St Dunstan's College - Junior School Forder Programme

THE JUNIOR SCHOOL FORDER PROGRAMME

TO THE JUNIOR FORDER PROGRAMME

'A busy, energetic school where pupils are offered a stimulating syllabus and fun activities. Children enjoy being part of a large, vibrant and, above all, active community'

- The Good Schools Guide 2021

www.stdunstans.org.uk

REVEREND FORDER

Our Forder 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 were 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.

THE FORDER PROGRAMME

The Forder Programme is the name given to our cocurriculum at St Dunstan’s. The name is taken from our pioneering second Headmaster, the Reverend Forder, who 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 classrooms, the pupils would encounter a variety of experiences, each one an opportunity for personal growth and development.

The Forder Programme today operates alongside the Hecker and Stuart curricula, to augment the broad and liberal educational experiences that our pupils enjoy. This ambitious, forward thinking programme is sufficiently broad to give each individual the freedom to carve out their own unique journey and it begins here in the Junior School.

The Forder journey starts for our Reception pupils during their very first days at St Dunstan’s, and the variety and diversity of activities increase as pupils progress through the Junior School. We believe that all pupils in the Junior School have the potential to become whoever they want to be, and our broad 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. 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 the Junior School, College and on into life.

Mrs Louise Carmichael-Line

Deputy Head Pastoral - Forder Programme Co-ordinator

THE CORE COMPASSION CREATIVITY CURIOSITY COURAGE

THE CORE

In the Junior School, sport forms a significant part of the Core profile. Sporting Forder opportunities are offered to our youngest pupils in Reception, who are able to make use of our incredibly popular after-school Munchkins Sports Coaching, designed to introduce sports in an engaging, inclusive and enjoyable way. The specialised Munchkins sessions are tailored to particular sports and change termly; highlights have included Munchkins Football, Munchkins Rugby and Tougher Munchkins. Munchkins sports are also available to pupils in Years 1 and 2, who additionally have the opportunity to attend a wider range of after school Pre-Prep Core activities.

As pupils move into the Prep school, focused sporting programmes are offered in order to develop skill and expertise. Options include rugby, football, netball, swimming, cricket, hockey, rounders and tennis and all activities are run by specialist PE teachers and coaches on our state of the art courts, pitches and 30m indoor swimming pool. Those who choose to progress further in these sports receive high level coaching and training, such as in the Swim Squad, and are given opportunities to compete in local tournaments and competitions. A broad range of additional sporting programmes designed to build a love of sports and exercise such as Aqua Fun, St Dunstan’s College Circuits and Fitness Fanatics give the opportunity for every boy and girl to participate in collegiate sporting activities.

In addition to sport, this profile is the home of wellness activities. Here in the Junior School, we consider mental and physical wellbeing as having a symbiotic relationship and our focus on supporting pupils’ mental health is central to our offering. Examples of activities designed to engage pupils in strengthening and supporting their wellbeing include Stretch and Breathe, Mindfulness, Yoga and The Calm Club.

‘I love going to Munchkins because they teach you how to kick the ball'

Lui, Reception

PREP PROFILE EXAMPLES: Cross Country, Football, Netball, Hockey, Swimming, Land Training, Stretch and Breathe, Mindfulness, Mindfulness Colouring, Yoga, The Calm Club

THE CORE

Land Training, SDC Circuits, Fitness Fanatics, Rugby, Cricket, Aussie Rules, Rounds, Tennis, Aqua Fun, Swim Squad,

'I usually pick sporty Forder options because I love sports and it give me the chance to play them even more'

Oliver, Year 5

'We play lots of fun games'

Aurora, Reception

This profile inspires our pupils to be ambitious, push their boundaries and challenge themselves to try something different! Pupils in the Junior School are celebrated for their individuality and our supportive staff encourage pupils to embrace new opportunities to continually develop a broad range of skills and talents.

From Pre-Prep, opportunities are offered to our pupils to broaden their skillset by trying something they have never done before. First Strings, a popular music activity that is run by visiting music specialists, welcomes Year 1 pupils to try out the violin for the first time. Beginners are taught how to play and perform both individually and in groups. In Record Breakers, Pre-Prep children are encouraged to complete a range of exciting tasks better than anyone else in history requiring courage, skill and determination in abundance!

In the Prep school, activities such as Young Architects, The Apprentice, British Sign Language, First Aid, Debating, Project Pioneers and Junior School Journalists encourage children to step out of their comfort zone and learn new skills to take forward into the future. Staff organise activities that they are passionate about and this enthusiasm is echoed in the pupils, who quickly develop the courage to build their confidence and be ambitious when making their choices, strengthening resilience and endeavour.

At the end of every term, the Junior School community holds a Forder Celebration Assembly and pupils are encouraged to present their achievements and talents to the rest of our Junior School community, filled with the confidence to speak out and empower others to find the courage to try something new. From sharing newly designed buildings, to presenting a debate, to leading a science experiment, pupils and staff alike celebrate the determination and effort needed to add courage to a pupil’s rapidly growing profile.

