About Opentopia
Opentopia Directory Encyclopedia Tools

John Lyon School

Encyclopedia : J : JO : JOH : John Lyon School

 


John Lyon School (previously The Free Grammar School of John Lyon) is a public day school in Harrow-on-the-Hill, England. It is part of Harrow School founded to provide day education in the style of the English Form, but to be a day school for Harrow School rather than for the increasingly out of parish 'foreigners' who boarded (going full boarding at the founding of John Lyon's. This was done in keeping with the wishes of the founder of Harrow School, John Lyon, who wanted to provide education for the sons of local residents and businessmen. The school maintains ties with Harrow School, with both schools part of a Foundation which includes the two schools and John Lyon's Charity. They also share facilities, notably The Speech Room and Sports East Playing Fields. Today the school educates 580 boys with annual fees of £10,775 [link]


The school is located on Harrow-on-the-Hill on a site which is bissected by Middle Road. Its sports pitches are located a 15 minute walk from the school on the other side of the hill.


The school is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC).





Contents




History

With Harrow School firmly established as one of the leading public schools in England, it was decided after the Public Schools Act of 1868 to carry out the wishes of John Lyon and establish "the Lower School of John Lyon in Harrow" in 1874. The new school opened two years later after the construction of the original school building which is still in use today. The school has traditionally placed emphasis on traditional academic subjects, with the school garnering much respect and admiration amongst parents for its commitment to the sciences. Also, in comparison with its rivals Haberdashers' Aske's and Merchant Taylors' School, John Lyon has developed a reputation for being a "friendly" school as a result of its smaller size and more compact site. As such, the school enjoys an excellent reputation amongst the locals and some neighbouring North London boroughs. However, it must be stated that, John Lyon's does still live in the shadow of its illustrious boarding only brother and as such struggles to maintain its own identity and reputation both London-wide and nationwide. 


The Harrow and John Lyon's Foundation Bursar is Nicholas Shyrane. The two schools governors are: 



MR PETER BECKWITH MA HON LLD CANTAB
MR DUNCAN FITZWILLIAMS MA
MR PETER SIDDONS MA FCA
GENERAL SIR TIMOTHY GRANVILLE-CHAPMAN KCB CBE
MR THOMAS HENRY WALDUCK MA
MR NICHOLAS WILLOUGHBY STUART CB MA
DR MARK BILLINGE
MR JOHN HAYES MA, FCA
DR ANN ROSAMUND LONGLEY MA HON D.UNIV
PROFESSOR DAVID JOHN WOMERSLEY MA PHD FRHS
MR DAVID SALISBURY MA
MRS JANE FORMAN HARDY LLB
MR JOHN ANDREW STRACHAN BSC FRICS
DR OWAIN ARWEL HUGHES OBE BA DMUS
MR RICHARD COMPTON
MR SIMON JONATHAN GRAHAM DOGGART BA
MR VERNON SANKEY MA FRSA
MR WILLIAM MASSEY QC MA
MR TOBY HOARE
MR EDWARD GOULD MA
MR KEVIN WILLIAM BRUCE GILBERT BA FCA
MR CRISPIN ODEY BA
MRS HARRIET AYER BA
SIR NEIL CHALMERS MA PHD



Recent history


Revd. Tim Wright, Headmaster 1986-2001

It can be argued that under Revd Wright's tenure, the school observed its greatest and most visible changes. At the start of his term, the school was barely recognisable from what it is today, with many facilities simply not existing. With the new millennium fast approaching, Revd Wright pursued the policy of bring the school bang up to date, with the undertaking of numerous large construction projects. The first of these was the Lyon Building in the late 1980s which provided the school with a large modern teaching facility set into the side of Harrow-on-the-Hill with a large hall, The Boyd Campbell Hall, which could now adequately accommodate school assemblies. The second large project undertaken was the construction of the Pavilion at the Sudbury games field in 1993. This facility included multiple changing rooms, showers and a canteen which allowed students to prepare for games in a comfortable and modern facility. In 1997, Revd Wright constructed his "pyramids" with the construction of the extension of the Main Building, providing extra science laboratories and a drama studio; construction of the new Sports Hall and Swimming Pool; new library, and redevelopment of the old sports hall. The 1997 project alone was impressive with many students and staff appreciative of the new facilites afforded by this expansion project.  Revd Wright enjoyed a good relationship with most pupils of the school and on occasion taught first-year pupils; unusual for a Headmaster.  Viewed objectively, Revd Wright's tenure will always be judged positively for the enormous impact his policy had on the school.



