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Parents’ FAQs
Uniform update – you will be able to pre-order school uniform online. We have been in contact with the local uniform suppliers who stock St Mary’s uniform and they can accept orders over the telephone and online. They have confirmed that they have more than enough stock to meet demand and will be hoping to open their shops as soon as government guidance allows.
Our 2 main suppliers are:
Wirral Uniform Centre, Birkenhead
Wallasey Schoolwear, Wallasey
We no longer user colour badges, we have one colour for all year groups.
There are a variety of school buses serving surrounding areas of our school as well as two train stations very close by. The most up to date information is on our college website in the section ‘travel routes to college’. We also actively encourage pupils to cycle to school and have ample bicycle stands where pupils lock up their bicycles on arrival.
Year 7 pupils at St Mary’s have their very own toilets and playground to help them settle in. We also operate an early lunch start time for the first few weeks so pupils have adequate time to adjust to the new routine and serving arrangements in the dining room.
Staff also collect and return all Year 7 pupils to a central meeting point at the beginning of and of each lesson. We do this for the first 2 weeks of lessons to help our new pupils navigate their way to each classroom and familiarise themselves with their timetable without the worry of getting lost. It works really well.
We are working closely with primary schools and the Year 6 teachers to collect all key information and data to ensure a smooth transition into Year 7.
Primary colleagues and St Mary’s staff have very positive relationships and both parties are working collaboratively to meet pupil needs. However, if you feel there is new information that the primary may not be aware of, you are welcome to contact us via the school office on [email protected]
We collect information from your primary schools and ask them to recommend learning partners. These are peers that work well together to bring out the best in each other.
It is important to note that the groupings for form groups and lessons may differ depending on a child’s flightpath. This means that you may be with some friends during form time but will meet many other friends as you move from lesson to lesson.
The uniform requirements can be found in our induction powerpoint on our website. A strong and sturdy St Mary’s badged school bag will be needed to carry equipment and school books for the day.
Each day pupils will be required to have a blue or black pen, pencil, rubber, ruler, compass, protractor and calculator. We advise coloured pencils and a sharpener would be useful. Additionally, pupils will be provided with a school planner. Equipment checks will be done daily during registration; it would be a good idea to practice being organised with all the equipment you need.
We are working hard to ensure each individual has a settled and positive start to their journey.
Unfortunately, we cannot confirm additional transition dates at this moment but we have plans in place for supporting Year 6 pupils and these will be acted upon as soon as we have the go-ahead.
If your child has a special educational need that you would like to discuss further, please feel free to contact either of our SENDCOs, Mrs C Moor or Mrs M Todd via the school office on [email protected].
Pupils’ FAQs
Please view our Induction powerpoint presentation on the college website which contains an overview of the school day.
You should arrive at school by 8.30am and be lined up for your first lesson at 8.35am.
Bells sound at the end of each session so that you know when you go to the next lesson or break time.
One day a week, instead of Progress & Aspiration time, you will have an assembly with your Head of Year and different guest speakers. The school day finishes at 2.50pm when you will make your own way home or stay for an after school club.
Your work will be specific and targeted towards your ability level. If the work is too easy you will become bored and uninterested, so the work will be challenging but still achievable.
We work very closely with primary schools to find out your ability level and any additional support you might need.
If there is a piece of work you are finding difficult, you can speak to your teacher as they will be able to help you and explain it in a different way. There may be some resources or books to help you, and we also have a Homework Club in school where you can get extra support.
Year 7 spend break and lunch time on their own playground. During break and lunch times you will have the chance to socialise with friends or take part in sports and games led by our Year 10 sports leaders.
Many students also take the opportunity to visit the library at this time to complete some work or read with friends.
At St Mary’s we offer lots of extracurricular opportunities in a variety of different subjects. A few examples of clubs that have run this year for Year 7 are: Science club, Music, Drama, Choir, Music, Art, Faith in action, PE clubs like football, netball, trampolining, fitness and more.
We love it if pupils take their transition to secondary school as a chance to try something new and join a club. Pupils can go to as many as they like and they are all free. It is also a great way of meeting new people and making friends. When you start at St Mary’s, there will be an extracurricular timetable outlining all the activities on offer.
At St Mary’s Catholic College we are committed to celebrating the achievements of all our young people.
Teachers will celebrate and reward positive behaviour, good work, correct uniform and helpfulness by giving you positive points on Classcharts. These points are recorded and used to give out prizes in our rewards assemblies. Your parents will also be able to log into our Arbor App and see how well you are doing and celebrate with you.
Summer School 2023
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