Year 9 Students Excel in GCHQ National Language Competition

A group of talented Year 9 students recently showcased their linguistic and problem-solving skills by participating in the prestigious GCHQ National Language Competition. The event, designed to connect curriculum learning with real-world applications, challenged students to decode a variety of languages through engaging and complex tasks.

The teams demonstrated remarkable dedication and teamwork, with all participants performing exceptionally well. Special congratulations go to the winning team, Shiny Talented Dogfish, comprising Andrew Nkrumah, Matthew Nkrumah, and Kai Pierre, who emerged as the top performers among all the St Mary’s teams. Their success highlights the importance of perseverance, critical thinking, and collaborative effort.

This competition was not just about celebrating linguistic ability—it also emphasised the value of learning a second language in building diverse career opportunities. Language skills are critical in fields like national security, diplomacy, and global business, providing students with a glimpse into how classroom learning can pave the way for exciting futures.

Participating in events like this helps students link their studies to potential career paths, broadening their horizons and inspiring them to explore new possibilities. Well done to all the teams for their fantastic efforts!

/by

The Phoenix Singers Shine at the ‘Festival of Carols’

On Wednesday, 11th December, our school choir, the Phoenix Singers, proudly represented St Mary’s School at the annual Festival of Carols, hosted by Broxbourne Council. The event took place at the historic Jubilee Bandstand in Hoddesdon, where school choirs take it in turns to perform sharing the festive spirit through music.

Performing a selection of traditional Christmas carols, the Phoenix Singers entertained an enthusiastic crowd of Christmas shoppers, market traders, and proud families. The crisp winter air and joyful melodies created a truly magical atmosphere, bringing smiles to faces and setting the tone for the holiday season.

The choir’s harmonious voices, hard work, and festive cheer were warmly received by the audience, and the experience left us all feeling wonderfully Christmassy.

We are so proud of our talented Phoenix Singers and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us, including the families who came along to enjoy the performance. Events like these remind us of the joy and community spirit that the holiday season brings.

Merry Christmas from the Phoenix Singers and all of us at St Mary’s School!

/by

Year 13 Mock Interview Day: Building Confidence and Skills for the Future

On Friday 6th December, St Mary’s hosted its annual Year 13 Mock Interview Day, offering students a valuable opportunity to experience a professional interview setting for the first time. For many of the students, this was their first taste of what a real interview entails, and although there were plenty of nerves, the day proved to be an enriching and confidence-boosting experience for all involved.

Each student took part in a one-on-one interview conducted by members of the St Mary’s community and visiting employers, who graciously volunteered their time to support our students. These experienced professionals provided detailed feedback after the interviews, offering praise for strong performances and constructive advice for areas of improvement.

The feedback proved invaluable, with students gaining new insights into their strengths and how to effectively showcase their skills. Here’s what some of the students had to say about their experience:

  • “It’s not about getting everything right; it’s about showcasing the truthful skills you know you have.”
  • “I learnt what skills employers look for.”
  • “I have gained confidence in speaking to others about myself.”
  • “I learned the importance of preparing answers beforehand so I wouldn’t waste time thinking.”
  • “I learned how to articulate my thoughts and achievements in a clear manner.”
  • “I was able to identify my strengths and weaknesses.”

The event also highlighted the importance of careers education as an integral part of the curriculum at St Mary’s. Events like these not only help students prepare for their future but also encourage them to reflect on their skills, achievements, and goals. This preparation is invaluable as they take their next steps into higher education, apprenticeships, or the working world.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part in this event. Their generosity and expertise played a crucial role in making the day a success and ensuring that our students received the guidance they need to thrive in their future endeavours.

The Mock Interview Day is more than just a one-day event—it’s a stepping stone towards greater confidence, self-awareness, and readiness for the professional world. These opportunities enrich our students’ time at St Mary’s, helping them grow into confident, capable individuals ready to take on life’s challenges.

We look forward to continuing this tradition and fostering the development of our future leaders. Thank you to everyone who made this day such a success!

/by

“A Time to be Counted” a CSAW Production

“A Time to be Counted” CSAW Production

On the 4th and 5th of December, St Mary’s School staged a heartfelt and uplifting production of A Time to be Counted, a musical written by the school’s Director of Performing Arts, Mr. Crosby. This show was part of the Church School’s Art Workshop (CSAW) series, set up around 15 years ago with one mission, to work together as a community in God’s Love, showcasing the talent of the local church primary schools.

