JUNIOR SCHOOL PROSPECTUS Entry September 2022
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WELCOME I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
WELCOME TO THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
‘Pupils develop convincing self-understanding and confidence from an early age. They have a positive outlook and are clear that they can become whoever they want to be in the school’s open and supportive environment’ Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2019
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S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I WELCOME
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WELCOME I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL opportunities are embraced and appreciated in any setting, whether it is through our co-curricular ‘Forder’ programme (with over 80 activities taking place each week), performing a production on a professional stage, by facing a fear on one of our residential visits, playing a match to understand the benefits of teamwork and sportsmanship or developing their understanding the world around them in our Woodland Classroom. Our pupils relish learning for their own personal development and fulfilment.
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elcome to the Junior School, where pupils make their first marks on the blank canvas of their St Dunstan’s shied as they begin their College adventure, learning who they are and discovering a true love of lifelong learning from the very earliest stages. Our academic ambition is cultivated by a balance of challenge, rigour, immersive learning experiences and independent exploration. Our engaging, broad and balanced curriculum is unashamedly aspirational for each and every pupil, regardless of their starting point, and equips them with the necessary skills they will need to thrive as proactive global citizens within a rapidly changing world. Our pupils see that through learning, they gain a better sense of who they are, what they can achieve, and what they will be able to accomplish in the future. Learning at St Dunstan’s does not just take place within our state-of-the art classrooms; learning
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We are a coeducational Junior School for children from Nursery to Year 6. We take pride in our broad and balanced curriculum which is taught by our highly-skilled teachers and provides children with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need in order to develop into creative, curious and courageous individuals. No day at St Dunstan’s is ever the same and it is through our rich, exciting and ambitious schedule of activities that we can focus on a holistic approach to education in order that our pupils can develop into well-rounded individuals, who feel happy and safe in school. As a Junior School within a whole-College, our pupils benefit from the consistency of a Form Teacher, but also the subject specialist expertise and first-class facilities in art, design technology, drama, music, swimming, PE, ICT, Modern Foreign Languages and the Stuart Curriculum (PSHEE). As such our pupils make rapid progress in every subject and it is through exposure
to a number of subject areas and enrichment opportunities that our pupils thrive. Our offering enables pupils to discover what sparks their interest, relishing the opportunity to explore new skills, but within a supportive environment, created by strong teacher/pupil relationships. The best way for you to be able to feel the energy of the pupils and staff, and truly understand how unique and exciting education is here at St Dunstan’s College, would be to visit us in person. I strongly encourage you to come to see our school in action. We host several Discovery Mornings in addition to a whole College Open Day on Saturday 25 September (dates and booking form are detailed on the website). These include tours led by our pupils, who are very proud of being part of the St Dunstan’s community, and who will happily offer insight into their own personal school journey. I look forward to welcoming you to St Dunstan’s Junior School soon.
Miss Laura Whitwood Head of Junior School
S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I WELCOME
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NEW BUILDING WORKS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
OUR AMBITIOUS JUNIOR SCHOOL St Dunstan’s College is currently undergoing its most significant redevelopment since its foundation in 1888.
St Dunstan’s College is ideally positioned: within 15 minutes by train from London Bridge or Charing Cross, it is set in 68 acres of land across two sites, accessible within walking distance. Our magnificent historic buildings, dating back to our 1888 foundation, sit comfortably alongside the most recent 21st Century developments. With our move into our new Junior School building in April 2021, our forward-thinking approach to learning is now matched by modern, bright and first-class facilities. The building includes state-of-the-art classrooms, which feature innovative technology,
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furniture, and fittings. Pupils have access to a Junior School hall, library and ICT suite. The children also benefit from being able to access all of the College’s facilities and learning spaces.
who lost their lives in the Great Wars. The magnificent stained glass, depicting the varied life of St Dunstan, is a wonderful focal point for our work at the College.
