Culture

“A space to be me!”

This is what the music and cultural departments at St. John’s Prep are all about.

The boys have the freedom to choose from a wide range of clubs and cultural activities where they can grow in their own unique way, increasing their ability to understand others and develop their communication skills. They have a space to learn the value of consistency and persistence as well as the importance of teamwork and emotional regulation. 

In each niche area of expertise, students learn to pursue excellence and learn the importance of mastering a skill. In these smaller spaces students learn how to learn, by following their own individual passion. Clubs provide an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships and provide a space practice the school’s core values of Respect, Integrity and Empathy in a unique and measurable way. In these contexts, students learn “appreciation”, where they can gain a non-judgmental contextual understanding of those they work with towards shared goals.  They discover that all people have purpose and value, and above all, they build confidence, friendships and have fun!

Music

“Integrity Is Our Instrument!”

At St. John’s Prep we believe everyone is musical, has a need for musical expression, and that music develops humans in very unique ways. 


We have a diverse array of ensembles and bands that give boys the opportunity to perform in public with an eclectic music program:

  • Senior Marimba band
  • Junior Marimba band
  • Junior Jazz Band
  • Senior Jazz Band
  • Orchestra
  • String and Wind Ensembles
  • Senior and Junior Choirs

“Respect Is Our Rhythm!”

Students are encouraged to write and play externally-assessed theoretical and practical music examinations from the London College of Music Examinations board (LCME). With more than ten peripatetic music teachers providing instrumental lessons we are able to offer individual instrumental lessons for the following instruments.

Saxophone, Violin, Cello, Piano, Drumkit, Trumpet, Euphonium, Trombone, Mbira, Flute, Clarinet, Guitar, Chanter and Snare Drum

We provide instrumental music lessons in the afternoons as well as during non-academic lessons in the morning timetable, enabling boys to learn an instrument without adding to their afternoon commitments.

“Empathy Creates Harmony!”

All individuals and ensembles perform in at least one major concert or production for the school and the public each year, most notable being the National Institute of Allied Arts Vocal and Instrumental Festival and the Western Cape Virtual Eisteddfod.

Clubs

At any time, over fifteen clubs and societies are active and thriving at St. John’s Prep.

  • Hip hop
  • Drama Club
  • Board Games
  • Lego Club
  • Art Club
  • Computer Club
  • Robotics Team
  • Chess Club
  • Wildlife Club
  • Library Club
  • Bible Blast Club
  • Multimedia Club
  • Science Club
  • Judo Club
  • First Aid Club

The Chess Club takes part in the Harare Chess League, and the Chess Team represent the school regularly in national and regional tournaments.

The Drama Club participates in the Western Cape Virtual Eisteddfod as well as the National Institute of Allied Arts Speech and Drama Festival, and puts on a major production in the winter term each year. See the gallery of our 2024 production of Peter Pan under Productions.

Our Robotics Club participates in the annual First League National Robotics Tournament.

The Judo Club regularly competes in Inter-school Tournaments and is an affiliate of the Judo Association of Zimbabwe

Wildlife Club is a ‘wildly’ popular club, fostering a love of wildlife and nature through multiple camps and bush excursions throughout the year.

Productions

Photos showing all the 2024 productions:

  • NIAA Music Eisteddfod
  • Junior Soloist Concert
  • Senior Soloist Concert
  • Harare Combined Choirs Concert
  • Peter Pan
  • Grade 2 Play “Pirates”
  • Hip Hop, Music and Drama Pensioners’ Concert
  • Grade 1 Christmas Concert
  • Grade 7 Leavers’ Concert

Gallery