Here at Reigate St Mary’s, we believe a good education should be an inspirational, exciting personal development process preparing children for a happy and fulfilled life. At the heart of this are strong relationships, between our staff and the children and an open and honest partnership with our parents.
We aim to produce confident, resilient and creative young people who will one day become leaders who care deeply about a sustainable and equitable future for everyone. In a world where there is a dearth of good leadership, believing that our young people can be change makers in whatever walk of life they end up in, is really our core business. We want them to believe in themselves and think big.
To achieve this, we recognise the importance of a progressive education that reflects a changing world. We build self-esteem in a caring and nurturing environment and develop a growth mindset, so our children’s aspirations are limitless. By focusing on teamwork, resilience, adaptability, creativity, digital learning and communication we prepare the children for exciting future careers, rather than a world of work that may no longer exist when they leave school.
I hope the information in this booklet gives you more of an insight into the busy lives of our children in the Upper School at RSM and I would be delighted to talk to you at any time.
Marcus Culverwell Headteacher FROM THE HEADTEACHER
EXCELLENT ACADEMIC OUTCOMES
We are often asked how, as a non-selective intake school, typically 80 to 90 % of pupils transfer to our highly academic senior school, Reigate Grammar, and others progress to a range of well-regarded senior schools, bursting with confidence and firmly on the road to a successful and happy future.
Essentially, our academic success has its roots in the following:
A PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACH TO LEARNING
We celebrate hard work and effort over innate talent. In focusing on the journey and by embracing mistakes and failure as part of improving, the children build the resilience, perseverance and risk taking required for deep learning. Above all, the children learn how to articulate their thinking, through the development of strong verbal, written and IT communication skills.
A BREADTH OF STUDY
The curriculum at RSM is unique and carefully tailored to develop the strengths, current position and future potential of each child. We recognise the value of a rich and stimulating programme that covers STEAM, computing, languages, science, philosophy, PSHE, the humanities (history, geography and religious studies), art, drama, music and sport. These noncore subjects tap into children’s creativity, provide a change of pace to their learning and require them to think in a different way – essential skills for their overall academic success.
“Every subject is valued. After all, future generations need to be able to explore their creativity through the expressive arts and understand the joined-up learning of combined humanities.”
Marcus Culverwell, Headmaster
“At RSM we adopt a growth mindset. Our intelligence is not fixed. Our brains are shaped by every new encounter and experience.”
Kate Gibb, Assistant Head (Academic)
“Pupils’ communication skills are excellent and they apply these to other areas of learning with great clarity and confidence.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
“Within our Maths Mastery teaching we have high expectations of the children and do not constrain them within sets.”
Our outstanding team of teachers and teaching assistants are recruited for their professionalism and genuine love of children. Excellent ratios give them the time to get to know every child in their care so they can build meaningful relationships with each one. It is these relationships that give our children the confidence to fully engage with learning, and our teachers the ability to provide support or extra challenge and stretch when needed. We have regular focus meetings for each form, so no child is overlooked. Teachers discuss each individual’s progress and welfare with everyone involved in their teaching and wellbeing. The result is a joined-up picture that enables personalised support both in and out of the classroom. As Maslow’s hierarchy of needs highlights, children need to feel supported and never fearful in order to meet their potential.
AN EMPHASIS ON REFLECTIVE FEEDBACK
At RSM we believe in intrinsic motivation; this is the motivation that comes from within each child. It is the satisfaction they gain from achieving their own individual learning goals. Feedback from teachers is an essential part of this and reinforces the development of essential thinking skills.
AN EVOLVING METHODOLOGY
We constantly develop our approach to learning and invest significantly in technology which is integrated into every lesson. The children gain unrivalled exposure to coding and daily experience of technology, which enables their learning. This, alongside progressive teaching methods, fully prepares them for the challenges of a future workplace.
“Pupils are confident, curious learners who are encouraged to be creative and take risks with their learning.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
“Our children know when they have given their best. They are gratified by determination and can reflect maturely on their own development. They need no other reward.”
Kate Gibb, Assistant Head (Academic)
“A love of reading is the backbone of future academic success and the children are encouraged to explore rich texts with awe and wonder.”