Great Hall
Wellness Centre
The Great Hall of St Dunstan’s is the physical and symbolic heart of the College. It has had extensive renovation in recent years including a new organ, sound and lighting system. The Great Hall serves multiple purposes for our College and wider community, including regular assemblies, events, musicals and plays. It is also the home to the permanent memorial to the hundreds of Dunstonians
St Dunstan’s has developed a unique, dedicated facility known as the Wellness Centre, to serve as a hub for pupil mental and physical health services. The Wellness Centre – historically known as The Pavilion – is home to First Aid and medical support, counselling, peer mentoring, chaplaincy support, and also features spaces for pupils to be still and reflect.
S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I NEW BUILDING WORKS
Woodland Classroom Our Woodland Classroom is a dedicated outdoor space for Junior School pupils. The area is designed for children to take part in Forest School lessons, learn about the great outdoors and gives them an opportunity to see wildlife in action. There is a pond, bug and bee house, and an area for planting.
Jubilee Ground In addition to the facilities contained on our main school site, the College also owns the Jubilee Ground – 23 acres of playing fields in the centre of Catford, a three minute walk from the College site.
Students have access to natural cricket, football and rugby pitches as well as a number of high-quality MUGAs (Multi-use Games Areas) providing opportunities to play hockey, football, netball and rugby.
Leisure Centre Pupils have access to a wide range of sporting opportunities across both our sites, both for competitive sport, training and for leisure. Our sporting facilities include two large playing fields on the main College site, a sports hall, gym and fitness studio and a 31 metre indoor swimming pool.
‘This represents the most significant redevelopment of our College sites since our foundation in Catford, in 1888. I feel sure our founders and benefactors would be proud of the innovative new buildings that are being constructed, as records show they were intent that a St Dunstan’s education should be ‘ahead of the current time’ Mr Hewlett - Headmaster
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PRE-PREP EARLY YEARS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
PRE-PREP : EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE NURSERY & RECEPTION Pupils are directors of their own learning. Using the Early Years Curriculum as a basis for our planning, each child is stimulated and challenged through a personalised and bespoke curriculum. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) we are a community of learners: teachers undertake investigations with pupils, encouraging curiosity and wonder in order that they can discover the excitement of learning, whilst modelling positive learning behaviours such as asking questions, taking risks and learning from mistakes. Pupils develop key skills through experiences, which are based on their personal interests, where they feel safe and secure asking questions at this critical stage of development.
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The EYFS staff at St Dunstan’s understand the importance of developing the key social, emotional, communication and physical skills that underpin all areas of the curriculum and which children need in order to experience academic success throughout their school life. Teachers have a high level of knowledge and regard every moment and observation as a teaching and learning opportunity. Spontaneous moments such as playing in the snow, a child’s new pet or observing nature in our Woodland Classroom, are used as a basis for planning rich learning experiences. In
essence, our curriculum is bespoke to a particular cohort and their needs; it is ever-evolving and we respond to what we see and know about the children in order that everyone is able to achieve their very best. Our highly experienced teachers and teaching assistants provide children and families with a continuity of care throughout the foundation stage, in preparation to begin Key Stage 1. The strong communication between teachers ensures that our pupils are well supported and prepared for their transition from Nursery to Reception
S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I PRE-PREP EARLY YEARS
‘Nursery children are enthusiastic when sorting different shaped blocks, learning numbers and developing their communication skills by playing imaginative games with each other’ Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2019
and Reception to Year 1. Pupils who attend our Nursery enter Reception confident and ready to learn because their emotional and social needs are considered and catered for from the very first day they join us. Our EYFS pupils benefit from the wonderful resources on offer at St Dunstan’s, including science laboratories, visits to our kitchen, the sports hall, the Woodland Classroom and the swimming pool, providing our Nursery pupils with a variety of rich experiences outside of the classroom setting. Each classroom extends into the outdoors, with large balconies to provide outdoor learning experiences in all areas of the curriculum. Each week our children receive lessons from specialist staff in PE, swimming, languages and music, as well as optional after-school activities such as football, multi-skills and drama. Pupils relish the opportunity to share their learning and positive experiences with their families throughout the year at assemblies, performances and on Sports Day. We really see the EYFS as the first stepping stones of what will be an exciting and individualised St Dunstan’s College journey. With experienced and knowledgeable staff, who engender a culture of discovery, achievement and cement a love of learning at the very first stages, every pupil is able to thrive in the safe and secure environment we create.
