PSHE/RSE and British Values

At St Mary's College we have a strong belief and unwavering commitment to preparing our students for life in modern Britain. Fundamental British values permeate all parts of the curriculum enabling students to develop into respectful individuals who will have a positive impact on the local community and their society. Within PSHE sessions we provide students with a wide range of rich opportunities and experiences to inspire, nurture and develop their talents and interests and prepare them for life in modern Britain.

In terms of structure, students have weekly PSHE sessions within their form time curriculum and these sessions are based around three key themes: health and wellbeing, life in the wider world and healthy relationships. Within these themes students cover a wide range of topics on a spiral curriculum to ensure all topics are covered in detail during the students' time at St Mary's College. For example, we cover sessions on consent, financial planning including mortgages and life saving first aid. In addition to this, students have 3 x 2 hour PSHE Immersion sessions throughout the year which allow students to explore key topics such as healthy relationships, human rights and mental health in more depth and these sessions include visits from a wide range of external agencies and speakers to further engage our students.

Student Leadership

The views of our students are crucial to the staff at St Mary's College, and our school council is the bridge between the staff and student body. Our student leaders apply via their Head of Year each year to be part of the school council, and then attend regular meetings as a student body to discuss key topics and the answers to questions posed by Mrs Stead and the senior leadership team. The Year Representatives attend half termly meetings with Mrs Stead to give their views and discuss important upcoming changes to the school to ensure students are on board with key changes and the opinions of the student body are taken into account.

Furthermore, all students on the school council work towards an accreditation to recognise their student leadership positions. This is something which students complete independently but with support from staff and is something which is excellent for future job, college and university applications. The accreditation is done in conjunction with the SSAT and more information can be found here: https://www.ssatuk.co.uk/cpd/student-leadership/

Study Support & Revision Activities

At St Mary's College, we believe in giving students the maximum potential access to success.

Please find below details of progress support and revision sessions that are on offer.