Summer 2023 | 29 physically, socially, and academically. We designed the breadth of our curriculum and co-curriculum to support that ambition. Our community makes us who we are – our vibrant and grounded Lewisham location, our rich and inspiring history, our co-educational setting, and our eclectic Dunstonians, near and far. Our community is well-positioned to embrace both the challenge and the opportunity presented by the globalised world.” As an educational establishment, St Dunstan’s refuses to stand still, always looking for ways to do things better, and a little differently. Set in 40 acres of land across two sites, 2021 signified the beginning of the most fundamental redevelopment of the college’s estate since the 19th century. The new STEM Centre for Excellence and Innovation is now home to scientific disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, design engineering, and mathematics. As well as 12 state-of-the-art laboratories, the centre features engineering workshops and the latest technology including laser cutters and 3D printers. The development also includes a new junior school, sixth form centre, and a performing arts centre incorporating a 170-seat theatre. Outdoor spaces for education and recreation have been redeveloped too. The college now has a woodland classroom, and its Jubilee sports ground is a hub for its gender-neutral sports programme and a wide-reaching community engagement initiative. And the estate development wasn’t the only major change in 2021. Jordon-Lee explains, “After two years of ongoing challenges, our Head, Nick Hewlett, wanted to create a group to support our equality and diversity policy. And so, we launched St Dunstan’s Diapason, an umbrella structure for pupil-staff partnership. The Diapason nurtures an ongoing strategy to enhance and promote the benefits of diversity and build a culture of equality for all. We’ve started with five main areas of focus: sexual orientation, sex and gender, race, religion and belief, and disability.” The creation of St Dunstan’s Diapason was a result of what Mr Hewlett called “an increased and worrying disconnect between the young and their teachers, triggered by the societal backlash in the aftermath of crisis.” St Dunstan’s Diapason offers students and staff an opportunity for meaningful dialogue around issues that matter. Each pillar has a staff lead and a student lead who work with fellow staff and students to champion each area of interest across the college. Groups have already made significant developments in college life including the designation of a ‘quiet room’ for reflection and prayer, improvements to the diversity of reading material for juniors, and awareness campaigns for ADHD, dyslexia, and World Spine Day. Having a say doesn’t end there either. The St Dunstan’s College Parliament is the heartbeat of the college. With representatives from Year 2 to Year 13 and the Head Pupil as chair, its feedback is key to every element of the college’s strategic and operational planning. Each year, the Parliament meets for its G12 Summit in the local Council Chambers to shape key development plan priorities for the year ahead. Staff have the opportunity to develop their skills far beyond mandatory training too. Teachers and support staff are able to take advantage of an extensive continued professional learning programme (CPL) throughout the year. Jordon-Lee tells us, “Senior leaders deliver regular CPL sessions, including leadership skills from the head, academic development from the deputy head academic, and pastoral and wellbeing training from the deputy head pastoral. Our middle leaders also run CPL sessions. These range from developing Microsoft skills to learning how to market their department. Staff from the teaching and support departments have the opportunity to join the college’s key working groups such as the Welfare Committee, Sustainability Committee, Communications Group, Catering Group, and of course, St Dunstan’s Diapason. We want staff to feel valued and contribute to wider development planning throughout the year.” The college's full programme of events includes community engagement, networking events, conferences, and webinars. Additionally, each academic year culminates in the annual St Dunstan’s Festival – a twoweek celebration of the arts which includes events such as International Evening and the Community Sings Concert. Last year, the event featured more than 160 exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and performances. To find out more about St Dunstan’s, please visit the college’s website. Contact: Jordon-Lee Squibb Company: St Dunstan's College Web Address: www.stdunstans.org.uk
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