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PRE-PREP I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
PRE-PREP : YEARS 1 & 2 Our children have a wide variety of exciting experiences during their time in Pre-Prep. We believe that we have a very important job to nurture curiosity and independence from an early age. Academic and pastoral needs are of equal importance: a kind word to your friend is valued and celebrated as much as effort made during classroom tasks and activities. Children in Pre-Prep are taught phonics through daily sessions using a range of memorable and interactive synthetic phonics programmes. Pupils
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reinforce their phonological awareness through spelling and handwriting lessons, where they learn to read and write using a cursive, joined script. Using high-quality texts as a stimuli, pupils are given the opportunity to write in a variety of styles and genres. In the first instance in mathematics, there is a strong emphasis on
developing the children’s core number and calculation skills. Pupils engage in practical tasks to cement their understanding using concrete resources, before moving on to more formal calculation methods. In Year 1, pupils begin weekly lessons in reasoning, where they are taught skills and strategies to support mental maths and problem solving.
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During their time in Pre-Prep, pupils benefit from weekly lessons delivered by specialist teachers in music, languages, ICT, PE, swimming and games. From Year 1, art is taught as a skillsbased discrete subject in our well-equipped art room, as well as creatively through topicbased learning and thematic projects linked to core curriculum subjects. Pupils in Year 1 and 2 benefit from their own dedicated outdoor learning spaces, which are an extension of the classroom, as well as lessons in our Woodland Classroom. As our pupils grow and develop, so too do the challenges they face, as they reach Years 1 and 2. They begin their journey into the world of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and are able to understand and appreciate links between the humanities and science through exciting and thought-provoking topics. They also begin their Stuart Curriculum (PSHEE) lessons. These give the pupils the space to question and explore the world beyond their set subjects, looking at issues such as relationships, physical and mental health, and developing a greater understanding of the wider world.
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PREP I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
PREP : YEARS 3 - 6 Prep consists of Years 3 to 6 and with increased independence comes further opportunities to take part in many areas of Junior School life.
Prep pupils benefit from a greater variety of subjects and specialist teachers. The curriculum is tailored to the values, ethos and expectations of our College by subject coordinators and then further adapted by Form Teachers to ensure that they provide a consistent yet personalised learning experience, meeting all the needs of the pupils. We ensure that pupils are appropriately challenged and able to develop higher order thinking. This is particularly evident in the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). As well as developing knowledge, skills and
understanding about a particular concept, pupils are also encouraged to make links across subjects and contextualise their learning to the real world. Pupils have the opportunity to learn in a variety of different ways to cater for a range of learning styles.
calligraphy to sporty statistics, coding to mindfulness – all pupils are given the opportunity to delve into topics and skills that truly interest them. Forder activities are also available to pupils before, during and after school, as well as during the timetabled school day.
They can also take full advantage of the vast co-curricular offering. The Forder Programme, (named after one of our first visionary Headmasters, Reverend Forder), enables each pupil to select an activity that interests them during timetabled lessons. These range from
Pupils are encouraged to take more responsibility for their academic progress through their Learning Scores, and they are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school community. At St Dunstan’s College, we believe in encouraging positive learning behaviours which are then reflected in a child’s Learning Scores. Pupils are actively supported to consider their subject engagement, response to feedback, organisation, independence and collaboration. Ownership and development in these areas are pupil driven to build a foundation for a positive attitude and outlook towards lifelong learning. Pupils who demonstrate strong learning behaviours are also selected to be Learning Mentors for the class as role models to others. There is always an air of excitement in the Prep and never a dull moment: from an array of specialist workshops and educational visits, to pupils taking part in many sporting fixtures and performances. The learning journey for each pupil is individual to them and enhanced through our holistic approach to education.
