middle school handbook - st john's college cardiff

Middle School Handbook

Contents • English • Art, Design Technology • Mathematics • Physical, Social and Health Education • ICT • Citizenship • Sciences • Music • Geography, History, Religious Education • Senior School Life at St John’s College • French, Spanish, Welsh, Latin • Extra-curricular Music

Introduction

It is with great pleasure that I commend this curriculum booklet for your information on the broad outline of what is taught in the first years of secondary education.

Heads of Departments and Senior Leadership Team colleagues are always pleased to answer any questions you may have (including by email at [email protected]), and I am always pleased to meet parents to discuss curriculum content further. Information may also be obtained from departmental handbooks, the school website www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com and the website of the Cathedral Choir www.cardiffcathedralchoir.org.

I do hope your daughter/son enjoys studying this challenging and hugely exciting material.

With my very best wishes,

Rosemary Hart Headmistress

English in R12 (Yr 7) and R13 (Yr 8)

Pupils in the Middle School follow the guidelines of the Key Stage 3 Framework for English through the Longman Literacy Objectives scheme. This covers reading, writing and oracy through a skills-based approach aimed at raising the achievement levels of all. Lessons focus on word, sentence and text level with structured support provided through the inclusion of writing and planning modelling and frames, featuring texts from a wide range of genres, including: R12 - The Diary of Samuel Pepys; comparing two poems - Fireworks by James Reeves and Gunpowder Plot by Vernon Scannell; The Two Ronnies (TV script); Bram Stoker’s Dracula; Jurassic Park (web review); newspaper articles on cloning and computer games; Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest and poems by T S Eliot and Alfred Noyes.

R13 - Blake’s The Chimney Sweeper and the NSPCC TV charity advertisement storyboard; Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes; newspaper articles on ‘Try to buy nothing’, ‘Would all our lives be better without TV?’ and ‘Little credit for online shops’; Ted Hughes’s The Iron Woman; Army recruitment advertisement and Paul McCartney’s She’s leaving home.

Literacy is reinforced through dedicated weekly personal reading sessions with pupils keeping an individual reading log each year and through use of the Cambridge English Basics scheme which addresses problem areas in spelling and grammar.

Literature is taught via whole-text study of works by major writers in both years in order to develop analytical themes and understanding of narrative structure as well as to promote enjoyment of literature leading to wider reading. Our current texts are as follows:

R12 - Henning Mankell’s Secrets in the Fire and Michelle Magorian’s Goodnight Mister Tom, with both novels providing opportunities for cross-curricular links with a range of subjects, in particular History and RE (different cultures), as well as providing opportunities for roleplay and speaking and listening activities.

R13 - Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Louis Sachar’s Holes. This provides an early introduction to the study of Shakespeare, allowing active engagement with a drama text as well as analysis of a contemporary novel.

www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com

To maximise learning, we stream by ability in R12 and R13, assessing continuously and also formally at mid-year and end-of year examinations which allows flexibility for pupils to change groups as deemed appropriate by the department members.

Mathematics in R12 /Yr 7 and R13/Yr 8 The Mathematics Department at St John’s has an excellent reputation. Our pupils are skilled and we strive to inject a vital mathematics culture in the department. We stretch our pupils by providing extra depth, and in particular by using a wide range of harder questions and problems. We have consistent success in national competitions such as the British Mathematical Olympiad.

Central to the School’s mathematical profile are the various national mathematics competitions run by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT). Our pupils always obtain Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates. The Mathematics Department also takes part in the National Cipher Challenge which is run in conjunction with Trinity College Cambridge and Southampton University.

We use Problem-based Learning to enhance the reasoning potential of our pupils. The problems have little if any scaffolding and require the pupils to work as a team. Throughout the secondary school we use the on-line package, MyMaths. This allows pupils to work interactively when they are at home and in school.

For pupils who require extra help with their Mathematics, there is numeracy support available within the department and we also run Mathematics “surgeries” most lunchtimes and before school for any pupils who are having difficulty with any aspect of their Mathematics or who have missed work due to absence.

R12 pupils are taught Mathematics initially, in mixed ability classes and thereafter they are taught in Groups. The grouping is decided not only on the basis of performance but by assessing the pupil’s aptitude for the subject. The department feels strongly that the progress of each pupil is maximised by working in a class of pupils of similar ability. The grouping is constantly reviewed and group changes are made at various stages of the year to ensure that each pupil is in a group moving at an appropriate pace for their own ability.

