Curriculum

St. Mary’s curriculum design focuses on inclusivity and the principle of bringing out the best in everyone. This is aligned with the school’s commitment to equality and the school’s celebration of protected characteristics. The curriculum aims to prepare pupils for a future where many jobs have yet to be created, ensuring they are adaptable, versatile and tolerant.

The curriculum aims to be both ambitious and challenging for all pupils, building upon prior knowledge while engaging them with stimulating content from the outset. Knowledge builds systematically, enabling pupils to gain both breadth and depth of understanding across subjects.

The curriculum is more than academic, it supports pupils’ holistic development by promoting ‘security in who you are’ and fostering the ability to thrive and prosper in an environment where they feel loved, included and valued.

Lower School

In Year 7, all pupils take Art, Biology, Chemistry, Design & Technology (incl. Food Technology), English, Geography, History, Information Technology, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physics, PSHE, Religious Studies, Library Skills, PE and Games. In addition, all take either French or Spanish.

In Year 8, pupils study the subjects above with Classics and a second language being introduced. This subject combination continues into Year 9.

Middle School

All students take at least ten subjects at GCSE which must include English, English Literature, Mathematics, Religious Studies, and Science (either 3 or 2 GCSEs). A foreign language is strongly recommended to be one of the choices.

The Options Scheme is reviewed regularly by our Vice Principal Mrs Julie Thomas in consultation with parents and pupils. A GCSE Options Evening is held in Year 9 which provides an opportunity to discuss individual programmes for the following academic year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer first-choice options to the vast majority of pupils.

Sixth Form

Students embark upon a two year A Level programme, studying three subjects plus the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and in addition to this there is compulsory participation in Games and Outreach.

All the GCSE subjects offered here are normally available at A Level. In addition, Business, Psychology and Further Mathematics are also offered at A Level.

All Sixth Form students are expected to play an active role in school life by acting as leaders and taking part in extra-curricular activities.