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S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I PREP
‘I love the weekly challenge of the Year 5 Estimation Station. All the different activities we do help me to consider different strategies and approaches to problem solving’ Year 5 Pupil
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THE IPC I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
THE INTERNATIONAL PRIMARY CURRICULUM In the Junior School, history, geography, and science (and art in Pre-Prep) are taught using the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). In the Early Years Foundation Stage, the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) supports key areas of learning through holistic enquiry and play-based approaches that cover all curriculum areas including personal, social, and emotional development. Through exciting, cross-curricular thematic units, such as Temples, Tombs and Treasures, Space Explorers and Saving the World, Junior School pupils begin to recognise the independence and interdependence of history, geography and science, which, in turn, enables them to make purposeful links and connections throughout their learning. Embedded within each unit is the development of international mindedness which allows children to develop their understanding of different cultural and global perspectives on current issues. Pupils launch into a new unit each term or half-term through an entry point activity. The activity, be it a trip, a workshop or a themed day at school, fires the imagination and gets
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everyone excited and engaged in the theme. It also provides a common platform so that every pupil has an experience to draw from as they progress through the unit. Over the course of the topic, pupils develop their knowledge, skills and understanding and become fully immersed in their studies through rigorous, collaborative and memorable learning activities that appeal to all learning styles and are relevant for all children of all abilities. Each unit culminates in an exit point. From space exhibitions and rocket launches to historical parades, children take great joy in sharing their learning with members of the St Dunstan’s community.
S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I THE IPC
‘In IPC, we learn about really fun things like Ancient Greece. My favourite was designing a Greek pot with a story on and making it out of clay’ Year 1 Pupil
‘I really enjoy IPC because every lesson and topic is different and always interesting. I really like the fact that sometimes the lesson is in the classroom, sometimes in the playground or even on the field!’ Year 5 Pupil
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THE FORDER PROGRAMME I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
THE FORDER PROGRAMME In the Junior School, we take pride in providing our pupils with an extensive and broad co-curricular programme and our pupils relish the opportunity to learn a new skill. Pupils benefit from an allencompassing co-curricular offering, which enables them to develop their skills, broaden their understanding of the wider world and discover new passions and talents. Our Forder Programme allows pupils to immerse themselves in creative, physical and often challenging activities, alongside various opportunities to develop leadership skills and work on team building.
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The Forder Programme journey starts from as early as Reception and the variety and diversity of activities increases as pupils progress through the Junior School and develop their independence and organisational skills. Our broad and unique Forder provision allows pupils to select activities that excite and challenge them, enabling them to uncover new skills that they may never have known they had before. No matter the pathway
they choose for themselves, each individual will embark on a journey that offers opportunities for character development through our aligned College values: Curiosity, Compassion, Creativity, Courage and Core. Each Junior School pupil is challenged to embrace the spirit of the College motto – Albam Exorna – by taking ownership of this journey, embracing new challenges and creating memorable experiences on their pathway through
S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I THE FORDER PROGRAMME
the Junior School, College and on into their wider life outside of school. Activities take place before school, at lunch time, during Form Time and after school. In Prep, two additional timetabled lessons are devoted to our co-curricular programme. In addition to a wide range of sport, music, art and drama activities, we offer an extensive range of clubs which change on a termly basis. These include activities such as debating, philosophy, yoga, LAMDA, chess and mindfulness. With over 80 clubs taking place in the Junior School every week, there is so much to look forward to. Where an activity is particularly popular, we repeat it over multiple terms to ensure that all pupils who are interested are able to take part. The breadth and range of options available aims to cater for the needs, tastes and interests of all our pupils.
‘I love the Forder Programme because you can choose your activities at least twice a week. It is really special that we use lesson time to learn a completely new skill’ Year 6 Pupil
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THE JUNIOR SCHOOL I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
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S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
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THE STUART CURRICULUM I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
THE STUART CURRICULUM Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do in the Junior School. Our Stuart Curriculum enables pupils to develop their spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, economic and physical understanding.
Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything we aim to achieve in the Junior School. Our Stuart Curriculum enables pupils to develop their spiritual, moral, cultural and mental understanding, as well as giving pupils the tools they need to develop into critical thinkers and globally aware citizens who are ready for a future that is not yet known to them. Our Stuart Curriculum is an ambitious framework which allows our pupils to excel and thrive in their learning of key life skills, relationships, the wider world, their contribution to society, becoming responsible citizens and
critical thinkers. We pride ourselves in our ability to challenge our pupils to formulate their own opinions about the wider world, being respectful of others yet brave enough to articulate their own thoughts and feelings with confidence and sensitivity of the fact that other pupils may have different thoughts and feelings to their own.
opportunities and responsibilities they have as citizens and individuals within a broader life context. We encourage pupils to consider the positive impact of adopting a growth mindset: embracing and not fearing challenges, developing resilience and learning strategies to have awareness of and be able to regulate their emotions.
