St Dunstan's Junior School Prospectus - Entry September 2025 by St Dunstan's College

Junior School Entry September 2025

‘The school’s ethos supports leaders in creating a strong community where diversity is celebrated. This works through many facets of school life: through the curriculum, through the varied groups in school, led by pupils which celebrate diversity, and through producing events such as the annual St Dunstan’s festival. All these promote respect and understanding among the pupils for everyone in their own school and in the wider local community. This is a significant strength of the school.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

Head’s Welcome

Welcome to St Dunstan’s College; an ambitious, forward-thinking community that champions individuality through a broad, liberal, and academically exciting education, whilst retaining our historic and valued traditions.

Over the past few years, St Dunstan’s has positioned itself as one of the leading independent schools in the United Kingdom, being named Co-educational School of the Year in 2020 followed by Independent School of the Year in 2022, and more recently Most ProgressiveIndependent School in London in 2023, the Most Progressive Independent School in south-east England in 2024, and Best Diversity and Inclusion in Sport 2024. Central to these accolades has been our sincere commitment to providing a Renaissance education for the pupils educated with us; an education that places breadth of development, values and character in equal importance to traditional metrics of attainment and success.

At St Dunstan’s, we are proud of a record-breaking examination results, placing us within the top 60 performing independent schools in the country for the second year running, but we are equally as proud of the grounded, rounded and values-oriented young men and women who benefit from the unique educational culture and curriculum at work here.

Earlier this year, St Dunstan’s was pleased to welcome the Independent Schools Inspectorate to the College for our latest inspection. Following our ‘excellent’ rating in 2019, this was the first visit by the inspecting body under their new framework, where the concept of a ‘significant

strength’ has been introduced to recognise any aspect of a school that is truly exceptional. Many schools fail to achieve any significant strengths, and it was therefore with great delight that St Dunstan’s received two as part of its inspection – one of the very first schools in the country to do so!

The ‘breadth and relevance’ of our four timetabled curriculums - Hecker, Stuart, Forder and Usherwood - was praised as our first significant strength, with our dedication to embedding and celebrating diversity within the school noted as the second. Alongside our two significant strengths, the report also praised the focus on our core values, our imaginative early years’ curriculum, and our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of our pupils. Our founders in 1888 wanted to create a school in advance of its time, and

‘Leaders work successfully to create a school community that works together well to promote the wellbeing of pupils.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

I am delighted that this approach to education continues today and that the ISI have endorsed it in this way.

Despite the challenges of recent years, in 2021 the College was delighted to mark the most significant developments on the estate since the nineteenth century, with the opening of a new Junior School, STEM Centre for Excellence and Innovation and a Sixth Form Centre. Alongside these developments, we have also been able to enhance several spaces including the opening of a Performing Arts Centre with 150-seat theatre and two outdoor pond areas for students to enjoy. We have further developments planned for the coming years and we look forward to sharing those plans with you at one of our upcoming open events.

I am also particularly delighted to welcome you to St Dunstan’s College as we mark 30 years of being coeducational. From our Nursery to Year 13, the school is truly a place where every pupil, regardless of gender, can thrive and become the person they are meant to be. Our co-educational setting introduces pupils to the realities of life, staving-off gender stereotypes, and creating particularly well-balanced and well-adjusted young people.

I hope you enjoy hearing more from Miss Whitwood about joining our Junior School as you read this prospectus, and I look forward to welcoming you to the College at one of our upcoming events this autumn

Mr Nick Hewlett Head of St

Dunstan’s

Welcome

Head of Junior School

Welcome to the Junior School, where pupils make their first marks on the blank canvas of their St Dunstan’s shield as they begin their College adventure. It is here where our pupils learn who they are and discover a true love of lifelong learning from the very earliest stages of their education.

Our academic ambition is cultivated by a balance of challenge, rigour, immersive learning experiences and independent exploration. Our engaging and broad 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.

We are brave in the choices that we make for our pupils and are able to do so because of our trusting relationships with parents. They select our school because we do not shy away from the natural curiosity we see in our pupils, who are committed to finding out where and how they fit into the world, seeking meaning from real-life experiences.

