Co-Curricular & Enrichment

Introduction

The Co-Curricular programme at St Mary’s is comprehensive and vast and has, we hope, something for everyone. Students are encouraged to embrace the opportunities ofered to them to allow them to flourish as individuals with an emphasis on simply having a go and taking part. Participation in co-curricular activities is a way to fuel learning outside of the classroom by stimulating creative thought, improving social and organizational skills, developing interests and talents, and ofering students the chance to switch of and do something they really enjoy – girls will often push themselves out of their comfort zones in situations where they are doing something they love and in a situation where they feel comfortable and at ease. Our cocurricular programme is integral to the success of St Mary’s Girls. By rising to the challenge and having the opportunity to excel both in and beyond the academic arena, our girls become resilient, confident and believe in themselves.

St Mary’s Challenge

At St Mary’s we expect all of our students to participate in at least one co-curricular activity for the whole year. Girls receive the Bronze ‘St Mary’s Challenge’ award if they participate (and have 80% attendance) in two co-curricular activities in all three terms. We award Silver for participation in (and 80% attendance) three cocurricular activities in all three terms and show leadership skills in at least one of them. To receive the gold award, an individual must participate in four co-curricular activities (and have 80% attendance) in all three terms and show leadership skills in at least two of them. Platinum is for Sixth Form students who plan, organize and lead a club for younger members of the school in all three terms.

House System

Our House System is an integral part of school life – it fosters a sense of community and support, encourages cross-year group relationships, and provides an outlet for healthy competition. Girls are placed in a house when they join: Latham, Kirk, Temple-West or Butler and remain in that house throughout their school career. There are house activities to suit all of our girls, including Sports Day, Bake Of, House Drama, House Science, Photography, Debate and the Christmas Quiz to name a few.

House colours come out in force during house events and students cheer on their team-mates on with great enthusiasm. The winner of the House competition is announced, with much anticipation, at the final assembly of the school year.

Our vast co-curricular ofering is available to our school community because our staf recognise its importance in empowering students to give things a go and become individuals who excel in a wide range of skills beyond the classroom. We hope that what follows will give you an idea of the activities on ofer. Our co-curricular timetable changes three times a year to maximise opportunities for our students.