St Dunstan's College - Forder Prospectus 2022 - 2023

THE SENIOR SCHOOL FORDER PROGRAMME

THE FORDER PROGRAMME

Our second Headmaster, the Reverend Forder, believed passionately that schools should offer more to the education of young people than classroom learning. His educational philosophy was to put the health and character of a student above the simple acquisition of knowledge.

In the pursuit of their passions outside of the classroom, the students would encounter a variety of experiences, each one an opportunity for personal growth and development. This pioneering philosophy provides the inspiration for our co-curriculum, the Forder Programme.

This ambitious, forward-thinking programme is sufficiently broad & diverse to give each individual the freedom to carve out their own unique journey. No matter the path, each individual will embark on a journey that offers opportunities for character development, in its broadest possible context. This emphasis on character is evident in our activity profiles, with each one based on a College value: Curiosity, Compassion, Creativity, Courage, Confidence and Core.

Each student is challenged to embrace the spirit of our College motto – albam exorna – by taking ownership of this journey, embracing new challenges, and creating memorable, shared experiences along the way. Each experience is an opportunity for personal growth; full of lessons that students will take with them on their journey through the College and on into life.

Mr Danny Gower

Assistant Head - Co-curricular

COURAGE

THE CORE COMPASSION CREATIVITY CURIOSITY

CONFIDENCE

FRANK GEORGE FORDER

OurForder Programme is named after Reverend Frank Forder, one of our former visionary Headmasters, who was appointed to St Dunstan’s College almost a hundred years ago, in 1922.

Forder was an academic, having been educated at St Olave’s Grammar School and then at Christ’s College, Cambridge. He believed in the need for beauty, and was versed in many aspects of literature, art and music. His changes were to be wide-ranging when he joined the College, as he decided to give students attending St Dunstan’s ‘wider views and a fuller culture’. Indeed, he was concerned that the increasing range of subjects being taught in schools would end up creating a system of education which prioritised cramming and learning by rote, without any interest or engagement from the students.

Rather than simply following the approach of others, he quickly changed the timetable and decided to end the school day early on three afternoons a week, in order to introduce ‘out of school’ activities. There was a broad and diverse range of activities to choose from, such as Wireless Telegraphy, Metal Models, Photography, Lecturettes on Industry or Map Modelling. These unique, exciting and formative experiences offered the students an array of opportunities for the development of character, in its broadest sense. So many young people have been able to reap the benefits of this pioneering approach to education in the years that have followed.

Independent Schools

Inspectorate, 2019

Students

understand the importance of developing a healthy body and mind; the foundation upon which character development is built.

At St Dunstan’s we recognise the role that sport plays not just in the physical development of young people, but across the full spectrum of values. As a result, first and foremost, it must be for all.

The Sport & Exercise Science team help all students to understand the role physical activity can play in supporting a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle. The sporting co-curricular offering is broad and inclusive, with all students given opportunities to choose, explore and find forms of physical activity that they love. As a result of their experiences, each individual develops positive relationships with sport & exercise, which promotes a lifelong commitment to health and wellbeing.

We recognise the value of early exposure to competition, and every student that enters the Senior School experiences competitive sport alongside their peers, taking pride in representing the College. With the support of inspirational teachers and a team of highly qualified coaches, they embrace memorable, high quality competitive experiences carefully tailored to their stage of development.

‘Students develop strong skills in physical education and the extensive wider games curriculum’

Rugby, Football, Netball, Hockey, Swimming & Multisport, Handball, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Trialthlon

Multisport, Volleyball. WELLNESS: Chef Tony’s Kitchen,

‘Sport has helped me to understand commitment and how to apply it. I have really enjoyed challenging and pushing myself as an individual, but in a team environment’

Year 11 student

Year 7 student

‘We are lucky at St Dunstan’s to have such amazing facilities, which we get to use during games and Forder time’

CREATIVITY

AtSt Dunstan’s we champion creative expression. All students are encouraged to embrace the freedom to explore, create, innovate, take risks and do things differently. Whether in art, drama, dance, music or one of the many related disciplines that we offer, our students benefit from a diverse array of experiences. Opportunities are broad and inclusive, giving each individual a creative space through which they can explore their own identity, the issues of our time and their role within society.

