They made duchess potatoes using the boiling cooking method which also incorporated some piping skills.
Year 9s have started their Street Food lessons. This week they made spicy chicken and vegetarian samosas showing their skills in creating the perfect samosa shape.
The presentation began with a general discussion about competitive courses and universities, before delving a little deeper into the opportunities available at the University of Cambridge. During the presentation, students heard from current students and were able to engage in a Q&A about how the students prepared and how they have found the transition. They also discussed the importance of the super-curricular with guidance being provided that signposted specific resources that would enable the students to stretch and develop their wider experiences.
This activity was especially for our Russell Group University Scholars group – some of these students completed the scholars programme with Mr Worker in KS4. Similar activities are provided for a range of students in Y12 and Y13 according to their plans and aspirations
We are looking forward to working with the team at Gonville and Caius college as the year progresses and have plans for further meetings and a visit in the Spring.
The Lead Inspector who visited the school with three fellow inspectors made many very positive comments about the quality of what we are providing for your children at St Mary’s, and although we urge you to read the full report.
“The school has a well-designed, ambitious curriculum. This is evident in the good quality of pupils’ learning demonstrated in lessons and in their books.”
“Pupils live up to leaders’ expectations of their behaviour. Pupils follow the well-established routines in lessons and usually focus on learning.”
“Pupils are proud of their school. Those in attendance at the previous inspection notice and speak positively about improvements happening at their school. ”
“Pupils speak confidently about reaching their career aspirations because the school prepares them well for adult life.”
“Pupils are taught how to live healthy lifestyles.”
“The school supports pupils well to maintain positive mental health while dealing with whatever issues they face.”
“Governors carry out their duties well. They hold leaders to account effectively for the school’s work.”
“Safeguarding is effective.”
This is the moment that all our staff, the senior leaders and the governors of the school have been working so hard to achieve since our last inspection four years ago. It is a recognition of all that we have achieved, with your support and the hard work and commitment of our children since we were rated as Requires Improvement in 2019.
Please share this wonderful news with your friends and family, and be very proud of your children and their hard work and great attitude which helped us to achieve this rating.
Every student from Year 8 to Year 13 had the opportunity to meet representatives from a wide range of businesses and organisations from across Hertfordshire, from infrastructure and engineering firms to construction and property, and from the care sector to the armed forces and the fire brigade. Further and Higher education institutions were also present, along with organisations supporting young people with Apprenticeships and alternative pathways into the career of their choice.
Kerry Gaulton, Careers Lead at the school, who organised the event, said “Careers provision is a real strength of the school. Students met the representatives of businesses and other organisations with a wealth of questions, ready to make the most of this unique opportunity to speak to such a variety of sectors under one roof. Thank you to all the institutions who made the effort to come along. I know our students enjoyed the event and many came away armed with real knowledge and enthusiasm about the potential careers available to them.”
One business representative talked about why it was important for them to attend St Mary’s Careers Fair: “We need to change perspectives about our industry, to educate young people about the diversity of roles available to them and to attract the talents of a diverse range of young people to our sector.”
Students Bradley, Lewis, Peter and Senel laid a wreath on behalf of the young people of Broxbourne, in memory of the American crew of the B-24 Liberator USAAF plane that crashed outside the town on 12 August 1944. The article on the Herts Memories website says the plane was “on its way to perform a bombing mission when it is thought that a mid-air collision sent it tumbling from the sky with a full payload of explosives. Headed for the heart of Cheshunt, the crew bravely remained on board to steer the aircraft clear of the town.”
The event was attended by Robert Voss CBE CStJ, the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire (HM The King’s representative in the county), Liz Green the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Paul Seeby the Mayor of Broxbourne, and many others from the Broxbourne area.
Thank you to Mrs Bundock for organising the students and supporting today, and Mrs Grindley (Deputy Head Teacher) and Mrs Willis (Chair of Governors) for attending.
They are focussing on drawing and colour shading skills to elevate and inspire their own responses to Andy Warhol’s can prints and more. Here is Hannah’s beautiful sketchbook of work.
The programme itself provides the students with work experience where they will complete tasks set by the FT in order to raise awareness of the FT with their peers in order to build financial awareness to young people and to identify how the FT could develop towards being available to young people.
In addition, they will have monthly workshops to build their skillsets helping them prepare for life after school and successful. The opportunity to work with such a prestigious global organisation presents the students a great platform to build their confidence and leadership skills. We are looking forward to seeing the outcome of the experience.
They won 1-0 against a Year 8 team from Latymer School and all contributed in a really positive way. They behaved impeccably and represented the school extremely well.
Thanks to Mr Bradbury for managing and training them and congratulations to George, Max, Jacob, Filip, Will, Lavae, Cavali, Louie, George, Eren, Thaddeus, Eliseo, Joel and Deniz.
A winner and 3 runners up were selected from some excellent entries. The winning flag which was designed by Poppy will be taken to Antarctica by a Polar research scientist and we are looking forward to seeing the flag in location. Winner – Poppy Runners up – Sergio, Jayden, Elianna
Are you seeking an opportunity to play a role in delivery the curriculum in a dynamic school? If so, St Mary’s CE High School is looking for a Science Teacher to join us immediately or from September 2024.
The school takes induction for those new to the school, and their continuing professional development very seriously. Please read what the Head Teacher has to say about this here: Induction and Development.
We are looking for an inspirational candidate, to deliver the curriculum focusing on strengthening the good foundations that are in place to help take the school to the next level.
Applicants do not need to be practising Christians, but would be expected to uphold our Christian principles of trust, forgiveness, compassion, thankfulness, friendship and love, as well as our vision where, ‘Through God’s love, we are the rich soil where seeds flourish and roots grow’.
In line with this vision, we are committed to developing you in the role, both in the short term through a supportive induction programme, and in the long term through Leadership CPD (e.g. NPQML or NPQSL).
St Mary’s CE High School is committed to providing a safe and caring learning environment, founded on our Christian principles. We continue to develop an excellent standard of education for all students, allowing everyone to achieve their full potential regardless of ability or background in a safe and inspiring community.
“The school has a well-designed, ambitious curriculum. This is evident in the good quality of pupils’ learning demonstrated in lessons and in their books.”
“Pupils live up to leaders’ expectations of their behaviour. Pupils follow the well-established routines in lessons and usually focus on learning. ”
“Pupils are proud of their school.” – Ofsted October 2023
St Mary’s CE High School is one of three church secondary schools in Hertfordshire, all of which are within the Diocese of St Albans. The school is well recognised in the local community for its high-quality provision and outstanding inclusion agenda.
“An exceptionally inclusive and caring community” – SIAMS January 2020
St Mary’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake online safeguarding training and all positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Two references will be sought for every candidate that is called for interview. St Mary’s is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Application Deadline: 9am on Tuesday 7th May 2024
Interviews: TBC – we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates ahead of the deadline