In weekly Stuart Curriculum lessons, pupils cover age-appropriate content covering termly topics of Relationships, Skills for the Future and Critical Thinking. Within these topics, pupils learn about community, their role within society and the
These lessons form the core of our whole-College aims and values. We help pupils develop attributes and characteristics that will enable them to thrive as individuals and members of society. We also include ethical and philosophical debate and offer all year groups an introduction to Mindfulness. When relevant, we invite external specialists and speakers to lead sessions with our pupils, these have included E-Safety, relationships, how to manage money and how to develop resilience.
‘It’s good for helping us to speak openly and honestly about our beliefs, emotions and feelings’ Year 4 Pupil
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S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I COMMUNITY OUTREACH
COMMUNITY OUTREACH In the Junior School, we aim to instil a sense of commitment and responsibility within our local community. Meaningful opportunities offered to pupils allow them to understand the role they play not only within their home and school community, but also locally and within the wider world. From small acts of kindness to largescale charity projects, we host many events and run programmes to deepen pupils’ understanding of the role they play in supporting others and the community within which they live. We hope that in doing so, they are developing their sense of empathy,
gratitude and compassion towards others. Junior School representatives take part in a whole-College Charity Committee, deciding each term who should be supported by the College in our various charitable events, for example supporting the ‘Hello Yellow’ Young Minds campaign on World Mental Health Day or Save the Children on Christmas Jumper Day. In addition, our Forder Programme includes pupils venturing into the local community
to learn more about our environment and fellow-citizens within it. We endeavour to host events within the local community and invite the public to various performances, presentations and workshops within our St Dunstan’s Festival in the Trinity Term. We also make the most of our local environment by hosting the Junior School Harvest Festival and Carol Service at St Laurence’s Church, Catford and instrumental concerts at St Bartholomew’s Church, Sydenham.
‘Pupils show compassion and kindness for each other and have a discernable appreciation for their community and the world beyond’ Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2019
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PUPIL VOICE I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
TOMORROW’S LEADERS PUPIL VOICE Pupils are provided with a range of opportunities to contribute towards the strategic vision of the College and there is an emphasis on ‘pupil voice’ throughout their school experience.
Each year in the Junior School, the College endeavours to increase the roles and responsibilities available to pupils, as their awareness of wholeCollege matters develops alongside their ability and confidence to articulate their views. The Junior School actively seeks opinions, ideas and suggestions from pupils; their decisionmaking contributes directly to school improvement and target setting. The pupils are at the heart of our school community and it is therefore essential that their voice is heard by enabling them to partake in roles and duties where they feel their contribution is valued, welcomed and has a wider whole-College purpose. Our Pupil Parliament representatives meet on a weekly basis, comprising of one pupil per class from Year 2 to Year 6. The Junior School Pupil Parliament forms part of a wider whole-College Pupil Parliament (including representatives throughout the College from Year 2 to Sixth Form), who meet on a termly basis at our G8 Summit at the Council Chamber in Catford to report to one another the progress they have made working on particular projects and celebrate the differences they have made to the College community. Their ideas from
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these meetings also feed into our wider College Development Plan. Playground Pals are selected in Year 6 following an application process and they then take the lead in training our Year 2 representatives. This role is taken incredibly seriously by the pupils involved who actively seek to promote positive play, inclusive friendships and generally have an overview of pupils on the playground to ensure that everyone is happy and enjoying their experience during playtime. When pupils are in Year 6, additional responsibilities are introduced and these include: Sports Captains (selected by the Junior School sports staff), House Captains (voted for by the pupils in their House) and a Head Boy and Head Girl (voted for by the Junior School staff). The Sports Captains are involved in the organisational elements of their sport (both as part of the Forder Programme and within lessons), lead warm-up activities for others, keep score at certain events, represent the College at all fixtures for their age group within their particular sport and model the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and playing fairly.