Those that do show potential benefit from outstanding facilities, individual tuition, and expert guidance from those working in creative industries. They can then showcase the skills that they develop at some of the best performance spaces across London.

Each year builds to a crescendo with the two-week, St Dunstan’s Festival. Values based themes give each Festival a unique focus. Post pandemic, our theme of ‘Celebrating Courageous Community’ provided an opportunity to reflect on the creativity, courage and resilience staff and students demonstrated in sustaining their commitment to performing arts and the wider co-curriculum through periods of significant disruption. With Lewisham selected as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture in 2022, our Championing Compassionate Community theme gave us the opportunity to join the rest of Lewisham in celebrating the rich diversity of the community that we are proud to be a part of. Whatever the theme, all our students are involved in daily workshops, competitions and performances that showcase creativity in abundance!

Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2019

Chapel Choir, Big Band, Training Orchestra, SDC Voices,

‘They embrace opportunities to perform and achieve excellence in choirs and instrumental groups, in house and school drama productions and in the highly individual artwork on display around the school’

Major Ensembles – Chapel Choir, Big Band, SDC Voices, College Orchestra, Composition Clinic, Music Theory Club, Music Tech Club, Pop Choir, Rock Band. Black Box, Film Club, Vibe Life Drawing, Art Workshop, Photography Club, Textile Sampler Club, Jewellery Club, DT Coding.

SDC Voices, Comedy Appreciation, Vibe Dance, Black Box Devising, DT Coding Club, DT Jewellery Club.Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Training Orchestra, Club, Vibe Dance, Tech Club, Play & Production Rehearsals. Sculpture Club, Fashion Design Workshop,

CREATIVITY

‘I have been a part of lots of ensembles, which has taught me how to be part of a group. I have developed discipline and patience through practice and enjoyed the sense of achievement I’ve felt as I’ve improved’ Year 11 student

‘Students enjoy exploring their deepest feelings in drama, music, dance and art whether playing the African drums, taking part in devised drama pieces or creating art work from natural materials’

COURAGE

Students

at St Dunstan’s have the courage to challenge themselves beyond the confines of the classroom, embracing the spirit of adventure and the great outdoors!

Our commitment to the value of outdoor education is immediately evident, as no sooner do students embark on their Senior School journey, than they are taken away on a three-day Bushcraft residential. There can be no better environment for new relationships and a sense of community to develop, as they learn survival skills, participate in team building tasks and confront the unique challenges that outdoor living can present. Their Lower School experience can be filled with weekly specialist clubs in climbing, bouldering and survival skills, supplemented with mountain biking, kayaking and sailing expedition style weekend trips.

Our Combined Cadet Force is one of the largest and most active in the sector, with a thriving Army and Navy section. Both follow a high quality, weekly programme of activity, whilst embarking on regular military style expeditions.

We offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Gold, Silver and Bronze levels with borough leading numbers of students gaining ‘the Award’ and benefitting from working towards this highly reputable and formative qualification.

Alongside our annual Festival, a highlight of the year is Adventure Week, which takes place in the second half of the summer term. The Senior School community leave Lewisham behind, travelling to various locations across the UK, and embarking on a week long programme of adventurous activity.

‘Students develop skills of teamwork in all of these areas as well as in sports teams, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme (DofE)’

Independent Schools Inspectorate

PROFILE EXAMPLES: Duke of Edinburgh Award (Gold, Silver & Bronze), CCF Army Section, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Track Cycling, Hydrospeeding.

Section, CCF Navy Section, Corps of Drums, Orienteering, Rifle Range, SDC Survival School, Adventure Training,

COURAGE

‘Each year almost three quarters of Year 10 pupils complete the DofE Bronze Award and half of these go on to achieve their Gold Award in the Sixth Form. About half of eligible pupils are members of the College CCF and they speak positively of the experiences and leadership opportunities given to them’ Independent Schools Inspectorate

‘I used to struggle with organisation but the CCF has really helped me with this and my self-discipline. The staff set really high standards, which I’ve felt determined to live up to, and they support you in getting there’ Year 11 student

Weare fortunate to be part of such a richly diverse community, which presents so many opportunities for the development of mutually beneficial partnerships.