Learning at St Dunstan’s does not just take place within our state-of-the art classrooms; learning opportunities are embraced and appreciated in any setting, whether it is through our co-curricular ‘Forder’ Programme (with over 90 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.

We are a co-educational Junior School for children from Nursery to Year 6. We take pride in our modern, forward-thinking 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 two days at St Dunstan’s are 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,

‘Children in the early years and pupils throughout the junior school are respectful of each other, reflecting the respectful and thoughtful approach shown to them by the staff.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

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, resources and firstclass facilities in art, design technology, drama, music, swimming, PE, computing, 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 21 September 2024 (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 very soon.

Miss Laura Whitwood Head of Junior School

Proudly Co-educational

As a Junior School dedicated to preparing pupils for a future that is yet unknown, we feel that our co-educational setting helps provide pupils with a firm foundation in which they can thrive not just now, but in later life. We are proudly coeducational, and it is in a mixed setting that we see our pupils make strides, both academically and socially.

Our pupils do not see gender as a barrier and take great pleasure in celebrating successes of all the pupils in our community, both girls and boys. When pupils come to leave St Dunstan’s, they will do so with a firm sense of equality and inclusivity, seeing difference in every sense as something to be celebrated. They will not have to learn in later life how to work collaboratively with people of a different gender, as it is already so inherent in them.

It is always a great pleasure to watch children during play time, where there is no separation between groups of girls and groups of boys; our pupils make friends regardless of gender.

We also note that gender stereotypes, such as boys being perceived as better mathematicians and girls as better at English, simply do not exist in our setting. In every area of the curriculum, they see their peers make excellent progress, able to achieve in anything they work hard at. This is also the case in Physical Education where our sporting programme is not gender specific. This breeds a sense of every child being able to see themselves as ‘sporty’ with so many different and varied opportunities to try something new in order to find a particular strength.

‘The school promotes a clear culture of respecting diversity, one in which pupils are courteous and considerate to one another.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

Pre-Prep Early Years Foundation Stage Nursery & Reception

Pupils are directors of their own learning. Using the Early Years Foundation Stage framework 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 – Nursery and Reception) we are a community of learners: teachers undertake investigations with pupils, encouraging curiosity, awe 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.

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 to experience academic and social 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

‘In the early years, there is a wide-ranging and ambitious programme of activities for children which extends beyond the key areas of learning. This is done through enquiry and play-based approaches to learning. Children are encouraged to be independent.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

‘I love making new friends. I really liked how my teacher taught me new words in fun and interesting ways.’

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 (several are trained teachers themselves) 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.

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 and Reception 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 (Reception only), languages and

music, as well as optional after-school activities such as football, multi-sports, drama and dance. Pupils relish the opportunity to share their learning and positive experiences with their families throughout the year in assemblies, performances during our St Dunstan’s Festival 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 nurturing environment that we create, where we build upon the natural curiosity children have at this young age.

Reception Pupil

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 the Pre-Prep are taught phonics through daily sessions using a range of memorable and interactive synthetic phonics programmes. Pupils further develop 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 years of mathematics, there is a strong emphasis on developing 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 mathematics and problem solving.

During their time in the Pre-Prep, pupils benefit from weekly lessons delivered by specialist teachers in music, languages, computing, PE, swimming, Stuart lessons (PSHEE) and games. From Year 1, art is taught as a skills-based discrete subject in our well-equipped art room, as well as creatively through topic-based learning and thematic projects linked to core curriculum subjects.

Pupils in Years 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 mature and progress, their level of challenge is increased, meaning they develop learner resilience from an early age. 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, meaningful 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.

‘I like Pre-Prep because I get challenges given to me during my lessons. This year, I challenged myself to use rhyming words in poetry lessons.’

Year 2 Pupil

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 subject areas and specialist teachers. The curriculum is tailored to the values, ethos and high academic expectations of our College by subject coordinators. This is adapted by Form Teachers to ensure that pupils are provided with a consistent, yet personalised learning experience, meeting the needs of all the pupils, wherever their starting point may be.

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.

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 two timetabled lessons. These range from 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 available to pupils before, during and after school, as well as during the school day.

