News list
The Byron House New Room was transformed over the summer into a brand new library for all ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúÎÛÎÛÎÛ to enjoy from Kindergarten to Form 2. This light, spacious room now has fitted light beech shelving units around the walls which curve to add to the aesthetics of the space. New colourful rugs and large comfy cushions also add a homely feel.
On Saturday 8 July parents, pupils, staff and friends of St John’s gathered to mark the end of another successful academic year at the school. Parents and ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúÎÛÎÛÎÛ had the opportunity to admire and celebrate the wonderful work that was on display around the school, at Byron House, Senior House and Whitfield House.
Form 6 parents were treated to an entertaining and often highly humorous evening of plays involving the Form 6 leavers. Many of the plays were written by the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúÎÛÎÛÎÛ themselves including the Latin play ultio deorum which was the winning entry in the recent "Ludi Scaenici" Latin Drama Competition.
Great team spirit ensured that the Pre Prep Sports Day on 26 June was one of the highlights of the end of term. It got off to a flying start and saw the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúÎÛÎÛÎÛ take part in competitive running and relay races. Just for fun the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúÎÛÎÛÎÛ also took part in various novelty races which included a dressing up race, an obstacle race, an egg and spoon race and a sack race.
Transition 2 (Year 2) ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúÎÛÎÛÎÛ brought the classic first book in The Chronicles of Narnia series, by C S Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, to life in their stage adaptation.
A record number of guests registered for tickets for this year’s free Parents’ Association Evensong, held again in St John’s College Chapel and sung by the internationally renowned College choir, featuring choristers from the school. Attendance at this annual event is always high, though this year it was perhaps buoyed by the buzz following the recent success of the College Choir in the BBC Music Magazine Award 2017, with their latest recording of music by St John’s College alumnus, Jonathan Harvey, winning the choral award.
The Third Form made their debut on the Hinsley Hall stage and performed their rendition of Cinderella. A funky interpretation of a traditional tale, the Third Form production was based on the poem by Roald Dahl, featuring wonderful highlights of music and dancing.
During the Easter break, a group of Senior House Geographers and Scientists set out to explore the wonders of Iceland.
The performance of the Passion of Christ that closed the Lent term was accomplished by a mature and talented Sixth Form year group. The play recalls the final days of Jesus’ life – from his entry into Jerusalem, to his crucifixion five days later – and all of the complex plotting, political side-stepping and betrayal that facilitated Jesus’ downfall. The Passion Play is a moving story that required a deep intensity and thoughtfulness, which the Sixth Form delivered.
The Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge, has won a BBC Music Magazine Award for its recording of Deo, a collection of sacred works by the late composer and College Honorary Fellow, Jonathan Harvey. It is the first time that a collegiate or cathedral choir has won the award for choral music at the prestigious ceremony. BBC Music Magazine is the world’s best-selling classical music monthly, and the awards are the only celebration of classical releases in which the winners in each of the main categories are chosen by the general public.