In a world where children are being educated for jobs that do not currently exist, it is vital that learning establishments make significant adaptations in the way students are taught. St John’s College in Southsea is doing just that!
From September 2020, The Lower School (Reception to Year 4) will see students start their learning journey, with a curriculum based on child-led development and discovery. In the Middle School (Year 5 to Year 8), students will study a wider curriculum offering variety, challenge and social development, whilst using technology to enhance their learning. Throughout Senior School (Year 9 to Year 13), the academic focus will be developed as students prepare for GCSE, A Level exams and life beyond St John’s College as global citizens.
The changes come to ensure that St John’s College is at the cutting edge of the independent sector, equipping our students with key life skills and a life-long love of learning.
In light of the recent Covid-19 crisis, digital skills have become even more important. Since lockdown, Students at St John’s College, have benefitted from up to 5 hours of face to face lessons per day via Microsoft TEAMS.
Mrs Mary Maguire, Head of College commented, “This is an exciting opportunity for St John’s College. Our young people need to have secure subject knowledge, but they also must be able to work together, be flexible and adaptable in a fast-moving world where jobs they could be doing have not yet been created. Academic success is of course imperative, but students also need persistence, initiative and curiosity to succeed in the workplace. Our aim is to create world ready learners who can cope seamlessly with the challenges thrown at them in this ever-changing world. Recent weeks have shown that our students already have developed some of these skills to a high level.”
In addition to this work on their core education focus, St John’s College has announced a further development in their international links. They have joined with a partner in China to establish ten St John’s High Schools over the next ten years. As the only boarding school in Portsmouth, the College will also continue to develop a diverse and truly international Boarding Community, giving students the opportunity to learn about different cultures in their city centre campus.
Mrs Maguire added, “There is an urgent need to update education systems to equip children with the skills to navigate the future of work and the future of societies. I am proud that St John’s College is modernising how we educate our students.”
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