‘I’d like to describe my love of maths like this: my brain works in several different languages: words, numbers, feelings and colours. I am constantly having to translate my different languages into words, but maths is my chance to express myself in numbers.’

Year 5 pupil

Pupils are encouraged to take more responsibility for their academic progress through their Learning Scores, and they are also 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.

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. www.stdunstans.org.uk

The International Primary Curriculum

In the Junior School, history, geography, and science are taught through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). In the Early Years Foundation Stage, our thematic humanities curriculum 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, with each unit having a dedicated host country to promote and greater understanding of the wider world.

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 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 and protests to protect the environment, children take great joy in sharing their learning with members of the St Dunstan’s community.

‘I like learning history, geography and science through fun and varied topics.’

Year 3 pupil

In the Junior School, lessons give pupils the opportunity to acquire an appreciation of and respect for different cultures.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

The Forder Programme

In the Junior School, we take pride in providing our pupils with an extensive and broad co-curricular programme named the Forder Programme.

The Forder Programme is named after our pioneering second Headmaster, the Reverend Forder, who believed passionately that schools should offer more to the education of young people than classroom learning.

We believe that all pupils in the Junior School have the potential to become whoever they want to be, and our ambitious, varied and unique Forder provision allows pupils to select activities that excite and challenge them, enabling them to uncover new skills and talents that they may never have known they had before. Activities run daily before and after school, during lunch breaks and as

part of our timetabled curriculum.

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.

Each Forder activity sits within one of our five College Values, to encourage diversity of skill acquisition and experiences for all pupils: Curiosity, Compassion, Creativity, Courage and Confidence. Each Junior School pupil is challenged to embrace the spirit of the College motto – Albam Exorna – by taking ownership of this journey, embracing new experiences and creating meaningful memories on their pathway through the Junior School, College and on into their

wider life outside of school.

In addition to a wide range of wellbeing, sport, music, art and drama activities, we offer an extensive range of activities which change on a termly basis. These include activities such as debating, philosophy, architecture, yoga, LAMDA, chess and mindfulness.

We are also thrilled to work with a wide range of external providers who offer bespoke after school activity programmes to our Junior pupils including:

M:Tech (music tech), Munchkins Sports, Champions Theatre Arts, BEAM Academy and TypingsCool. This offers parents and pupils the opportunity to access these specialist activities conveniently on school site immediately following the school day.

The Junior Forder Programme has 80-90 activities taking place every week.

‘In the Junior School, pupils experience a broad variety of programmes and activities within the timetabled day which provide opportunities for the pupils to develop their creativity and critical thinking.’ Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

The Stuart Curriculum

Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do in the Junior School. Our Stuart Curriculum enables pupils to focus on their spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, economic and physical understanding.

Our Stuart Curriculum enables pupils to develop the tools they need to become critical thinkers and globally aware citizens, who are ready for a future that is not yet known to them. It is an ambitious, bespoke framework which allows our pupils to excel and thrive in their learning of key life skills, relationships, the wider world and their contribution to society, becoming responsible citizens in the process.

Additionally, the Stuart Curriculum helps young children begin the

move towards an increasingly sophisticated national, international and intercultultural perspective. Through our three units of learning (Relationships, Skills for the Future and Critical Thinking), our pupils are encouraged to see the ‘bigger picture’ by making connections between themes, debating and considering different perspectives.

Pupils learn to show compassion towards others and gain a valuable understanding of where they belong in an ever-evolving world. It is incredibly important to us that pupils leave the Junior School with a true sense of who they are, where they sit within our local and wider community and feeling equipped with the relevant practical skills to be their authentic selves now and in the future.

‘I think

Stuart

is really important. It teaches vital

information

which I

know will be useful in my future life. Everyone has fun and we are all given the opportunity to share our opinion. You also have the chance to deal with worries that might have occurred during the week. We all support each other.’

Year 5 pupil

It is incredibly important to us that pupils leave the Junior School with a true sense of who they are, where they sit within our local and wider community and feeling equipped with the relevant practical skills to be their authentic selves now and in the future.

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.

‘The school places a great emphasis on developing pupils’ sense of responsibility. This is apparent both in lessons and throughout the school day.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

Community Outreach

In the Junior School, we aim to instil a sense of commitment and responsibility by providing meaningful opportunities to 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 charitable 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 those within it, by engaging at events such as the Positive Aging Council Christmas party, where our younger pupils sang to elderly local residents.

