Wider Development at St. Mary's: Nurturing Flourishing in Every Child

At St. Mary's, we believe in nurturing the holistic development of every child, encompassing not only academic excellence but also personal growth, social skills, and spiritual awareness. Our commitment to wider development permeates every aspect of our curriculum, extra-curricular activities, values, and everyday experiences, reflecting our Christian vision of flourishing.

Wider Development in the Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. It incorporates real-world applications and a wide range of learning opportunities. Through subjects such as Science, History, and Geography, we encourage the children to explore the wonders of the world and develop a deep understanding of different cultures, societies, and environments.

Incorporating wider development into our curriculum means fostering skills such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Through group projects, debates, and hands-on activities, our children learn the importance of teamwork, empathy, and resilience.

Extra-Curricular Experiences

At St. Mary's, we believe that learning doesn't stop at the end of the school day. Our extra-curricular activities offer a diverse range of opportunities for students to explore their interests, discover new talents, and develop essential life skills.

Whether it's participating in sport, joining a performing arts group, learning and developing a new skill or engaging in community service projects, our children learn the value of commitment, perseverance, and compassion. These experiences not only enrich their personal development but also foster a sense of belonging and connection to their peers and community.

Our Values: Ambition, Belonging, Courage, Discovery

Our values serve as guiding principles that shape every aspect of school life. Ambition drives us to set high expectations for ourselves and pursue excellence in everything we do. Belonging creates a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.

Courage enables us to take risks, embrace challenges, and overcome obstacles on the path to growth and success. Discovery fuels our curiosity and thirst for knowledge, encouraging us to explore new ideas, perspectives, and experiences.

Courageous Advocacy

Courageous advocacy is a fundamental aspect of wider development in our school, empowering our children to find their voices, stand up for what they believe in, and make a positive impact on their communities.

At our school, we cultivate a culture of empathy, respect, and social responsibility, where children are encouraged to speak out against injustice, champion causes they are passionate about, and advocate for positive change. Whether it's through pupil governor initiatives, fundraising events, or community service projects, our children learn the importance of empathy, compassion, and active citizenship.

By engaging in courageous advocacy, they develop critical thinking skills, empathy for others, a sense of agency and service.  Through these experiences, the children not only deepen their understanding of complex societal issues but also cultivate the courage to challenge the status quo and work towards a more equitable and inclusive world.

Courageous advocacy will not be found as a lesson on a timetable; it's a transformative journey that shapes character, values, and sense of purpose, empowering our wonderful young people to become compassionate leaders and change-makers in their communities and beyond.

Everyday Experiences

In the fabric of our school culture, wider development is woven into the everyday experiences we offer our children across the school. From collective worship to lunchtime conversations, from playing in the playground to classroom discussions, every moment is an opportunity for learning, reflection, and growth.

Our Christian vision of flourishing is at the centre of nurturing the whole child – mind, body, and spirit. Through prayer, worship, and reflection, we encourage our children to explore their faith, develop moral values, and cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.

Trips and Residential Visits

School trips and residential visits play a pivotal role in children's wider development, fostering independence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

As the children progress through our school, they embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, with each trip offering unique opportunities for growth and learning. From Year 4's overnight camping experience on the field, where they learn to set up tents, gain survival skills and bond with classmates under the stars, to Year 6's immersive three-night stay in Bradwell-on-Sea, where they participate in various outdoor and adventurous activities whilst building lasting memories, every excursion enriches their educational journey.

Whether it's the Year 5 residential in Danbury or the exhilarating annual trips to London, our children engage with diverse environments, cultures, and experiences, expanding their horizons and broadening their perspectives. These trips not only deepen their appreciation for the world but also instill our values of ambition, belonging, courage, and discovery, as they navigate new challenges and embrace the thrill of exploration.

These adventures are among the most cherished and memorable experiences which our children carry with them long after they leave our school, embodying the spirit of our community and the essence of their wider development journey.

My Future My Southend

We are pleased to be part of an exciting initiative called My Future My Southend, this is soon to be expanded across other schools in Essex. This is a project that aims to raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes and broaden horizons. 

This is achieved with half-termly Zoom meets with a range of career professionals who talk to classes in selected year groups. The children engage in a fun warm-up activity (involving golden envelopes!), listen to professionals talk about their careers and ask questions of their own to find out more about their profession. All sessions are linked to, and embed, The Skills Builder Partnership's Universal Framework essential skills of: 

We are also aiming to expand the project further by offering career focused school trips and workshops. Please be aware that these opportunities are targeted depending on the availability of the employer and appropriate age range. We believe it is essential for our children to be exposed to opportunities to think about the broad range of careers that are available to children when they come of age. 

At St. Mary's, wider development is not just a goal; it's a journey of transformation and empowerment. It's about equipping our children with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world. Together, we strive to build a community where every child can flourish and fulfill their potential.