Headmaster
Within every boy there is a brilliance and perfection waiting to be uncovered. This discovery is the essence of the St James education and is an approach of significant appeal to many who are looking for something substantial and lasting for their sons.
For many years we have asked of parents the question: "What kind of man do you want your son to be?" In the wake of momentous change to the economic, social and political condition of the nation, such a question is even more relevant when choosing a Senior School and is one reason why over recent years we have experienced unprecedented demand.
Our belief is that a complete education should work to ignite each boys inner being, which is full of love and reason, allowing him the space to release those divine forces which constitute his creative power. We also seek to ensure he understands that behind the delightful array of talents, personality, race, culture and religion is a single force of consciousness; a force which we all share. This is at the heart of what we call the Philosophy of Oneness.
Stepping from boyhood to manhood requires the provision of the finest material which will bring clarity to his mind and openness to his heart. He needs to learn to speak well and be at peace with all around him. This is why we provide opportunities to learn Shakespeare by heart, sing the finest music, debate philosophical and ethical issues, and to discuss matters of social and spiritual importance.
Our approach to each boy is that he should develop a vision of how he can serve and contribute to society and mankind. He is helped to see how he can gain the necessary mastery of practical and social skills while holding to what he knows to be unchanging and true. Our aim is that he should grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically and that this will show itself in his actions.
Our curriculum is academically testing and our results are most encouraging despite the fact we do not select pupils solely on the basis of their academic abilities. Boys develop their strengths and talents and help each other overcome their weaknesses. Learning support is offered where needed. Sport also plays a large part - up to three afternoons a week - as do educational trips to Italy, Greece, France and South Africa.
Much of the work we do is to help pupils strengthen their powers of concentration and attention so they can tackle anything with confidence and efficiency. At the heart of this are our periods of stillness and quiet. We stop at the end of each activity and pause at the beginning of the next one, allowing the mind to cast away all agitations and stress. Twice a day we offer ten-minute periods of QUIET TIME in which boys are encouraged to meditate, pray, contemplate or simply ‘be'. These exercises give power and energy as well as a remarkable self confidence.
In September 2010 we moved to a new site - on to a 30 acre site in Ashford, Surrey, the site of the former St David's school. This gives us the physical space to continue to pursue our excellence in art, drama, music and sport. It allows popular extra-curricular activities, such as Cadets, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, sailing club and kayaking, to flourish even more. Click here for more detail
Education, which aims to release the brilliance of all pupils, requires dedicated staff and an approach to pastoral care that encompasses the complete child. Parental surveys regularly highlight this feature of life at St James Senior Boys. To us, your son is precious; a jewel to be unearthed; a boy turning into a real man, at peace with himself and a friend to all.
Please come and see us. You will be most welcome.
David Boddy