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 Carol Service at St Laurence’s Church, Catford.

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 staff actively seek 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 College 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 an annual basis at our Summit to report to one another the progress they have made working on particular projects. Their ideas from these meetings also feed into our wider College Development Plan.

Recent successes include the formation of ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’, a mental

‘There is a thoughtful approach to preparing pupils for their futures, ensuring that they are provided with a range of opportunities to help them become informed of the decisions that need to be made at transition periods of their education.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

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.

health drop in service designed by pupils in Pupil Parliament and led by staff who are Youth Mental Health First Aid trained.

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), Digital Leaders (voted for by our Computing teachers), and two Heads of School (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, 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 regularly with the staff Heads of House. They are positive role models and ambassadors for the College, celebrating the success and achievements of others.

Digital Leaders support their year groups in making appropriate and sensible decisions regarding online devices, and work closely with the Computing staff to drive the ambitious Computing curriculum forward.

The Junior School Heads of School 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.

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

• Holding ‘Walk to School Week’ and ‘Bike to School’ Week

• Running Forder Programme activities with an environmental focus, such as ‘Recycling Rocks’ and ‘Eco Club’

• Learning about environmental topics as part of the International Primary Curriculum

• Taking part in environmental competitions e.g. creating an air quality banner and writing poems about food wastage

• Engaging in topical discussions as part of the Stuart Curriculum

• Holding a ‘Car Free Day’ and ‘Car Sharing Day’

• Learning about road safety

• London Underground route planning

• Whole-school step count

• Working with the Catering team and Holroyd Howe (our catering provider) to better understand and manage food sustainability in our own Refectory

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. Junior School staff and pupils across the College are active members of the Sustainability Committee, 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.

St Dunstan’s Kitchen

At St Dunstan’s College, we believe food is far more than a meal. Lunch in particular is a wonderfully enriching part of daily life at St Dunstan’s. It is a chance for your child to decompress, unwind and socialise, as well as enjoy delicious, freshly-made food, prepared on site each day. Lunch is also a chance for us to take your child on a journey. It is not only about how to make mealtimes fun and exploratory, but also to gently open their minds to sustainability, the importance of using locally grown, seasonal, produce and to help them build strong and healthy relationships with food.

At lunchtime, all pupils have an abundance of choice, including hot meal options, our popular ‘street food’ stand, a salad bar, a fruit bar, soup, pasta and jacket potatoes. The menus, made up of classic

and innovative dishes, as well as authentic international cuisines, are interesting, vibrant and gently push those taste bud boundaries. With balanced, healthy options, and dietary requirements catered for, your child will always find something they like.

We partner with Holroyd Howe to provide this high-quality catering experience. Holroyd Howe operates solely within the independent school sector and as a specialist caterer, they have a deep understanding of pupil needs and genuinely care about what goes into the food they create.

We work hand in glove with Holroyd Howe to make sure they deliver quality, nutritional, delicious and interesting food, with sustainability and local supply chains underpinning everything they do, for your child and all in our community, every day.

Our mission: to teach children what quality food looks and tastes like, expanding curiosity about food and shaping their future health.

Pastoral Care

At St Dunstan’s College, 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 they 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.

Staff are passionate about supporting children’s wellbeing at St Dunstan’s; a number of staff are trained Youth Mental Health First Aiders. We offer ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’ drop-in sessions for Prep children during their lunch break for those who would like to speak to staff about a concern or

worry that they may have, or simply to have some quiet time away from the playground.

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. Form Teachers and families work closely with the Section Heads and the Junior School Deputy Head Pastoral to monitor all pupils and provide care and support throughout a pupil’s Junior School journey.

The College motto – Albam Exorna –translates to ‘Adorn the White’. This phrase is connected to the white shield that serves as three quarters 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 journey

through school and life beyond is unique. This is reflective of our appreciation that each pupil has their own individual 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.

