Supporting The Girls

Guided with Care, Inspired to Grow

As a boarding school, we understand the relationship between academic work, wellbeing and happiness.

We can ensure that every girl is supported in all aspects of her life, including her studies, friendships, health and personal development.

In the evenings and at weekends, there are dozens of girls their own age around who are sharing their academic journey.

The tutors, Heads of House, residential staff and pastoral team are always on hand, helping, encouraging, supporting and advising. Whatever the work and whatever the challenge, there are always fellow pupils and staff nearby who can help.

Study Skills Programme

The girls are supported throughout their time at St Mary’s by a comprehensive study skills programme. This begins in Year 7 with a focus on how memory works, and how to make the most of it. From Year 9, this expands into the broader subject of metacognition. Our bespoke Year 10 induction programme introduces a range of skills to help the girls successfully negotiate the GCSE years and lay the foundations for A Level study. The Sixth Form begins with a complete induction programme that explores issues of mindset and resilience, as well as more advanced study skills specific to A Level work and the Extended Project Qualification.

Private Study

Digital Literacy

At St Mary’s, digital literacy is an integral part of every girl’s education.

Our structured, skills-based Computer Science curriculum enables students to develop creative, technical and analytical skills using the latest software in our well-equipped ICT suites.

We recognise the importance for pupils of understanding emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Pupils are taught how technologies such as AI work, where they are applied, and the opportunities and limitations they present. We place a strong emphasis on critical thinking, encouraging pupils to question and evaluate in order to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly.

All departments embed digital tools in their teaching, which helps pupils to become confident and discerning users of technology. They develop skills including digital communication, content creation, collaboration and problem-solving. Senior pupils can learn to work with CAD software, 3D printing and advanced data manipulation to help prepare them for their future studies and careers.

Through Skills for Life lessons, online safety education and pupil workshops we ensure pupils understand the benefits and risks of living and learning in a digital and AI-driven world. This includes an awareness of data privacy, digital footprints, bias and ethics. We empower our pupils to become confident, responsible and informed digital citizens who can navigate and shape the world around them with integrity and insight.

ICT

ICT is a core part of every girl’s learning at St Mary’s. Departments use a wide range of digital resources to develop each pupil’s ICT skills in ways that are meaningful within their subjects. All girls are issued with a St Mary’s email address to support communication with staff and pupils, while our school intranet and app act as central gateways to resources, information, guidance and key links. The Network Services department and ICT Help Desk provide comprehensive support, including technical assistance and device repairs, ensuring that every pupil can fully engage with digital learning.

Grade 9s

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Grade 9-8s

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Grade 9-7s

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