Providing a complete education designed specifically for girls to thrive
Senior School
Research demonstrates that girls perform better academically in an allgirls’ environment. At St Mary’s, we want our girls to leave with excellent academic qualifications but an academic education is just part of what we offer. From our enrichment programme to inspiring excursions, wide-ranging productions, focus on ecology and commitment to STEM, we encourage a wide set of interests and demonstrate the limitless opportunities available to the students. We also develop the life skills girls need to thrive in all aspects of
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MRS NICOLA GRIFFITHS Head of St Mary’s Senior School St Mary’s Principal
The following pages will give you further information on the complete education we offer at St Mary’s, but nothing will give you a better insight than by visiting yourself. So please contact our Registrar on 01206 594256 or visit www.stmaryscolchester.org.uk to reserve a place at an Open Day or arrange an individual tour at a time that is convenient.
MISS ANWEN JONES
Welife.know
ST MARY’S SENIOR SCHOOL
Welcome to St Mary’s Senior School
that for girls to achieve their very best they must feel confident, relaxed and secure. We provide an environment that is safe in every respect – where the girls can be themselves and aim high without being scared about the risk of failure. The balance of academic and character education along with high-quality pastoral care are all of equal importance at St Mary’s and none are delivered at the expense of another.
An education free from stereotypes
Girls have different educational needs. There is a demand for a more enlightened, modern and complete education, designed specifically for girls to thrive.
We champion a different kind of girls’ education...
At St Mary’s, we deliver an education designed specifically to meet the needs of the girls. We challenge the students academically, creatively and physically, and give the girls the encouragement and support they need to aim high. With small class sizes and high standards, our focus is on individual success. As a result, our students achieve excellent
and empower our girls so they are able to break through the stereotypes which still unfortunately exist today. Our broad curriculum encompasses subjects from science and ICT through to a wide range of sports, creative and performing arts. This presents opportunities for the girls to develop talents and discover passions that will bring them great joy throughout their lives. Our extra-curricular activities equip the girls with skills such as leadership and resilience, in order for them to be successful in every aspect of life. We are passionate about providing the girls with positive female role models and demonstrating the wide range of options available to them.
At St Mary’s, each individual is known and understood. Our girls are not only confident and capable, but also kind and responsible. We provide a positive space where the girls learn to listen to others’ views and understand that it is ok to have different opinions. Respect and tolerance are encouraged, and expected, at all times.
Our membership of the Girls’ Schools Association, Independent Schools Association, Eco-Schools and Round Square Organisation enable us to share educational excellence and provide an enlightened education for our students. Our teaching staff also draw on the latest evidence-based research to deliver a high-quality modern education for girls.
ST MARY’S SENIOR SCHOOL
A safe learning environment
An enlightened education
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For the girls to achieve their best, we provide an environment that is safe in every respect - to experiment and question, free of judgement and stereotypes, and full of support. For girls to achieve their potential, they must feel confident, relaxed and secure.
Weresults.inspire
An education tailored to girls
We are very proud of our students’ success in their GCSE examinations. Our passionate and committed teaching team aim to bring out the potential we know is inside every girl and our focus is on each individual achieving their very best. In our small classes, we are able to tailor our teaching, not just in terms of level but also preferred method of learning. We monitor progress closely to ensure each girl is fully supported, encouraged and stretched in every
subject teachers are always working to improve and develop their research-based practice. Much of our teaching echoes a plethora of evidence-based research, such as Rosenshine’s Principles, along with ideas from cognitive science, such as Cognitive Load Theory. As a result, our students receive engaging academic teaching and endless learning opportunities every day.
A safe learning environment
There is powerful research that shows girls perform better academically in an all-girls’ environment. At St Mary’s our focus is on each individual achieving their very best.
During every school day, learning is brought to life. Special guests give inspirational talks and run interactive workshops, while students also enjoy fieldtrips, visits and exchanges in the local area, around the UK and overseas. The girls also take part in local and national competitions such as Junior and Intermediate Mathematical Challenges, Translation Bee and National Biology Challenge. We ensure strong female role models are provided and it is in this environment that our students are inspired to do their very best.
Focus on individual success
Inspiring high aspirations
We challenge the girls academically...
Oursubject.specialist
Research-based teaching
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In such a supportive, all-girls environment, our students gain the confidence to answer questions or push themselves to try a new activity or a more challenging task. At St Mary’s, the girls are taught that making mistakes is an important part of learning and they should never be afraid to try. In this way, our students often discover they are capable of much more than they had ever imagined, and this develops selfbelief that is so valuable in life.
- Miss Anwen Jones, Head of St Mary’s Senior School
“The Arts faculty offer a diverse range of creative and practical subjects, designed to nurture the students’ talents and build confidence.”
Nurturing talents
Ourconfidence.artstudio
is the perfect creative environment for students to develop their artistic abilities, refine their ideas and use a range of media to create artworks that are intelligent and considered. In theoretical and practical Food and Nutrition lessons, students gain an understanding of nutrition, diet, healthy lifestyle choices and the technology of food and its production.