Each week, R12 and R13 pupils have five periods of Mathematics and two short homework assignments.

The programme of study aims to provide all pupils with a common foundation on which to base their work in subsequent years.

R12 - Arithmetic processes first encountered in Junior schools are reinforced; arithmetic techniques for fractions and decimals are developed; algebra, including the solving of simple equations and the (x,y) co-ordinate system are introduced; statistical charts, simple probabilities, angle properties of polygons and the calculation of areas and volumes of simple shapes are amongst the topics studied.

R13 - Extending the number system to include negative numbers; the use of ratio and percentages in practical contexts; reviewing and extending the basic concepts of algebra; simple number sequences, transformations of shapes and further geometry are amongst the topics studied.

ICT and Computing in R12 (Yr 7) and R13 (Yr 8)

ICT and Computing lessons for R12 and R13 are held in the newly updated ICT room which accommodates 20 networked Google Chromebooks and a wireless printer. The pupils complete integrated projects that involve use of a variety of applications. These are aimed at extending and developing pupils’ practical ICT skills as well as raising awareness and appreciation of the use of ICT in business and enterprise.

In addition, pupils undertake computer coding activities using websites such as Scratch and study the history of computing. Online Safety awareness is also a key element of the Middle School ICT and Computing curriculum with dedicated lessons and projects each term.

All pupils at St John’s College are given a Google Apps for Education (GAfE) username and have access to this cloud-based network. GAfE is used widely throughout the school curriculum thus ensuring that ICT skills are reinforced outside of dedicated ICT and Computing lessons.


Science

At St John’s College we adopt a traditional approach, where Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught in separate lessons by subject specialists. This enables pupils to have a better understanding of what each of the sciences encompasses.

In R12, pupils work from the Science Works 1 book and in R13, they work from the Science Works 2 book. Both books contain the content for Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons and are supplied by the school.

Science Skills Content in R12/Yr 7

Throughout the year, pupils in R12 and R13 will have one lesson a week, which will concentrate on developing their scientific skills. These lessons aim to improve a number of practical and numerical skills, including analytical, observational and problem solving skills. The skills developed in this year are applicable to all of the other science lessons.

Biology Course Content in R12/Yr 7

Biology is the study of life and living organisms.

Pupils in R12 begin their Biology lessons, by studying the microscope and cells. This helps to develop their competence in practical techniques and helps them to describe how scientific ideas were changed by new evidence from microscopy. Further topics taught encourage the use of scientific vocabulary and the communication of scientific ideas.

At the end of each topic you will be assessed on your knowledge and skills of that topic via an end of topic test.

At the end of the year, you will be assessed on all the work that you have covered in Biology in R12. A detailed revision guide and check list will be provided in the Summer term.

Biology Course Content in R13/Yr8

R13 pupils begin their studies in Biology by looking at the importance of breathing and respiration. Throughout the course, they are given the opportunity to recognise how decisions about the use and application of science and technology are influenced by society and individuals, and how these could impact on people and the environment.

At the end of each topic you will be assessed on your knowledge and skills of that topic via an end of topic test.

At the end of the year, you will be assessed on all the work that you have covered in Biology in R13. A detailed revision guide and check list will be provided in the Summer term.


Cells, Tissues and Organs1. The structure and function of components of

plant and animal cells 2. Specialised cells 3. How cells group together to form tissues and

organsVariation ad Classification

1. The difference between environmental and inherited variation

2. The structure of DNA, genes and chromosomes 3. Classifying organisms into groups according to

shared similaritiesHuman Reproduction

1. Components of the human reproductive system 2. The menstrual cycle 3. The developing baby

Chemistry Course Content in R12/Yr7

Chemistry is the study of the composition and properties of matter.

Pupils begin the term by studying particles and learn that all matter is made up of particles, that the particles are arranged differently and that this leads to solids, liquids and gases having different properties.

All practical work carried out within Chemistry helps pupils to describe and record observations systematically. Practical work aids pupils’ understanding of controlling risk and working safely in the laboratory.


Respiration

1. The respiration reaction and how the body creates energy

2. The organs of the respiratory system and how they work

3. Smoking and its effects on the body

Nutrition and Digestion

1. The digestive system 2. Food groups and healthy eating 3. Digestion of food by enzymes

Photosynthesis

1. structure of a leaf 2. how plants produce food 3. what plants use food for

Solids, Liquids and Gases

Elements and the Periodic Table

Compounds

Mixtures

Metals and Non-Metals

Physical Changes

Chemical Reactions

Chemistry Course Content in R13/Yr8

R13 pupils will be taught how to describe patterns and trends from experimental work and/or secondary sources, about atomic structure, metal reactions, acids and bases and geological processes.

