An International Baccalaureate World School - St John's School and ...

An International Baccalaureate
World School
Designed and produced by MB Design & Marketing Ltd, Tel: 01673 842911 Email: studio@mbdesignhouse.co.uk
Principal: Dr P K Hazlewood BEd, MEd, PhD, FRSA
Excalibur Academies Trust: a company limited by guarantee
Registered in England: Company Number: 8146633
Registered Office: St John’s Marlborough, Granham Hill, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4AX
Tel: 01672 516156 Fax: 01672 516664
Email: techcoll@stjohns.wilts.sch.uk Website: www.stjohns.wilts.sch.uk

Foreword
STJOHNS’
MARLBOROUGH
AN INTERNATIONAL
A C A D E M Y
St John’s is an 11-18 Academy with a national and international
reputation for curriculum innovation and highly effective learning.
However, it is an Academy where the individual matters more than
anything else.
Our reputation as a caring Academy which sets very high academic
standards in a disciplined environment is well known. We are proud, as
an Academy, to stand for quality – quality of teaching and learning. We
believe that these are both exceptional but as a parent myself I know
that other things are important if our children are to be successful. We
place a high emphasis on developing a proper sense of values – respect
for others, a responsible attitude towards the community, care for the
environment and a pride in oneself and one’s appearance.
Growing up has never been a simple process. As a High Performing
Specialist College we have excellent facilities and a highly committed
and professional staff dedicated to support and guide your child’s
development, but above all things I value the partnership between
home and Academy. Parents are always welcome to visit the Academy
in action and we guarantee you personal attention at all times. The
happiness of your son or daughter is as important as academic and
personal success. Together we can achieve anything.
This prospectus is intended to give a brief view of St John’s. I hope
you will feel encouraged to visit and I look forward to welcoming you
personally.
The new St John’s
Designed to provide a first class learning environment the new
Academy has a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, Sports Centre
and purpose built classroom for every subject. It’s design and
location sets the new Academy in an almost unique context.
Dr P K Hazlewood
‘‘We are proud, as an Academy,
to stand for quality”.

Academic Excellence
STJOHNS’
MARLBOROUGH
AN INTERNATIONAL
A C A D E M Y
St John’s has long held a reputation for academic excellence.
A high performing school since 2008 in the top 10% of GCSE
and IB results nationally we aspire to the highest levels
of achievement. We recognise and celebrate the fact that
every individual is unique and has different strengths. Our
lessons provide high levels of challenge and focus on the
development of independent thinkers and learners. This work
is recognised by our status as a national Leading Edge School
and one of the six RSA National Training Schools.
Our mission is clear …
St John’s is an innovative and dynamic community recognised for
excellence in teaching and learning that provides all learners with
the confidence and capability to be full participants in the global
community.
What do we want to achieve?
St John’s will
• be a forward looking Academy that encourages all learners to
realise their potential to become active, compassionate and
lifelong learners
• provide the opportunities for a rich educational experience that
enables everyone to become fully developed personally with
the confidence and capability to make a positive contribution
to society
• be an Academy where every individual matters
And our aims?
1. To foster a sense of personal pride and belonging to the
Academy community in which all students are encouraged
to develop self-esteem, respect for others, tolerance and
self-discipline.
2. To provide and maintain the highest quality teaching and
learning in a safe and secure environment for all students.
3. To inspire a love of learning, a spirit of enquiry and an ethos
in which students are enabled to achieve their full potential.
4. To encourage strong partnerships with our parents and
wider community that directly benefit all concerned.
5. To develop creative partnerships with schools, academies
and colleges globally that directly impact on every individual
through our Technology and Language College work.
6. To enhance our position as a leading Academy nationally.
7. To be a happy Academy in which a sense of fun and
enjoyment prevail in an ethos of mutual respect.
Technology, Language and Art College
We are proud of our triple specialist college status achieved
through consistently setting very high standards. Our specialist
areas of Mathematics, Sciences (including Physics, Chemistry,
Biology and Astronomy), Earth Sciences (including Geology,
Geography and Environmental Sciences), Technology and ICT
provide an educational programme second to none. In 2012 we
achieved the Design Mark and Artsmark Gold Award increasing
our strength in depth still further. Our determination to raise
standards, develop new approaches to teaching and learning
and set the standards to which others aspire is absolute.
Language College status allows us the opportunity to provide
language beyond the Academy. Every student studies French,
German and Spanish in Year 7 with the majority also studying
Latin. At least one language continues to GCSE with a very
high uptake post 16. Besides French, German and Spanish we
intend to expand our languages to include Chinese (Mandarin),
Arabic, Italian and Russian.
The Academic Organisation
St John’s offers a very broad curriculum found in very few
schools and academies. Our pioneering curriculum in Year 7
and 8 lays the foundation for future success. Learning to learn,
managing information, managing situations, relating to people,
global citizenship and understanding represent the central
curriculum structure for 21st Century learners.
In addition to our specialist areas a very high priority is given to
excellence in English. We also strongly encourage development
of expertise in Music, Theatre, Classics, Sport and History. St
John’s is one of a very few state academies to offer Classics
and Latin to all students.
‘We aspire to the highest
levels of achievement.’