Dr. Christopher Ray, Headmaster 2001-2004

Upon Revd Wright's retirement, the school welcomed Dr Ray from King's College School Wimbledon as his replacement for the academic year 2001-2002. As with any change of headmaster, the school endured much change and upheaval with the most superficial of them being the relocation of the school administration to the Main Building. Other building developments during Dr Ray's tenure were the construction of a language centre in the Oldfield playground, and the relocation of the Sixth Form to the Red House. Aside from this, Dr Ray implemented much curriculum change with the introduction of Italian, Spanish, Psychology, Critical Thinking, and Double Science Award. Dr Ray's arrival also prompted much staff change, to the point that over 50% of the staff that were present in 2001 are no longer present. Dr Ray did not enjoy cordial relations with the pupils, who objected to many of his decisions, for example the decision to ban the use of school bags was seen by some as an attack on individuality and practicality. Some unhappiness has been expressed about the school's spending in Dr Ray's term. Dr Ray left in 2004 for his native Manchester to become Headmaster of the Manchester Grammar School, where he has, again, not been well received. Between Dr Ray's Depature, and K. Riley's arrival, Mr. David Rimmer took up the post of acting headmaster.



School Day

The school day commences at 8:30 with registration. Assembly (where applicable) starts at 8:45. Full school assembly takes place on Monday. There are separate assemblies in the week for the three different age groups. Lessons are of either 35 or 40 minutes duration, lessons of 35 minutes duration occurring at each first period after a break (periods 1, 4 and 7). Lessons commence at 8.45AM with a 20 minute break at 10:40AM; and a 1 hour lunch break from 12:55PM. Afternoon school starts with afternoon registration at 2:00PM, with lessons commencing at 2.05PM, although boys are expected to be present in their form rooms from 1.55PM. The school day ends at 4.00PM, with the exception of fridays, where with only 8 periods of lessons the school day finishes at 3.20PM.



Structure & Curriculum

John Lyon School is separated into three different age groups:


Oldfield & Lower School

The first two years are housed in the Oldfield building on the North Side of the school with the Languages and History departments. Each year has three form groups of around 22 boys, which they will stay in for two years. The third year (Lower School) sees the enlargement of the year group as a result of the 13+ applicants. The third year grows to five form groups of around 22 boys and they are segregrated into their House affiliation (see later). They will stay in these forms for the rest of their time in the Middle School. 


The curriculum includes: English, Mathematics, French, second language (Spanish, German or Italian), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Drama, Music, Art & Design, ICT, Religious Studies, and Physical Education (PE). In addition, all boys take part in activities and games programmes as well as Social, Personal & Citizenship Education (SPACE).


First Year games (sports) afternoon is held on Thursday, with Second Year games on Monday. Third year games afternoon is on Tuesday



Upper School

The fourth and fifth year are concerned with students studying for their GCSE qualifications. Most will take 9 or 10 subjects from the choice of: English, Mathematics, English Literature, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics as a double award), History, Geography, Drama, Music, Art & Design, Religious Studies, PE. The school is noticeable in taking the mathematics IGCSE (International GCSE) rather than the standard mathematics GCSE. All pupils continue with SPACE, activities and games. Boys who have been selected to take their Mathematics GCSE a year early do so at the end of the fourth year, and are advised to take an Additional Mathematics course in their fifth year if they intend to continue to AS/A2 Level. Similarly, good linguists can take French GCSE a year early and then study a Language Dipolma in their Fifth Form; and able scientists can take an AS Science for Public Understanding at the end in the Fifth Form, while those pupils not studying SPU study Critical Thinking instead, with the option of either taking the AS level at the same time as their GCSE's or in December of the following school year.


Fourth year games afternoon is on Tuesday, and Fifth year on Wednesday.



Sixth Form

To cope with the departure and arrival of students following GCSEs, the form groups are once again rearranged. Students are kept in their House affiliations, but form groups across two years is now introduced. Lower Sixth Formers are in the same forms as Upper Sixth Formers. Relations between the upper and lower sixth formers are for the most part cordial, and more often than not the more troublesome students will have been asked to leave before they are allowed into the sixth form.  There are typically two forms for each of the four House groups. Students are expected to take four AS levels by the end of their Lower Sixth year, and for three of those to be taken to A2 level at the end of their Upper Sixth Year. Pupils choose from: English Literature, English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Critical Thinking, Computing, Drama, Music, Music Technology, Art & Design, PE, Religious Studies, Government, Politics. All boys continue with games and also follow the General Education programme.  Sixth formers at John Lyon can usually be identified by their distinctive dark suits. 


Sixth form games afternoon is on Wednesday, with the Fifth year.



Extra Curricular Activities


Houses

The majority of extra curricular activities (but not all) are in aid of the inter-House Competition, called both at John Lyon and Harrow- The Cock House Cup. Every student and teaching staff member of the School belongs to one of four houses (named after Headmasters of Harrow):

A member of staff is designated House Master and is expected to lead and organise house activities. Assisting the House Master is a House Captain, a student from the Upper Sixth. 


