St Joseph's College, Reading

St Joseph's College

Motto	Optima Deo
Established	1910
Type	Independent day school
Religion	Catholic
Headmistress	Mrs Maureen Sheridan
Founder	Sisters of St Marie Madeleine Postel
Location	Upper Redlands Road Reading Berkshire RG1 5JT England
Local authority	Reading
DfE URN	110111
Students	320~
Gender	Co-educational
Ages	3–18
Houses	Bernadette, Clitherow, Postel
Colours	Black
Website	www.stjosephscollegereading.co.uk

St Joseph's College (formerly St Joseph's Convent School) is an independent co-educational school in Reading, Berkshire, England. It is a Catholic day school for students aged 3 to 18. In September 2010, it changed its name to St Joseph's College to reflect the move into co-education. The junior section is known as St Joseph's Preparatory School. Its head is a member of the Society of Headmasters & Headmistresses of Independent Schools.

History

St Joseph's Convent School was founded in 1910 by the Sisters of St Marie Madeleine Postel, whose aim was to provide a good education in a warm and loving atmosphere. Julie Frances Catherine was born in Barfleur, France in 1756 and was a pioneer in education, basing her teaching on the De La Salle method. She took the name Marie Madeline after being made a superior and was canonised in 1925, nearly a century after her death.

The Sisters continued to run the school until 1977 when the Rev. Mother Provincial decided that because of the changing role of the Sisters, the school should close. However, after intervention by the Parents’ Association and with the co-operation of the Superior General, the school was able to continue as an educational trust whose members form the governing body. The first secular headmistress was appointed in 1977.

In September 2009, the board of governors voted for the school to become a fully co-educational school after initially introducing boys to the preparatory school. St Joseph's Convent School became St Joseph's College in September 2010 to reflect this change.

Curriculum

During the first three years at the school, pupils study Mathematics, English, Modern and Classical Languages, Science, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Design and Technology, including Textiles, Food and Information Technology, Music, Drama and Physical Education. In Years 10 and 11 students are prepared for public examinations.

They all study the core subjects of Mathematics, English, Science and Religious Studies, with up to four further subjects chosen from option groups. Accelerated teaching also leads to many pupils being entered early for GCSE English. Pupils are guided carefully at all stages, particularly in their selection of GCSE options during Year 9 and sixth form options in the course of Year 11.

Pastoral Care

The School Council consits of pupils elected by their year group to represent them in all aspects of pupil life within the College. Each meeting is chaired by the Head pupils. Every pupil belongs to one of the three houses: Bernadette, Clitherow, Postel.

Activities

Pupils are encouraged to be involved in a wide variety of activities and non-academic pursuits. A wide range of clubs and societies are open to all pupils throughout the College. Many take place during the lunch break and include string and brass groups, windbands, recorder groups, choir, swimming, theatre studies, computing and a variety of sports. There are opportunities to be involved in the community through Young Enterprise, CAFOD and OXFAM.

Notable former pupils

See also: Category:People educated at St Joseph's Convent School

• Marianne Faithfull, singer
• Alma Cogan, singer

External links

• St Joseph's Convent School website
• Profile on ISC website