The curriculum reflects the natural needs of the young child. Every aspect of the child needs to be nourished: spirit, heart, mind and body. In order that there is harmony of work, rest and play, the day is well measured. The education is carefully balanced and systematic. The key point is the quality of the material provided. Children are provided with the finest material. This ensures their growth.

The day begins with Assembly and singing. This brings a unity to the whole school community. Academic work takes place mainly in the morning. The latter part of the day is devoted mainly to art, music and physical activity. This straightforward education provides the stability, order and happiness which the children need to thrive.

Ten is the age at which reason begins to develop. There is a significant change in life and outlook for the child at this time. Children become acutely aware of society and the training of their mind becomes a priority. Self-reliance and self-discipline should show in everything they do and they begin to internalise the principles they have been given in their earlier years. It is for these reasons that the children in John Scottus move to the Senior School at the age of ten. While still following the Primary Curriculum and under the care of the Vice-Principal, they embark on a new phase of their education where they will have subject teachers and will have the strength and example of older pupils to help them in this transition phase.

Speech and Language

“Speech is a mirror of the soul; as a man speaks so is he” – Publilius Syrus. Mastery of speech is fundamental to the full development of a person. Therefore the spoken and written word have a high profile in John Scottus.

Teachers as Learners

The key to inspiring pupils is to give them the best material available – give them goodness and they become good. Like all good teacher, those in John Scottus look for opportunities to enrich the subjects they teach with inspiring material. To do this, the teachers themselves must continue to study their own subjects and develop a glorious vision for what they teach. Pupils are invigorated by this infectious enthusiasm of their teachers.