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Academic Life

At St Joseph’s College, we believe that academic excellence is best achieved within a nurturing environment that promotes
intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth. We believe that every student has God-given talents, and it is our mission
to help them develop these gifts to their fullest and enabling them to reach their potential.

A Broad and Dynamic Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to inspire a lifelong love of learning. We are committed to providing a rigorous and well-rounded program that challenges students academically in order that they may excel.

In every subject, from the sciences to the arts and humanities, students are encouraged to see how the concepts they learn in the classroom relate to the world around them. Our broad and dynamic range of subjects supports students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and deepen their knowledge across a variety of disciplines. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to take on leadership roles in their future endeavours.

Passionate and Expert Teaching

Our teachers are subject specialists who are passionate about their fields and dedicated to shaping the futures of our students. They bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the classroom, inspiring students to engage deeply with their subject. Our students not only gain knowledge but also learn how to apply it in practical, meaningful ways.

St Joseph’s is the only
all-through co-ed school
in Reading

Children enjoy the benefit of
stability from ages 3 to 18, and
can focus on their development.

Our teaching and learning approach is guided by two key principles from cognitive science:

1. Learning as a Change in Long-Term Memory: We focus on ensuring that learning leads to a
lasting change in students’ long-term memory.
2. Memory as the Residue of Thought: We emphasise that what students think about most is
what they will remember, hence we structure our lessons to maximise thoughtful engagement.
Our evidence-based teaching strategies empower students to become effective independent
learners, who seek academic rigor and develop a passion for lifelong learning.

Small Class Sizes for Individualised Support

We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential. To facilitate this, our class sizes are smaller, which allow for more personalised guidance and support from staff. This individual attention ensures that students receive the best possible education tailored to their unique needs.

We are ambitious for all learners by providing the scaffolding to access a challenging curriculum. High quality feedback and dialogue is integral to this. Pupils receive clear guidance and resources based on the science of what works to support them with their revision and independent learning. Where we can use digital technology to enhance learning and maximise pupils’ potential, we do so with a forward-thinking, innovative approach.

Performance and outcomes

Academic life at St Joseph’s College is about nurturing the whole person – intellectually, morally, and spiritually. Every student is challenged and inspired to do their best for God – ‘Optima Deo’.

In this section

  • Academic Life
  • A Broad and Dynamic Curriculum
  • Passionate and Expert Teaching
  • Small Class Sizes for Individualised Support
  • Performance and outcomes
  • Careers & Futures AdviceCareers & Futures Advice
  • Results & AchievementsResults & Achievements
  • Sixth formSixth form

St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5JT, UK

Charity No. 277077 | Limited Company No. 1400984
Registered in England and Wales
VAT registration number: 479496027

Main office telephone:
0118 966 1000

Prep School telephone:
0118 984 6918

For admissions enquiries contact:
admissions@sjcr.org.uk

For all other enquiries contact:
mailbox@sjcr.org.uk

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