Evidence can then be linked to conclusions within the latter topics to develop pupil appreciation of chemical concepts involved.

Physics Course Content in R12/Yr7

Physics is the study of matter and its motion.

Pupils begin their Physics lessons by building on their knowledge and understanding of the topic ‘Electricity’. They are taught to describe patterns and trends in results and link these to conclusions.


Atomic StructureMetals and their ReactionsAcids and Bases

Geological Changes

Rocks

1. Volcano! 2. Igneous rock 3. Finding fossils 4. Sedimentary rock and metamorphic rocks 5. The rock cycle

Acids, bases and alkalis

1. The nature of acids, bases and alkalis 2. Indicators 3. Neutralisation reactions 4. Acid rain 5. Soil acidity

Physics Course Content in R13/Yr8

R13 pupils start with the topic ‘Light’ followed by ‘Sound’. These interesting topics provide a foundation of knowledge on which many of the R14 GCSE topics are based. During the course of the year, pupils will use and apply quantitative methods to obtain and record data as well as developing their observational skills.


Electricity and magnetism

1. Using electricity 2. Series and parallel circuits 3. Current and Voltage 4. Electromagnets

Energy

1. What is energy? 2. Stored energy 3. Energy supplies and the energy crisis

Forces

1. Forces and the work of friction 2. Balancing forces 3. Weight and mass 4. Stretching 5. Motion graphs

Space

1. Seasons 2. The moon

Light

1. What is light? 2. All about mirrors 3. Refraction and reflection 4. The eye 5. Seeing colours

Sound

1. Highs and Lows 2. Silent echoes 3. Making music

Moving around

1. See-saw 2. Swinging 3. Roundabout 4. Falling

Geography

Geography R12/ Yr 7

The Autumn term begins with a study of Population and Our Restless Planet. These topics will give the pupils the opportunity to learn about how our ever-increasing population is putting pressure upon our planet and how earthquakes can have devastating effects upon civilization.

Following this, R12 will study Asia (focus upon SW China) and Coasts. This will allow the pupils to complete a piece of fieldwork at Caswell Bay to investigate the landform changes as a result of coastal erosion.

Geography R13/ Yr 8

The year begins with a study of International Development, which addresses the main reasons for the development gap and what can be done to close this inequality. Following on from this R13 will learn about Weather and Climate. This will allow the pupils to understand what causes weather and how weather can be measured. Our Warming Planet is a very relevant 21st century topic as it addresses both global warming and climate change which is essential for today’s students to understand and hopefully alter.

The year concludes with Living Off Earth’s Resources, which will give the pupils the opportunity to take part in a field trip where they will investigate the potential impacts of building a wind farm on Ryer’s Down on the Gower. This will involve a variety of data collection and role-play activities.

History in R12 / Yr 7

In R12 pupils study Wales and Britain in the Medieval World, c.1000-c.1500.

In the Autumn Term pupils focus on the Norman Conquest and its impact on both Wales and England, examining, amongst other topics, the different claimants to the throne in 1066, the construction of castles and the invasion of Wales.

In the first half of the Spring Term, pupils study the impact of the Normans on the medieval church and the importance of religion in the medieval world, monasteries, Gerald of Wales, Thomas Becket and the crusades. Later in the Spring Term pupils study Welsh rebellion in the Middle Ages, looking in particular at the Llywellyns and Owain Glyndwr.

In the Summer Term pupils begin their study of Wales and Britain in the Early Modern World. The units studied both focus on turning points in Welsh history. The first topic is based around the early life and career of Henry Tudor, asking the question, ‘Does Henry Tudor deserve to have his statue in the collection of Welsh heroes in Cardiff City Hall?’ The pupils begin by studying the tensions within Wales and Europe during the sixteenth century with the key question, ‘Was the translation of the Bible into Welsh in 1588 a turning point in Welsh History?’

History in R13 / Yr 8

Pupils conclude their study of Wales and Britain in the Early Modern World. The first unit of study is based on the English Civil War, its causes and consequences and its impact on Wales. We conclude our Early Modern study by examining the social lives of the different classes in Tudor and Stuart society.

