Curricular Enrichment

At St Mary’s emphasis is placed on the use of local cultural and environmental resources and settings. Frequent use is made of the wide range of opportunities within walking distance of our school including farms, woodlands, streams and historic buildings to bring alive the history of the Marches.

We have access to a local woodland setting where our forest school sessions are held regularly for all pupils. Forest school aims to develop an understanding of the natural environment, raise self-esteem, confidence and improve social skills. Children learn about eco-systems, sustainability, conservation, water management, farming and woodland management. In our school nature garden children grow their own plants and vegetables, which they can then cook and eat!  We have a pond, a greenhouse, chickens that children can care for, and a willow arbour which the children helped to build. This is a popular spot and the children love to spend their break times in this lovely area.

Local specialists in music, sport, art and drama support the class teachers to ensure a high standard of teaching and learning.

“The curriculum is a significant strength. The school gives plenty of attention to basic skills but also provides pupils with a rich range of subjects and activities. Subjects are often knitted together in themes and enhanced by trips to places of interest, special events or visitors to school. French, science and music stand put as notable strengths, with some high-quality learning experiences in these subjects. In addition, pupils develop a range of worthwhile skills while working in the nearby forest school area. Furthermore, pupils are able to attend a mixture of different clubs and regularly get involved in local events.“

Ofsted 2017