Through each of our curriculum strands, students develop an understanding for their broader societal purpose, which they can explore through their cocurricular experiences. Our Sixth Form students have the opportunity to leave a legacy, sharing what they have learnt with younger students during some of our student-led, co-curricular societies. Not just providing a forum for weekly discussion and debate, these groups have also been consulted and involved in the formation of wider College policy. Popular examples include Afro-Caribbean Society, Amnesty, Equality Society, and LGBTQ+ Society.

Younger students also have the opportunity to take the lead, with each year group having a community action group who are responsible for planning charitable projects that they feel will have the most impact; some local, some national - even international. Whether they are working with their colleagues, the local community or even further afield, each experience is an opportunity for students to reflect on their role within society, before becoming active participants and part of the changes they want to see.

‘Pupils show compassion and kindness for each other and have a discernible appreciation for their community and the world beyond. They think deeply about the lives and experiences of others and about the values which are important to them and the school’ Independent Schools Inspectorate 2019

PROFILE EXAMPLES: The Bookworms, Munchkins Sports Coaching, Heritage Ambassador Care for the Elderly, Lewisham Foodbank Project, Street Trees for a Living, The Calais Project.

Ambassador Programme, Primary Teaching, SDC Kitchen, Gardening Club, Catford Bridge Station Pop Up,

COMPASSION

‘Volunteering outside of school has given me the opportunity to get out into the community and meet so many different types of people. I like using my time doing something positive, and helping people makes me feel good’

Year 11 student

‘We have been working at the local train station, to set up a book shelf for the local community to enjoy’ Year 10 student

CURIOSITY

Oursubject teachers have so much more to offer than classroom-based delivery of curriculum knowledge, and academic enrichment sessions give us the opportunity to share our love of learning.

Our teachers are passionate about their respective subject areas, with many still involved in further study or research, and we want students to be able to share in their passions. They will have the opportunity to discuss and debate the topics that they love outside of the confines of the classroom and curriculum. Examples from different subject areas include Creative History, Big Questions in History, Junior Philosophy Club (JPC), RPE Magazine, Creative Writing, Debating, Maths Challenge, Hans Woyda, Biology Extension Articles, Script Writing and Design Innovation.

Alongside these clubs within the Curiosity profile, are the clubs which are often proposed and developed by students. They provide opportunities to enjoy activities that might not typically be found in a school setting. Chess, Cooking, Warhammer, Lego League, Go Club, Manga, Student Investor Challenge and Coding are all popular options.

PROFILE EXAMPLES: Maths Challenge, Hans Woyoda, Creative History, Junior Philosophy Club, Amnesty, Equality Society, LGBTQ+ Society, and Green Society.

‘One of my favourite things about St Dunstan’s is all the different clubs and activities on offer. ’

Year 8 student

Philosophy Club, Geography Film Club, Chess Club, Warhammer, Coding, Lego League, Afro-Caribbean Society,

CURIOSITY

'I joined the Equality Society. I really liked that it was pupil led and we discussed different things that affect us, both in school and the outside world’ Year 8 student

‘As part of the Student Investor Challenge I’ve been able to trade shares and work with live prices without the risk of losing my own money! It has given me the confidence and experience to decide that working in finance is what I really want to do!’

Year 11 student

CONFIDENCE

Asstudents move into the final stage of their co-curricular journey at St Dunstan’s, a sustained focus on values will give them the confidence to perform. Students experiences with music, drama, sport and other co-curricular pursuits through the Lower and Middle School have given them the opportunity to learn about themselves and the culture that they perform within. This co-curricular journey builds towards the Sixth Form experience, by which point students have developed the confidence to express themselves, taking their performances to another level.

