We actively support our pupils’ emotional wellbeing by incorporating meditative practices into daily life and fostering a positive school atmosphere built on mutual respect, trust and kindness.
Mindfulness has always been deeply integrated into our school life as a valuable and effective way to instil calm and bring focus. This also allows pupils to join the present moment and digest the fruits of their learning.
Throughout the day, all pupils and staff practise the ‘Pause’, moments of quiet reflection and stillness. This usually takes place at the beginning and end of each lesson, at assemblies and lunchtime.
St James believes that quality of attention and power of concentration are essential to an effective and happy way of life. We encourage pupils and staff to appreciate the importance of the present moment, to be inwardly free and deeply at ease within ourselves amidst the fast pace of everyday life.
Our pupils, from Reception to Sixth Form, are encouraged to ask the ‘big questions’ of life and to debate and challenge ideas in a respectful and inclusive way. To do this, Philosophy lessons are conducted in an atmosphere of trust, in which pupils feel confident to express themselves freely.
These philosophical discussions around topics such as morality and justice, help our pupils appreciate different viewpoints and navigate the complexities of human interactions. They learn how to be kind and to become thoughtful members of the school and society.
Through philosophy, our pupils also learn to develop and analyse arguments, which is essential in both their academic and personal lives. Philosophy encourages pupils to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely, fostering strong communication skills and most importantly, the ability to listen.
By integrating philosophy into our curriculum, St James Schools nurture human beings who will lead with wisdom, and live with compassion.
St James has been at the forefront of promoting environmental-friendly practices for over four decades.
The decision to create a vegetarian school in 1975 was a reflection of the belief that humans should be kind to themselves, others, and the environment to grow holistically. This philosophy remains at the core of our ethos and values.
Pupils are served well-balanced vegetarian food alongside a daily range of salads and soups every day.
As good nutrition is essential to pupils’ health and wellbeing, our school meals are freshly prepared on the premises using top quality, wholesome ingredients. For example, we do not use any pre-produced sauces which may contain GM foods.
Sanskrit has always been a core part of the school curriculum. Of all classical languages, Sanskrit has the most complete and systematised grammar and is considered the underlying grammatical system of all Indo-European languages.
St James is considered a centre of excellence for teaching Sanskrit globally, with some pupils going on to Oxford University to study the language.
“I realise how much Sanskrit is helping my daughter memorise information and data. Many thanks for all your great teaching. It’s indeed a fascinating subject.” – St James Parent