In the Spring Term, we switch focus to a new era, Wales and Britain in the Industrial Age. The first study unit charts the fortunes of a fictional Welsh family as it leaves its agricultural roots and seeks employment in the new industries. This unit is followed by a study of Welsh social rebellion in the Industrial Age with particular focus on the Merthyr Rising, the Chartists and the Rebecca Riots.

In the Summer Term, we conclude our Key Stage Three studies by examining where Wales stood at the start of the twentieth century with particular focus on population, changes in work, leisure activities and the Welsh language and culture. R12 and R13 both enjoy History trips relating to their courses, with recent highlights including visits to Cardiff and Raglan castles.


Religious Education in R12 / Yr 7 and R13/ Yr 8

Key stage 3 Religious Education follows The Way, The Truth and the Life, an approved programme for Catholic schools. Religious education is delivered both as an outward and inward journey. The former engages pupils in acquiring knowledge and understanding through study, discussion and reflection. The latter encourages students to gain insights about spiritual and moral matters through introspection and honest evaluation of their own inner life. All of which requires and encourages the development of critical thinking skills which help students appreciate better the unique contribution of the Christian story. Ultimately, it is hoped that all students will gain a richer understanding of the central importance of the spiritual dimension in their lives and be inspired by the people they learn about to lead lives that serve the greater good and realise the dignity to which they and all people are called.

French in R12 / Yr 7

Throughout Year 7, we learn how to introduce ourselves, to say where we live, to talk about family and home, and what we do to help at home. We learn to talk about birthdays and presents, the 24 hour clock, the school day, school subjects, special dates and festivals in France, and the weather, seasons, sport and leisure activities. Through focused study on the French town of La Rochelle, we learn to talk about places and to give directions. We learn about food and drink in France and ways to express opinions, such as likes and dislikes.

Key Grammar Areas Studied in Year 7

• Nouns : masculine, feminine, singular and plural• Regular ‘er’ verbs• Irregular verbs: avoir (to have), être (to be), faire (to do/ make), prendre (to take), aller (to go)• Possessive adjectives (mon, ma, mes etc)• ‘Some’ (du, de la, de l’, des)• The negative.

French in R13 / Yr 8

In Year 8, we learn to identify certain French shops and ways to ask for something we want to buy, to talk about drinks and snacks in a café, and to order food in a restaurant and describe a meal. We learn about different transports and how to talk about countries in Western Europe; we learn to how to buy a train ticket, and how to identify and understand signs at a station and travel information. We learn how to describe a recent day out and a typical school day, and morning and evening routines; We learn to discuss clothes, describe people’s appearances, and to express emotions and opinions. Finally we learn how to accept or refuse invitations, and how to communicate plans and arrange where to meet.

Key Grammar Areas Studied in Year 8

• Regular ‘re’ and ‘ir’ verbs• Irregular verbs: pouvoir, vouloir, lire, écrire, metre, sortir, partir, apprendre, comprendre• The Perfect Tense; verbs taking ‘avoir’ and verbs taking ‘être’• Prepositions with towns (à) and countries (en, au, aux)• Asking questions in the Perfect Tense.• Direct Object Pronouns – le, la, l’, les• Making comparisons e.g. Plus grande que....

Autumn 1 Autumn 2 Spring 1 Spring 2 Summer 1 Summer 2

THE WAY

Year 7 Revelation and Faith

God’s Promises Fulfilled

The Saviour The Church The Sacraments

Christianit y and Other Faiths

THE TRUTH

Year 8 Creation Covenant Mystery of the

Eucharist Paschal Mystery

Prophetic Role of the Church

The Church in Britain


Spanish in R12 / Yr 7 (first year of Spanish)

1. Introduction to the Spanish language, starting with pronunciation of the alphabet and simple greetings. 2. Songs, games, classroom objects, and vocabulary concerning familiar things such as descriptions of ourselves, family, pets, home, school, numbers, dates, days, months, seasons, birthdays. 3. Target language for instructions, commands. 4. Present tense of common verbs. Targets for the end of R12 1. Hold a basic conversation in Spanish. 2. Listen, understand and respond to simple statements and questions in Spanish. 3. Read Spanish for comprehension. 4. Write short paragraphs about ourselves, family, home, school.

Spanish in R13 / Yr 8 (second year of Spanish)

1. Extension work to include home, family, school, then town, region and free time. 2. Extra vocabulary and grammar with extended verbs and tenses. 3. Weather and seasons. 4. Speaking remains an important focus, as well as the skills of listening, reading & writing. 5. Target language. 6. Continued enjoyment through word games, songs

Targets for the end of R13 1. Hold an extended conversation in Spanish on the topics as specified in a more confident way. 2. Listen to the extended topics for understanding and response. 3. Read longer paragraphs in Spanish for comprehending and responding. 4. Write longer paragraphs on specified topics with a wider range of vocabulary and grammar.

