The St John’s Academy
The St John’s Academy is an after-school enrichment programme promoting excellence in Mathematics, Physical Science, English and Life Skills. Started in 2008, the Academy serves boys attending under-resourced schools in our neighbouring communities of Yeoville, Berea, and beyond. The academic programme offers afterschool supplementary teaching and support on the St John’s campus.
Due to very clear need and the positive impact seen, the Academy grew quickly in its early years to accommodate learners in Grades 10, 11 and 12, for a total of 72 students in the College. In 2019, the programme was extended to include Grades 6 and 7 in the critical preparatory phase. In 2023 the College Academy programme was extended to include a supplementary phase, where Grade 9 students are supported by intern teachers at their own schools. This helps to bridge the gap between the Prep Academy and the College Academy and gives us opportunity to identify talented students before they enter the programme in Grade 10.
Recently, additional funding has allowed St John’s to introduce and integrate a range of sporting and cultural activities and other valuable experiences, all key to a holistic education. Included is a ‘learn to swim’ programme and a leadership camp.
The Academy considers individual needs to build confidence, develop skills, and encourage growth. Participants have consistently achieved a 100% pass rate. In 2022, the matriculating Academy class collectively achieved more than 30 distinctions in their final DBE exams.
Continuity for all graduates is viewed as a priority and each learner given the best possible chance of success. The exceptional matric results and the success achieved by the graduates of the Academy is testament to the impact of the programme, which changes the lives and trajectory of many fine and talented young men.
BEYOND 125 REMAINING TARGET: R15 MILLION
The St John’s Academy is well supported by Trusts and Foundations and Corporate Social Investment funds, which cover most of the annual operational costs of the programme.
The Beyond 125 Campaign aims to raise R15 million towards supporting the Academy and a Sustainability Fund to allow the programme to grow.