As part of National Apprenticeship Week, a group of dedicated Year 13 students had the invaluable opportunity to participate in a mock assessment centre, expertly run by the ASK (Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge) group.

These students have been actively engaging in a weekly apprenticeship group, where they receive guidance and support to craft competitive applications for degree apprenticeships. This special session was designed to enhance their understanding of the interview and assessment process, providing key insights into what employers look for and how to excel in assessment centres. Through interactive group tasks, students developed key employability skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, gaining first-hand experience in navigating the selection process with confidence.

Throughout the week, all students have had the opportunity to learn more about apprenticeships, listen to young apprentices share their experiences, and take part in the BBC Careers Apprenticeship podcast. These activities have helped to broaden their understanding of the diverse pathways available and inspire them to explore different career options.

At St Mary’s, we are committed to providing a rich and engaging careers programme that equips students with the tools they need to succeed in their chosen paths. Opportunities like these play a vital role in preparing our students for their next steps into the world of work.

National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic reminder of the exciting opportunities available, and we are proud to support our students in exploring their future careers.

St Mary’s Shines a Light on Children’s Mental Health Week

From 3rd to 7th February, St Mary’s proudly celebrated Children’s Mental Health Week, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being in young people. This year’s inspiring theme, “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,” encouraged students to reflect on self-awareness as the start of personal growth and success.

The central question posed throughout the week was, “How well do we really know ourselves?” Students were encouraged to explore this idea, understanding that embracing who we truly are is the first step toward becoming the person we aspire to be. This powerful message was brought to life through activities linked to Disney-Pixar’s Inside Out 2, a film that brilliantly captures the complexity of emotions and the journey of self-discovery.

By observing the characters from Inside Out 2, students delved into the importance of recognising and expressing their emotions. The film provided a relatable, engaging way to explore mental health, illustrating how self-awareness and emotional expression can build resilience and foster personal development. The movie has been widely praised for its accurate portrayal of teenage emotions, with Psychology Today noting, “In accordance with developmental psychology research, the film highlights the crucial role of emotional competence—the capacity to understand and regulate one’s emotions and empathise with others—in social and academic success.”

Throughout the week, a range of activities was offered to engage students in fun and meaningful ways. Chess and board games remained students’ favourites, providing a calm, strategic break during lunch. Creative activities, such as colouring sessions and clay modelling of the film’s beloved characters, allowed students to express themselves artistically while reinforcing the week’s theme. These activities were led by the Wellbeing Team and supported by our trained Student Wellbeing Ambassadors, ensuring a safe, supportive space for all participants.

A highlight of the week was the screening of Inside Out 2, shown over multiple days in a cinema-like setting. Students brought along their popcorn and settled in to enjoy the film.

The impact of the week was clearly felt throughout the school. Year 7 students shared, “I liked the activities because they were really inclusive, and I had fun,” and “It helped me stress less as it was well organised.” A Year 8 student commented, “I liked coming because sometimes the lunch hall gets loud, but playing with the clay helped me relax.”

At St Mary’s, we are committed to fostering an environment where students feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow. Children’s Mental Health Week was a shining example of how, together, we can create a community that values well-being and nurtures the emotional resilience of every student.