The Arts at St Mary’s are valued and highly regarded. Our Creative and Performing Arts faculty includes subjects ranging from art and textiles to music and drama. We provide a wide range of opportunities within and beyond the curriculum, so students can learn what interests them, develop talents and build
The girls also gain an insight into industry, for example through visiting commercial kitchens. Practical skills are taught in Textiles from the beginning of Year 7. The girls also have opportunities to take part in competitions. For example, students have designed wedding dresses where the winning creations were professionally made. Exam results are consistently outstanding in this area.
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As well as fostering a love of the performing arts, students’ confidence is
Developing confidence
developed through drama lessons and productions. The girls are inspired by workshops run by visiting professionals in school, as well as visits to stage performances. Music is also very important to life at St Mary’s and there is an appreciation of all types of music, from the traditional to modern. Girls in Years 7 to 9 have specialist lessons and Music is a popular choice for GCSE, where we see an excellent success rate. There are enrichment opportunities, from orchestra to crafts, to extend the girls’ creative and performing arts skills further.
We challenge the girls creatively...
We have an inclusive approach at St Mary’s and all the girls have numerous opportunities to develop their performance skills. There is a strong tradition of performing arts at the Senior School, with a superb whole-school production every two years. A Fashion Show, where the girls showcase their creations, takes place on alternate years. Musicians of all abilities join the orchestra, choir and chamber choir, and have regular opportunities to perform in assemblies, at concerts and events. These include the Carol Service, Prize Giving and school productions. As a result, we see the girls’ confidence grow dramatically during their time at the school.
A curriculum rich in arts education is said to be vital for innovation, critical and creative thinking, motivation, self-confidence, and the ability to communicate and co-operate effectively.
ST MARY’S SENIOR SCHOOL
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We challenge the girls physically...
Whatever their sporting ability, we challenge the girls and introduce them to new activities in order to broaden and extend their talents. We offer a very wide range of sports and activities, from netball, basketball and volleyball to golf, football and rugby. In addition, we offer taster sessions in outdoor educational activities, such as watersports and climbing. Every student takes part in PE lessons. If they are injured or not able to take part physically for any reason, they are involved and engaged through roles such as running a warm-up or a coaching session, or refereeing a game. At St Mary’s, all clubs are inclusive and we try to ensure all students have the opportunity to represent the school. Students take part in local competitions and contests, from football tournaments to equestrian events, often with great success. Sports Day is a highly anticipated event, where the girls compete at a local athletics stadium. Sporting successes are not only celebrated throughout the year, but also at our annual Sports Awards Evening. Professional sportswomen attend as guest speakers, inspiring the girls about what is possible to achieve, and sharing advice on achieving sporting success.
Broadening and extending sporting talents
support local primary school sporting events, which develops independence, personal responsibility, leadership, social skills and confidence. Each year, the majority of Year 9 students complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Bronze Award, with many progressing to complete their Silver Award. The nationally respected programme encourages young people to acquire new skills, challenge themselves and make a contribution to their communities and the skills developed through DofE are widely recognised in education and employment as evidence of commitment, teamworking, strength of character and resilience.
ST MARY’S SENIOR SCHOOL
Celebrating sporting success
There is so much to be gained through participation in PE – confidence, social skills, leadership skills, good behaviour and an understanding of fair play and how to win and lose with grace. These skills are all important in developing the girls’ characters and resilience. Our sports leadership course for Year 9 students is very successful. The girls
Valuable life skills developed
We place a great emphasis on participation in sports and activities in the knowledge that young people who develop the habits of an active lifestyle are likely to continue this into adulthood.
- Mrs Emma Hawkwood, Faculty Lead for Sport and Outdoor Education
“We provide an environment that is safe in every respect – one that is free from stereotypes and full of encouragement. We are proud to buck the national trend for girls’ participation in PE and games.”
- Mrs Nicola Griffiths, St Mary’s Principal
“Success in life comes from more than just impressive exam results. At St Mary’s, we offer a complete education to develop exceptionally well-rounded individuals.”
ST MARY’S SENIOR SCHOOL
There are numerous positions of responsibility available to the girls, such as Head Girls, Prefects and Listeners, which help develop their leadership skills. We also foster team spirit through initiatives such as the School Council, Pupil Voice and School Houses. One benefit of providing an education to 16 is that the girls are able to take on the leadership roles at this stage of their education. This helps ensure the girls leave with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in their next stage of life.
Broadening horizons
At St Mary’s, we develop the skills girls need to thrive in the complex world in which we live, in all aspects of life.
St Mary’s is a leading Eco School and the students get a strong sense of caring for the environment as a result. We are committed to creating a sustainable environment in which to educate future generations. At St Mary’s, students can also drive eco initiatives as part of our Eco Team. Our success in this area is recognised with us being awarded our 8th Green Flag and being one of five schools nationally to have Ambassador Eco Schools status. As a global member
We provide a complete education...
