We know how important it is to keep in touch with the community beyond school. We have a lively network of partnerships with local state and independent schools, with whom we hold regular joint academic and social events. St Mary’s pupils are busy in their service of others in the local community, and raise substantial amounts of money for charities.
Charity events are a feature of life at St Mary’s, and are overseen by the pupil-led Charities Committee. The girls regularly raise over £20,000 a year for a range of causes that are dear to them. Houses raise money for their chosen charities through bake sales, toasty making and raffles. Year 10 organise and run the Charity Funfair, which, with its exciting food and games stalls, has the feel of a country fête. Senior girls publish the student magazine, WHAT, which they sell for charity. Other events include themed home clothes days and a tennis tournament. The girls grow up understanding that charity means not just giving money, but also giving time.
Links with other schools are very important to us, and to the girls. Our debating and Model United Nations societies compete regularly with other schools. There are quizzes, discussion suppers, sports events, talks and workshops, and the girls on the Socials Committee enjoy devising new events. The girls love getting together with other schools at socials on Saturday nights, and we hold these regularly for all year groups. Reeling is a particularly popular activity.
The Thames Valley Learning Partnership brings together state and independent secondary schools in Berkshire, and St Mary’s is proud to be one of the Partnership’s founding schools. The TVLP hosts collaborative educational experiences for pupils across the academic curriculum and beyond, in a programme of diverse cultural and social engagement. St Mary’s pupils take part in, and frequently host, events such as Model United Nations conferences, drama and dance festivals, Philosophy conferences, writing workshops and environmental action groups. TVLP schools join us for our annual International Women’s Day events.
