Why St Mary’s?
At St Mary’s School we consistently achieve individual student success through a finely balanced approach that develops the whole student during her time with us. Character education is a deliberate and purposeful part of our holistic education. In teaching children the values, beliefs and behaviours that they need to be responsible, successful members of our school community, we are developing in our students the skills and mindset they need to strive for excellence and become role models who will take their place in the world and achieve their goals in whatever field their passions and interests lie. As we encourage our students to develop themselves holistically, we are also supporting their well-being and positive mental health.
We know how important it is that we ensure all our students are equipped for an ever-changing world, where new technologies are transforming education and employment and will continue to do so. Using the acronym TAKE CARE, we identify a range of character strengths as important for students to develop. St Mary’s students are:
- Team players – enjoy leading and engaging with peers as mentors, as collaborators in lessons, in sports teams and in musical ensembles. Our students take on leadership at all levels of our school, gaining a sense of purpose and responsibility when supporting their peers and the wider community.
- Adventurous – embracing new challenges and opportunities, for example, trying one of the sixty clubs we offer each week throughout the school.
- Kind – showing care and empathy to build positive connections with others in the community.
- Enthusiastic – sharing their enjoyment of their learning and actively leading and supporting charity events to raise awareness or to fundraise.
- Curious – engaging in their learning, asking questions and seeking out knowledge.
- Ambitious – to achieve their personal best academically and to learn new skills outside of their academic lessons.
- Resilient – ready to have another go if something does not work the first time and recognise that success is a journey and not just a final product.
- Excellent- they strive to be the best they can be, acting with honesty and integrity in everything they do.
Unsurpassed Pastoral Care
The promotion of self-care and responsibility for others enhances the sense of community that underpins our in-school support for when our well-being might be impacted. It is not just our students who TAKE CARE, all school staff at St Mary’s, plus a team of Sixth Form Peer supporters, have been trained in Mental Health Awareness through the MHFA England courses. Our pastoral and medical teams support students to ensure positive mental and physical health, whether this is through a proactive and bespoke pastoral programme for each year group, or encouraging those who need support into additional services at the earliest opportunity, reducing the chances of escalation. Bertie, our Well-being Dog in training, will gradually enhance targeted emotional support for students requiring assistance. Providing a framework of support and challenge to develop non-cognitive skills, character education underpins the success and well-being of all members of our community.
A Learning Environment for Success
Our commitment to keeping class sizes small ensures that all of your daughter’s teachers will build a strong understanding of her learning strengths and preferences. Their teaching and support is inspiring and encouraging, enabling her to exceed her potential.
In a school that places great emphasis on the individual, excellence comes in many forms. Teaching staff will know your daughter’s strengths, passions, and learning styles, and will be able to quickly identify any areas that may need development. The individual experience each student receives means that no one becomes ‘lost in the crowd’ and that each girl achieves her own individual succes.
