Academic Approach
At St Mary’s private school we create lovers of learning who are ambitious, determined in their pursuit of success, recognising equally their own strengths and talents and playing to these throughout the curriculum.
We provide a rich and broad curriculum in Key Stage 3 which enables students to try expressive arts, humanities, German, French or Spanish alongside STEM. Students embrace warmly the opportunity to learn, are curious, asking questions to take their learning further, and showing their sense of adventure to share opinions and contribute to a vibrant learning environment.
As a private school our classes are purposefully small, creating opportunities for students to engage fully with their learning and to build strong relationships with their teachers. Students enjoy being challenged to fulfil their academic potential under the gentle tutelage of their teachers who know them, what they can achieve and how they can thrive. Our staff are dedicated members of our community who are passionate about bringing the best out in students through a varied and interesting curriculum offering.
Knowing each student means that challenge in work is adapted for each individual and we provide opportunities for them to excel with the support and guidance of our academic teams. Where possible, we take learning outside the classroom, embracing the benefit of our proximity to central London to attend lectures and workshops or visits to venues known for this learned value. Bringing learning to life through theatre visits, workshops on Romeo and Juliet, lectures by leading Neuro Scientists on how the brain works as part of biology and psychology show that for St Mary’s private school students, learning has no boundaries.
Creating a culture of academic success comes through a focus on showing students 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. Our students embrace the challenge to be ambitious in the pursuit of their own excellence.
Classroom learning is interactive, discussion focused and engaging. Students make excellent progress through the school and achieve excellent examination results at GCSE and A Level. Technology enriches learning and we challenge our students to think critically and be curious every step of the way.
Academic Scholars
Our scholars are selected for excellence at 11+ and 16+and their wide-ranging interests are supplemented through discussion, debate and Masterclasses where students are able to share their interests with others and learn in a fun environment.
Scholars are encouraged to lead by example not just in their pursuit and achievement of academic excellence, but equally through their commitment to ‘Ambition’, the Scholars’ Magazine. ‘Ambition’ is a place where students share their interest and research, presenting convincing arguments or inspiring others. Our Scholars’ Prefect leads the team by example, organising lectures and providing inspiration for developing enquiring minds.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
In Year 9 students select their options for GCSE, choosing from over 17 subjects which provide breadth in STEM, the Arts and Humanities. From computer science to drama, from dance to media studies, from food and nutrition to GCSE PE, there really is something for everyone with some of our most popular subjects including triple science, dance, media studies and textiles design.
GCSE option blocks are created around the interests of students, enabling them to create a GCSE programme that continues to build their love of learning and curiosity.
Students may study up to eleven GCSEs, although the majority take nine. Our aim is for students to be able to flourish and fulfil their academic potential in readiness for joining St Mary’s Sixth Form where they can study in greater depth.