Year-Group-Themes (ID 1020)

• Y7 - Belonging
  Y7 - Belonging

  Students 'belong' at St Mary's as soon as the transition process starts. As well as meeting staff, they have the chance to make new friends, to be involved in exciting activities and to learn new subjects. They soon settle into secondary school life, embracing their new freedoms and making the most of the opportunities they are given. Their maturity flourishes, and they rise to the high expectations and challenges that St Mary's offers them in order that they can be the best that they can be.

• Y8 - Responsibility
  Y8 - Responsibility

  Pupils start Year 8 ready to continue their journey as members of the St Mary's community, taking responsibility for their new position as role models for a younger year group. They will be ready to seize opportunities for growth in extra-curricular activities and displaying their individual talents. In Year 8, pupils will be looking to consolidate and build upon their academic progress as they begin to identify the flight path of their studies and hopes for the future, facilitated by Personal Development Time.

  Year 8 students will have the opportunity to forge new friendships and push themselves out of their comfort zones with challenging activities on our Ullswater residential. They also explore the beauty and enormity of the natural world and our responsibility to care for it.

• Y9 - Choices
  Y9 - Choices

  Choices

  Students will be able to make informed decisions based on their foundational understanding of each subject area. They will be enthused, forward thinking and have the requisite knowledge and skills to transition to GCSE study effectively.

  Year 9 students will gain a broader knowledge of each subject area, informing them of the complexities of the curriculum and how their studies connect intrinsically with the wider world.

  All students will be offered opportunities to become role models to younger pupils, applying their developing leadership skills in unfamiliar contexts which support the school and wider community.

• Y10 - Challenges
  Y10 - Challenges

  Students will be transitioning from KS3 to KS4 following their option selections, where they face the challenge of studying new subjects. Year 10 is about putting yourself out of your comfort zone to really challenge and push yourself. Students should see this year as an opportunity to grow in confidence, become more independent, to take advantage of the trips and activities on offer, and to be prepared to become the senior students of the school.

• Y11 - Discernment
  Y11 - Discernment

  In Year 11, the students' journey towards their GCSEs will culminate and they will fulfil their potential and become the discerning young adults they were meant to be. Year 11 students will use all their prior knowledge and understanding to help them succeed in this challenging year. They will also become considerate of the next stage of their education and be provided with all the necessary information about the various pathways available for them so they may make the optimum choice for Post-16 study.'