Welsh Second Language

Currently all classes from nursery to R13 are timetabled for Welsh lessons.

Pupils will study a variety of topics in R12 and R13, building on the work learnt at key stage 2 such as days of the week, months of the year, colours and numbers amongst others. As part of the subject content, pupils will be taught to read, write and speak about each of the topics below, ensuring they are fully prepared to progress onto the Welsh GCSE course in R14.

Welsh in R12 / Yr 7

Autumn term Spring Term Summer Term Greetings & Area School Sport & Leisure Friends Eisteddfod activities Revision Christmas activities

Welsh in R13 / Yr 8 Autumn term Spring Term Summer Term Personal information Tenses Music Home and area Wales and the world Oral work Idioms & further work on leisure time Eisteddfod activities Revision Christmas activities


Latin in R12 / Yr 7 and R13 / Yr 8

During the course of R12 and R13, pupils learn about: • Gladiators and the gladiatorial games • The part the baths played in Roman life • Elections • Schools and education • The destruction and excavation of Pompeii

Key Grammar Areas:1. Accusative plural of nouns in declensions 1, 2 and 32. Dative case of nouns3. Present tense of verbs - all endings4. Imperfect and perfect tense of verbs5. Third person perfect and imperfect tense endings.

In R13, pupils sit the Cambridge Graded Test, and in recent years, many pupils have achieved excellent results. R13 also enjoy an annual trip to Caerleon Roman Baths, Museum and Amphitheatre.

Art and Design

Pupils will gain a wider knowledge of the art world, art history, artists, designers and contemporary craft workers. They will have the opportunity to delve into different facets of art whilst using a variety of media and techniques. Pupils will produce artefacts in the following forms:

• 3D Textiles • Ceramics • Sculpture • 2D Graphics • Print • Painting

Pupils will also develop skills when recording from observation, secondary sources and from their imagination. Trips to the National Museum of Wales reinforce pupils knowledge and understanding. The use of A4 sketchbooks will be prominent, pupils will also work on A3 size paper, and will use a selection of materials when working in three-dimensions.

Design Technology

Throughout the two years pupils will learn to work from a brief with a specific user in mind. Pupils will develop skills and material knowledge through development of projects using plastics, manufactured boards, soft woods and basic electronics whilst enhancing their design work with technical drawing knowledge and presentation skills. Pupils will problem solve both as individuals and in teams, and learn to use the skills of others to reach a solution effectively.

Sport & Physical Education R12 / Yr 7 and R13 / Yr 8

We support the Government’s aspiration for all young people to have two hours high quality P.E. per week within and outside the curriculum. Please see the website ‘Notices’ page for weekly updates of extra-curricular sports activities and collection times, sports fixtures, venues and times, and sports results. Alternatively you can contact members of the St John’s College P.E. Department by email: [email protected]

The Sports Department Teaching Staff / Coaches: Female: Mrs N. Wood, Mrs E. Jones, Mrs R. Thomas. Male: Mr J. Tertois, Mr C. Williams. P.E. Assistant & Football Coach: Mr J. Fowler, Mr J. Minto.

Clubs and Teams

The Sports Department offers a broad range of sporting activities, emphasising both team and individual sporting prowess, including:

• Netball, • Rugby, • Hockey, • Football, • Dance, • Basketball, • Gymnastics, • Tennis, • Baseball/Rounders, • Athletics, • X-country, • Circuits, • Aerobics, • Running, • Swimming, • Golf, • Tag Rugby, • Badminton, • Cricket, • Cross-fit, • Volleyball, • Table Tennis.


Each year group has its own teams and every pupil is encouraged to participate in teams and squad training sessions. Sports teams compete against other independent schools from all over South Wales and parts of England. Extra-curricular clubs and practices begin at 3.50 and end at approximately 5pm; match times vary. Team sheets are shared via Google Classroom or given out prior to matches with exact times for parents to organise pick up times. Every week a timetable of extra-curricular events is displayed on the P.E. Notice Board and on the website ‘Notices’ page giving notice to pupils and parents of the sporting activities planned for the week ahead.

The Sports Department provides pupils with the highest standard of sporting equipment and facilities and every pupil is expected to play to the best of his / her abilities. The school fosters an ethos of fair play both within sports practices and amongst teams and individuals representing the school in competitive external fixtures.

