Whole-Person Ethos

In 1965 John Mayor and a team of inspired Christian people recognised that a wide range of challenge and opportunity was essential to ensure that every child could find a niche in which to succeed - the key to developing confidence and self-esteem. This whole-person philosophy for bringing out "the best in every child"... is an ideal to which many educationalists now aspire as they realise its value and the essential truth behind it.

Body: Outdoor Education, Leadership Training + Sport

"The outdoor education curriculum provides pupils with a well-planned and extensive range of opportunities to take part in exciting and challenging activities. Pupils regularly take part in sailing, skiing, hill-walking, winter mountaineering, climbing, caving and diving, both locally and in other parts of the world. Nearly all pupils enjoy participating and have a positive attitude to challenge and adventure. Pupils gain self-confidence and self-esteem through meeting significant and progressive challenges set for them by very skilled instructors, most of whom are also qualified teachers."

These words were used by inspectors to highlight it as one of our OUTSTANDING FEATURES. Indeed, with 5 full-time and 4+ part-time members of staff, we believe we offer a more extensive Outdoor Education programme than any other school in the UK!

Mind: Teaching the multi-sensory way

Some pupils learn best through hearing, some through seeing and many through doing. The skill comes in combining all of these methods into a lesson in which everyone makes the full progress of which they are capable. For many years, St David's had an international reputation for the quality of our provision for Dyslexic pupils. It was then realised that these methods are simply the best way to teach students regardless of their needs (or lack of them)... hence those aspiring to become medics or to join other high-flying professions. Indeed, it appears that many dyslexics are compensated in their struggle to cope with words by being blessed with great entrepreneurial and business skills and we have enjoyed a history of success in the Young

Spirit: The Chaplaincy at the heart of our community

Community" has always been at the core of St David's success and the Chaplaincy enhances our provision for the wider needs of each student, giving a real sense of security and stability. The Chaplain is always available for those who would like a listening ear and he oversees the moral, ethical and spiritual dimension of school life.

Assemblies of one kind or another are held every day and there is a chapel service to which all are welcome on Sundays. The emphasis is on meeting the needs of the pupils and to answer their questions. The approach is usually lively, interactive and informative, often based upon a Bible passage and/or involving a PowerPoint presentation with que