The St John’s Curriculum
What do we offer
The Sixth Form College
Not only is St John’s one of the largest Academies in Wiltshire it is also the home
to the largest Sixth Form with over 400 students. This enables us to provide the
highest quality and range of courses available. A full Sixth Form prospectus is
available separately.
We see our Sixth Form students as young adults preparing to enter the world of
higher education or employment. We seek, through our ethos and programmes
to develop leadership qualities and provide opportunities for management and
decision making skill development.
A number of our students enter Oxford and Cambridge Universities but our
primary aim is to ensure that everybody makes the right choice and is prepared to
realise that ambition.
Art
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Computing
Design and Technology
Drama & Theatre Studies
Economics
English Language
English Literature
Environmental Studies
Film Studies
Food Technology
French
Further Mathematics
Geography
Government & Politics
BTEC Certificate Level 3 & Subsidiary
Diplomas – Applied Science
AS/A2 Courses
German
Health & Social Care
History
ICT
Latin
Law
Mathematics
Media Studies
Music
Music Technology
Philosophy and Ethics
Photography
Physics
Physical Education
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Textiles
BTEC National Diploma - Art & Design
The International Baccalaureate
St John’s is determined to give our students the very best educational
opportunities possible. We have been an International Baccalaureate World
school since 2007 joining 2500 other schools globally offering the IB diploma
qualification. The IB is an internationally recognised qualification which
is highly rated by universities across the world. The IB aims to develop
inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a
better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and
respect.
In the view of Oxford and Cambridge “we like the IB; it goes beyond ‘A’
level in preparing students for university”. Whilst we send students to these
prestigious universities every year we want our students to be able to study
anywhere in the world and to become truly global citizens. The IB provides
that opportunity.
The Academy Curriculum
St John’s has a national reputation for excellence and innovation. Our
Middle Years curriculum emphasises learning to learn, managing information,
managing situations, relating to people and citizenship. It forms the basis
for a deeper curriculum beginning in Year 9 that sees many students sitting
GCSEs early. At Key Stage 4 students follow courses in English (Language
and Literature), Mathematics, Sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology),
Technology, Philosophy & Religion, P.S.H.E., a Language and Computer
Science. We encourage every student to study a broad and balanced
curriculum and a large number of other subjects can be studied. These
include – Art, Business Studies, Child Development, Classical Civilization,
Drama, Dance, Environmental Science, Geography, History, Information
Technology, a second or third Language (French, German, Spanish), Latin,
Law, Media Studies, Music, Physical Education and Vocational Courses.
STJOHNS’
MARLBOROUGH
AN INTERNATIONAL
A C A D E M Y
“Our primary aim is to ensure
that everybody makes the
right choice”

Student Support & Guidance
STJOHNS’
MARLBOROUGH
AN INTERNATIONAL
A C A D E M Y
It cannot be emphasised too strongly that our children have but one
opportunity to make the most of their education. For that reason we
ensure that the essential ingredients for success are present:
The staff of St John’s: the team of teachers and the staff that support
them are second to none. They are a highly committed and professional
team who thoroughly enjoy the privilege of teaching and working at St
John’s. To them the individual child comes first.
Our students: are our greatest asset. Coming from almost every
conceivable background they work hard together and are some of the
most pleasant children to be found anywhere.
Student Guidance and Discipline: to achieve our aims we firmly believe
that an ordered, disciplined atmosphere is the best environment for
learning. The small number of rules in the Code of Conduct emphasise
self discipline, mutual respect and a proper sense of values.
Uniform is seen as an essential factor in encouraging self discipline,
high standards of personal presentation and pride – in oneself and the
Academy. Good behaviour is expected, recognised and rewarded.
The Tutor Group: is arranged in vertical “families” of Year 8 to Year 11
students. This emphasises the importance of mutual care and respect
allowing older students the opportunity to support and guide younger
ones. Each Tutor Group belongs to a College: the College Principal is
responsible for all aspects of the individual students education both
academic and social. Year 7 start in tutor groups to help them adapt to
their new environment.
Mentors: every student has a mentor who keeps a close check on all
aspects of the student’s progress. They have a one-to-one meeting every
six weeks in which targets are set for the next six weeks. The mentor is
very often the same person as the student’s tutor.
Parents are warmly welcomed in St John’s and our motto is simple;
“if you ever have a problem or concern, however small, please contact us.
If we have a problem we will contact you!”
We believe that education is a far broader experience
than the 25 hours per week of formal lessons. Part of
our mission in providing excellence in breadth includes
opportunities for all students in:
Music ~ Music at St John’s is a very strong and popular.
Nearly 80 candidates take GCSE with many others joining
the North Wilts Young Musicians Choir, which is based at St
John’s, the Academy Orchestra, the Marlborough Community
Orchestra and several ensembles. These include Jazz, Wind
and String. Many students benefit from individual tuition
during the Academy day. Several Rock bands also exist!
Theatre and Dance ~ This is an exciting area of the St
John’s. The Academy ethos strongly encourages participation
in Drama, Dance and Theatre with many small and larger
performances through the year. Personal confidence and
awareness of others are essential qualities that our students
develop in this area.
Sporting Activities ~ St John’s runs many sports teams
including Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Football, Athletics,
Tennis, Hockey, Swimming, Water Polo, Cricket, Rounders,
Badminton, Archery and Fencing. In addition residential
courses in Water Sports, Skiing and Hockey are offered with
Equestrian and Shooting teams.
Child Protection ~ The Academy has a comprehensive
Child Protection Policy monitored on an annual basis by the
Governors. A copy is available upon request. There are three
named Child Protection Co-ordinators who are experienced in
dealing with child protection issues and should any student or
parent have a child protection concern, the child protection coordinators
should be contacted as a matter of urgency.
The teachers and the staff that
support them are second
to none”.