Phillipa Rushby, Head of English and Year
6 Teacher
A BROAD CURRICULUM
A 21ST CENTURY PROGRAMME
We know that in order to thrive in the modern world, subject knowledge in isolation is no longer enough. Children need a holistic and well-rounded education that will prepare them to empathise and positively engage with the issues of tomorrow. Teaching them how and why they need to live sustainably and equitably has never been more important than it is today. We also know that employers need people with integrity who work effectively in teams, have excellent communication skills and the ability to think creatively and independently.
Our specially designed Education for Social Responsibility programme (ESR) aims to develop the essential character traits that children will need to flourish in an uncertain world and to give them the confidence to be game changers and change makers of the future. ESR is woven into every part of the curriculum and every aspect of the children’s school life and is fundamental to a successful education in the 21 century.
“Pupils exhibit a high level of information and communication technology (ICT) skills. Older pupils demonstrate advanced digital expertise in programming and robotics.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is embedded in learning throughout RSM. All children in the school use iPads and from Year 3 upwards, they have their own device, bringing a world of independent learning and research into every lesson. Use of the green screen and special educational applications give the children extensive experience with software and hardware. In their computing lessons, they are introduced to 3D design through CAD software and more complex robotics and coding. Our Lego Robotics team have been UK finalists in the annual worldwide Lego Robotics competition many times.
SCIENCE
Investigation is a fundamental part of science lessons and the children are encouraged to be inquisitive. From Year 3, lessons build on the children’s scientific skills and by the time they reach Year 6, they can confidently design investigations to answer their own questions, as well as carry out directed investigations such as dissecting a heart.
STEAM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy and enables the next generation of innovators. Innovation leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy.
“All pupils participate enthusiastically and successfully in the wide range of sporting activities provided and show great pride when representing the school in competitive matches.”
ISI Inspection 2023
STEAM
STEAM draws together science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths into practical lessons which teach children to be creative problem solvers. Year 5 and 6 have weekly STEAM classes and the skills and attitude to learning they acquire carry over into other lessons with a particularly positive impact on problem solving in maths. This also builds within them the confidence that they can become change makers in a future green economy
SPORT
Sport helps children to build leadership skills, confidence, teamwork, respect and resilience and supports their physical fitness and wellbeing. It is an integral part of life in the Upper School with two double periods dedicated to games each week alongside a curriculum PE lesson.
Our 15-acre site has four football pitches, a hockey pitch, two multi-purpose courts, an artificial cricket strip and a 200-metre grass running track. We also have the use of Reigate Grammar School’s impressive sports grounds at Hartswood.
Our experienced sports teachers are committed to giving every child a positive experience and coaching is designed to build sportsmanship and camaraderie. We are committed to equal opportunities in sport and if children choose to play a team sport that is traditionally played by the opposite gender, they can do so. Competitive team sports include football, hockey, rugby, netball, cricket, athletics and swimming.
Throughout the year, all Upper School children:
• Have the opportunity to participate in regular fixtures and tournaments.
• Have two half terms of weekly swimming lessons in the Reigate Grammar School swimming pool.
• Compete in a number of different inter-house competitions.
• Take part in the annual inter-house Sports Day.
• Have a weekly PE lesson, which focuses on developing skills such as hand-eye coordination, racket skills and dance.
ART & DT
Teaching in the Upper School ensures that children develop both core skills and processes to build their artistic experience. Using a variety of media such as paint, collage, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, sculpture, drawing and computer-aided design (CAD), children are encouraged to explore freely as well as refine their technical skills. Integrated critical study of the work of artists, designers and craftspeople from a diverse cultural range, enables children to understand the place of the visual arts in the world and how the practitioners work, drawing inspiration from their ideas, techniques and explorations.
LANGUAGES
Children in the Upper School have weekly Spanish classes with native Spanish speaker, Miss Maria. She is passionate about developing a love of the Spanish language and culture and the children participate enthusiastically in engaging and exciting lessons. Year 6 also have regular Mandarin lessons with the Reigate Grammar School Mandarin teachers.
MUSIC
Music is an important part of life at RSM. It is a separate subject taught within the curriculum using the Kodaly principle, which develops musicianship through the tenets of prepare, present, practice. Voice is used as the principal instrument.
