St Mary’s Catholic College, Wallasey, recently held an ‘experience week’ for its students.

Forming part of the school’s new Inspire Programme, the week served as the end of year finale for the innovative programme.

The Inspire Programme is a personal development programme that allows students to develop and apply St Mary’s Catholic College’s core values of respect, courage, pride, determination and compassion. Through opportunities that take place both inside and outside of the classroom, it encourages students to consider their future, the world around them, and their place within it.

The normal school timetable was collapsed for the entire week and replaced with a plethora of enrichment activities. Some of the activities that were included were visits to the cinema, Chester Zoo, Edge Hill University and Loggerheads. 

One day of the week consisted of a careers focus day about roles in the emergency services where the students were able to learn more about specific roles in the field. Another day of the experience week involved the students walking in conjunction with WaterAid’s Walk for Water charity event that supports those who have to walk long distances to collect water every day.

Students also spent time participating in reflective sessions where they created a romero cross based on the college community and took part in collective worship as well as an end of year quiz. They also collaborated on art projects that reflected the core values of SMCC.

As a result of The Inspire Programme experience week, students developed skills around their personal determination, built stronger friendships with one another in addition to developing further individuality and appreciation for the values of the college.

The week ended with a rewards assembly and full College Mass that celebrated the achievements of all students at St Mary’s Catholic College.

Headteacher Mr Kevin Maddocks, said: “The experience week, which is part of The Inspire Programme, was a great time for all of our students. Not only did they have fun, they were also able to develop a lot of interpersonal skills and show their support to charity in the process. The week was a universal core offer to all of our students and as such was completely free for each student. 

“We are very proud of our students and how well they continue to represent our core values of respect, courage, determination, compassion and pride.”