Supporting The Girls

As a boarding school, we understand the relationship between academic work, wellbeing and happiness. We can ensure that every girl is supported in all aspects of her life, including her studies, friendships, health and personal development. In the evenings and at weekends, there are dozens of girls their own age around who are sharing their academic journey. The tutors, Heads of House, residential staff and pastoral team are always on hand, helping, encouraging, supporting and advising. Whatever the work and whatever the challenge, there are always fellow pupils and staff nearby who can help.

Study Skills Programme

The girls are supported throughout their time at St Mary’s by a comprehensive study skills programme. This begins in Year 7 with a focus on how memory works, and how to make the most of it. From Year 9, this expands into the broader subject of metacognition. Our bespoke Year 10 induction programme introduces a range of skills to help the girls successfully negotiate the GCSE years and lay the foundations for A Level study. The Sixth Form begins with a complete induction programme that explores issues of mindset and resilience, as well as more advanced study skills specific to A Level work and the Extended Project Qualification.

Private Study

Girls are always given at least two evenings to complete work set (known as ‘Study’), which makes it much easier for them to manage their academic and other activities. Dedicated quiet spaces and times are available after school and on weekends. Holiday work is not set in Years 7 to 9. In Years 10 to Upper Sixth, the workload is carefully monitored so as to be manageable, and allow time for holiday and rest.

Libraries

The Reading Room and Senior Library contain a wide range of reference materials for all subjects, and are open from 7:30am until 10:00pm every day, including weekends. Girls can access plenty of online material, including JSTOR, Student BMJ, and a broad range of newspapers and academic journals. All girls have access to the library database from their device, which helps them with resource searches and recommendations for reading. Library staff are available to guide and supervise, and several senior members of staff have their offices in the library area, including the Sixth Form team. The Senior Library includes the Atrium, a spacious and well-lit social area where girls can meet up together or with staff to chat over coffee.

Learning Support

The Learning Support Department screens all pupils in their first term at St Mary’s. Thereafter, further testing is arranged according to circumstances and need. Where appropriate, identified pupils are assessed under JCQ regulations in Year 9 in order to determine access arrangements for public examinations. The potential need for Examination Access Arrangements is identified through professional reports, staff feedback and screening. The JCQ regulations outline the parameters for accessing these arrangements, which is undertaken on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the most appropriate arrangements accessible to that pupil are being made.

In Years 7 and 8, Learning Support lessons are conducted in small group workshops, although other interventions are available if needed. From Year 9, Learning Support interventions are available as needed. Regular drop-in sessions are also available. Learning Support teachers monitor progress and liaise closely with subject teachers, who also offer extra support outside lessons and on most weekends. Academic departments run a buddy system whereby senior pupils help the younger pupils, who love having this sibling-style relationship with pupils in the years above.

ICT

ICT is a core part of every girl’s learning at St Mary’s. Departments use a wide range of digital resources to develop each pupil’s ICT skills in ways that are meaningful within their subjects. All girls are issued with a St Mary’s email address to support communication with staff and pupils, while our school intranet and app act as central gateways to resources, information, guidance and key links. The Network Services department and ICT Help Desk provide comprehensive support, including technical assistance and device repairs, ensuring that every pupil can fully engage with digital learning.

Digital Literacy

At St Mary’s, digital literacy is an integral part of every girl’s education. Our structured, skills-based Computer Science curriculum enables students to develop creative, technical and analytical skills using the latest software in our well-equipped ICT suites.

We recognise the importance for pupils of understanding emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Pupils are taught how technologies such as AI work, where they are applied, and the opportunities and limitations they present. We place a strong emphasis on critical thinking, encouraging pupils to question and evaluate in order to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly.

All departments embed digital tools in their teaching, which helps pupils to become confident and discerning users of technology. They develop skills including digital communication, content creation, collaboration and problem-solving. Senior pupils can learn to work with CAD software, 3D printing and advanced data manipulation to help prepare them for their future studies and careers.

Through Skills for Life lessons, online safety education and pupil workshops we ensure pupils understand the benefits and risks of living and learning in a digital and AI-driven world. This includes an awareness of data privacy, digital footprints, bias and ethics. We empower our pupils to become confident, responsible and informed digital citizens who can navigate and shape the world around them with integrity and insight.