School Life Archive - St Mary's

It’s not just our impressive academic record that makes St Mary’s an amazing school. Through a variety of sports, art, drama and musical programmes, we help build our girls’ character holistically.

Mr Jonathan Manley

Mr Jonathan Manley

Executive Principal

Overview

We offer a holistic educational offering that’s customised to meet every girls’ needs during the vital years of her schooling and life

At St Mary’s we understand that in order for your daughter to thrive and excel, her school career should be comprised of activities that add to the overall well-being of her life. We believe that achieving her personal best, is a combination of work and play in a caring and nurturing environment.

Academics

We are proud to have had a 100% Matric pass rate for the past four decades.
At St Mary’s we offer a variety of subject choices that best suit the girls in the various phases of their school life. These subjects are led by our experienced teachers who are focused on giving the attention to her and motivating her to achieve her personal best.Subjects offered:

Grade R programme

Computer (ICT)
Religious Education
Drama
School Readiness
Media
Music
Theme lessons
Physical Education
Time 2 Read

Grade R facilities offered

2 Large Verandahs
Fairy Garden
Beningfield Library
Mud Kitchen
Block Construction Area
Fantasy Area
Cognitive Room
Fantasy Area
Creative Area
Jungle Gym
Cycle Track
Kitchenette (For baking activities)
Theme Room
Sand Pit
Fantasy play area

Subjects and curriculum

Afrikaans
isiZulu
Arts
Life Orientation
Drama
Mathematics
English
Music
Handwriting
Physical Education
ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
Religious Education
Thinking Skills

Subjects and curriculum

Afrikaans
Arts
Drama
English
Handwriting
ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
isiZulu
Life Orientation
Mathematics
Music
Natural Sciences
Physical Education
Religious Education
Social Sciences/Integrated Studies

Subjects offered

Chaplain’s Lesson
Consumer Studies
Dramatic Arts
EMS (Economic Management Studies)
English
First Additional Language - Afrikaans or isiZulu
Geography
History
IT (Information Technology)
Library
Life Orientation
Life Sciences
Mathematics
Media Skills
Music
Natural Sciences
Physical Sciences
Grade 8 - Thrilling Thursday
Visual Arts
Grade 9 - iWoza Wednesday

Modules (Grade 8)

Coding/Robotics and Design
isiZulu Culture
Green Chemistry
Biomimicry
Life Skills
Art
Face to Face EQ
Sustainable Consumption

Modules (Grade 9)

A music module
Designing more in the Makerspace
Business Studies/Entrepreneurial module
Life Orientation

Subjects offered

Accounting
Advanced Programme English (additional subject)
Advanced Programme Maths (additional subject)
Afrikaans
Business Studies
Computer Applications Technology
Consumer Studies
Dramatic Arts
English
Geography
Global Perspectives (Compulsory subject for Grade 10 - Cambridge IGSCE subject)
History
isiZulu
Information Technology
Life Orientation
Life Science
Mathematics
Mathematical Literacy
Music
Physical Sciences
Visual Arts

Sport

Over the past 5 years, we have had 54 girls representing South Africa and 294 representing KZN in their chosen sport. There have also been 38 girls selected for Provincial or SA colours in cultural pursuits.
Sport is an important part of St Mary’s culture. From Junior Primary to High School, we encourage our girls to lead a balanced life and participate in the various sports offered. It’s a chance for them to build relationships with others and have fun at the same time.Sports offered:

Sport on offer

Athletics
Cross Country
Gymnastics (For Grade R and Grade 1)*
Hockey
Karate Club*
Madsen Hockey Academy*
Netball
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
*These are paid-for extras

Sports on offer:

Athletics
Rounders
Badminton
Soccer
Cross Country
Softball
Diving
Squash
Hockey
Swimming
Indoor Hockey
Tennis
Netball
Waterpolo

Sports on offer

Action Netball
Athletics
Netball
Badminton
Soccer and soccer skills
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Swimming
Equestrian (Official School Sport)
Tennis
Hockey
Indoor Hockey
Squash
Waterpolo
Karate - paid for extra with an external Karate Club
*These are paid-for extras and do not meet the requirements for school awards

Lifestyle Programme

Boot Camp
Cumba
Run Strong
HR Workout
Stretch & Tone
Skip Set
Shape
Kettle Bells & Bands
Strength & Conditioning
Step

Wellness programmes

Biokinetics
Injury Assessment
Functional Strength and Conditioning
Physiotherapy
High Performance Conditioning

Cultural

There are various clubs and societies which allow our girls to express themselves in an environment that suits them.
Creativity and freedom of expression is at the heart of our extensive range of clubs and societies offered at St Mary’s.Clubs and societies

The following cultural activities are offered

Art
Ballet, Modern, and Hip-Hop dance*
Choir
Drama
Music
*These are paid-for extras

Culture activities offered

Art
Ballet*
Choir
Dance*
Drama
Junior African Music Ensemble (JAME)
Music
Marimbas (Grade 6 and Grade 7 only)
Orchestra
Recorder Group
*These are paid-for extras

Cultural activities that we offer

African Music Ensemble
Jazz Band
Ballet**
Marimba Band
Modern Dance, Hip Hop and Contemporary**
Art Projects like ceramics
Orchestra
Choir
Photography Club
President’s Award*
Christian Fellowship
Saxophone Ensemble
Confirmation
String Group
Debating
Saints Who Serve
SMILE
Eco-School Club
Flute Group
Toastmasters
School Production
Inter house plays, singing and dancing
Social Awareness
Technology Club
International Exchange*
SOAR (Saints on Air Radio)
Regular Service Opportunities
Outreach Opportunities
Worship Team
*These are paid-for extras
**These are paid-for extras and do not meet the requirements for school awards

Facilities

Types of facilities
School life

Quick FAQ

How many activities are on offer?

We have a wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer for our girls.

Is sport compulsory?

Yes it is, however if a pupil is doing another physical activity at a high level (between four to five times a week) then it will be considered as her sport.

What leadership opportunities are available?

There are many particularly in High School. All matric girls have an opportunity for a leadership role. These include Captains of Sport, Heads of Houses, Heads of School, Heads of Boarding as well as various mentor roles and other areas of responsibility throughout the school.

How are injuries handled?

We have a full-time trained nurse on campus who attends to injuries and will call a doctor or ambulance if there is a serious injury. All our sports staff and many of our teachers have done a first aid course. We also have a Physiotherapist and a Biokineticist on campus.

My daughter is not sporty. What other activities are available?

We have many lifestyle sports on offer including Cumba (Zumba), Big Ball classes, walking club, social jogging, tennis and many more.