A large proportion of children are involved in the peripatetic music lesson programme. We are an official ABRSM exam centre with many children taking music exams each year. There are plenty of opportunities to play instruments in our ensembles and performances and to sing in our choirs. There is a strong connection with the Reigate Grammar music department, sharing resources such as their state of the art recording studio and taking part in some of their large events.
Choirs – we have a number of choirs for Years 3 to 6, which rehearse at lunchtimes.
Ensembles – children who take tuition on the relevant instruments either in or outside of school can join one of our ensembles – String Ensemble; Concert Band; Guitar Ensemble; Percussion Group.
Performances – throughout the year there are performance opportunities in assemblies, informal concerts, Christmas concerts, endof-term celebration evenings, inter-house music competitions, end-of-term services and an annual ensembles concert. The children also regularly perform within the community and at local festivals.
“Pupils achieve commendable results in instrumental examinations, many achieving merits or distinctions. They grow in confidence through regular participation in choirs, concerts, school plays and presentations in assembly.”
ISI Inspection 2023
“Pupils have won many awards at local music and drama festivals and have been represented in the National Youth Choir and National Children’s Orchestra.”
ISI Inspection 2023
CHORISTERS
Reigate St Mary’s was founded in 1950 in the house of the former choirmaster Godfrey Searle, who bequeathed it for the education of choir boys. Today, the school is one of only 46 schools in Great Britain to be members of The Choir Schools’ Association and boys and girls can audition to be choristers from the age of 8 years.
Life as a chorister is busy, but fulfilling and rewarding. It provides a unique musical education and experience and is probably the best musical training any child can receive. By the time they leave the choir, the choristers are proficient sight readers and confident performers with a knowledge of a vast repertoire of beautiful music. Choristers learn to perform at a professional level at a young age, quickly developing confidence, selfdiscipline, focus and time-management, skills which will stay with them for life. They form a strong team bond and make lasting friendships, often enduring for many years after they have left the choir.
The choir sings regularly at concerts and special events. They performed at the opening of the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and have sung evensong in many of the UK’s beautiful cathedrals, including Winchester, Wells, Hereford and St Paul’s. The choristers also sing at The Worshipful Company Cutlers’ Boar’s Feast every December in the City of London.
“Music is embedded in the school’s history and is an important part of the curriculum for all.”
Good Schools Guide 2023
“All pupils achieve extremely well, academically and in extracurricular activities.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
DRAMA
Drama at RSM explores all aspects of the subject, from improvisation to stage craft, performance poetry to mime/movement, and characterisation to devised pieces. Lessons encourage self-confidence, collaboration and the development of vital public speaking skills. Perhaps the highlight of the RSM Drama year is the Upper School production. Years 5 & 6 pupils perform an exciting upbeat musical and commit to extremely disciplined rehearsals for many weeks beforehand. The standard is always extremely high, and everyone thoroughly enjoys collaborating to bring together a full-scale show. Confidence blossoms and it is always wonderful to see children, who may be initially reticent, performing on stage with poise and self-assurance.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
With over 70 clubs on offer, there are extracurricular clubs to suit everyone. Children are encouraged to enjoy a rich variety of these activities, which take place during lunchtimes and after school. Music, dance, drama, team and individual sport, art, chess, martial arts and robotics are just a few examples of the clubs provided. They help the children to develop a range of interests and, above all, to have fun with their friends.
“The opportunities to grow and build confidence outside of the classroom are endless.”
Parent 2023
OUTDOOR LEARNING
At RSM we have lots of wonderful outside spaces and we take the children’s learning outdoors whenever possible. Children learn best when they are having fun and lessons outside are always memorable. Concepts can be taught in relevant and practical ways and often children can solve problems and grasp concepts outside that they have had difficulties with in the classroom. Alongside our green spaces, sports fields and playgrounds, we have a nature reserve, a Forest School, an EDEN area for quiet play and a covered outdoor classroom used in all weathers.
“We know that children learn best when they are fully involved, immersed and engaged; presenting problems and tasks outside allows for discovery and exploration in a way that only the great outdoors can deliver.”
Rachel Peters, RSM Outdoor Learning Coordinator
“The school’s provision of access to a varied outdoor environment enables pupils to be inspired by the wonders of the natural world.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
“The playgrounds are vast with nature areas (including a pond), and wooded areas where dens are built. Outdoor learning is encouraged, and the outdoor areas are used all year round.”