Facilities

St John's College boasts a multi-purpose sports hall comprising a netball court, four badminton / short tennis courts, a full size basketball court with retractable goals, two junior basketball courts and a five-a-side football court; we also have an outdoor netball court.

Our extensive sports grounds in nearby Began Road include full-size football, rugby, and cricket pitches with an artificial all-weather wicket as well as facilities for long jump and throwing circles. We also have plans for a sports pavilion in the near future.

Annual Events

Apart from the provision of weekly fixtures and extra-curricular activities, a highlight of the sporting calendar is: the Annual Senior Sports Day at the National Indoor Athletics Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University. All pupils compete for points for their House (be it Bute, St David's, Mostyn or De la Salle) in their preferred events and at levels appropriate to the abilities of each pupil. This event is well supported by pupils and parents and is great fun for those involved. We run successful sports tours every two years including the recent Netball and Hockey Tour to Jersey and the Ski Trip, as well as the February 2014 Tour to Malaga.

Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship at Key Stages 3 and 4

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) comprises all that the school undertakes to promote the personal and social development of our pupils. The school has a commitment to foster the spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and physical development of each individual by:

• The development of high quality programmes of learning which encourages self-discovery, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-expression and in which personality and skills can develop and flourish.

• Preparing young people for adulthood and the world of work by helping them to develop a sense of right and wrong: and awareness of the responsibilities and adaptability to thrive in ever- changing technological and social circumstances and qualities of perseverance, compassion, tolerance, imagination and independence of spirit.

Thus, PSHE cannot be delivered in isolation, but must be fostered across the whole curriculum and in the extra-curricular life of our school, as well as within a programme devised specifically for this purpose.

Citizenship in Key Stages 3 and 4

Citizenship gives pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in society at local, national and international levels. It helps them to become informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens who are aware of their duties and rights. It promotes their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, making them more self-confident and responsible both in and beyond the classroom. It encourages pupils to play a helpful part in the life of their schools, neighbourhoods, communities and the wider world. It also teaches them about our economy, democratic institutions and values, encourages respect for different religious and ethnic identities and develops pupils’ abilities to reflect on issues and take part in discussions.


By the end of the Key Stages most pupils should:

• Have a broad knowledge and understanding of the topical events they study; rights, responsibilities and duties of citizens; the role of the voluntary sector; forms of government; provision of public services; and the criminal and legal systems.

• Show understanding of how the public gets information; how opinion is formed and expressed, including through the media; and how and why changes take place in society.

• Take part in school and community-based activities, demonstrating personal and group responsibilities in their attitudes to themselves and others.

Music at Key Stage 3

The music curriculum at St John’s College is strongly influenced by the School’s special mission to provide all the music at the year-round sequence of public services at the Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral of St David in the city centre. In practice, the School provides the entire musical machinery, both professional adult and students aged 7 to sixth form level, who both sing and play in various choral and instrumental ensembles, appropriate to each particular liturgy, season and occasion. This requires that the underlying philosophy, whilst acknowledging the importance of performing, composing and appraising, must provide a sound basis for producing enough children who can read musical notation, either to play or to sing, to meet the demands of an exciting and wide ranging repertoire. We are happy to give every pupil the opportunity to take up an instrument or to use the voice in a trained capacity. Every pupil at this key stage has access to keyboards, and those who possess other instruments are encouraged to bring those to extra-curricular ensembles and to class music lessons so that we can put together full class performances of our own compositions, and arrangements of pieces such as Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Pachelbel’s Canon.

Music plays a central role in a child's intellectual, social, moral and spiritual development, and pupils at St John's College enjoy a broad and fulfilling repertoire. Music enables pupils to develop invaluable personal attributes such as self-discipline, self-reliance, concentration, initiative, imagination, an attention to detail and sensitivity, as well as linguistic, interpretative and cognitive skills.

Furthermore, on a social level, singing in a choir or playing in an ensemble fosters friendship, team-work and communication skills, interdependence and leadership. Pupils who go on to study other subjects such as Medicine and Dentistry still maintain a busy musical schedule, and likewise return to the School to participate in concerts.


Senior School Life at St John’s College

A vibrant & fun learning environment Our innovative range of teaching methods makes for a stimulating and interactive learning environment. Our excellent facilities include computer suites, iPads, Wi-fi, interactive whiteboards in many classrooms and access to many internet-based learning aids.