The production brought together not only the Dewhurst Foundation Trust schools of St Mary’s, Dewhurst St Mary Primary and Holy Trinity CE Primary, but also included Churchfield Academy and Goffs Oak Primary Schools —creating a true showcase of collaboration and local talent. Against the backdrop of a modern retelling of the Nativity, audiences were treated to a narrative rich with heart and hope, as Mary and Joseph navigated their journey to Bethlehem, faced with adversity but supported by unwavering faith.

The modern touches to the story were as delightful as they were imaginative. From Mary and Joseph’s unconventional ride to Bethlehem on a motorbike to the three wise men delivering their wisdom in the form of a lively rap, the production brimmed with originality and charm. These innovative choices brought a fresh energy to the timeless story, making it accessible and engaging for all ages.

The music, performed live by a professional band under the direction of Mr. Crosby, was a standout element of the show. The vibrant score elevated the narrative and drew the audience into the story’s emotional highs and lows. From joyous ensemble pieces to tender solos, the music was a testament to the cast’s dedication and the director’s musical vision.

The production also underscored the CSAW programme’s mission to foster unity and creativity among the local Church of England schools. The involvement of many local primary schools added a wonderful dynamic, with younger performers shining on stage alongside their older peers. It was a beautiful reflection of community spirit and the shared values that bind these schools together.

This year’s CSAW production was more than a musical; it was a celebration of faith, talent, and collaboration. A Time to be Counted resonated deeply with its audiences, reminding everyone of the enduring power of love, hope, and unity in the Christmas story.

/by

‘Joy to the World’ – A Celebration of Christmas

Experience the Magic of Christmas at St. Mary’s Annual Carol Service!

🎄 When: Tuesday, 17th December 🎶 Time: 7:00 PM 📍 Where: St. Mary the Virgin Church EN8 9NH

Join us for a heartwarming evening filled with readings, carols, songs, and prayer, all in the enchanting setting of a medieval church.

This year, we’re thrilled to welcome the Welwyn Garden City Brass Band as our special guests, adding an extra touch of festive charm to the celebration.

✨ Admission is free! Come along, soak up the Christmas spirit, and enjoy a mince pie (or two!). We’d love to share this memorable evening with you.

/by

Antarctica Flag House Competition Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Antarctica Flag House Competition – Shaun and Nia, and to the very worthy runners up Alex, Alex, Daisy and Xhemil. Students had to design a flag suitable for the continent and the flags created by the 2 winning students are now on the way to Antarctica where they will be flown by a scientist working in the region.

Well done to all the students who entered the competition – they made judging the winners very tough.

/by

St. Mary’s Celebrates International Stress Awareness Week with Lunchtime Wellbeing Activities

To mark International Stress Awareness Week, which ran from November 4th to 8th, St. Mary’s held a series of lunchtime activities aimed at supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing. The event was the brainchild of Lily, a Year 9 Wellbeing Ambassador, who wanted to bring stress-relieving activities to her peers in an accessible, enjoyable way.

Each day featured a different activity, reflecting the “5 Ways to Wellbeing,” a set of evidence-based actions that promote mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts. The activities encouraged students to engage with these five principles: Take Notice, Keep Learning, Connect, Be Active, and Give.

  • Take Notice (Monday): Students participated in a mindful word search, encouraging them to pause and focus on the present moment.
  • Keep Learning (Tuesday): The activity for the day was learning origami, giving students a chance to develop a new skill in a fun, hands-on way.
  • Connect (Wednesday): Classic board and card games were available, allowing students to bond with each other over shared experiences.
  • Be Active (Thursday): Students joined in on a lively “Just Dance” session, boosting both their energy and mood.
  • Give (Friday): Students created thank-you cards to give to others, spreading positivity and fostering a sense of gratitude within the school community.

Participation was enthusiastic, with each student receiving a sticker for completing a daily activity. Those who collected all five stickers were awarded a token and a small prize as recognition for their commitment to wellbeing.

Reflecting on the experience, Amy, a Year 9 student, shared, “I enjoyed the activities because it was nice to do something different, and I had a lot of fun with my friends.” Oskar, also in Year 9, noted, “I liked playing the board games as it kept me calm.”

The initiative was a success, providing students with tools to manage stress in a supportive and engaging environment, while also encouraging the development of lifelong wellbeing practices.