Muddy Stilettos
PREPARATION FOR LIFE
Of course, a well-rounded rich education goes well beyond academics. We want our Upper School children to move on to their senior schools as good citizens, with the confidence to make the right decisions and the skills needed to lead happy and successful lives. To prepare them for the next stage of their education, we have a comprehensive Upper School programme to develop their confidence, communication and leadership and to teach them the core values that underpin sustainability and responsible living.
THE EDUCATION FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CURRICULUM (ESR)
Our important ESR curriculum focuses on the wellbeing of each child individually, the wellbeing of the teams within which they will work and the wellbeing of the planet. It is based upon:
Giving back more to society than we take – our comprehensive community outreach programme led by a designated member of staff includes amongst other things, teatime concerts for the elderly, the Make a Difference challenge in Year 5 and a sponsored water walk raising money to build water tanks in Southern Uganda.
Taking sustainability issues seriously – we are an Eco School with Green Flag status. We monitor our CO2 and our Eco committee and Year 6 Green Leaders proactively discuss and implement ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
Recognising the personal value and importance of the natural environment – we prioritise outdoor learning and make full use of our wonderful 15-acre site. There are dens and quiet areas along with a nature reserve and pond.
The power of a new environment to bring new thinking – the Year 6 residential trip to Snowdon focuses on individual wellbeing, team wellbeing and environmental wellbeing. The children challenge themselves and have time to reflect and gain a sense of the natural systems we all depend on.
Philosophy for Children (P4C) – P4C aims to give children deeper shared and reflective thinking skills for life. Our programme involves the children in rational and reasonable dialogue about things that matter. The aim is not to win an argument but to become clearer, more accurate, less self-contradictory and more aware of other arguments and values before reaching a conclusion.
“Pupils
are acutely aware of problems facing the planet and the part they can play to ameliorate this.”
ISI Inspection 2023
“Pupils
prosper greatly within a culture where they are encouraged to contribute positively to the school, the local community and wider society.”
ISI Inspection 2023
POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY IN YEARS 5 & 6
In Year 5, the children are invited to apply to be Peer Mediators where they can facilitate and help in small playtime disputes and the school’s restorative behaviour approach. In Year 6, all the children apply for leadership roles in an area of their choice. In these roles, they take forward initiatives, run assemblies and raise awareness throughout the school.
Year 6 Leadership Roles:
• Values Leaders
• Green Leaders
• School Council Communications Team
• Drama Leaders
• Science Leaders
• Art Leaders
• Music Leaders
• Library Leaders
• Play Leaders
• IT Leaders
• Sports Leaders
“Older pupils accept responsibility and grow in maturity through the many important leadership roles they are given.”
ISI Inspection 2023
A VIBRANT & ACTIVE HOUSE SYSTEM
There are four well-established Houses at Reigate St Mary’s and the children enjoy regular House meetings, competitions and activities. The system gives the children a sense of belonging, promotes peer support and friendships across year groups as well as providing opportunities for leadership and consistent encouragement for the children to achieve their best.
House events are great fun! Throughout the year there are plenty of opportunities for friendly rivalry at inter-house sports, charity days, and music competitions.
PUPIL VOICE
Our school council aims to get everyone actively engaged in democracy and decision making through regular class meetings, action teams and communication groups. Alongside the House system, it gives the children a forum to express their ideas and see how they can affect change.
HOBSON
OSMOND
SEARLE
MALCOLMSON
THE RSM COMMUNITY
“There’s
a warm-hearted feel to the school, and an overwhelming sense that community and relationships are right at the heart of it.”
Muddy Stilettos
We have a wonderful school community which thrives and grows as a result of:
GENUINE PARTNERSHIPS
We value meaningful relationships with parents and are always available to talk whenever questions or worries arise.
A WARM WELCOME
From sports days to musical performances to dance shows, we love to welcome parents and friends to help celebrate the children’s achievements and share in their learning. Visitors often comment on our warm and welcoming environment.
A VIBRANT PARENTS ASSOCIATION
Our Friends of St Mary’s Association (or FOSMA for short) arrange a host of activities during the year that are enjoyed by everyone. They also run a SMaSH (St Mary’s Social Hub) and parents regularly get together to dog walk, go for a run or just meet socially.
