved, we reflect on our work and actions and are good citizens.

We are Determined, we are on time, prepared and try our best to reach goals.

We aim to be Excellent in all we do. Induction Day First impressions can have a lasting effect, and we want to make you feel “at home” with us at The John Roan as soon as you walk through our door.

We ensure all our new recruits settle into the school environment quickly.

We want everyone to fulfil their potential by What you can expect exploring and growing their individual passions, talents and personalities. To do this, a close At your induction day you will be: partnership between children, parents, staff, The John Roan Foundation and our Governing • Given your PC log-in details, along with Body is essential from the very beginning. your ID pass.

Our work begins long before anyone starts their • Provided with keys for the classrooms, first day. toilets and staffrooms. As soon as you receive an offer from The John • Spend time within your own department. Roan, we will write a welcome letter inviting • Introduced to your line manager who will you to our New Starters’ Day. This is a chance provide you with a brief on your department to meet the Executive Headteacher and senior and team. staff and provide us with any information you believe we should know about you. • Taken on a tour of both sites. • Provided with an outline of how your role fits in to the plans and vision for the future.

You will also be provided with all your New Starter documentation, including conditions of your employment and new starter forms. We do this so that on your first day you already feel reassured that this is the right school for you. Each and every person will be equipped with the attributes needed to be successful, both while at the school and in the years beyond

Our Vision

A school’s vision dictates what it wants to achieve for its students. Ours is simply that students will be the best that they can be.

The John Roan Pledge The John Roan Adventure These values are diffused across Governors and staff pledge to Young people attending the the school so that in every provide a rich, broad and deep John Roan will grow and develop activity and lesson students education so that all students are over their 7 years at the school. partake in, they are taught to able to make excellent progress They will experience a varied apply them in their everyday lives. whatever their starting points. curriculum that stimulates them We believe that by embracing in and outside of the classroom these core qualities each and The John Roan Family and is enhanced by innovative every person will be equipped with the attributes needed to We will be a learning community learning experiences. be successful, both while at the that involves all groups of Our values: PRIDE in all that school and in the years beyond. parents and has strong links we do with feeder primary schools and local employers. Our values refer to the behaviours and attitudes we expect The John Roan Contribution all members of the school Students will develop a strong community to demonstrate and sense of pride in their association develop throughout their time with John Roan. They will be at The John Roan. increasingly involved with their • Proud community and will uphold • Respectful local values. • Involved • Determined • Excellent Fantastic Fusion: blending traditional and contemporary

Our history… The Old Roan Association is To meet the diverse needs of Our patron, John Roan, was thriving, with former students our students, we will always born in 1602 and before he died and staff continuing to take an offer and develop a broad and amassed several properties in interest in the school by providing relevant curriculum, teaching a Greenwich, which he dedicated work experience, advice and full range of academic subjects in his will to the founding of a sometimes employment for and a variety of vocational These values are diffused across school for the ‘town-born our young people. All students courses too. We will seek to push the school so that in every children of Greenwich’. automatically become members boundaries by using cutting edge activity and lesson students and benefit from the extensive learning methods to deliver a partake in, they are taught to The school started with just social and sporting facilities at contemporary curriculum that is apply them in their everyday lives. 16 boys, but by 1814 this had the members clubhouse situated suitable for the jobs of tomorrow. We believe that by embracing reached 100, increasing to over at the school playing field. these core qualities each and 600 with the opening of a girls’ No student will be left behind. every person will be equipped school by the middle of the 19th Our future… We are committed to ensuring with the attributes needed to century. The school moved to We will continue to recognise our that everyone’s individual be successful, both while at the its Maze Hill site in 1928, and heritage, whether that’s through learning needs are met, and school and in the years beyond. today a memorial plaque can the end of year Founder’s we believe our contemporary still be found commemorating Day or celebrating The John buildings, complete with hi-tech the former pupils who lost their Roan Foundation’s continuing technology suites are the perfect lives in the First and Second involvement. However, we will environment in which to inspire World Wars. always be a school looking to this generation and beyond. We are proud of our history the future and how we can best and the students who have prepare our students for 21st passed through our doors. century Britain – and beyond. Notable alumni include Sir Jack Drummond, a leading Biochemist; David Hillier, former Arsenal footballer; Nicola Jeal, editor of The Times; and Iris Grace, former editor of Women’s Weekly. Character Building

Encouraging you to enrich our young people’s lives by accompanying them to our very own outdoor activities centre in the Lake District: Braithwaite.