‘The school promotes a clear culture of respecting diversity, one in which pupils are courteous and considerate to one another.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

Pupils attending wraparound care will be supervised by a qualified member of our teaching support staff. Our wraparound care provision enables pupils to complete their homework, take part in additional play time and

enjoy structured activities. Numbers for this facility are never limited in order that it is accessible to all our parents, whether block booking sessions, or for those requiring flexibility on a day-by-day basis.

‘The teachers are fair and always there to listen to us. They make sure that we have all we have the skills we need to keep us safe.’

Year 4 pupil

‘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.’

Year 5 pupil

Individual Pupil Needs (IPN)

IPN encompasses the support and challenge that all pupils need, in order that they can thrive. Pupils are supported on an individual basis where there are specific needs, be they from an educational, medical or pastoral background.

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 and medical team works across the Junior School, providing support to identified pupils through more tailored intervention. The team will ensure that effective, meaningful and personalised strategies for those children with SEND, or medical needs are put in place, both inside the classroom and through purposeful and targeted intervention or support. 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 SEND 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 and are assessed twice a year to track progress.

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, linked to the 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, taking place 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 tailored educational visits and pupils participating in both local and national competitions, including mathematics, chess and art.

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 and enable pupils to nurture existing relationships, as well as discover new ones, to develop their resilience, build their teamwork skills and increase their independence as well as a sense of belonging. 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 Years 2-5, pupils are exposed to a huge range of experiences through their residential trips. Each year, the length of stay increases, often as well

as the journey time and distance from home.

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 Years 3-5, pupils journey to various locations across the UK to engage in a plethora of activities, from team-building games to environmental excursions, and abseiling to camping.

Each trip is designed with a specific focus to help develop children into confident, collaborative and compassionate individuals, providing the opportunity to take risks and face challenge in a supportive and friendly environment.

‘I loved sharing a dorm with my friends because we stayed in bunk beds and got to chat and spend lots of time together. Every day, I got to try something new which was exciting and challenging. My favourite activity was Jacob’s Ladder - I loved how the teachers joined in too.’

Year 5 pupil

The wide range of activities available to them, beyond the classroom, further enhances their understanding of their own characters and supports them in developing social and communication skills.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

Festivals & Celebrations

Pupils in the Junior School 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 College, 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.

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

• Black History Month

• World Book Day

• Commemoration Day

• Science Week

• Windrush Day

• Maths Week

‘It was really exciting to be one of the first groups to perform in the new Performing Arts Centre. Being part of our Showcase made me feel ecstatic since it was my first experience under the spotlights, and we had worked so hard to perfect our songs, dances and acting. It was a huge success!’

Year 4 pupil

Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024

School Grounds and Facilities

St Dunstan’s College is ideally positioned: within 15 minutes by train from London Bridge or Charing Cross, it is set in 40 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.

Great Hall

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 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.

STEM Centre for Excellence and Innovation

The school’s first head, Charles Maddock Stuart, was a pioneer in heuristic education, designing the College to have science laboratories for students to discover learning for themselves. St Dunstan’s was one of the first schools in the country to have laboratories and to devote significant time to hands-on scientific practical experiments for students to innovate and ‘do’, rather than passively observe.

In September 2021, the doors opened to our £25million STEM Centre for Excellence and Innovation, which is home to our Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Design

Engineering and Mathematics departments, as well as our Sixth Form Centre.

This includes 12 state-of-the-art laboratories across two floors, engineering workshops with laser cutters and 3D printers, and mathematics classrooms. Our STEM Centre is connected to the Junior School with a stunning glass atrium.

Performing Arts Centre and Theatre

In March 2022, our Performing Arts Centre was officially opened. Drama, Music and the Performing Arts are highly valued at St Dunstan’s College. We are fortunate to work with an enthusiastic, committed and ambitious student body. Our Performing Arts Centre is home to all three departments and features large studios, practice rooms, LAMDA

‘I love having the opportunity to perform our yearly showcase in the school theatre.’ Year 4 pupil

spaces and a MAC classroom for musical technology. The Performing Arts Centre also is home to our 170-seat theatre which stages large-scale productions, conferences and community events.

Learning Resource Centre

Juxtaposing new and contemporary thinking with a rich heritage, is at the heart of what makes St Dunstan’s unique. Our Learning Resource Centre fuses the traditional library with digital resources and dedicated collaborative and silent study spaces, as well as facilities for academic enrichment and specialist support.