THE WIDER COMMUNITY
We value being part of the local area and helping others, so our outreach programme is designed around the importance of giving. Our children sing at teatime concerts, visit elderly residents and get involved with local initiatives, all part of helping and sharing with the local community.
BEYOND SCHOOL
Reigate is a vibrant town with excellent train links to London as well as being close to the M25. It has been voted one of the best places to live in the UK on a number of occasions.
Outside of school, most of our families enjoy the parks and green spaces close to the town centre as well as taking part in the local sports clubs such as Old Reigatians and Reigate Priory Hockey Club, which are hubs of friendships for parents and children outside of the school.
REIGATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
As a junior school of Reigate Grammar School (RGS), one of the top co-educational day schools in the country, our children benefit from the continuity of a consistent educational ethos when they transition to the senior school. As a through school we can therefore build long-term relationships with our children both pastorally and as learners.
In Year 5, RSM children can benefit from an early offer of a place at RGS without having to sit an entrance exam (full details can be found in The Route Through). This allows our Year 6 children to enjoy a full curriculum of education and personal development, free from the pressure of preparing for a test. For those children who will progress to other senior schools, we have a carefully designed programme of support that enables them to continue to benefit from the breadth of education on offer whilst preparing for assessments. We are just a short walk from RGS and this close proximity allows us to make use of many of their facilities including their swimming pool, music and recording studios and design and technology suite. RGS students often come to RSM to help with after-school clubs, or to assist with musical events, etc. This familiarity helps our children to feel more at home when they eventually transfer to the senior school.
RSM children also regularly train and play matches at RGS Hartswood, a fantastic sporting facility to the south of Reigate that includes hockey astroturfs and rugby, cricket and football pitches.
“Pupils thrive within the ‘have a go’ culture which empowers them to make mistakes in order to learn. This, coupled with the confidence gained through the many leadership roles they undertake, ensures that pupils feel well equipped for the next stage of their education.”
ISI Inspection 2023
YEARS 3 & 4
WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL DAY LOOK LIKE?
5 & 6
WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL DAY LOOK LIKE? YEARS
ASSESSMENT & TRANSITION
The Year 3 team has plenty of experience in welcoming new joiners, ensuring a smooth transition and helping new faces to integrate as quickly as possible. This is helped by the fact that the change from Year 2 to Year 3 is a significant step internally, so our existing pupils make a ‘big’ move up from Lower to Upper School and start afresh in September, excited about their new classmates. Carefully allocated buddies (two per new joiner) proudly help new friends to find their feet. Home-school communication is the most important element in settling new children into Year 3, so teachers ask parents for regular input and feedback, both before children join and for as long as it takes them to settle.
Having observed children during meetings or Taster Days and having carried out assessments, the Year 3 team carefully plans two evenly balanced classes with a good mix of current and new pupils and makes sure that additional support is available, if needed. Once children start at RSM, the highly personal approach and excellent staff-pupil ratios mean that Upper School teachers can quickly identify areas of strength or those needing focus, therefore providing stretch or revision tasks as required.
TESTIMONIALS FROM PARENTS
“We wanted to thank you and your dedicated staff for making our daughter’s journey through RSM such an enjoyable experience. We are so thrilled to see how she has flourished over the years and continues to have an unquenchable thirst for learning. She is absolutely ready to go and make her mark at senior school with great enthusiasm and confidence - we couldn’t ask for more!
Parent of Year 6 pupil, June 2023
“Our daughter has settled into life at RSM quickly. She is very happy and has become much more confident since joining. All of the staff and pupils have been fantastic, extremely welcoming and kind to her, making her feel part of the school. We have been very impressed with the high standard of work she is now achieving”.
Parent of Year 6 pupil
“Our son has settled in really well to his new school surroundings. RSM has been very welcoming and attentive which has made the transition seamless. He has instantly formed new friendships and is thriving on the diverse school curriculum which is very pleasing to see. We could not have wished for a better start at RSM”.
Parent of Year 3 joiner 2023
“Children are encouraged to think outside the box, empowering them to contemplate and discuss issues meaningfully with their peers.”
