Year 10 Portrait Workshop

Last week Year 10 Art students had the fantastic opportunity to take part in a portrait workshop led by a professional practicing artist who specializes in creative workshops.

Working from pencil drawing through to paint, students developed their observational skills, explored new techniques, and gained confidence in portrait painting. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to challenge themselves were evident throughout the session, and they produced an impressive body of work.

It was a truly inspiring experience, and we are incredibly proud of how positively our students engaged with the workshop. Opportunities like these enrich our curriculum, helping students to develop both their artistic skills and their confidence as young artists.

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GCSE Fine Art Visit to the National Gallery

On Friday 10th July, the Art Department took our GCSE Fine Art students on an inspiring visit to the National Gallery. During the trip, students took part in a guided lecture and workshop led by the Gallery’s Artist in Residence.

The session explored the theme of Places and Spaces, giving students the opportunity to study a range of artworks, develop their observational skills, and experiment with creative responses. It was a rewarding and inspirational experience that will support their GCSE coursework.

Our students represented the school exceptionally well throughout the visit. Their behaviour was exemplary, and they produced some excellent work during the workshop. We are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm, participation, and the mature way they embraced this valuable learning opportunity.

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Hat-trick hero (Year 10 Boys Football)

The Year 10 boys football team made the short trip to John Warner for their next fixture. Following a disappointing loss to Broxbourne, the boys were looking to bounce back in what was set to be a very impressive display.

The opening 10 minutes were cagey and neither team were able to establish possession. As the first half progressed, St Mary’s began to dominate the ball and their hard work was rewarded with 2 goals before half time.

It was a dark and cold evening but this didn’t stop the boys from pushing on in the second half. Danny (Goalkeeper) and the defensive line were resilient and allowed the forward players the freedom they needed to attack. The depth of the squad is strong in Year 10 and both additions in the second half, Arnold and Cinar, got on the scoresheet. The game finished 7-0 with PJ bagging a comfortable hat-trick.

An exceptionally good team performance and one to be proud of. Unlike the singing on the minibus on the way home!

Goal-scorers – PJ (3), Arnold, Jack, Cinar and Patrick

Mr Hunt

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Yr10 Composition – Falling

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Mathematics Enrichment at the University of Hertfordshire

On Wednesday 10th July, fifteen mathematicians visited the University of Hertfordshire for a maths enrichment event aimed at inspiring students to continue their studies in mathematics beyond GCSE.

Students had the opportunity to use their mathematics learnt in lessons to compete with other schools to solve unusual and challenging problems.

They also interacted with a talk that got students thinking about working mathematically in the context of braiding and computer game design.

The students had an excellent time. Efe said “I loved all of it! I wish I was faster on the dragon maths [relay race], because I found those fast questions fun, but I also loved the 2d projections of 3d and 4d shapes.”

The big question on the day was – using a single piece of A4 paper, what is the biggest cube by volume (without a lid) that can be constructed. All of the students were able to find the cube that was 7.4 x 7.4 x 7.4 cm. Efe had the creativity to realise that a larger cube could be found by using the diagonals of the paper which was an incredible use mathematical thinking.

The maths department look forward to running additional sessions in the new academic year.

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Quinceañera Spanish celebration!

Celebrating Spanish Culture: Year 10’s Quinceañera Party

On June 18th, our Year 10 Spanish students experienced a slice of Latin American culture with a vibrant Quinceañera celebration held right here at St Mary’s school.

Our students indulged in a variety of delicious Spanish tapas, from patatas fritas and aceitunas to chorizo and tortilla española. The flavours of Spain brought everyone together, and the communal dining experience was a perfect start to the celebration.

Next, the students hit the dance floor to learn and perform traditional Latin American dances showing impressive enthusiasm and skills.

Throughout the party, students were encouraged to practice their Spanish-speaking skills. Whether talking about food, giving instructions, or simply chatting with friends, the Quinceañera was a fantastic way to apply their language learning in a real-world context.

The highlight of the event was the traditional aspect of the Quinceañera, where students learned about the significance of this important tradition. They gained understandings into the cultural values and tradition associated with this celebration, deepening their appreciation for the richness of Latin American heritage.

The Year 10 Quinceañera party was more than just an event; it was an educational experience that combined fun and learning in an extraordinary way. It was a celebration filled with joy, laughter, and valuable learning, making it a standout moment in their Spanish studies this year.

 

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Year 10 GCSE Drama Theatre trip

On 15th May, Year 10 GCSE Drama students visited The Spotlight Theatre in Hoddesdon to see the acclaimed 60th anniversary production of Joan Littlewoods anti war play Oh! What A Lovely War by the renowned Blackeyed Theatre company

A cornerstone of modern musical theatre and one of the very greatest stage satires, Oh What A Lovely War is an extraordinary theatrical journey bringing to life the folly, farce and tragedy of the First World War.

Wildly satirical, visually stunning and deeply moving, it’s the musical that revolutionised modern theatre; an exhilarating, no-holds-barred assault on the military incompetence and inconceivable disregard for human life the First World War has come to represent.

Brimming with timeless songs, razor-sharp satire and high jinks, Oh What A Lovely War is a hilarious, heart-breaking snapshot of life for those caught in the crossfire of conflict, a unanimous voice from the trenches and a timely warning from the theatre of war itself. Now, more than ever, it holds a mirror up to the world and speaks to us all.

Students were suitably impressed with the strong ensemble performances from a company of six who interchanged characters with ease and all played multiple instruments as well as acting and told the story beautifully.

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Year 10 Boys football

The Year 10 boys team travelled to Robert Barclay for their next district league cup fixture. To progress in to the next round the, Year 10 boys needed a win against their opponents. The game started at a very intense pace and both teams struggled to maintain the ball in the early exchanges. Fouls in and around the 18 yard box would eventually be the un-doing of the St Mary’s side, as Robert Barclay threatened at every set piece. A cross into the box saw the opposition striker head the ball into the net to put the opposition 1 goal ahead. St Mary’s responded well and a direct trough ball put Caleb and the keeper in a 50/50 dual. Caleb came out the successor, and despite taking heavy contact from the keeper managed to nod the ball in to even the score-line. Shortly after the beginning of the second half, Daniel cut inside from the left side and whipped the ball in to the far corner to put the team ahead. Robert Barclay committed players forward knowing that a draw would be enough to see them through to the next round. St Mary’s withstood a lot of pressure and the defensive line stood firm. A few forced substitutions led to disruption, and Robert Barclay managed to capitalize scoring a goal in the final few minutes of the game. A really high quality game played by both sides. The matchday official commented about how well the St Mary’s team had performed and gave a particular mention to Kaden who he felt was the best player on the pitch. A special mention to Elliott, who despite not being a goalkeeper, steps in every game and has impressed between the sticks.

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