The House Captains are expected to take pride in their House, showing both dedication and commitment to the team they are leading. The pupils take a lead role in organising key House events, meeting on a weekly basis with the staff Heads of House. They are positive role models and ambassadors for the College, celebrating the success and achievements of others. The Junior School Head Boy and Head Girl are representatives of the Junior School, working closely with the Head of Junior School. They are responsible for giving feedback about life in the Junior School, as well as assisting with some essential duties as part of the daily routine. They will also be expected to attend key events and functions, including regular opportunities to speak to a large audience.
S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I PUPIL VOICE
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SUSTAINABILITY I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
SUSTAINABILITY Pupils in the Junior School explore the benefits and importance of sustainability through the taught curriculum, co-curricular programme and general day-to-day action taken within the College. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and understand the significance of them both in regard to the school community, but also the wider world.
Our sustainability education includes: •
Taking part in the Travel for London Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe initiative
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Running Cycle Confident Levels 1 and 2 training
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Holding ‘Walk to School Week’
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Inviting our Head Boy and Head Girl to the Lewisham Council Air Quality presentations
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Running Forder Programme activities with an environmental focus, such as ‘Recycling Rocks’ and ‘Eco Club’
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Learning about environmental topics as part of the International Primary Curriculum
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Taking part in environmental competitions e.g. creating an air quality banner and writing poems about food wastage
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Engaging in topical discussions as part of the Stuart Curriculum
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Pupil Parliament representatives monitoring air quality and logging results on a daily basis across different areas of the College site
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Pre-Prep Scooter Training
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Holding a ‘Car Free Day’ and ‘Car Sharing Day’
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Learning about road safety
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London Underground route planning
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Whole-school step count
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Sustainability is integral to every aspect of our lives and parents are heavily involved in reiterating the message that we must all be aware of our environment and that strategies should be implemented to look after the planet as much as possible for our own wellbeing and future. We were delighted to be awarded a gold accreditation for Air Quality by the Lewisham STARS programme. Junior School staff and pupils across the College are active members of the Green Society, who are instrumental in delivering current information regarding environmental issues to pupils in assemblies and also work towards initiatives to ensure our environmental contribution is the best that it can be.
S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I SUSTAINABILITY
‘Pupils are able to engage with the great issues of our time, such as climate change and inequality, in an intelligent way’ Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2019
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PASTORAL I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
PASTORAL CARE At St Dunstan’s College, the pupils are at the heart of what we do and we understand that it is only when pupils are happy, settled and feel safe in school that they are able to thrive and achieve their true potential.
Pastoral care is the responsibility of all members of staff, who take time to develop trusting, positive relationships with pupils, understanding that pupils are individuals with their own qualities, skills and characteristics. We pride ourselves on the strength of our community and adopt an ‘open door’ policy with all parents and pupils. Every form has a Form Teacher, who will teach the majority of lessons to their class, plan Form Time sessions every morning and afternoon, as well as at the end of the school day. The College motto – Albam Exorna – translates to ‘Adorn the White’. This phrase is connected to the white shield that serves as three quarters
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of the school’s crest. The white is the blank canvas onto which will be adorned the as-yet-unwritten story of each St Dunstan’s pupil: each individual journey through school and life beyond. This is reflective of our appreciation that each pupil has their own unique qualities and attributes. We believe that the principles underpinning the narrative of our motto are reflected in the values we foster in our young people and embed in our school community and culture today. We strive for a school of individuals who have the Courage to be
who they are, the Creativity to develop new ideas and shape their own futures, the Confidence to try, succeed and respond positively to failures, the Compassion to understand and appreciate others and the wider world, and the Curiosity to always to want to discover more. Before School Care starts at 0745 and After School Care runs until 1800. Pupils attending wrap-around care will be supervised by a qualified member of our teaching support staff. Our wrap-around care provision enables pupils to complete their homework, take part in additional play time and enjoy structured activities.