State-of-the-art classrooms

In 2018 we began a rolling programme of classroom refurbishments, modernising these essential spaces with innovative technology, furniture and fittings, whilst retaining the beauty of their 130-year-heritage.

Our performing arts facilities include two black box rehearsal spaces, a fully equipped black box studio, two LAMDA teaching rooms and a 170 seat theatre. Whether you are a dancer, a designer, a technician or a director, these facilities will ensure that every student is able to explore the limitless possibilities contained within the world of theatre.

‘It was amazing to visit the archives and see artefacts from 100 years ago.’

Year 3 pupil

Wellness Centre

St Dunstan’s has developed a unique, dedicated facility known as the Wellness Centre, to serve as a hub for student mental and physical health services. The Wellness Centre is home to First Aid and medical support, counselling, peer mentoring, chaplaincy support, and also features spaces for pupils to be still and reflect.

Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool

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. Plans are being prepared for a full redevelopment of the Leisure Centre in 2026.

Climbing and Bouldering Walls

As part of our extensive adventurous training offer, the College has its dedicated climbing and bouldering walls. One is a lead climbing wall made from real rock, including crack climb and abseil ledges. The second, donated by the Friends of St Dunstan’s, is a moonboard made for bouldering. It is fitted with an LED system and is fully Bluetooth compatible, allowing students to create their own routes and challenges.

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. Pupils 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.

Woodland Classroom

At St Dunstan’s, we benefit from a well-resourced and stunning Woodland Classroom to support our Forest School curriculum, which is designed by our trained and skilled Early Years staff. Our regular Woodland Classroom sessions see our pupils transport themselves from the city to enjoy country life.

The Plaza

The Plaza, located in the centre of the College site, is a multirecreational outdoor space for students and staff to enjoy. Opened in September 2021, and named by the students, the Plaza is still being developed and will eventually include a mixture of hard and soft landscaping and multi-purpose recreational spaces. The outdoor space is available for the College community to enjoy throughout the day.

Dunstonian Office and Archives

St Dunstan’s is very proud of its long and prestigious history, but is not constrained by it. Our thriving archives are accessible to students, staff and alumni and supports educational projects, as well as serving as a broader nostalgic purpose.

1446

Our History Timeline

A school has been associated with the parish of St Dunstan’s in the East as far back as the 15th century.

1867

St Dunstan’s Educational Foundation is established by the parishioners of St Dunstan’s in the East in the City of London to create a school capable of accommodating 400 pupils.

1888

St Dunstan’s College opens its doors in Catford for the first time with 91 boys on roll. 60 boarders join the following summer.

1915

154 former St Dunstan’s pupils participate in the Battle of Loos. Of these, more than 40 are injured and 19 die. This is the largest number of deaths in a single battle for the Dunstonian community.

1923

Headmaster Forder establishes the first extensive co-curricular programme embedded within the College curriculum.

1919

The House System is revised. New houses are created - Bennett, Goosey, Griffiths, Johnson, Lane, Ross, Thomas and Wilson - all named after Dunstonians fallen in the Great War.

1892

St Dunstan’s College is recognised by King’s College London and the London County Council as one of the leading schools in the world for the technical education it offers.

1903

The school song is written in order to open and close Prize Giving ceremonies.

1914

The House System is introduced and is initially based on the geography of where pupils live.

1897

The first group of leavers from the College formalises their regular social gatherings into an official Old Dunstonian Association.

1902

The Union Society is established as the first recorded co-curricular activity at the College. The Society is divided into three branches; literary and debating, natural history and photography.

1909

Officers’ Training Corps (now the Combined Cadet Force) is established.

1934

Improvements to the College infrastructure are made, including heating, running water, a new Dining Hall, and electricity.

1930

The St Dunstan’s Benevolent Fund is established to provide an education for pupils from less privileged backgrounds.

1938

The ancient tradition of Beating of the Bounds is revived by Headmaster Usherwood to maintain the connection between the College and the Parish Church associated with its foundation.

1939

The looming threat of the Second World War forces the College to evacuate south to Reigate while the College grounds are used as a First Aid Station for the War Ministry.

