St John Plessington Catholic College

At SJP we firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop and realise their true potential. We strive to ensure pupils leave SJP having experienced fullness of life, equipping our pupils with the skills needed to achieve, attain and follow their chosen career and life path. Life at SJP therefore extends far beyond the classroom as pupils embark upon the 'SJP Experience'. In line with our ethos 'Aspire not to have more but to be more' the 'SJP Experience' provides our pupils with the opportunity to broaden their horizons through participation in new experiences and is designed to create an environment that not only identifies a child's dreams and aspirations but encourages these ambitions through continuous achievement. We aim to develop the academic, professional, social and character skills needed to be successful in life, so that all pupils can make the most of their abilities and interests and achieve their full potential. As part of our catholic ethos, we also take very seriously our role as educators to ensure that pupils leave the college with a strong sense of their mission and calling. When they are ready for the outside world, we want our pupils to leave with a desire to serve and to become the next generation of leaders. As a 'first steps' experience away from home, every Year 7 pupil will attend a three day residential adventure at the Conway centre, North Wales in January. This is a crucial part of their first year in which pupils will have the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities, challenging themselves to overcome obstacles, developing crucial team work skills as well as reflecting upon their experiences and achievements. Your child will have regular opportunities to extend their learning outside of the classroom through curriculum linked projects during 'SJP experience' days held in the Summer Term, which will continue throughout their seven years at SJP. Working as a year group, pupils will be given additional opportunities to participate in workshops, trips and visits and as such pupils will complete activities which fall into one of 8 different 'Experience' areas; Spiritual, Volunteering, University, Career, Eco, Skill, Club and Residential. These areas are designed to allow our pupils to build relationships within our College Community as well as providing opportunities to impact upon our local community. We additionally aim to immerse our pupils in local and international culture; pupils will visit places of local interest and heritage and our international links are growing rapidly. Pupils are already involved in exchanges and visits to parts of Europe, China, USA, Africa and South America. World challenge expeditions have previously taken place in Peru and Swaziland and in Year 9 it is expected that all pupils will participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Raising children's aspirations is extremely important at SJP and we aim to develop the understanding that learning (and the experiences that take place within and around learning) can be the route to enhanced opportunities. We want to encourage as many of our pupils as possible to consider pursuing further studies after SJP. The experience of university is life changing and opens doors to numerous and exciting possibilities. Working in partnership, we will equip pupils with the experience, skills and qualifications necessary to achieve their goals. Year 7 pupils will reflect upon their hopes and dreams throughout the year. As they grow, they will be given opportunities to research where they want to be in life, the qualifications they need to get there and how they are going to experience it. Here at SJP we believe broadening one's experience plays a crucial role in preparing pupils for a place at university, their career and for lifelong success. The 'SJP Experience' places leadership and service at the heart of everything we do and so it is vital that your child participates in all aspects of school life. We know that you will do everything to encourage them as we journey together. If you wish to discuss any matter pertaining to the Year 7 Experience, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Bedke (Head of Learning).