Academic Approach
At St Mary’s, we provide an ambitious and aspirational education that challenges and supports every pupil to achieve their personal best. Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, develop confidence and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Alongside strong subject knowledge, we place a particular emphasis on literacy, numeracy and digital literacy, ensuring pupils develop the foundations needed for future success.
Creating a culture of academic success comes through a focus on showing pupils how to learn and focusing on the development of the character values that we hold central to our community. We support and challenge our pupils to be ambitious, to be adventurous through the pursuit of something new, to be resilient through their learning journey, learning what success looks like through failure and how success is within everyone’s grasp.
We believe that challenge should be planned, not accidental. Learning is carefully sequenced to build understanding over time, encouraging pupils to think critically, solve problems and make meaningful connections across the curriculum. Every pupil is encouraged to think deeply, work hard and aim high, with a curriculum that supports all learners while placing no ceiling on achievement. We also teach pupils that mistakes are a valuable part of learning, helping them develop resilience, confidence and a growth mindset.
Through high-quality teaching, purposeful feedback and the explicit teaching of study skills, pupils learn how to reflect on their progress, communicate effectively and take increasing ownership of their learning. Beyond the classroom, a wide range of enrichment opportunities broadens horizons, nurtures individual interests and enables pupils to apply their learning in new and unfamiliar contexts.
Our aim is to equip every pupil with the knowledge, confidence and character to thrive in an increasingly digital, interconnected and rapidly changing world.
Personalised Learning Journey
Knowing each pupil means that challenge in work is adapted for each individual and we provide opportunities for them to excel with the support of their teachers who know them, what they can achieve and how they can thrive. Our classes are purposefully small, creating opportunities for pupils to engage fully with their learning and to build strong relationships with their teachers. Our staff are dedicated members of our community who are passionate about bringing the best out in pupils through a varied and interesting curriculum offering.