Excellent teaching The teaching style throughout the school is modern and aware of current educational thinking and best practice, involving pupils in their own learning. It is also traditional in its quest for high standards, critical thought and curiosity for new learning. Modern scientific, technological and economic awareness, an outward view towards the languages of Europe, as well as to our own Welsh culture, and a strong interest in the arts and social sciences underpin our special national responsibility and contribution to the civic community, in providing the music for public worship in the Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral.

Accelerated Learning At St John’s College, a daily programme of homework is set, and this forms an essential part of each subject's study. Pupils are introduced at an early stage to the concept of refining their work to prepare themselves for the demands of GCSE. Most important for pupil development, however, is the sense of a secure and supportive school environment, where effort and achievement are recognised and applauded. By the age of fourteen (a year earlier than most schools), each pupil will have arrived at an individually chosen programme of study, leading to a balanced set of GCSE qualifications, in as many subjects as will encourage the best quality of achievement of each individual, aiming at the very best grades.

Superb facilities Pupils at St John’s College benefit from a multi-purpose sports hall comprising a netball court, four badminton / short tennis courts, a full-size basketball court with retractable goals, two junior basketball courts, 2 trampolines with summersault rig and a five-a-side football court; we also have an outdoor netball court. Our extensive sports grounds in nearby Began Road include full-size football, rugby, and cricket pitches with an artificial all-weather wicket as well as athletics equipment. The new block also comprises specialist science teaching facilities, an Art & DT studio and computer suite (available to all senior school pupils) and the College Dining Room. Pupils enjoy at least 2 hours of high quality PE lessons per week as well as extensive extra-curricular provision. The annual ski trips and sports team tours continue to be very popular, notably the recent netball tours to Gibraltar and Jersey.

High quality care for each individual From the moment pupils enter the school through to sixth form and admission to top Universities, every pupil receives the highest quality of care in the context of our ‘exceptional ethos’ (Estyn Crown Copyright, 2006). Limited class-sizes and a family atmosphere give our pupils the care and attention necessary to develop their full potential in a happy and safe environment. Through excellent discipline and warm encouragement, our girls and boys achieve far beyond their predicted grades. The Merit system helps to motivate pupils to achieve their full potential by rewarding excellence and effort, and lunch time and after-school clubs give our pupils a rich and diverse education.

In addition to the full Parents Evenings in Spring, Meet The Form Teacher meetings in the Autumn Term provide an early opportunity in the academic year for parents/guardians to meet form teachers to discuss pupil progress and to identify any particular needs. The termly newsletter keeps parents aware of forthcoming events and celebrates pupil achievements across the broad spectrum of school life.


Beyond the classroom In addition to the exciting sports programme, there is ample opportunity for drama and public performance. The most recent Senior School drama productions, Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury (2013), HMS Pinafore (2014) and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music (2016) were resounding successes on a stage and set fit for the West End. Careers activities days are provided throughout the year for the Senior School in collaboration with Careers Wales. An options evening is held each year which enables students to research the subjects in which they have a keen interest. During careers activity days, pupils demonstrate creativity, communication, problem solving and team work to design outfits from raw materials such as newspaper and card, which are then presented by the team and judged. Pupils studying Art and DT undertake a cross-curricular project, designing and making a clay vessel inspired by an animal. DT pupils design and make the packaging for these vessels or design and make a point of sale. All pupils start the project by recording observations in the Educational Conservation Centre at Bristol Zoo.

St John’s College also offers an extensive and varied programme of external educational visits, including the annual History Department trip to the Imperial War Museum and the annual Ski Trip. The R13 Latin Trip to Caerleon Roman Town gives our pupils a deeper understanding of Roman life and culture. The highly-popular Middle School Debating Society has enabled pupils to develop their arguing and public speaking skills, and has won Rotary Youth Speaks Welsh Final two years consecutively. It meets every Wednesday lunchtime to debate contentious motions. The annual school Eisteddfod celebrates the talents and efforts of pupils in R12 and R13 across a host of disciplines, and allows our pupils to explore their Welsh heritage in the context of this national festival. Pupils have also had considerable success in national mathematics competitions, while Chess Club continues to flourish with a host of nationally-ranked players across the age range who have an impressive record at national chess competitions and the English Department runs several Book Clubs.

