Welcome to the John Colet School website

Our Vision Statement "A safe, caring, mutually respectful, challenging and supportive community where students become independent learners and realise their potential." The school opened in the 1950’s, catering for children between the ages of 11 and 15. At this time the school had around 400 students. During the 1960’s it expanded when the Modern Languages and Humanities block and the Gym were built. In the 1980's a lot of dramatic changes to the school took place. In 1982 the Biology Labs were built, before major renevation in 1989 saw the original part of the school being demolished because maintenance costs were too high, with the school being substantially rebuilt over the following three years. In 1997 the new covered swimming pool was opened with money from the Wendover Community Trust, the School’s Parents’ Association, The National Lottery and the Foundation for Sports and the Arts. The school now has over 1000 pupils aged 11 to 18. About John Colet (1467 - 1519) John Colet was born in London in 1467. His father, Sir Henry Colet, was a wealthy merchant who was twice lord mayor of London. John Colet studied at Oxford University and was ordained deacon in 1497, and priest shortly afterwards. He travelled to France and Italy and then returned to teach at Oxford. He had a great friendship with the Dutch scholar Erasmus, which began around 1498. He was a leading exponent of Humanism and believed that the study of the Bible was the only route to holiness. He attacked abuses and idolatry in the Church and anticipated the Reformation, although he himself would never have considered a formal breach with the Catholic Church. His views were too radical for some and in 1512 he was accused of heresy by the bishop of London, however, the case was later dismissed. He became dean of St Paul's Cathedral in 1505, a position he held until his death. In the same year as this appointment, he inherited a great fortune from his father which he used to endow the St Paul's school in London, which was refounded in 1509. He wrote statutes to dictate how the school should be run and remained highly influential in its early years. Colet died on 10 September 1519. He died of the "sweating sickness" and was buried on the south side of the choir of St Paul's Cathedral. A stone was laid over his grave, with no other inscription than his name.

Our uniform is intended to give a sense of pride and identity with the school. It is also
designed not to cause any financial difficulties for parents.

Boys are asked to wear a white John Colet School polo shirt, maroon John Colet School sweatshirt, plain black trousers (not cords or jeans), white or black socks and black shoes not training shoes). Polo shirts should be buttoned up to the neck.

Girls are asked to wear a white John Colet School polo shirt, maroon John Colet sweatshirt, black trousers (not cords or jeans) or black skirt (not mini or maxi and without extreme slits), white, brown or grey socks or tights and flat black shoes (not training shoes). Polo shirts should be buttoned up to the neck. Plain outer garments without a motif, in black, navy or maroon are recommended.

ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING SHOULD BE CLEARLY NAMED.

No jewellery should be worn except for religious or family reasons. Those having pierced ears should wear no more than a single stud in each ear. (All jewellery is the responsibility of the owner and is worn at the pupil's risk). Only discreet jewellery, make-up and nail varnish may be worn.

Extremes of fashion in all matters from hairstyle, skirts or other items including shoes and jewellery are to be avoided. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that facial jewellery of any description (i.e. eyebrow piercings, nose piercings etc) are not acceptable and must not be worn. This also applies to body piercings (i.e. navel piercings.)

PE Kit
Girls	Boys
PE Shirt (pale blue)	Rugby jersey (fully reversible - black/sky blue)
Shorts (black)	Gym Tee shirt (sky blue/black trim)
Sweatshirt (black)	Shorts (black)
Sweatpants (black)	Swimming Costume
Swimming Costume	Rugby/football socks (sky blue)
Training shoes	Rugby/football boots
Hockey socks (sky blue)	Training shoes
	Sweatshirt (black - optional)
	Sweatpants (black - optional)

Training shoes must have adequate support and sturdy soles. There are "leisure shoes" on the market that are unsuitable for Physical Education. All kit needs to be marked clearly with name tag or indelible ink or have the pupil's name embroidered on the outside of the garment. The School's uniform suppliers are:

Stevensons
131-135 Victoria Street
St Albans
AL1 3XS
Tel: 01727 853262
www.stevensonsschoolwear.co.uk

Pastoral care is focused on the tutor and the tutor group, but at its heart lies good classroom teaching.

Pupils are placed in tutor groups that cover a wide range of ability. Each tutor group is placed under the guidance of a Tutor who is responsible to a Year Tutor.

In the overall education of each pupil, the Form Tutor is very important. The Tutor is directly responsible for the general welfare of the pupils in the group and for monitoring and encouraging their academic progress. Much of this is done in Tutor time.

It is the Form Tutor, Head of Year or Mrs McGinnity, Assistant Headteacher, who should be approached by parents wanting to discuss any aspect of their child's education. In any area of concern we urge parents not to hesitate in contacting us. Where we have concerns, we will certainly make sure that we contact parents. Appointments can be made to see the Form Tutor or appropriate Year Tutor at any time.

We believe that it is possible to impose a firm but non-repressive discipline on a school without tension. The start of this comes with good classroom teaching, from which pupils can work purposefully and with interest. When difficulties occur, the pupil is supported by the pastoral system and by the Individual Learning Department. We believe firmly in involving parents in matters to do with pupils' behaviour and general progress.

The Headteacher is always happy to see parents and discuss questions and concerns with them, but it is helpful if parents make appointments through the School Secretary. In emergencies, appointments can be made at very short notice. Parents are formally invited to meet staff twice in the first year, and at least once a year thereafter.

In this section of the site you will find information, links and resources for the majority of the subjects taught at the school. This section will hopefully be available early in the new academic year.

Art
Business Studies
Drama
English Language
English Literature
Geography
Humanities
ICT
Maths
Modern Foriegn Languages
Music
Physical Education
Religious Education
Science
Technology