Dunstonian Associatio n

2012

The Jubilee Ground is purchased; giving the school improved sporting facilities and forging closer links with the local community.

2010

Dunstonian Chuka Umunna becomes MP for Streatham.

2007

Dunstonian Sir Martin Evans is awarded a Nobel Prize for his work in biochemistry.

2006

Dunstonian Alice Bird appears in Notes on a Scandal, alongside Cate Blanchett. A Nursery is added to the school, welcoming pupils from age three.

1994

2013

To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the College, a whole year of activities is held, beginning with the Head greeting every pupil by hand and ending with the burial of a time capsule.

2015

Head Nick Hewlett relaunches the St Dunstan’s Festival.

2018

The Wellness Centre is officially opened becoming the school’s dedicated hub for student wellbeing.

St Dunstan’s College becomes a fully coeducational school welcoming girls for the first time. The first St Dunstan’s Festival also takes place, quickly becoming known as the ‘Edinburgh Festival of South London’.

1944

1972

The Music and Physics Blocks are constructed to support a broader curriculum offering for pupils.

A second temporary relocation of the College to Caerphilly, in Wales, is necessary due to increased V2 rocket attacks on London and the Home Counties.

1968

The Prep Block opens to accommodate the growing number of pupils on roll at the College.

1955

The College swimming pool is constructed and swimming lessons are made available to all students.

1961

2024

St Dunstan’s becomes one of the first schools in the country to receive two significant strengths in ISI inspection.

2023

Wins most Progressive Independent School in London at the Private Education Awards

2022

St Dunstan’s College wins Independent Senior School of the Year at the TES Awards. The new Performing Arts Centre also opens with a 170-seat theatre.

2021

The new Junior School building, STEM Centre and Sixth Form Centre are officially opened by Old Dunstonian and Nobel Prize winner, Sir Martin Evans.

2020

St Dunstan’s College wins Co-educational School of the Year at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

2019

The BBC’s political show, Question Time, is filmed in the College’s Great Hall.

The current Refectory opens, pioneering the hyperbolic paraboloid architectural design.

1958

1947

Under new laws, the College becomes completely independent.

The Sports Pavilion is constructed to provide up to date facilities for the increasing number of sports on offer at the College.

Awards and Reports

Independent Schools Inspectorate

St Dunstan’s College underwent an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in April 2024. Following our last report in 2019, where we were judged to be excellent in all areas, St Dunstan’s was pleased to welcome the inspecting team back to the College under their new framework.

The ISI updated their inspection framework in 2023, introducing the concept of a ‘significant strength’, which serves to recognise any aspect of a school that is truly exceptional. Many schools fail to achieve any significant strengths and it was therefore with great delight that St Dunstan’s received two as part of its inspection – one of the very first schools in the country to do so!

Alongside our two significant strengths, the report also praised the focus on our core values of courage, creativity, confidence, compassion and curiosity; our imaginative EYFS curriculum; and our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of our pupils.

Significant strength 1

Leaders have put in place an ambitious, timetabled curriculum which provides extensive opportunities for pupils to acquire the broadest of learning experiences. Leaders have taken great care in the design of this multi-faceted programme which is included as part of the school day. There are four separate strands; together these provide the full range of curriculum subjects, an extensive offering of broader learning experiences, a programme of teaching skills for the future and one that focuses on building pupils’ wellbeing and selfawareness. The breadth and relevance of this curriculum and leaders’ decision that all pupils participate in these opportunities, is a significant strength.

Significant strength 2

The school’s ethos supports leaders in creating a strong community where diversity is celebrated. This works through many facets of school life: through the curriculum, through the varied groups in school, led by pupils which celebrate diversity, and through producing events such as the annual St Dunstan’s festival. All these promote respect and understanding among the pupils for everyone in their own school and in the wider local community. This is a significant strength of the school.

Awards

In recent years, St Dunstan’s College is delighted to have been widely recognised and endorsed for our forwardthinking and ambitious approach to education.

