“There is an exceptional range of opportunities for students to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural skills both in lessons and the wider curriculum. This includes a broad range of out-of-hours activities, visits and community-based projects. The promotion of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness is evident in many aspects of school life and features events such as fund raising for the many charities that the school supports.”
Pupils are encouraged to widen their interests, improve their skills and develop social skills by joining school clubs and associations. Hundreds of pupils take part in the Inter-House Competitions in Music, Drama, Sport as well as cooking and reading challenges.
The creative arts have a high profile in the school. Choirs, bands, ensembles and orchestras flourish and there are a range of formal and informal concerts each year, quite apart from the significant musical contribution to the annual Prize-giving Ceremony and Mass of Remembrance. Tuition is available in stringed, brass, woodwind and percussion instruments and singing.
The major drama production each year frequently involves large numbers of pupils.
We also have a strong sporting tradition. Matches and sporting events, which are often after the end of the school day or at the weekend are an important feature of school life and all girls are encouraged to give up their free time to participate and represent the school.
Many pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme every year at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Pupils volunteer in the local community, develop skills and participate in an Expedition.
Activities in school are diverse and offer a variety of opportunities. For example, the Gardening Club is very popular with pupils growing fruit and vegetables. The Library offers games and activities at lunchtimes, with outdoor activities in the warmer months. The Film Club is open to KS3 pupils who vote on which films to watch.
Trips to theatres, art galleries, museums and lecture courses are always well supported, and visits to Europe and beyond are well established and very popular. The MFL department offers trips to France and Italy and departments have offered cultural trips to Barcelona. Pupils have also participated in History trips to Belgium and Poland and Ecology trips with Global Action to Zanzibar.
As well as all these activities, Sacred Heart of Mary girls always find time to think of those less fortunate than themselves by raising funds for charities.