Developing the life skills to succeed
of the Round Square Organisation, a worldwide network of 200 top schools in 50 countries, those who attend St Mary’s benefit from our international links. The girls share experiences with like-minded peers and establishments across the globe, broadening their horizons. There are opportunities to travel to international conferences, take part in virtual forums and participate in projects with other students from around the world. We also believe in instilling the values of respect and courtesy, and encourage good manners. Through our charity, outreach and citizenship work, our students develop a strong sense of community and become active global citizens.
Nurturing interests and talents
At St Mary’s, there is a wealth of opportunities available for the girls to develop their character and personality. We are passionate about providing the girls with positive female role models and demonstrating the wide range of options available to them. The girls have timetabled enrichment lessons as well as access to numerous clubs. These range from engineering and chess to public speaking and radio presenting. Students develop talents in a myriad of disciplines, often challenging preconceptions of what can be achieved. As a result, we don’t just see success in the classroom, but across the board.
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ST MARY’S SENIOR SCHOOL
Our core day is 8.50am-3.40pm, which enables students to take part in clubs and activities out of school if they wish, or spend valuable time with friends and family. Girls can arrive at school from 8.15am and a homework club is available Monday to Thursday until 4.45pm. We have a number of minibuses, driven by St Mary’s employees for St Mary’s students only, which take the girls right to the door at school.
We know wellbeing matters and is critical to achieving. Our girls are not only confident and capable, but also kind and responsible.
A strong pastoral system is essential for our girls’ overall outcomes at GCSE and their wellbeing directly impacts upon their ability to grow holistically.
A positive community
Before starting at the Senior School, students attend a taster day as well as a new student and parent induction, to help the girls familiarise themselves with the school and build confidence for their first day. With girls joining St Mary’s from a number of schools in the area, we have various initiatives in place to ensure they settle well. Upon joining, the girls head to Essex Outdoors to get to know each other and develop social and teamwork skills. Senior School students also take on a pastoral role as a ‘Buddy’ to a girl in the year below, helping her to settle into the school and offering support during her time at St Mary’s.
There are many opportunities for families to share their daughters’ learning developments. We also celebrate successes achieved inside and outside of school in order to recognise the whole individual. Events such as our Sports Awards Evening and Prize Giving are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate achievements together.
We nurture the whole person...
A network of support
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A safe environment
Our pastoral support is at the centre of all we do and respect and tolerance are encouraged, and expected, at all times. The size of the Senior School means we are able to have regular, meaningful
interactions with each student and our staff know and understand each girl incredibly well. The atmosphere is calm, supportive and nurturing, allowing the girls to develop the self-confidence needed to blossom. We have initiatives in place to support the girls’ physical and mental health. This ranges from activities during Mental Health Awareness Week, to the training of selected Year 11 girls as ‘Listeners’; peer mentors who help support younger students in conjunction with staff support.
Working with families
Every girl at St Mary’s Senior School has access to, and support from, a network of passionate staff, highly experienced in supporting girls through the time in secondary education.
“Students thrive when they are happy and as a small school with small classes, every girl is known and understood.”
- Miss Anwen Jones, Head of Senior School
ST MARY’S SENIOR SCHOOL
develop into ambitious and articulate individuals. Through the complete education we offer, our students also develop a strong sense of community and become active global citizens, ready to make an impact on the world around them.
When students leave St Mary’s, they do so with confidence, ambition and a deep-seated desire to make their own individual impact on the world.
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...so girls are ready to take their next step.
To enalbe the girls to make the most of all the opportunities life presents, we open the girls’ eyes to all possibilities, free from stereotypes. From inspirational speakers from a whole range of fields, but specifically those where women are still under-represented, to inspiring workshops, excursions, conferences and events, the students gain valuable insights into potential career options. With St Mary’s alumni seeing sucess in all walks of life, the girls are inspired to develop aspirations for their futres.
Creating active global citizens
At St Mary’s Senior School we teach the girls good emotional intelligence, how to cope with challenges and keep themselves safe in a world that continues to be different for girls and women, despite the movement towards equality. We provide an education that is nurturing, broad and rigorous, and the atmosphere is relaxed, yet lively and purposeful. This allows our girls to flourish, find their own unique voice and
Inspiring high aspirations
Supporting girls to make the right choices
The girls grow and develop significantly between the age of 11, when they join the Senior School, and the age of 16. During their time here, we help our students identify their interests and talents, and support them to make the right choice for their next steps. There are many options available for further education following St Mary’s, from a number of local grammar schools to Colchester Sixth Form, one of the largest and most successful 16-19 providers of general academic sixth form education in the country. Some students also move on to boarding schools at this point. By choosing further education options and careers that really interest them, students are more likely to succeed and find fulfilment in life.
ST MARY’S SENIOR SCHOOL 91 Lexden Road, Colchester, CO3 3RB registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.ukREGISTRAR 01206 594256 INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK TWITTER stmaryscolchester @stmarysseniorschoolcolchester www.stmaryscolchester.org.uk@stmaryscolch
