Enrichment

Beyond the formal curriculum St. Mary’s offers a vast programme of events and activities. All students are offered opportunities to participate and achieve in sporting, creative and academic areas, thereby enriching their skills, confidence and personal and social development.

All Faculty areas offer a range of activities with the aim of engaging all St. Mary’s students in some aspect of the Enrichment programme. The expectation at St. Mary’s is that all staff contribute to this programme. 

There is an impressive range of activities available in PE and Sport, which continues to grow. Opportunities to participate in competitive sports, fitness and recreational activities are extensive. Open access sports clubs operate in Football, Netball, Athletics, Cricket, Rounders, Hockey, Badminton, Rugby, Cross Country, Fencing and Tennis. The school is engaged in over 300 competitive fixtures a year and has achieved considerable success at local, regional and national level. No less than thirty students from St. Mary’s have gained Junior International status in recent years, which include the England U17 cricket captain and England U16 football captain. 

All students in Year 8 enjoy a week of Outdoor Pursuits in the Lake District. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is thriving at the school. Many St. Mary’s students also participate in a World Challenge expedition in the Indian Himalayas and a Ski Trip to the USA. 

The school offers further opportunities for students to experience international travel with annual trips to France (exchange school and Lourdes), Germany, Switzerland, Sicily and South Africa. 

There are an exciting range of opportunities in the Performing Arts including Jazz Band, Wind Band, String Orchestra, Senior Choir, Pop Choir, Dance Club and various Drama groups. These groups are engaged in a variety of performances and competitions throughout the year. 

Specific clubs in Art, Technology and Science also offer exciting opportunities to many students. 

The school also offers a wide range of leadership opportunities to students both in terms of gaining externally validated awards and using their leadership skills in the school and wider community. 

Students value the Enrichment programme highly and appreciate the commitment and dedication of teachers and coaches who provide them with such a varied programme of opportunities throughout their time at St. Mary’s.