Artists will take their work into public exhibitioning spaces, our athletes will access higher levels of competition, expeditions will offer challenges beyond DofE Gold Award level, and our productions and performances will be of a sufficient quality to extend their reach beyond the walls of the College to top venues and events.

This emerging confidence also encourages our students to give back. They step up and lead, sharing the valuable lessons that they have learnt, with these following them through the College. Not only does this create more opportunity, but provides a different type of co-curricular experience for our young leaders, which is no less formative.

‘Students 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

Sports Leadership, Directing Team (Productions), Society Leadership, Club

Club Leadership, Volunteering Action Group

CONFIDENCE

‘Working with younger students made me see things differently. I've definitely improved my own performance as a result’ Year 8 student

‘Students embrace opportunities to perform and achieve excellence in choirs and instrumental groups, in house and school drama productions and in the highly individual artwork on display around the school’ Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2019

REFLECTIONS FROM FORMER STUDENTS...

The Forder programme enriched my time at St Dunstan’s providing me with some incredible opportunities and experiences. Taking part in the ceremony at the Menin Gate as part of the Corps of Drums and performing on the stage of the Hammersmith Apollo were both highlights. Performing a play with the rugby team to raise awareness of male mental health was an important moment as were the many CCF expeditions. So many experiences that I still cherish today.

Completing my DofE awards and being in the CCF gave me self-confidence because I knew what I could endure and achieve if I worked hard, which served me well when I moved away from home, for university in Liverpool and had to adapt to a completely different environment.

Taking part in sport, CCF and the DofE in particular over the seven years I was at St Dunstan’s gave me many positive experiences which helped shape the person I am today. For example, all of these activities put me outside in physically and mentally challenging environments which forced me to show resilience and push myself in order to complete them.

The co-curricular music programme at St Dunstan's gave me the opportunities to partake in such a breadth of experiences. Before leaving school I had led a chapel choir, performed as a soloist in an oratorio, and been a part of three different orchestras, giving me an incredible resume for my musical endeavours at university.

My co-curricular experiences have given me so many unique things to put onto a CV and have helped me gain employment whilst I was at school and also after. Another great thing about participating in these activities are the friends you make whilst you’re doing it and the people skills which you develop. This helped me to make new friends easily when I moved to university.

I really appreciated the opportunities of being part of orchestra and choir from Year 7 all the way to Year 13. Participating in a music group is a great way to get to know other pupils in the school and offers experience of many genres of repertoire. The occasions for leadership roles, collaboration, and development of confidence in performance, provide enduring skills.

DofE

FORDER ACTIVITIES

CORE: HEALTH & WELLBEING

Athletics - Open Track (Y10-13)

Badminton (All Years)

Basketball (Y10-13)

Croquet (Y10-13)

Degu Club (Y7 & 8)

Development Swimming (Y7–9)

Fencing (All Years)

Girls Football (Y7-9)

Hockey Training (All Years)

Judo (Y7-9)

Netball - Mixed Fast 5’s (All Years)

Netball Shooting (All Years)

Netball Training (All Years)

Pre-Squad Swim (All Years)

Relaxation Yoga (Years 7-9) Rugby Masterclass (Year 7-10) Rugby Training (All Years)

Girls Senior Conditioning (Y10-13)

Boys Senior Conditioning (Y10-13) Squad Swimming (All Years)

Swim Land Training (All Years) Ultimate Frisbee (Y7-9)

Volleyball (Y10-13)

Senior Rugby Captains Run (Y10-13)

COURAGE

CCF Parade (Y9-13)

CCF Corps of Drums (Y9-13)

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Y10)

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Silver (Y11)

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold (Y1213)

Rock Climbing (Y7-9)

Mountain Biking (Y7-9)

Road cycling/Velodrome (Y7-9)

Hydrospeeding (Y8-9)

Kayak + Canoe (Y7-9)

DofE Support (Y10-13)

Sea Kayaking (Y7-9)

CCF Shooting Club (Y9-13)

CCF Shooting Club (Y9-13)

COMPASSION

Gardening Club (Y7-13)

KS3 Sports Coaching (Y10-13)

