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John Colet School (JCS), inspired by its affiliate organisation, The School of Practical Philosophy, was founded with a vision to provide students with an education grounded in mindfulness, focus and attention.
We had the privilege of sitting down with Dr James Donald, a founding student, mindfulness expert, and current member of the Board of Governors. James is also a proud parent, with two children currently attending the school. With his deep connection to John Colet School, James shared his thoughts on the school’s approach to education, mindfulness, and the power of attention.
It must have been exciting to be a part of a school that was pioneering a new way of education. Tell us about your experience as a student at JCS.
In 1985, I was one of the founding seventeen students at John Colet School. My mother was one of the founding teachers. I had such a fantastic journey; the tiny classes (we had four students in Year 6) and the nurturing atmosphere made us become like a family.
JCS is known for its unique approach towards engaging focus. Can you tell us about the techniques used and how they contribute towards creating a positive learning environment?
Children love and need routine. The regular pausing practiced at JCS becomes a daily habit, like brushing your teeth. It creates structure to their day. Students will pause 10 to 15 times a day at the beginning and end of lessons. The structure adds shape and meaning to their day; without it, it’s like reading a text with no grammar. It allows them to connect with their senses. It is a simple, yet powerful tool, one that I still practice today. It is done in a very age-appropriate way. The pauses get longer as the children get older, so it is a skill that they develop over time.
How does the richness of the curriculum contribute to students' overall achievement?
The breadth of material students are exposed to is truly unique, from Shakespeare to Sanskrit. We limit the use of devices; time away from devices is time interacting with other people or exploring the garden. My two children are current students at JCS. Every child is different, including my own. What I’ve found is that all children benefit from the support and cultivation of attention practices at the school, no matter their personality.
How do developing brains benefit from these mindfulness techniques?
In order to learn, you need to be able to pay attention; it is the enabler. The neurological architecture of a developing brain is different from that of an adult. Children need to learn the capacity to self-regulate both emotions and attention. We want to set kids up for a life of happiness and contribution and bring parents along for that journey.
How do you believe modern factors like social media and notifications affect developing brains?
Over time, the high dopamine hits take their toll. Kids' brains are being flooded. It’s like a big mental sugar hit and kids aren’t learning to self-regulate. It’s a lot like tying a weight around their leg and expecting them to win against someone who is running free. The key thing for parents is to set clear boundaries and actually implement them.
What do you attribute to the school's huge success?
JCS bases its teaching on the great wisdom traditions of the world, which align with what modern science is telling us. The school’s success is a credit to the amazing teachers, solid foundations and the incredible families.
Through James’ insightful reflections, it’s clear that John Colet School is more than just an institution of learning. It’s a place where attention, mindfulness, and a supportive community lay the groundwork for lifelong growth and happiness.