'I love learning a new skill, something I haven’t done before'

Amaya, Year 2

'The best thing about Forder is you learn something new every term'

Rae, Year 2

'There are lots of fun things to try out and be with children from a different class'

Jessica, Year 6

COMPASSION

Junior School pupils have a plethora of opportunities to engage actively in the local community through projects such as the Harvest Festival foodbank donations and Christmas Gifts for the Voluntary Services Lewisham. Compassion, care and understanding for others are taught from the earliest of days in the Junior School and pupils are actively encouraged to become forward-thinking in the knowledge that their small actions can make a big difference, both in their local and global communities. We teach the skills that will enable our pupils to thrive as responsible citizens in the twenty-first century.

The compassion profile offers pupils the opportunity to develop these skills in a safe way. Forder options such as Compassion Club, Eco Club and Climate Change provide pupils with the chance to make suggestions for change within our community; having meat-free lunches, switching to power saving devices and recycling are recent examples of change that pupils have enacted within the Forder Programme. Responsibilities increase as pupils mature and progress through the Junior School; Creative Writers thoughtfully produce letters to accompany gifts sent to Lewisham Voluntary Services for distribution to the local community at Christmas, and Prep Pupil Parliament representatives engage with local charities and our Charity Committee on a regular basis.

Consideration for the viewpoint of others is essential for developing compassion; activities such as Junior School Philosophy encourage pupils to develop tolerance and understanding of a range of perspectives, and in The Wonderful World of Books, pupils reflect upon diversity of belief, whilst exploring beautiful stories from around the world. In the Academic Scholarship Preparation enrichment sessions, Year 6 pupils are invited to research their own philosophical questions that address morality and ethics. This encourages children to think critically, consider all viewpoints and develop compassion for those from all sides. Compassion for others is prevalent across the College and Junior School pupils are supported in their endeavours for change by Senior School role models, enabling the College to collaborate to seek active and meaningful change across the community. The presence of Senior School students, who actively pursue opportunities to support in a number of Junior School activities, inspires our youngest pupils to become ambitious and forward-thinking in their plans for the future and gives them a platform to build links and facilitate change as they get older.

'In Forder you do activities you enjoy doing at home, but with your friends'

Arla, Year 2

Philosophy, Woodland Activities, Exploring Diversity and Difference

COMPASSION

'You get more time to enjoy the school day by doing something extra and different' Leo, Year 3

'I love how there are lots of options and they keep changing every term and every year'

Max,

Year 6

Creativity, individuality and ambition are integral to life in the Junior School and we embrace and nurture endeavour in art, drama, music and performance. From Year 1 onwards, pupils are invited to join the Pre-Prep Choir to sing and perform with their peers both within school and also in public, with performances held at the Catford Broadway Theatre and other key locations within our local community. Additionally, Pre-Prep pupils have a wealth of creative activities available to them to inspire craftsmanship including Paper Crafts, Sewing and Art in the Woods in our magical, outdoor Woodland Classroom – where better to inspire their creativity and imagination?

In Prep, skills are honed further with opportunities for pupils to practise discrete skills and perform to wider audiences. From Calligraphy to Photography, Wind Band to Ukulele and Chair Drumming, and Poetry Lovers to Prop Design, all pupils have the chance to shine in this ambitious, creative programme. Regular performances are held throughout the school year by the Wind Band, Prep Strings, Prep Orchestra and the incredibly popular Prep Choir and all pupils who want to sing and perform are welcome to do so, regardless of their experience. Commitment and enthusiasm are required from all! The highlight of the year is the incredible St Dunstan’s Festival, which entails a vast array of music and dramabased events, workshops and performances for every child and their family to partake in and enjoy!

'I like Forder because we can use our imagination'

Zoe, Year 3

PREP PROFILE EXAMPLES: SDC Stitchers, Calligraphy, Origami, Cartoon Drawing, Optical Music Theory and Appreciation, Drama, Prop Design, Poetry Lovers, The Actor’s Workshop

'I love Forder because it is really exciting to have extra fun at the end of the day by doing clubs and there are lots of exciting activities like film club and art attack'

William, Year 3

'My favourite part of Forder is being able to choose our own clubs to join!'

Darius,

Year 1

CURIOSITY

Curiosity is cherished in the Junior School and our dedicated and passionate staff work hard to support pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding by providing rich additional educational experiences and activities. Curiosity is embedded in all of our curricula and cocurricula activities, allowing pupils to use their skills of enquiry and curiosity to ask questions, think critically, experiment, build and challenge.

Academic enrichment activities offer pupils the opportunity to deepen their love of a particular area of the curriculum. In the Pre-Prep, this starts with Curiosity Club, where pupils find out about the weird and wonderful and develop a passion for all things unknown! Year 2 children with a passion for English and maths are able to hone their skills in Creative Writing or Maths Problem Solving, led by subject specialists, preparing them effectively for Prep life and providing them with a platform to delve deeper into more challenging concepts.