SDC House Help (Y7-13)

SDC Kitchen (Y7-13)

Catford Bridge Station Pop-Up Library (Y7-13)

The Bookworms (Y7-13)

The Social Club (Y7-13)

Heritage Ambassador Programme (Y9-13)

Primary Teaching - Maths (Y12-13)

Primary Teaching - Maths S2 (Y12-13)

Primary Teaching - Literacy (Y12-13)

Primary Teaching - Literacy S2 (Y12-13)

Primary Teaching - Humanities (Y10-13)

Primary Teaching - Languages (Y12-13)

Primary Teaching - Languages S2 (Y12-13)

JS Sports Coaching - Games (Y12-13)

JS Sports Coaching - Training (Y10-13)

JS Forder Support (Y12-13)

JS After School Care (Y10-13)

CREATIVITY

Theatre Tech Team - Electronic Workshop (All Years)

Black Box Devising (All Years)

Play Rehearsals (Y7-9)

Drama Clinic (Y10-13)

Vibe Dance (Y10-13)

Vibe Dance Junior (Y7-9)

Comedy Appreciation (Y12 & 13)

Percussion Ensemble (All Years)

Music Theory Club (All Years) Brass Ensemble (All Years)

SDC Voices (All Years)

College Orchestra (All Years) String Ensemble (All Years) String Quartets (All Years) Jazz Ensemble (All Years) Chapel Choir (All Years) Big Band (All Years)

Composition Clinic (Y10-13) Rock band (Y7-13)

Guitar Ensemble (Y7-13) Training Orchestra (Y7-13) Music Tech Club (Y9-13) Wind Ensemble (Y7-11)

DT Jewellery Club (Y7-9)

DT Coding Club (Y7-9)

Fashion Show Design Workshop (Y7-9) Sculpture Club (Y7-9)

Textile Sampler Club (Y7-9)

A Level Workshop Lifedrawing (Y12 & 13)

GCSE Art Workshop (Y10 & 11)

Indian Classical Dance (Y7-13)

Spanish Zumba (Y9-13)

MFL Performance Club (Y7-13)

CURIOSITY

Lower School Debating (Y7-9)

Senior School Debating (Y10-13)

Creative Writing (Y7-13)

School Magazine (Y7-13)

English Society (Y10-13)

Physics Masterclass (Y11-13)

Armstrong Society (Y11-13)

Radio Podcast Club (Y7-9)

Creative History (Y7-9)

Ecology Club (Y9-13)

Lower School Science Club (Y7 & 8)

Junior Philosophy Club – JPC (Y7-9)

ThinkSoc (Y10-13)

Senior Geography Society (Y11-13)

Geography Film Society (Y7-11)

Student Investor Challenge (Y10-13)

Economics and Business Society (Y10-13)

Politics Society (Y10-13)

Psychology Film Club (Y10-13)

World Film & Music (Y10-13)

Leadership in Languages (Y10-13)

Amnesty International (Y12/13)

A languages/cultures society (Y12/13)

Model United Nations (Y12/13)

Cooking Club (Y12/13)

History Soc (Y12/13)

Equality Soc (Y12/13)

Many Cultures Society (Y12/13)

UKMT MATHs CHALLENGE (Y7-8)

UKMT MATHs CHALLENGE (Y9-11)

Maths challenge & Hans Woyda (Y12-13)

Latin Poetry (Y12/13)

Classic Society (Y7-13)

South Asian Language (Y9-13)

Mandarin Club (Y7-13)

Dungeon World (Y7-13)

Radio Podcast Club (Y7-9)

Creative History Club (Y7-9)

Go Club (Y7-9)

Astro Pi (Y9-10)

UK Space Design (Y12 &13)

Lego League (Y8)

Warhammer Club (Y7-13)

*Activities are subject to termly changes

Stanstead Road, London SE6 4TY

A co-educational, independent College for ages 3 to 18 www.stdunstans.org.uk 020 8516 7200 Charity Number: 312747

An ambitious, forward-thinking community that inspires and supports individuals to thrive

www.stdunstans.org.uk