“A CV may get you the interview, Set within 40 acres of land, Students from each year group but character will get you the the activities centre acts as the regularly visit and subject specific job.” Tim Peake, British Astronaut perfect base for our students to trips are also organised. For access a wide variety of pursuits example, in recent years, there Not many state schools, even less they may otherwise never have been Maths and Music so those from inner , can experience, embrace the beauty residential study trips. Thanks claim to have unlimited access of our spectacular countryside to the Hope Memorial Trust’s to an area of outstanding natural and be challenged and inspired generosity, we are able to heavily beauty in the Lake District, such by the bountiful nature of subsidise all of our excursions. as the Braithwaite Centre. outdoor life. Students and staff who havevisited The Hope Memorial Trust, which Activities that students can funds the centre, was established always talk about the lasting enjoy include: by Arthur Hope, a former impression that their trip will have Headteacher of The John Roan • Rock climbing on them: “I can’t believe how lucky from the 1920s, who wanted to we are to be able to come here. It’s • Hill walking give our capital’s young people shown me what life outside of the opportunity to experience • Orienteering London can look like, and I’ve learnt so many valuable skills that the beauty beyond their urban • Nature rambles environment. I’m going to use when I get back • Canoeing to school.” • Swimming • Ghyll scrambling

Built on 40 acres of land, the Braithwaite activities centre acts as the perfect base for our students to access a wide variety of pursuits they may otherwise never experience Staff ensure every student develops their employability skills such as problem solving, communication, critical thinking, creativity, leadership and organisation

Partnerships

With the City of London and Canary Wharf – gateways to a global workplace – on our doorstep, we work with our business community to ensure that we are promoting the skills required by future employers.

We utilise key partnerships Careers advice: helping students • National Careers Service insights with the likes of KPMG and to become tomorrow’s leaders into the labour market and the Speakers 4 Schools, so students needs of employers At The John Roan we know that of all ages experience a breadth our careers guidance is second to • Workplace visits, ‘taster’ events, of careers across numerous none. It dovetails perfectly with work experience placements and industries. This not only helps our partnership work because internships to widen their understanding students get the advice they need • Careers fairs and networking of the opportunities available to turn their ambitions into reality. to them, but in showing what events From as early as Year 7, students can be achieved with hard work • Access to open days at further receive careers information by it also has a direct impact on and higher education institutions, the following means: attainment. creative online resources and Built on 40 acres of land, the Staff ensure every student • Prospects – a company labour market intelligence dedicated to supporting develops employability skills • Careers management skills like CV students into their chosen Braithwaite activities centre (problem solving, communication, writing and building, job searches careers – deliver 1:1 and group critical thinking etc.) within and interview practice acts as the perfect base for careers advice lessons and through our highly our students to access a wide successful student leadership • Mentoring and coaching variety of pursuits they may programme so that they are (1:1 and group career support utilising the lessons learned from from specialised staff) otherwise never experience mentors, internships and trips. • Speakers from the world of work Sixth Form

We are a relatively small Sixth Form, and yet still provide a full suite of A-level subjects complemented by specialised Level 3 BTEC courses. Because of our size we can offer both high quality academic provision and the personalised support that students miss in a larger college.

We are able to do this because We are incredibly proud of our 4. Monitor and challenge all of our excellent and experienced Sixth Form provision, which students consistently across teachers, who work alongside Ofsted described as having their courses our tutors, learning mentors and leaders that are “ambitious 5. Offer high quality, impartial, wider Post-16 team. and determined to bring about personal careers advice ensuring improvements”. This aspirational We offer all our students a all students have ambitious plans mentality permeates throughout tailored programme of our Post-16 student body, and is 6. Celebrate individuality and extracurricular support, supporting founded in our Six Pillars, in success their study skills, getting them which we pledge to: workplace ready and supporting “Leaders ensure that students their applications to university or 1. Deliver outstanding pedagogy experience a wide range of work- other destinations. Our tailored within a culture of high aspirations related activities. Students receive pathways ensure that there is a and expectations effective careers advice and are curriculum offer to match their well prepared for university.” 2. Support all students to needs, whether it is to go to a top Ofsted reach their dream destinations, university or to take a route more including Russell Group and directly into employment. international universities, We have forged a strong creative arts and employment partnership with the Greenwich 3. Provide individualised study Titans Basketball and plans for all students to ensure all of our Sixth Formers are able they make substantial and to participate in their training sustained progress and are well programme, running after prepared for their futures school and at weekends. Student Experience

