Our Christian Vision

At St Mary’s, our Christian vision lies at the heart of all that we do. Guided by our belief that ‘we are the rich soil where seeds flourish and roots grow’ (Mark 4:20), we seek to nurture every member of our community so that they may flourish academically, spiritually and personally. Rooted in God’s love, we encourage our students to grow in wisdom, faith, compassion and service, equipping them to make a positive difference in their communities and the wider world.

Themes of the Week

Each week, our school community explores a shared theme that provides a focus for Collective Worship, tutor time, Personal Development and many aspects of the wider curriculum.

Our themes are rooted in Christian values and Gospel teachings while encouraging students to engage with the world around them, their own beliefs and the experiences of others. They provide opportunities for reflection, discussion and action, helping students to make connections between faith, learning and everyday life.

Themes include Hope, Courage, Compassion, Justice, Kindness, Trust, Equality, Forgiveness, Stewardship, Service, Love, Peace, Remembrance, Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter, Faith and Doubt, Gratitude and Community.

Members of our Student Voice create and narrate short reflection videos which are shared through our website, enabling students, families and the wider community to engage with the weekly theme and extending our worship beyond the school day.

Our weekly themes are reflected in displays, tutor activities, curriculum links and key events throughout the year.

Collective Worship

Collective Worship is at the heart of life at St Mary’s, bringing our school community together to reflect, celebrate and grow in faith and understanding as a Church of England school. Weekly Collective Worship is centred around the theme of the week and our Christian vision, and is led by local clergy, staff, invited guests and student leaders.

Through Collective Worship, students reflect on Christian teachings and values, explore questions of meaning and purpose, celebrate achievements, develop empathy and resilience and engage respectfully with the beliefs of others.

Acts of Worship

Alongside our weekly Collective Worship, Acts of Worship are woven throughout daily school life. These include tutor prayers and reflections, student-led liturgies, charitable initiatives, thanksgiving, fundraising, community outreach and acts of kindness.

Student leadership groups help plan and lead these opportunities, encouraging our community to live out Christian values through service.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

SMSC development is embedded throughout school life. Through worship, tutorial time, the curriculum and enrichment activities, students develop their beliefs and values, respect diversity, understand ethical issues, build positive relationships and contribute positively to society.

Our aim is to nurture thoughtful, reflective and compassionate young people who flourish in modern Britain and the wider world.

Student Support Days

Student Support Days provide dedicated opportunities for students to engage with important aspects of personal development through workshops, guest speakers, practical activities and enrichment experiences.

Recent themes include Online Safety, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion, Interfaith Dialogue, Holocaust Education, Careers, Work Experience Preparation, Leadership and Student Voice, Personal Safety and Citizenship.

These experiences help prepare our students for life beyond school, encouraging them to become informed, responsible and compassionate members of society.

At St Mary’s, we seek to develop the whole person, nurturing hearts and minds so that every member of our community can flourish in God’s love and live out our Christian values in service to others.