HISTORY:
St Joseph’s has evolved from humble beginnings and is championed as an inclusive educational establishment with Christian values. The College is highly regarded for its caring ethos and for a rich curriculum that encapsulates creativity with academic rigour whilst always maintaining a child-centred approach.
Every organisation has a unique ethos, usually derived from its heritage, and St Joseph’s is no different. That ethos sets them apart from other schools and makes them distinct, known and loved. Whilst their heritage grounds them, they also embrace the future and pride themselves on nurturing curiosity that seeks truth and wisdom. Their community is dedicated to educating and safeguarding young people and collectively they ensure each member of the College fulfils their true potential.
The St Joseph’s College ethos is based on the values and teachings of St Jean-Baptiste de La Salle (1651-1719), patron saint of teachers. Despite La Salle having been born into the wealthy Moët (champagne) family, he decided to eschew personal wealth and enter the priesthood, dedicating his life to service and to teaching the poorest boys in his home town of Rheims.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR:
Outstanding extra-curricular activities at lunchtime and after school are available to all students, mostly at no additional cost. They encourage their children to discover something new as well as mastering interests they’ve already developed.
Their extra-curricular programme varies from term to term to reflect the changing and seasonal interests of their students, but the range includes leisure and recreational activities; competitive sports of every kind; and cultural and arts activities with a major focus on art, music and drama.
For more adventurous individuals there are national and international trips, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme activities, and the Young Enterprise programme. The College also has a very exciting Year 9 student exchange programme for both boys and girls in conjunction with three schools in Sydney, Australia (Knox Grammar School, St Catherine’s School and Pymble Ladies College).
ENGLISH SUPPORT:
In Years 7-9, international students can use the timetabled second language lessons (Spanish or French) to have focused group EAL (English as an Additional Language) lessons which are always small groups. In Years 10 & 11, if students want to they can study IGCES English as Second language rather than GCSE English as one of the compulsory options. 1:1 intervention is also available when/where possible. IELTS support is also offered in Years 12 &13 too without extra cost.
The College is also an accredited testing centre for IELTS and SAT examinations.
SIZE:
The school has approximately 70 international students from 12 different nationalities including UK in two boarding houses. Boarding can start in Year 6 (Age 10-11).
POST-16 QUALIFICATIONS:
Their aim is to bridge the gap between the guided study of GCSEs and the self-discipline that is necessary to succeed at higher levels. The support and co-operation of tutors and subject teachers ensures that this is a smooth transition.
Students are also encouraged to consider undertaking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a research-based one year project that involves the preparation of a mini-thesis and a presentation on any chosen topic. They believe that the EPQ provides both a good introduction to university-style academic work as well as the opportunity to differentiate on university or job applications.
The minimum academic standard required for entry into the Sixth Form at St Joseph's is four grade 6 GCSEs for A-level study or five grade 4s for BTEC study, including both English and Maths.
PRE-16 QUALIFICATIONS:
The breadth of the Senior School curriculum is perhaps its most obvious feature – alongside traditional academic subjects they offer opportunities for high achievement in technology, arts and sports. But their curriculum’s real difference lies in its success in engaging and supporting a wide range of students’ interests and abilities.
In Years 7-9, students explore a broad and balanced curriculum to provide firm foundations of study for GCSE. During Year 9 a detailed Options Programme ensures appropriate advice is given to enable them to make sound subject choices to take them to GCSE and beyond.
ACCOMMODATION:
Boarding at St Joseph's encourages independence and provides the opportunity to really squeeze the most out of every minute of every day.
The facilities they offer to their boarding students enable them to enjoy their lives at school to the full – resulting in both impressive exam results and outstanding performances in sports and the arts.
Successful boarding is the result of achieving a balance between study, development and enrichment.
Their aim is to maintain an environment that supports every student’s growth from childhood to adulthood. Through inspiring teaching, a caring approach and in beautiful surroundings, they nurture children into confident, successful, compassionate young people who have integrity, dignity and self-belief.
Many of St Joseph’s boarding students choose to go on to study at degree level at leading universities in the UK. And although academic learning is the priority at our school, it is complemented by a rich programme of arts, sporting and extra-curricular activities. Students of all ages compete in sports to a high level, or perform in public shows and recitals.
As well as full-time boarding, St Joseph’s is able to offer both weekly and flexi-boarding options.
PASTORAL:
Quite simply, they provide complete care for your child while they are away from home.
It is the responsibility of their trained and dedicated boarding staff to take complete care of all the children who board with them and they do so to the highest standard, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Principal and key boarding staff are permanently resident on site.
Students enjoy outstanding medical care and attention from a fully qualified on-site nurse. Doctors, dentists and opticians are of course available when required.
They are proud of our high quality, in-house, award-winning catering team, who cook with the freshest of ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible. They give special consideration to those children with special dietary needs or religious requirements.
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