Personal Development
Personal development is the golden thread that runs through all aspects of our school.
Our flagship Core Enrichment offer
Our Core Enrichment offer ensures that every child has access to an extensive and rich set of exceptional experiences that go beyond the expected.
This includes a symphonic experience, live Shakespeare, community outreach and international exhibitions displayed on site.
In addition to this we also have a bespoke SEND Enrichment offer.
Our distinctive Extra-Curricular offer
We believe in celebrating the unique qualities of all our students allowing them to develop the confidence to be the most remarkable individuals they can be. As such, our exciting extra-curricular programme, inclusive Core Enrichment offer, and vast array of student leadership opportunities facilitate endless possibilities for our students every day.
Enrichment clubs: Timetable 2024-25
Sports extra-curricular clubs
Music Department Enrichment
PSHE/RSE and British Values
At St Mary's College we have a strong belief and unwavering commitment to preparing our students for life in modern Britain. Fundamental British values permeate all parts of the curriculum enabling students to develop into respectful individuals who will have a positive impact on the local community and their society. Within PSHE sessions we provide students with a wide range of rich opportunities and experiences to inspire, nurture and develop their talents and interests and prepare them for life in modern Britain.
In terms of structure, students have weekly PSHE sessions within their form time curriculum and these sessions are based around three key themes: health and wellbeing, life in the wider world and healthy relationships. Within these themes students cover a wide range of topics on a spiral curriculum to ensure all topics are covered in detail during the students' time at St Mary's College. For example, we cover sessions on consent, financial planning including mortgages and life saving first aid. In addition to this, students have 3 x 2 hour PSHE Immersion sessions throughout the year which allow students to explore key topics such as healthy relationships, human rights and mental health in more depth and these sessions include visits from a wide range of external agencies and speakers to further engage our students.
Student Leadership
The views of our students are crucial to the staff at St Mary's College, and our school council is the bridge between the staff and student body. Our student leaders apply via their Head of Year each year to be part of the school council, and then attend regular meetings as a student body to discuss key topics and the answers to questions posed by Mrs Stead and the senior leadership team. The Year Representatives attend half termly meetings with Mrs Stead to give their views and discuss important upcoming changes to the school to ensure students are on board with key changes and the opinions of the student body are taken into account.
Furthermore, all students on the school council work towards an accreditation to recognise their student leadership positions. This is something which students complete independently but with support from staff and is something which is excellent for future job, college and university applications. The accreditation is done in conjunction with the SSAT and more information can be found here: https://www.ssatuk.co.uk/cpd/student-leadership/