Curriculum

St. Mary’s provides a rigorous academic curriculum that combines breadth and balance for all with an element of choice differentiation to encourage individual excellence. 

Lower School

In Year 7, all pupils take Art, Biology, Chemistry, Citizenship (part of PSHEe), Design & Technology (incl. Food Technology), English, Geography, History, Information Technology, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Religious Studies, 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 Language, 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 in consultation with parents and pupils. An Options Evening for Year 9 pupils and their parents is held each spring when there is 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 take three A Level subjects plus the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). 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.