The Concert Orchestra is conducted by Diana Neville and during the course of the last twenty five years, the orchestra has transformed in to a 65-piece ensemble that performs repertoire such as movements from Rachmaninov Second Piano Concerto in venues such as St David’s Hall, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, andat Christ Church Cathedral Oxford. The Concert Orchestra has performed on several occasions in Belgium and it gave its first performance on television on S4C. The training our younger pupils receive in the Training Orchestra and theschool’s other ensembles provides excellent foundations for our pupils’ musical development, and we are delighted to give opportunities for our emerging composers too. Earlier this month we performed a composition from one of our alumni, Jerry Zhuo, who recently graduated in Economics and is now studying for his Masters at LSE.

It is widely recognised that taking part in high level music of this kind has a wonderful impact on a child’s development in so many significant ways, and we would like to take this opportunity to encourage your daughter or son to consider taking up an instrument and / or begin singing and taking part in one of our musical ensembles. Last year we said goodbye to an outstanding year group, and of the approximately 50 pupils in Upper Sixth, pupils who were members of the Concert Orchestra and Choir are now studying Medicine at Oxford and at King’s College London, Engineering at Imperial College London, History and Politics at Durham, Physics at Cambridge University (Trinity College), Law at the London School of Economics, Modern Languages at Queen Mary’s London, Optometry and Biomedical Sciences at Cardiff University, and Music at Birmingham, Bristol, and at Oxford University (Christ Church). Morgan Foley obtained the highest mark in the whole of the UK in A-level Further Mathematics, and in addition to being a member of the Concert Orchestra, he plays the oboe in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, and at Trinity College Cambridge where he is studying Physics.

This year we say goodbye to another wonderful year group, and as the university destinations for choristers and instrumentalists in this year’s upper sixth suggest, performing music of this kind has had a significant role in their development. Performing music of this kind helps a child develop an attention to detail, self-discipline, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and gives them self-reliance, enhanced confidence, creativity, problem solving skills, and so forth. There is a very special camaraderie in the choir and orchestra, and our pupils have developed so many skills through the experiences of performing music of this kind in world class venues across Western Europe including Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, in cathedrals in Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain, and closer to home in Bath Abbey, Oxbridge Chapels, the cathedrals of Wells, Hereford and Salisbury, at Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, and many others. Our pupils have performed orchestral repertoire on S4C, and have sung in the Christmas Special of BBC Doctor Who and in a major Hollywood feature film, and most years our choristers have performed on BBC Radio 4 before audiences of 1.8 million. Other highlights from their years with the choir and orchestra include performances with international ensembles such as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, St Bavo’s Cathedral Haarlem (Netherlands), Philadelphia Boys’ Choir (USA), and the Chamber Strings of Melbourne (Australia) and we are delighted to perform with pupils from across South Wales and the Archdiocese in our musical collaborations each year.


A Cathedral Choir School

The benefits of being a Chorister in Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral Choir:

• A first-class musical education and eligibility for a bursary at St John’s College. • A relatively light but enriching commitment. • Confidence building - choristers often excel at school and achieve top University places including Oxford, Cambridge and top Medical Schools. • Camaraderie and friendship of a new group of friends of different ages. • Opportunities to participate in recordings and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4, the Christmas Special of Doctor Who and a major Hollywood film. • The chance to sing abroad, including concerts in Paris (Nôtre Dame Cathedral), Bruges, Ghent and Madrid. • To work with professional directors with Oxford and Cambridge University backgrounds (including two former choral scholars of the world famous King’s College Choir), and professional singers, including a performance with the The Tallis Scholars.

For more details, please contact Mr Dominic Neville: [email protected]

www.cardiffcathedralchoir.org

Concert Orchestra & Instrumental Lessons:

The School’s reputation for musical excellence encompasses its many instrumental ensembles including its award-winning Concert Orchestra which recently appeared on S4C and was a finalist in the Welsh Proms Schools Competition. Warmly-received public concerts are performed several times per year and are professionally recorded on DVD. All pupils are encouraged to enjoy and excel in solo and group performance. Members of the school’s ensembles have enjoyed numerous musical excursions, attending concerts at venues such as St David’s Hall and The Royal Albert Hall, and visiting places of musical interest such as the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar. In recent years the Concert Orchestra and Cathedral Choir has toured Belgium, performing at Ghent Cathedral and in Bruges at the magnificent Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk and Sint Walburgakerk. A number of our pupils have gone on to perform in some of the world’s leading ensembles such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and King’s College Choir (Cambridge).

Visiting professional musicians give tuition in voice and a broad range of instruments. For more details about instrumental lessons or joining a school ensemble, please contact Miss Wall: [email protected]

middle school handbook - st john's college cardiff

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