We make sure every student 2. Family Values: The JRSA 4. Sporting Heroes has the chance to surpass The John Roan School Once again, thanks to the their academic expectations Association is the friendly John Foundation we are privileged to by creating the best possible Roan PTA. The group plays a have access to playing fields in learning environment, but at The pivotal role in strengthening the , complete with John Roan the student experience allweather pitches that rival those goes beyond academia. Here are bond between parents/carers just some of the reasons why life and the school. Meetings are of independent schools. Cricket, at The John Roan is so special. relaxed, social and informative, netball, rugby and girls’ tag rugby, and take place every term. The football, dance, badminton, 1. The John Roan Foundation Executive Headteacher provides a athletics, table tennis; the list We are incredibly fortunate to report and covers issues relating of sports at our school goes on be supported by the Foundation. to the school,fundraising ideas and on. We compete locally and It owns several properties in and upcoming social events are nationally, and are very proud of Greenwich and uses the income discussed. our many talented students who to support our school. To name have represented the district, 3. The Sound of Music but a few examples: it maintains London and even the country our minibuses, has kitted out both Music plays a crucial role at the on occasion. school sites with high-tech IT school, and through our orchestra equipment, and funds the Roan and other ensembles we can offer 5. Clubbing Together Exhibition – awarding the boy and every student the opportunity Beyond sport, music lessons and girl with the top A level results a to learn an instrument of academic booster classes, bursary of £1000 for three years their choice, funded by the students have an abundance to help them through their choice of clubs to join. Coding club, of further education. Foundation. Our musical prowess is well known, and this translates creative writing, orchestra, into an annual showpiece musical Knit and Knatter, book club, that has audiences dancing in music production, journalism; their seats. we offer more than 40 clubs where students can develop new interests and explore their passions in a safe space.

The John Roan Foundation awards the boy and girl with the top A level results a bursary of £1000 for three years to help them through their choice of further education 6. A Community for Everyone 8. Duke of Edinburgh 10. Community Counts The notion of caring and cohesion Hundreds of our students have One of our key priorities is to has always been the backbone of received a DofE Gold, Silver or make the school a fundamental our community. Every member of Bronze Award, the world’s part of our wider community. the Guidance and Achievement leading youth achievement We want people to be proud of Team knows every student in the award. Achieving a DofE Award our students and recognise their year group. We do this because is a passport to a brighter future positive contribution to society. we know how important it is for because it is valued by employers Community engagement forms our students to have someone and universities. The programme is an integral part of our wider approachable if they need it and thriving at our school, with more enrichment programme, with for you to know who to contact and more students keen to reap students taking part in numerous when you want to discuss the the rewards from the hard work activities throughout the year. needs of a student. needed to secure this noteworthy accolade. 7. Student Voice Our Student Council is an 9. Celebrating Success inspiring team of individuals We celebrate the wonderful dedicated to ensuring that our diversity of cultural backgrounds, students’ voices are heard. needs and ambitions, and operate Committed, focused and a positive rewards scheme that always open to new ideas, one recognises the individuality and team became a Department achievements of each student. for Education case study for Rewards are given for making a excellence. In recent years, some positive contribution to the school have taken part in debates in the community, academic success European Parliament and even and good behaviour. taken tea with the Prime Minister.

Music plays a crucial role at the school, and through our orchestra and other ensembles we can offer every student the opportunity to learn an instrument of their choice, funded by the Foundation Designated Special Provision for students with autism

The John Roan is an autism-friendly school. We were one of the first schools in the borough to be awarded The Autistic Education Trust’s Standards, which gives us recognition as an autism-friendly school.

The Designated Special Provision (DSP) is a nurturing environment which is outward facing. We spend time getting to know our students very well, so that we can help them make a successful transition into the mainstream.

Our DSP teaching team consists of one lead teacher, one SEN teacher, specialist teaching assitants and a team of subject specialists from the mainstream, The DSP runs on both sites and facilities include a classroom, a computer suite and a multi-sensory room.

This is merely an introduction and a lot more information can be found on our website.

Admissions to our DSP are made through the Royal Borough of Greenwich SEN Department, The DSP has capacity for 16 students.

THE JOHN ROAN Maze Hill Site: Maze Hill, London SE3 7UD Westcombe Park Site: Westcombe Park Road, London SE3 7QR

T: 020 8516 7555 E: [email protected] W: www.thejohnroan.greenwich.sch.uk

Follow us on twitter: @TheJohnRoan