St John’s Marlborough
- An International Academy
One of the new independent state academies, St John’s continues on the
journey to become a leading Academy internationally. Education in the 21st
Century demands that our students are prepared to take their place in the
World. International educational co-operation between learners is therefore an
essential part of the curriculum experience for every child. Our aim is to create
learners who have the resilience, passion, determination and self-confidence to
change the World for the better. Therefore, “the International Academy” reflects
our future aspiration and signals, for everyone connected to St John’s, what we
stand for.
A Global Academy
St John’s has a central philosophy that seeks to ensure that our students are
prepared to be active members of the global community. We have contacts and
partnerships with schools across Europe for exchanges and curriculum projects. This
is enhanced by work with schools in the Gambia, South Korea, India, Mexico, China
and New Zealand. Trips to the Rainforests and Kenya underline a commitment to
educating children to understand the complex dilemmas facing the planet.
OFSTED 2000 ~ “…THE SCHOOL HAS IMPROVED WELL SINCE IT’S LAST INSPECTION….
OVERALL THE QUALITY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING ARE STRENGTHS OF THE SCHOOL”
OFSTED 2005 ~ “ST JOHN’S IS A GOOD
SCHOOL WITH MANY OUTSTANDING
FEATURES … THE SCHOOL HAS
VERY LITTLE TO DO TO BECOME
OUTSTANDING IN EVERY RESPECT”. THE
KEY IMPROVEMENT IS “TO ACHIEVE THE
SINGLE SITE…”
DCSF… IN 2005 ST JOHN’S WAS
RECOGNISED AS “A HIGH PERFORMING
SCHOOL” NATIONALLY. THIS ACCOLADE
WAS AWARDED AGAIN IN 2006, 2007
AND 2008.
… 2005 SAW ST JOHN’S LEADING WORK
IN PERSONALISED LEARNING;
… OUR BOOK “NURTURING
INDEPENDENT THINKERS” WAS
PUBLISHED
ST JOHN’S BECAME THE NATIONAL LEAD
SCHOOL WORKING WITH NINE EUROPEAN
NATIONS TO DEVELOP THE GLOBAL
CURRICULUM FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
DCSF… IN 1998 ST JOHN’S WAS DESIGNATED AS A SPECIALIST
COLLEGE IN MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ICT. THIS
STATUS HAS BEEN RENEWED FOUR TIMES.
RSA… IN 2001 ST JOHN’S WAS SELECTED AS ONE
OF TEN NATIONAL PILOT SCHOOLS PIONEERING A
NEW CURRICULUM FOR THE 21ST CENTURY.
… IN 2004 THE DCSF INVITED ST JOHN’S TO
FORM A VIRTUAL FEDERATION DEVELOPING
INNOVATIVE PRACTICE.
… IN 2006 WE WERE AWARDED A SECOND SPECIALISM
IN LANGUAGES;
… IN 2006 WE WERE AWARDED INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE WORLD SCHOOL STATUS.
A SCHOOL AT THE FOREFRONT OF NATIONAL AND
INTERNATIONAL CURRICULUM INNOVATION
THE NEW SCHOOL OPENS
OFSTED 2009 ~ “WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH
A GOOD SCHOOL ON OUR DOORSTEP”. THIS IS HOW
ONE PARENT DESCRIBED ST JOHN’S AND INSPECTORS
SHARED THIS VIEW.
DCSF … IN 2009 OUR NEXT BOOK “LEADING THE
LEADERS” WAS PUBLISHED.
OUR HIGH PERFORMING SPECIALIST STATUS WAS
RENEWED AGAIN!
75% of all students achieve 5A*-C
(incl English & Maths)
Top state school in IB Diploma results
STJOHNS’
MARLBOROUGH
AN INTERNATIONAL
A C A D E M Y
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
A Recent History of St John’s
St John’s becomes an Academy
86% of students receive 5 a*-C
2012
‘Our students are prepared
to take their place in
the world’