S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I INCLUSION & ENRICHMENT
‘When you join St Dunstan’s, you feel like everyone is a friend to you and they help you when you are in need. We celebrate each other’s differences and value everyone in the school community’
LEARNING SUPPORT Learning Support encompasses those pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), English as an Additional Language (EAL) or Gifted, More Able & Talented (GMAT).
Year 6 Pupil
The educational provision at St Dunstan’s College is tailored to meet the needs of every individual. This begins with high-quality, differentiated teaching, ensuring that targeted support takes place inside the classroom for all. Our small class sizes and additional teaching support ensures that we always have an awareness of how each pupil is progressing with their learning and we are able to respond to what we see proactively, scaffolding learning where needed and ready with an additional challenge if a child is ready to move on with their learning. Where additional support is required, our SEND team works across the Junior School, providing support to identified pupils through more tailored intervention. The team will ensure that supportive and personalised strategies for those children with SEND are put in place, both inside the classroom and through purposeful and targeted intervention. We aim to work closely with families to ensure that there is a cohesive approach to supporting
the individual child with plans that are put in place to include measurable targets and appropriate strategies. Children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) are supported in a similar way whereby the Learning Support team and Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Coordinator identify and support children to ensure that access to the language used in the classroom does not become a barrier to their learning. Pupils who are bilingual or more able in a particular language are suitably challenged in our languages lessons to ensure that they develop their language learning further. Our high-achieving pupils are consistently challenged both inside the classroom through high-quality
teaching and differentiation, and outside the classroom through enrichment opportunities. Enrichment activities are sent home each term outlining additional tasks and activities that the children can engage with in topics that they are particularly interested in. Alternatively, children who have been identified as high-achieving in a particular subject may be invited to an enrichment group after school to challenge and develop their understanding further or a bespoke workshop, in collaboration with Senior School specialists. Further opportunities to nurture talents can also be seen through bespoke educational visits and pupils participating in both local and national competitions, including mathematics, chess and art.
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RESIDENTIAL TRIPS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
‘You can go on a residential trip with your friends and you get to learn in a different way, away from your classroom and your school. You learn what your life will be like if you don’t have parents organising your things all the time!’ Year 5 Pupil
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S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I RESIDENTIAL TRIPS
RESIDENTIAL TRIPS From Year 2 to Year 6, pupils are offered a range of opportunities to experience the benefits of learning in an out-of-school context with high‑quality, overnight residential trips. We believe that these experiences enrich the taught curriculum, foster deeper and often new relationships with peers, develop resilience, teamwork skills and increase independence, as well as a sense of belonging. Pupils form new friendships, confidence and self-awareness through the variety of experiences they encounter. The memories made on these trips are invaluable and pupils speak about their trips and the adventures they have experienced with fondness and delight. In Year 2, pupils camp on the school grounds overnight and take part in team-building activities, enjoy a
summer barbeque together and spend time around a campfire. In Year 3, pupils spend two nights and three days on their residential trip, following a ‘From Field to Plate’ theme. They learn all about the importance of farming, take part in the daily farming routines and the processes needed in order for us to be able to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Activities also include pupils preparing their own food to further embed their understanding of the final stage of the farming process. Year 4 journey to Sheringham, Norfolk to spend three nights away at the
Hilltop Activity Centre. There, the pupils experience a variety of activities, the picturesque location and the opportunity to develop their teamwork and collaboration. Pupils also journey to the British coastline to enjoy the beach, examine rock pools and explore the effects of erosion. The activities during the day include assault courses, problem solving activities and even the high swing. In the evenings, pupils enjoy games in the woods, an evening walk and fun swims. Year 5 pupils embark on four nights away, completing team-building activities at Manor Adventure, Shropshire. From canoeing, to raft building, abseiling to high ropes, all pupils confront a challenge and face their fears in a fun, safe environment on their action-packed adventure week away. When pupils are in Year 6, they travel further afield for five nights to Maison Claire Fontaine, in Burgundy, France. This visit is part of the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum and the focus of the trip is a completely immersive Frenchspeaking experience. All lessons and activities are led by teachers who are bilingual native French language speakers and the increased confidence pupils have when speaking French upon their return is quite remarkable.
