John Colet School: Consistently Consistent

John Colet has received attention for our NAPLAN results over the years, this year being no exception. The results are impressive and do highlight consistent high achievement from our students, however these results are just from one test. The real proof of our overall approach is in our well rounded, confident and capable students. We do not teach to the test and would not change our approach if our ranking was to dip and rise from year to year, as it may do with different cohorts of children.

While the pendulum has swung between a phonic or ‘whole language’ approach in most schools across Australia over the past 40 years, John Colet School has maintained a consistent approach. Direct instruction of basic literacy and numeracy skills is the foundation that is instilled in infants and developed through Primary. The NAPLAN results are even more striking when you consider that John Colet is a non-selective school and that this approach really does result in exceptional student progress.

The consistent approach can also be seen in the unique structure of classes at John Colet School.  Children progress with the same teacher for 3 years in Infants and for 4 years in Primary. This approach fosters a strong relationship between the teacher, student and parent and enables a deep knowledge of the child and development of their personal learning journey. The teacher, student and parents start each year from a familiar, secure position and are able to pick up from where they left off.

At John Colet School there are many unique factors that have been proven over time to be of great benefit and which contribute to the ethos of the school and the character of the children. Mindfulness, stillness and meditation is an approach within the school where children pause and reflect in their environment and on their learning. Likewise the study of classical languages, Shakespeare and other ‘great’ works that have been carried through the ages are introduced to the children from Infants. These works are rich in their complexity and lift the students’ capacity across the board. Finally, high expectations in etiquette, respect and truthfulness flow through all aspects of school life.

Our children deserve a consistent approach in these formative years that not only is evidenced through tests and assessments, but also in developing young people who are articulate, confident and inquisitive global citizens.

Julian Wilcock
Headmaster

Our 4th class students have been studying Early Settlers and the First Fleet.  They were asked to use a plastic drink bottle to create a person who would have lived in that time.  They also had to write a biography of that person, and include with their bottle doll, three items the character would have used.  The results are extremely creative, and we have a range of convicts, botanists, Bennelongs and  Captain Phillips.

John Colet School is not currently offering Scholarships.

John Colet School is consistently ranked among the top performing schools in Australia. We are a non-selective school.

I have two children at John Colet and I can confidently say that it is an outstanding school. The teachers have nurtured and enhanced my children’s inner confidence and love of learning. In fact my eldest son, who was previously struggling academically and socially at another school, has gone from being told he was not a natural student to now, after years of being at John Colet, being accepted into a highly academic selective school. This is something I 100% credit John Colet for. The teachers and community have transformed him and brought out his best potential. My other son is also benefiting from John Colet’s fantastic education system and the nurturing environment... so I can see it is consistent for various personalities and capabilities.

I should note that John Colet take a very different approach to most schools and it clearly shows in the students results and social confidence. I will always hold the school in high regard and will be forever appreciative for their care and attention to my children.

Bernadette C

As involved grandparents, my husband and I could not be more delighted with the choice of John Colet School for our six year old grandson.

Our son and his wife moved to Forestville, specifically, as they had heard glowing reports of this tiny, bush school.  Our grandson is gifted and his parents required a school which understands the needs of such a child.  Since kindergarten he has been offered a privileged curriculum which extended to Latin, French, Religions of the World, Chess Club, Pianoforte, Shakespearean plays and myriad subjects and sports to suit every need.

This year the Extension Programme recognised that this particular child would benefit from an acceleration twelve months ahead of his age - he was eased into the fourth term of this new class in a most sensitive manner and appears to have settled well.  He continues to be closely monitored.

In twelve months our youngest grandson will be entering this school and is anxiously awaiting his turn in the classroom.  Younger siblings are welcomed throughout the school, which makes for ease of school life when the time arises.  All teachers appear to be most approachable and grandparents are recognised for the important role which they play in these young lives. 

The strict uniform code and an emphasis on fine manners engenders a sense of pride and caring throughout the school which, hopefully will carry through to adulthood, thus turning out worthwhile citizens into the community.

Well done, The John Colet School.

Margaret and John

Learning a second language gives a child the knowledge of how languages work.  At John Colet School all students from Kindy to Year 5 learn Sanskrit (in 6th class students can choose to learn French instead of Sanskrit) .  The word Sanskrit means is perfectly formed and Sanskrit is a most beautiful language to look at and to hear. This nourishes the aesthetic sense and the appreciation of beauty of the child at a very deep level.

Sanskrit stands at the root of many Eastern and Western languages including English and most other European languages classical or modern.  Sanskrit Grammar is the most thorough Grammar system of any language and its study illuminates the grammar and etymology of other languages.  It is also supremely logical so that it enhances the child’s ability in Maths, Science and Technology. 

Sanskrit has one of the richest and most extensive literatures of all known languages.  It introduces children to vast epics, profound scripture, subtle philosophy, voluminous mythology, and exquisite poetry. 

In the early years we concentrate on pronunciation, the script and learning the beautiful verses.  Once the children are in the Primary classes we begin to study the Grammar using the classical stories of Rama and Krishna. 

Latin is also offered at John Colet School, and many students learn Mandarin at after school class.

Joan Childs and Roslyn Dunn
Sanskrit Teachers