• Most Progressive School in South-East England Private Education Awards 2024

• Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Education Choices Magazine Awards 2024

• Most Progressive School in London Private Education Awards 2023

• Outstanding Fundraising Achievement Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2023

• Most Nurturing Independent School in London Private Education Awards 2022

• Co-educational School of the Year Independent Schools of the Year 2020

Admissions

Nursery (3+) & Reception (4+) Entry

We accept registrations for our Nursery from birth, and early registration is welcomed. 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 November of the year before entry.

Our 3+ and 4+ assessments take place in November and early December. Our 3+ assessments are relatively informal, lasting one hour and take place in small groups. Our 4+ assessment is designed to help the children show us what they have already covered in their current setting and all tasks are undertaken in a thoughtful, caring and friendly manner.

The admissions process has been designed to enable our highly-skilled Early Years Foundation Stage team to get to know as much as they can about your child from the people who spend the most time with them and know them best. A range of information is captured via a thorough questionnaire, that we have designed to be completed by either a key worker at your child’s current setting or a parent, guardian or close relative, should your child not attend a pre-3+ /4+ nursery setting already.

This information is shared with our Head of Early Years Foundation Stage, who may then arrange one-to-one conversations with the adult responsible for completing the questionnaire, to allow them to elaborate or answer any unanswered questions.

Nursery Entry Assessment (3+)

Following on from the questionnaires being received, we look forward to inviting all the children to visit our Junior School and enjoy a morning with some of our teachers, in order that we can get to know your child better in person. Parents will be present throughout the in-school session. Our highly-skilled team will run a play session with your child, where their interactions with other children will be observed, as well as their interest in particular activities and ability to talk to the staff and answer questions. We will also make time to read the children a story, monitor their engagement and identify simple inference skills.

Reception Entry Assessment (4+)

The assessment process is designed to enable us to see the very best of all children, their strengths, interests and target areas. The assessment is undertaken by our welcoming staff who create a caring, friendly and safe environment for the children to assist them in settling into a new and unfamiliar setting.

During the assessment we invite children to:

• Listen and respond to a story

• Draw a picture

• Match letters and words

• Play memory games

• Recognise numbers, shapes and colours

• Follow patterns

• Order numbers

• Engage in conversation and play with others

The children are assessed in small groups, which enables us to also evaluate their social skills and interactions. All current Nursery settings will also be contacted to complete a questionnaire/reference.

3+ Key Dates

Registration Deadline Monday 11 November 2024 (12noon)

Questionnaires sent to current nursery September - November 2024

Nursery Play Session Saturday 23 November 2024

Offers sent out Monday 16 December 2024

4+ Key Dates

Registration Deadline Monday 3 November 2024 (12noon)

Questionnaires sent to current nursery September - November 2024

Assessment November 2024

Offers sent out Friday 6 December 2024

Admissions

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 an assessment of their academic ability, as well as observations of their learning behaviours during lessons.

Year 3 Entry Assessment

Assessments involve spending a full day in the Junior School, including:

• An assessment of the child’s cognitive ability, with computerised tests focusing on mathematics and English

• An evaluation of their in-class learning behaviours

• An evaluation of the child’s’ social skills and interactions with both peers and adults

• Consideration of reports and references from their current school

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 a full a school day with us. They will experience a mixture of time in class and formal academic assessments.

For all points of entry, we will also contact your child’s current setting or 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 directly.

7+ Key Dates

Registration Deadline Monday 9 December 2024 (12noon)

Assessment Monday 6 January 2024

Offers sent out Wednesday 22 January 2025

Acceptance Deadline Monday 10 February 2025

Admissions Team

Head of Admissions: Miss G Morrison

Admissions Officer: Mrs L Morrell

Admissions Assistant: Miss R Lacey-Dayes

Key Contact Information

jsadmissions@stdunstans.org.uk 020 8516 7226

Discover St Dunstan’s Visiting the College

The best way 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 7+ entry to book on to one or more of our open events.

Open Day

Saturday 21 September 2024

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 pupils, taking part in a variety of activities to help understand what makes St Dunstan’s so unique.

Discovery Mornings

Over the course of the academic year, we offer the opportunity for prospective parents and pupils to visit the College as part of a small group tour during the school day. This will allow you to see the school day in action, view our facilities and visit lessons, as well as hear from the Head of Junior School.