Year 8 and Year 12 students recently went to Walton on the Naze as part of their geography studies. The aim of the fieldwork was to explore coastal processes covered in the curriculum and to enhance their fieldwork skills through hands-on learning.

During the trip, students visited both managed and unmanaged sections of the beach. This allowed them to compare the differences in coastal management and its impact on the environment.

As part of their fieldwork, students carried out a variety of primary methods. These included a wave count, a longshore drift test, a field sketch, and an environmental quality survey. Year 12 students also conducted a beach profile and groyne height test. The data collected helped students apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and gain valuable experience in data collection and analysis.

Teachers Take on Escape Room Challenge – and Love It!

Last term, Year 12 and 13 Business students, lead by Mrs Achilleos, delivered an unforgettable event as part of their BTEC National Foundation Diploma coursework — a themed Escape Room experience designed especially for teachers.

With the aim of injecting some fun and light relief into a busy term, the students transformed a classroom into a mind-bending puzzle zone under the theme: “The Greatest of All Time.” Clues were cleverly crafted around iconic figures who inspire our students — including Alan Turing, Lewis Hamilton, and Albert Einstein — challenging staff to think, collaborate, and unlock their inner genius.

Though excited by the concept, students admitted they were nervous when they first began planning the event. It was a big undertaking — from developing the puzzles to managing logistics and promotion. However, their nerves soon turned into confidence as the pieces came together. The experience proved to be incredibly rewarding, helping them grow in organisation, communication, and teamwork. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to apply their learning in such a real and impactful way.

The event wasn’t just about fun and games. It also carried a deeper purpose: raising funds for The Christoforos Charity Foundation, a cause close to the students’ hearts. The charity works to protect young people from the hidden dangers of social media — a mission that strongly resonates with both students and staff alike.

Teachers jumped at the chance to get involved, and their enthusiasm quickly turned into competitive spirit. The school corridors buzzed with laughter, focused teamwork, and a fair amount of friendly rivalry. After a tense but entertaining showdown, the Maths and Business team — represented by Mrs Johnston, Miss Johnson, and the fiercely competitive Mr Price — emerged as the victors.

The feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many already asking when the next event will be. One teacher remarked, “It was such a refreshing break — fun, clever, and for a great cause. We loved every minute!”

Congratulations to the students for organising such a professional and enjoyable event — a brilliant demonstration of creativity, teamwork, and enterprise.

On the Thursday 1st May 2025, 24 Year 7 and 8 mathematicians took part in the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge. This national challenge consists of 25 maths problems, which test students’ logical thinking, ability to problem solve, and extension of understanding to the mathematical ideas they cover in their maths lessons.

Congratulations to our bronze participants : Shay, Elizabeth, Ronnie and Wal in Year 7 and Tyler, Alessia, Nicos and George in Year 8.

Our Silver participants were Tyler, Nirav, Jessiah and Savva in year 7, and Amy, Travis, Caleb and Anton in Year 8.

Congratulations to Tyler and Amy who scored the best in their respective years.

Obtaining an award is a huge achievement and the school community and I are incredibly proud of their effort.

In the pictures, you will find 4 of my personal favourite questions that appeared in the test. If you would like to have a go yourself, please email Maths.Department@st-maryshigh.herts.sch.uk with the subject line “JMC24”  without the quotes with your answers and you will receive an automated response with the correct answers.

If your child is in Year 7, then please encourage them to prepare for next years challenge by practicing past paper questions and checking answers.

If your child is in Year 8, then the competition next year is the Intermediate maths challenge. A silver or gold award will automatically qualify your child to take part next year. A bronze award student can still be entered but preparation now will help ensure your child is ready to take part. Past paper questions for the intermediate maths challenge can be found here: Competition Papers – UKMT.

On Friday, 16th May 2025, St Mary’s CE High School came together to support the Mental Health Foundation’s “Wear It Green Day,” a vibrant event that coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (12th–18th May). This year’s theme, “Community,” encouraged students, staff, and the wider school community to reflect on the importance of supporting one another and fostering open conversations about mental health.

The aim of this fundraising event was not only to raise awareness for mental health but also to help normalise discussions surrounding this increasingly important cause. The Mental Health Foundation, whose mission is to ensure “good mental health for all,” focuses on prevention, an idea that resonates deeply with the values at St Mary’s.

Students and staff were encouraged to wear a green accessory, whether it was a funky hat, quirky scarf, bold tie, or colourful socks, all for a donation of £1. The day was filled with energy as form groups joined forces to tackle a fun and interactive quiz that tested their knowledge on mental health and the colour green. A ‘best dressed’ competition also took place, with students showcasing their most creative green outfits and earning a rosette for their efforts.

Thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm, the school raised an impressive £115, which will be donated to the Mental Health Foundation and our chosen charity, CHIPS. This incredible effort speaks to the generosity and heart of our school community, all coming together to make a difference.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and helped make “Wear It Green Day” such a success! Your support is not only helping raise awareness but is also building a foundation of empathy and understanding, pushing forward the mission for better mental health for all.

A group of students recently lived every footballer’s dream — stepping on to the hallowed turf of Watford FC’s Vicarage Road Stadium for a once-in-a-lifetime match.

Invited by the Herts Sport Partnership to represent the borough of Broxbourne, our boys faced off against Hertswood Academy in a thrilling encounter full of passion, pride and unforgettable moments.

From the moment they arrived, awe and excitement filled the air. The towering stands, the pristine pitch, and the sheer scale of a professional stadium left the boys wide-eyed. That excitement only grew when they discovered they’d be using the home team dressing room — a space usually reserved for the pros.

After donning their kits and lacing up their boots, the team stepped on to the pitch to warm up. The silky-smooth surface made for a fast-moving ball, and it took a few minutes to adjust to the speed and bounce — but the team quickly settled in.

Then came the moment they’ll never forget: lining up in the tunnel and walking out to the legendary Watford FC walk-out song, Z-Cars. With spectators in the stands and adrenaline running high, the game kicked off.

The match was high-intensity from the first whistle. Both teams battled hard, with strong tackles, quick passing, and end to end chances. Just before half-time, Hertswood managed to edge ahead with a goal, sending St Mary’s into the break trailing 1-0.

But the story was far from over.

With renewed energy and fierce determination, the team came out firing in the second half. Their efforts were rewarded when Mason unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that rocketed past the goalkeeper — a goal worthy of any stadium. Cue wild celebrations and a flurry of knee slides in front of the Vicarage road stand to the delight of the team (though the groundskeepers might have had other thoughts!).

The final whistle blew with the score tied at 1-1, and the match headed to a dramatic penalty shootout in front of the iconic Rookery Stand. It was a tense finish, and although St Mary’s narrowly missed out with a 5-3 loss, spirits remained high.

This wasn’t just any match — it was a memory that will last a lifetime. The boys had played on a former Premier League pitch, and represented their community with pride and sportsmanship. It was a day filled with emotion, excitement, and excellence — and one that students, staff, and families will never forget.

Matchday squad – Kerem, Aren, Mason, Natan, Andrew, Mathew, Max, Amir, Samuel, Marcus, Patrick, Arnold, Asad, Kamil, Chigozie, Bobby, Bryan