SJWS celebrates 30 years of excellence in education

Sir John Wilson School (SJWS) took its first step 30 years ago with two clear visions. First was to create an English medium school which will always strive to ensure quality education. Second, was to make sure the new generation grows up in an environment where they can experience great social and emotional development along with individual academic growth.

In October 1931, a twelve-year-old boy named John Wilson had an accident in his school's science lab. Even then, he never regarded his blindness as a handicap, graduating from Oxford University in 1941 with a degree in Law.

After the Second World War, there was a need for people to work with disabled soldiers coming back from the front. Wilson then began what was to be his life's work – improving life for those who are blind or preventing blindness. He was the person behind projects, firstly in Africa, and then in India, for the mass removal of cataracts.

Sir John Wilson founded the Global IMPACT Movement, an international initiative against avoidable disabilities. His work and dedication acted as the inspiration behind SJWS.

SJWS started its journey with only nine students on August 29, 1995. It currently has over 2,000 students and more than 300 staff members. The school is at present owned and managed by United Professional Services Ltd, a concern of the United Group. The school comprises a fully equipped, custom-built campus in United City. SJWS also has an early-section campus located in Gulshan 2.

The curriculum at SJWS is based on the UK Edexcel Curriculum with modifications appropriate to the local needs in Bangladesh. Extracurricular activities and community service programmes are an integral part of the school's curriculum.

The school began with the motto to provide quality education in English medium to the children of our urban society to build responsible citizens for tomorrow. The school's mission is to empower students to acquire, demonstrate, articulate and value knowledge and skills that will support them, as life-long learners, to participate in and contribute to the global world and practice the core values of the school: respect, tolerance, and inclusion, and attain excellence in education through adapting to new challenges. The mission is based on the belief that it is important that the school, together with the family of the students, teachers and the wider community, promote responsible attitudes and desirable behaviour, enabling students to act with integrity, respect, and to take responsibility for their actions.

SJWS is a unique school where students are nurtured with values and discipline. From academic excellence to global recognition, their journey speaks for itself. Beyond books, the school embraces sports, arts, music, and literature, shaping well-rounded individuals. Through clubs, events, and activities, students here learn empathy, awareness, and resilience, growing not only as scholars but as responsible human beings.

At SJWS, care extends beyond the classroom. Animals and nature are a valuable part of the school community, reminding us that compassion is at the heart of education. Knowing and understanding individual and united strength to make changes in the world is an integral part of SJWS's education.

Sabrina Shaheed, the Principal of Sir John Wilson School Photo: Orchid Chakma

"From classrooms filled with laughter and discovery to the proud achievements of the school's alumni around the world, our journey has been one of impact and inspiration," says Sabrina Shaheed, the Principal of Sir John Wilson School. "As we celebrate 30 years of excellence in education, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our parents for their unwavering trust and support. This bond between home and school has been the foundation of our success, growing stronger with each passing year. We wholeheartedly thank our teachers, admin staff, and support staff for their love, dedication, and hard work throughout this journey of 30 years. Here's to the next chapter — with the same spirit of excellence, innovation, and care that has guided us since the beginning."

Starting from humble beginnings, the institution has gone on to become one of the most respected institutions – standing strong for 30 years, weaving a legacy of learning, dedication, and vision, and shaping the lives of countless young minds.