St John's Upper Sixth Form day and boarding House

St John's House sits in its own grounds yet is conveniently close to the centre of the campus

St John’s House is Hurst's Upper Sixth Form co-educational day and boarding House. Its structure, facilities and the light touch with which the House is managed ensure that it provides an environment best suited to students’ academic, personal and social development in their final school year. Each pupil has a study bedroom with hand basin, and girls and boys are housed in separate wings, each of which has its own laundry and social room. The centre of the House contains the communal TV room, computer room, conference/workroom and social centre with a bar and kitchen. Its facilities are outstanding and enable students to work together in an atmosphere similar to that found at University.

Inherent in the St John’s concept is the principle that the students will manage their own community. There will be opportunities for them to arrange School functions both for themselves and the rest of the School, to foster links with the local community, organise charity events and establish a close working relationship with both Prep and Senior Schools. Life in St John's provides an exciting challenge at the crucial point in a student's school career whilst continuing to provide firm foundations for many aspects of their future life.

The primary focus for St John's students will, of course, be their academic studies and residents are greatly encouraged and assisted to organise themselves and enhance their independent learning skills. Academic seminars, discussion groups and the dissection of quality broadsheets are all encouraged. Learning styles, levels of motivation and details of personal organisation are individual but the common goal is working towards the achievement of their UCAS targets and, in this, students are supported and guided through a strong tutorial system.

The Upper Sixth are also encouraged to be active participants in the broader school life. As positive role models and often as elite performers academically, musically, dramatically and on the games field, they are encouraged to coach, guide and inspire younger pupils; in short, for their own benefit and for the benefit of younger pupils, members of St John's are encouraged - where appropriate - to work with, and alongside, adult members of staff.

St John’s also has a powerful social function. The year group is now fully integrated (although each student maintains a link with the school House of which they were formerly a member) and quickly establishes a group ethos and loyalty which develop into strong, sometimes lifelong, friendships. A St John’s committee gives the residents an opportunity to express their views on matters of their choosing, whether relating to the House itself or to wider school issues. Various social functions punctuate and highlight the passage of the year culminating in the magnificent Leavers’ Ball at the end of the Summer term. On a domestic level, pupils are encouraged to do their own washing and there is the opportunity to undertake a basic cookery course, all part of preparation for the ‘next step’.

It is our aim that by the end of the year, Hurst 'graduates' will face the world with confidence and maturity, having achieved grades that each individual once regarded as ‘ambitious’ and overall results that will enable every student to embark with confidence on the next stage of their chosen path through life.

Housemaster: Tim Leeper

Tim Leeper was the founding Housemaster of Crescent House in 2005. He is an enthusiastic biologist and was, for many years, Head of Hurst's Biology Department. A keen sportsman in his own right, he is in charge of the U16s’ rugby and helps out with the senior cricket club. Married to Jan, who is Senior Mistress, they have 2 daughters, one in the Senior School and the other in the Prep School.

 

 

Housemistress: Angela Browne