Daniel And The Lion’s Den

This Year’s CSAW (Church School’s Arts Workshop) production on 12th October thrilled the audience of both primary and secondary school parents and carers.

Playing to a full house, representatives from Dewhurst, Holy Trinity, Forty Hill and Ponsbourne primary schools, joined together with our very own Phoenix Singers and the House Band to present a new, original musical about the biblical figure ‘Daniel’ and his unwavering Christian faith.

Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop (vice-chair of Hertfordshire County Council’s Education, Libraries and Lifelong Learning Cabinet Panel) came to watch ‘Daniel and the Lion’s Den’ and emailed to say “… what a magical, musical show”. Particularly impressive is the way that St Mary’s and the local primary schools are joint working and continuing to strengthen connections and collaborations in our community.

This production marks the end of the first season of ‘The Festival of Learning’ that seeks to strengthen the links between the KS2 and the KS3 curriculum, whilst having a lot of fun.

We look forward to our new season of the festival of learning beginning in November, this time with a focus on Science and Technology.

/by

Harvest Festival 2023

Thank you for your support and generosity in this year’s Harvest Collection.

We were able to assemble a good collection of food items that will soon be delivered to our local Foodbank. Your donations will undoubtedly provide a welcome boost to their supplies and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need in our community.

Your willingness to give and your commitment to helping others truly embody the spirit of community that we hold dear at St. Mary’s. We are incredibly proud to have such a caring and compassionate community of parents and carers who teach our students, by example, the importance of giving back.

We look forward to continuing our work together in supporting our community throughout the year.

/by

Year 7 Art

Well done to all our Year 7 artists who have made a wonderful start developing their drawing and tonal value skills this half term.

I am incredibly proud of their beautiful sketchbooks and look forward to seeing what they develop next.

Miss Papadopoullos

/by

Geography Field Trip

On Friday 29th September the year 11 geographers went to Epping Forest to carry out a day of physical fieldwork.

The spent some time learning about the geology of the area and the impact this has on the water cycle. They then had the challenge of measuring key characteristics of the Loughton Brook. Despite the extremely small amount of water in the river, students persevered to collect the data required to answer their enquiry question about how rivers change downstream. Students were treated to a warm sunny day to enjoy the wonders of being outside and experiencing geography in action.

Louise Douglas (Lead Geography)

/by

Art & Design Student Profile: Shanay

The Art Department have decided to celebrate its St Mary’s artists by dedicating a monthly student profile article on one student a week. Our very first student profile is on the incredibly talented and creative Shanay.

Shanay is a Year 11 GCSE art student who has always loved art and drawing from an early age. Shanay has been inspired by the artist Ian Murphy and has a huge passion for illustration. Her project on Urban Life and Culture has been influenced by both.

Some examples of her beautiful sketch books are showcased here.

/by

Year 10 and 11 – Romeo and Juliet

Students in Years 10 and 11 were treated to a performance of their GCSE English Literature set text Romeo and Juliet.

We were joined in school by performers from The Globe Players, the foremost Shakespeare and Children’s Theatre company in London and the South East, for a lively and informative adaptation of the play. Students enjoyed watching key scenes, including a sword fight and the famous balcony scene, with key moments explained by the knowledgeable cast members. With the opportunity to ask questions following the performance, this was a fantastic addition to the study and revision of the play which is currently taking place in class.

/by

Personal Development Lessons on Meditation

Personal Development: Self-Help Strategies

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of mental health is undeniable. To equip our young minds with valuable self-help tools, we have introduced meditation, guided imagery, and breathing exercises into the Personal Development curriculum.

Personal Development is a crucial aspect of a student’s journey, as it goes beyond academic achievements to shape well-rounded individuals. Year 7 is a pivotal stage where students transition from childhood to adolescence, making it an opportune time to introduce them to the concepts of mental health.

Meditation, a powerful practice for mental clarity and relaxation, is one of the cornerstones of this initiative. Year 7 students are being taught meditation techniques that help them calm their minds, reduce stress, and enhance their focus. This skill can prove invaluable as they navigate the challenges of school and life beyond the classroom.

The introduction of these practices in Year 7 Personal Development program not only acknowledges the significance of mental health but also provides students with essential life skills. By instilling these practices early on, we are not only fostering mental well-being but also preparing students to face life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. In a world where mental health is of paramount importance, this initiative is a significant stride toward creating a brighter future for our youth.

/by