EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
HOW ST DUNSTAN’ S COLLEGE JUNIOR SCHOOL INSPIRES CHILDREN TO BE THEMSELVES
AT ST DUNSTAN’ S COLLEGE JUNIOR SCHOOL, INDIVIDUALITY ISN’ T JUST ACCEPTED – IT’ S CELEBRATED. FROM THE MOMENT A CHILD ARRIVES, THEY ARE INVITED NOT TO FOLLOW A SET PATH, BUT TO BEGIN SHAPING THEIR OWN. ROOTED IN THE SCHOOL’ S HISTORIC MOTTO: ALBAM EXORNA, THIS PHILOSOPHY CHAMPIONS THE IDEA THAT EVERY CHILD BEGINS AS A BLANK CANVAS, FULL OF POTENTIAL, CURIOSITY AND PROMISE.
The school shield, proudly worn and displayed throughout the Junior School, is more than a symbol of heritage, it represents each pupil’ s personal journey. At its base, the inscription Albam Exorna encourages children to bring colour, purpose and individuality to their own story. This is not a place where pupils are moulded to fit a narrow definition of success. Instead, they are empowered to explore who they are, pursue their passions and grow into the people they are meant to become.
Central to this approach is the school’ s bespoke Albam Exorna Curriculum, a dynamic, forward-thinking programme designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration. Here, children don’ t ask for permission to be inquisitive, it comes naturally. They are encouraged to question, investigate and embrace new challenges with confidence. This isn’ t just about preparing pupils for the modern world, it’ s about equipping them to shape it.
Complementing the academic offering is the school’ s thriving Forder Programme, which opens the door to an extraordinary range of co-curricular opportunities. Whether they’ re learning in the open air of the Woodland Classroom, leading sustainability initiatives, performing on stage, or taking part in the school’ s vibrant summer festival, pupils are constantly discovering new interests and hidden talents. These moments build resilience, confidence and a genuine joy in learning that lasts a lifetime.
Each of these experiences adds a new layer to the child’ s metaphorical shield – each question asked, performance given, obstacle overcome or idea explored gives shape and colour to their personal journey. The school sees it as both a responsibility and a privilege to create a nurturing environment where young people can grow as learners and, more importantly, as individuals.
By the time they reach the top of the Junior School, pupils are not only thriving academically, they are confident scientists, musicians, mathematicians, artists, athletes, actors and changemakers. They are equipped with the skills, empathy and self-belief to make informed choices about who they want to be and where they want their learning to take them next.
The symbolism of the shield doesn’ t end there. In one corner sits St Dunstan himself – artist, musician, scholar and spiritual leader – an emblem of the kind of well-rounded, intellectually curious and practically skilled individual the school seeks to nurture. At the top, the mitre symbolises achievement – not as a goal imposed from above, but as a natural outcome of a journey rooted in inspiration, opportunity and self-expression.
St Dunstan’ s College Junior School believes that excellence doesn’ t need to be forced. When children are supported to be themselves, when they are trusted to explore and encouraged to lead, excellence follows naturally. Pupils leave the Junior School not only in the top quartile nationally for academic outcomes, but as confident, capable individuals ready for the next stage of their journey – with a richly adorned shield all of their own.
Find out more about the Junior School at the College’ s upcoming Open Day on Saturday 20 September 2025.
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