Our Year 10 students had a fantastic opportunity to get a head start on their journey into the working world with their Wexability Day. It was a day packed with practical advice and hands-on activities to equip them for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

First off, we had Kate Carter, Head of Apprenticeship Training at iSales, sharing her insights into the world of apprenticeships. Kate’s presentation wasn’t just informative; it was eye-opening. She gave us a glimpse into the array of apprenticeship options available and offered valuable tips on how our students can stand out from the crowd with their CVs and impress potential employers with their skills and attitude.

Following Kate’s inspiring talk, our students dived into a series of workshops aimed at polishing their job-seeking skills. From crafting compelling CVs to mastering the art of interviews, they were given the tools they need to confidently navigate the job market.

But it wasn’t all about landing the job—our students also learned about the importance of health and safety in the workplace and their rights as young employees. This vital information not only empowers them to navigate their upcoming work experience placements with confidence but also fosters a culture of responsibility and conscientiousness.

At St Mary’s, we believe in preparing our students not just academically but also for life beyond the classroom. The Wexability Day was a prime example of how we’re committed to equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in the real world.

As these Year 10 students embark on their forthcoming work experience journeys, they do so armed with not just theoretical knowledge but practical skills and a profound understanding of the professional landscape.

“Feeling Good Week”, a Hertfordshire-wide initiative, is dedicated to promoting the emotional well-being of young people by raising awareness of mental health and showcasing available support within the community. In celebration of this important event, St. Mary’s organised a series of engaging activities during students’ lunchtimes.

Entitled ‘In Harmony with Nature,’ these activities were designed to nurture an understanding and appreciation of biodiversity, instil kindness towards wildlife, and foster responsible interaction with the natural world. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a more harmonious and sustainable relationship with our environment.

Led by the dedicated Wellbeing Team and supported by trained student Wellbeing Ambassadors, a variety of activities were offered. As well as the usual popular board games, colouring and origami there were opportunities to make nest boxes, construct bug hotels, decorate and embellish feeders and water containers. Alongside this, spring bulbs were planted in containers and then distributed to form rooms for ongoing care and nurturing, symbolising a collective commitment to both individual and environmental well-being.

We are proud to congratulate our latest cohort of Scholars on their graduation from the programme this year. As part of the programme they have received weekly seminars with a University Tutor and had to complete a final assignment. Twenty-eight students in Years 8 and Year 10 graduated this year, with many receiving the top grades in their final assignment.

To celebrate their success the Scholars visited Christ College, University of Cambridge. During the visit they attended an Information, Advice and Guidance session about applying to University, heard from current University students and toured the college. This culminated in a graduation ceremony.

We are incredibly proud of the success of our students and are looking forward to our Year 7 and Year 9 cohorts starting in the summer.

At St. Mary’s School, we recognise the pivotal role that quality careers education plays in shaping the future of our students.

As part of our commitment to providing enriching experiences, students from Year 7 to Year 10 and the Sixth Form recently had the exciting opportunity to participate in the BBC Bitesize Careers Roadshow. This one-hour session, led by the experienced BBC presenter Kathryn Wilson, brought together students and professionals in a dynamic and engaging setting.

The event featured a panel-style discussion with three professionals from our local community, each offering unique insights into their career journeys. The professionals, a graduate engineer, a BBC social media journalist, and a simulator technician from Guys and St Thomas’ in London, shared their experiences, qualifications, personal anecdotes, and invaluable advice on work experience. Kathryn Wilson skilfully guided the conversation, creating an interactive platform where students could ask questions and gain real-world perspectives.

The diversity of professions showcased during the Bitesize Careers Schools Tour highlighted the vast array of opportunities available to our students. The graduate engineer spoke eloquently about the exciting world of engineering, the BBC social media journalist shed light on the dynamic field of journalism, and the simulator technician offered a glimpse into the healthcare sector.

St. Mary’s is immensely proud to play a part in the Bitesize Schools Tour, which aims to raise awareness of career aspirations among secondary pupils across the UK. By bringing professionals directly into the school environment, we provide our students with practical insights and advice, helping them make informed decisions about their future paths.

The event emphasised the importance of relevant qualifications, shared personal anecdotes to make career paths relatable, and provided valuable advice on work experience and essential soft skills for the workplace. These interactions with professionals working in our local area serve as a powerful catalyst for inspiring our students and broadening their horizons.

Our commitment to careers education goes beyond the classroom, and events like the BBC Bitesize Careers Roadshow underscore the significance we place on preparing our students for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. We believe that exposure to diverse career paths and direct interactions with professionals significantly contribute to the holistic development of our students, empowering them to make informed choices and pursue their aspirations.

As we continue to prioritise career-focused initiatives, we are confident that such experiences will leave a lasting impact on our students, instilling in them the confidence and knowledge needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world. St. Mary’s remains dedicated to providing a robust foundation for our students, ensuring that they are well-equipped to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.

On Tuesday 16^th Jan, four KS3 debate students were invited back to the Broxbourne Council Chambers to deliver their speech on what they want the Borough of Broxbourne to be like in fifty years’ time.

This year, 2024, the borough celebrates its fiftieth birthday.

The speech was originally created and presented as part of the annual Broxbourne Mayoral Debate in November and the students were asked to return to deliver their speech again, this time though to the Environmental Sustainability Panel of the Council.

We felt honoured to be asked back over other local schools who originally participated, and the four students again rose to the occasion, speaking in front of a chamber full of adults, speaking passionately and eloquently on this important environmental issue.   Congratulations go to Gabriella, Mason, Isaac and Megan; a great team.