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FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS In the Junior School, pupils are provided with many opportunities to join together as a community to celebrate a key date, event or particular festival. Often these events involve parents joining us and we embrace any opportunity to bring our whole-College community together, including events taking place both in and outside of school. In addition to this, we have a main ‘Theme of the Week’ as a whole-school, where we place an emphasis on a particular topic during a time of celebration, for example the theme of Light during Diwali, World Mental Health Week and Anti-Bullying Week. We focus on that topic in assembly time, during Form Time and at various additional points in the week.
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Examples of key Festivals and Celebrations in the Junior School:
• Harvest Festival • Remembrance Service • Carol Service • Anti-Bullying Week • World Mental Health Day • E-Safety Day • World Book Day • Commemoration Day • Science Week
S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS
‘I think it is good that we have different celebrations because I find it fun and you get to practise singing songs. You are learning a lot when you find out more about different celebrations’ Year 4 Pupil
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ADMISSIONS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
ADMISSIONS Nursery (3+) and Reception (4+) Entry We accept registrations for our Nursery from birth, and early registration is advised. Children are considered for entry to the Nursery provided they have reached the age of 3 by the start of the Michaelmas Term. The deadline for online registration on our website for both Reception and Nursery entry is mid-October of the year before entry. Our 3+ and 4+ assessments take place in November and early December. Our 3+ assessments are relatively informal, last 1 hour and take place in small groups. Our 4+ assessment is designed to help the children show us what they can do and all tasks are undertaken in a thoughtful, caring and friendly manner. Please refer to our separate Junior School Admissions booklet for more detailed information and exact dates.
Year 3 Entry (7+) The deadline for online registration on our website is early December of the year before entry.
All pupils who apply are invited to attend an assessment day at the College in early January. The day consists of assessment of their academic ability as well as their learning behaviours during lessons. Please refer to our separate Junior School Admissions booklet for more detailed information and exact dates.
Other Points of Entry Occasional places do become available from time to time in all year groups. Assessments are arranged as appropriate and will involve your child spending part or all of a school day with us. They will experience a mixture of time in class and formal academic assessments. We will also contact your child’s current school to ask for a reference or recent school report. If you have any further questions concerning your child joining the Junior School, please contact our Admissions Team.
Admissions Team Key Contact Information Director of Admissions Mrs Isabelle Blake-James Head of Admissions Ms Anika Kothari Senior Admissions Officer Ms Georgina Morrison Admissions Assistant Mrs Howard Davies Junior School Admissions Coordinator and PA to the Head of Junior School Miss Deborah Jackson jsadmissions@stdunstans.org.uk 020 8516 7309
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S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I ADMISSIONS
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ADMISSIONS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S
DISCOVER ST DUNSTAN’S VISITING THE COLLEGE The best way to be able to understand our values and ethos and to see what life is like at St Dunstan’s College is to visit us in person. We would encourage all families considering an application for 3+, 4+ and entry to book on to one or more of our open events.
Discover St Dunstan’s Whole College event Saturday 25 September 2021 This Open Day showcases everything that St Dunstan’s College and the Junior School has to offer. Families will be able to visit our facilities, meet staff and current students and take part in a variety of activities to help understand what makes St Dunstan’s so unique.
Discovery Mornings During the Michaelmas and Trinity Terms we offer the opportunity to visit the College as part of a small group tour during the school day. This is an opportunity to see the school day in action, view our facilities and visit lessons, as well as hear Miss Whitwood speak.
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Virtual Events There will be a series of virtual events with the Senior School Leadership Team for prospective families to join from the comfort of their own home. These will offer an opportunity to hear more about the College and ask any specific questions you may have about life at St Dunstan’s College. Please check our website regularly for updates on how to join us at our open events.
S T D U N S TA N ’ S J U N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I ADMISSIONS
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Ju n i o r S c h o o l O f f i c e 0 2 0 8 5 1 6 7 2 2 5 C o l l e g e O f f i c e 0 2 0 8 5 1 6 7 2 0 0 St D u n s t a n’s C o l l e g e , St a n s t e a d Ro a d , Lo n d o n , S E 6 4 T Y Charity number: 312747 w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o r g . u k w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k An ambitious, forward-thinking community that inspires and supports individuals to thrive