The majority of Inter-House Competitions are sports based, with all the sports performed by the school incorporated into the Inter-House competition. The aim is to allow as many boys to participate in a competitive sporting environment. Other Inter-House competitions include chess, bridge, drama (taking place at The Ryan Theatre), debating, and music. Each competition is in a form of a mini-league with points allocated accordingly and contributing to the final total The Cock House Cup total. The Cock House Cup culminates at Sports Day (last Wednesday of Summer Term) which is the last inter-House competition and precedes the announcement of the winner of The Cock House Cup on the last assembly of the school year.



Sports

Upon entry, all boys are encouraged to participate in sports. The first four years sees boys participate in Football (for the Autumn and Spring term) and Cricket (Summer term) during their games afternoons. This is supplemented with swimming, gymnastics, indoor games, and fitness in their Physical Education lessons, which are compulusory up until and including the Fifth year. In the Sixth Form, students can choose from a larger selection of sport for their games afternoon activities. These include: golf, archery, swimming, tennis or a mixture of activities on-site at the school. All cricket matches and tours are all organised by Mr.I Parker. 


Association Day which is the Saturday after the end of term in the summer, sees a selection of teams from the current John Lyon School take on Old Lyonians, (previous John Lyon School pupils.)


The School football and cricket team plays fixtures at 1st XII, 2nd XII, Under 15s, Under 14s, Under 13s and Under 12s levels. 


The school also participates in swimming, tennis, badminton, cross country, athletics and archery. The school has an historic and annual archery fixture with Harrow School called The Silver Arrow.



Non-Sports

The School also has a Chess team who play other schools. There is a similar Bridge team.


The John Lyon School does not have an active society community, but there have been some small societies that have managed to exist in the school. Perhaps the most notable of which is the Photography Society, which has always been popular with staff and students alike. There is also an Aquarium Society. The History Society was also founded in the late 1990s and has regular talks by students and external speakers alike (in conjunction with Harrow School). The school also participates in the Model United Nations.


The school has a rich tradition in drama, with a number of productions performed during the course of the year, the largest and most celebrated in Spring at The Ryan Theatre, Harrows custom built 7 million pound facility. These productions are also supplemented with inter-House drama competitions at junior and senior level. The most prestigious production is the school play which usually appears at the end of the Autumn term and features actresses from local girls' schools. 


Music is an important part of school life, and it is fair to say John Lyon has produced a number of fine musicians. The school has a senior orchestra, a junior orchestra, a jazz band, a wind band and a junior wind band all designed to encourage those who learn instruments to participate in a group environment. These groups will perform at school functions and at a number of school concerts which are held throughout the year. All First Form boys take part in Choir, and the most able are inducted into The Motet Choir, singing at St Mary's Chapel on the Hill, at the beginning of terms Founders Remembrance with Harrow School. 


Smaller competitions include the inter-House Debating Competition at both junior and senior level; a reading competition; and a recitation competition. 



Young Enterprise

In the Lower Sixth Form, students are encouraged to participate in the Young Enterprise Scheme which sees students found and run a company whose purpose is to make money. The scheme is intended for students to understand the basic principles of running a company, and is intended to encourage team spirit. John Lyon has a strong record in Young Enterprise but have yet to win any awards.



Outward Bound

The Lower Sixth Form are encouraged to participate in an Outward Bound Course at the Outward Bound Centre in Loch Eil near Fort William in the October of the Lower Sixth Year. Students spend a week at the Centre and are placed in clans with the object of the trip to instil principles of teamwork, communication, and co-operation into students whilst being in an alien environment. 



Duke Of Edinburgh

From the third year, students are actively encouraged to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. The majority of boys take this up with the aim of at least achieving Bronze level. Smaller numbers go on for the Silver and Gold Awards, but John Lyon students are consistently active participants in the scheme. 



Monitors

A select number of the Upper VI form are chosen to be "Monitors", which are in essence Senior Prefects (it is the same at Harrow). These positions are considered to be prestigious as they work with the members of staff to ensure the smooth day to day running of the school. They are also meant to serve as exemplars and ambassadors for the school in external and internal functions. The "top jobs" are: Head of School (Head boy), Deputy Head Boy, and Oldfield Monitor (Monitor in charge of the prefects stationed in Oldfield). Monitors have the privilege of wearing a tie with rampant lions, and Monitors who have also been awarded Colours have a tie with the school crest upon it.



Colours

Boys with a special ability in either Music, Drama or Sports are awarded 'Colours' for their services. These boys may wear a tie with red blue and white stripes (the number of stripes depends on the form the boy is in, with junior colours having the one stripe and colts colours many stripes, with senior colours bearing the school crest)



Masters and Mistresses in Charge of subjects (Head of Subject)



Alumni


The School has an alumni association, The Old Lyonian Association which is in association with 'The Old Harrovians Association



External links










 




From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Original article here. Support Wikipedia by contributing or donating.
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License See Wikipedia Copyrights for details.















Search Titles









0123456789
ABCDEFGHIJ
KLMNOPQRST
UVWXYZ?
















E-mail this article to:



Personal Message: