On Thursday 2nd February, our year 9 mathematicians took part in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge.

This national challenge consists of 25 maths problems which test students’ logical thinking, ability to problem solve, and extension of understanding to the mathematical ideas they cover in their maths lessons.

In year 9, we had joint “best in year” with an identical score of 50. Jason and Rafael were awarded a bronze award and were just 5 points away from Silver!

Well done to all those that participated! For anyone who would like to take part next year, the UKMT website has a comprehensive collection of past papers which can be used for practice. These challenges are meant to be fun, and are meant to push you out of your comfort zone, so they are an excellent resource for students who enjoy a challenge.

This half-term we took 22 students to Kings College, University of London for their Graduation from the Scholars Programme.

During the programme the students from Years 8 and 10 have worked with a University Tutor in weekly tutorials to extend their learning beyond the core curriculum. At the end of the programme completed an extended essay on a philosophical question. Students performed exceptionally well, with several students receiving a 1^st in their Final Assignment.

During the visit to Kings College they had a talk from current students about their journey from secondary school to studying Medicine at University. Students also had an opportunity to tour Guy’s Campus, hearing about the history of the Campus and what it is like to study at University.

At the end of the trip the students’ had their graduation ceremony which allowed them to celebrate their graduation with students’ from other schools across the country.

The art department are incredibly proud of their Year 7 artists, who have been developing their art elements this term, focusing on drawing skills and colour theory. Additionally researching artists such as Bisa Butler, Claude Monet and Leonardo Da Vinci. Here is some of Ruby’ beautiful artwork.

Just before Christmas we promoted the ‘Young Writers’ competition titled, Integer.

Students were asked to write a short story based on or around numbers and do so in exactly 100 words. It may sound easy but it takes good writing skills to construct a story in such a small word count. Stories were submitted online and, having now received word from the organisers, I am delighted to tell you that eighteen of our students’ stories have been selected for publication! Once permission has been granted by parent/carers their stories will appear in book format which is a compilation of all winning entries.

All winners are given the opportunity to buy their own copy to keep at home but a copy will also be available in the LRC for all students to view. Winners came from years 7- 10 and we are enormously proud of their achievement. Please join me in congratulating the following students: Kai, Igor, Aleyna , Zain, Taylan, Tuana, Natasha (all Year 7), Gabriella (Year 8), Elisa, Antreas, Eliana, Joseph, Arda, Zam, Stephanie, Ria (all Year 9), Natasha and Sarah (Year 10).

New regulations known as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), that provide clear standards for the way in which personal and sensitive data is collected, stored and processed, came into force from 25th May 2018. The governors of St Mary’s have published new and reviewed policies that explain how the School complies with the new regulations. These policies can be found on the policies page.

Copies of new Privacy Notices have been emailed home for parents/carers and students. Any feedback or questions about the new policies can be sent to admin@st-maryshigh.herts.sch.uk