In Prep, Form Teachers extend pupils with a range of ambitious and academic challenges. Rapid Maths, It’s Electric and French Games are taught by subject specialists and activities such as Puzzle Club, Brain Training and Around the World advocate and develop pupils’ resilience, questioning and critical thinking skills. Lego, Dominoes and Board Games are enjoyed across the Junior School, with Chess being taught by an external specialist to Prep pupils eager to learn strategy and build competitive skills. Junior School pupils arrive at St Dunstan’s with interests, talents and passions of their own and we embrace the opportunity to develop curious minds. Coding is a particularly popular option for forward thinking, curious Prep pupils; using the school ICT rooms and specialist equipment, pupils are taught the skills to code, programme and explore 21st Century technology including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

As pupils progress to Upper Prep, those who have demonstrated particular skill in certain areas are invited to structured extension groups. This culminates in Year 6 where children selected as potential Academic Scholars are invited to preparation sessions with the Junior School Deputy Head Academic. These sessions focus on challenging English and maths activities, alongside philosophy and critical thinking. Pupils are also welcome to attend scholarship preparation sessions for art and drama.

There are also opportunities in the co-curricula programme for pupils to engage with school-based, local and national competitions to further their academic profile. These include BBC Radio 2’s 500-word story competition, the IAPS art competition, SATIPS general knowledge quiz and the UN Climate Change Creative Earth competition.

'I love the new options every term' Molly, Year 4

PREP PROFILE EXAMPLES: Rapid Maths, It’s Electric, French Games, Words Words Words, Preparation, Drama Scholarship Preparation, Coding, The Wonderful World of Books, Chess

Words, Puzzle Club, Jigsaw Club, Brain Training, Around the World, Academic Scholarship Preparation, Art Scholarship

'I would say it is really fun to learnt things that you might not learn in normal lessons like craft, coding and outdoor French games'

Laura, Year 3

'I like Forder because I always get to go home and tell my parents something new that I have learned'

Polly,

Year

2

REFLECTIONS FROM JUNIOR STUDENTS...

I like Forder because it gives you the chance to learn new skills. For example I usually play netball in games but there is a rugby Forder club so now I know how to play rugby too. I also love to learn calligraphy.

Ida, Year 5

I love the new options every term. In the summer I like doing athletics after school in the sunshine and you can do so many clubs each week.

Molly, Year 4

My favourite Forder club was Lego club as we were set different challenges to build things. Davi, Year 3

www.stdunstans.org.uk

I love how there are lots of options and they keep changing every term and every year. In the last few years, I have chosen to do podcasting, first aid and apprentice club and I really loved all of them.

Max, Year 6

I usually pick a sporty Forder options because I love sports and it give me the chance to play them even more.

Oliver, Year 5

I like going to Munchkins because coach Jack is really funny. He has great jokes!

Seren, Year 2

I love the Traffic Light game, it’s so much fun! Ares, Year 6

JUNIOR FORDER ACTIVITIES

CORE:

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Munchkins Sports

Cross Country

Football

Netball

Hockey

Swimming

Land Training

SDC Circuits

Fitness Fanatics

Rugby Cricket

Aussie Rules Rugby Rounders

Tennis

Aqua Fun

Swim Squad

Stretch and Breathe

Mindfulness

Yoga

The Calm Club

Meditation

COURAGE

First Strings

Puzzle Fun

Record Breakers

Building Nature Detectives

The Young Architects

Podcasts

The Apprentice

Debating

Junior School Journalists

Project Pioneers

Design and Build

British Sign Language

First Aid

COMPASSION

Eco Club

Compassion Club

Climate Change

Creative Writers

Philosophy

Academic Scholarship Preparation

Debating

The Wonderful World of Books

Story Time

Environmental Club

Exploring Diversity and Difference

Debaters

Hitting the Headlines

CREATIVITY

Paper Crafts

Sewing Club

Pre-Prep Choir

Prep Choir

Kids Dance Bop

Dance, Dance, Dance

Drama

The Cutting Crew

SDC Stitchers

Calligraphy

Origami

Cartoon Drawing

Optical Illusion Art

Photography

Let’s Draw

String Orchestra

Boomwhackers and Beats

Ukulele and Chair Drumming

Music Theory and Appreciation

Drama

Prop Design

Poetry Lovers

The Actor’s Workshop

CURIOSITY

Coding Chess

Curiosity Club

Dominoes

Maths Problem Solving

Creative Writing

Rapid Maths

It’s Electric

French Games

Words, Words, Words

Puzzle Club

Jigsaws

Brain Training Around the World

Art Scholarship Preparation

Academic Scholarship

Preparation

Drama Scholarship

Preparation

* Activities change on a termly basis