At St Mary’s, extra-curricular activities play a very important role in the life of the pupil and the school. Throughout the school year, we offer a variety of clubs for our students to enjoy, both at lunchtimes and after school. These are changed periodically to attract a wider range of children. Some activities are directed at a particular year group and others are open to all children.
Clubs organised and delivered by independent specialists will involve a charge.
We are always keen to increase the range of activities we can offer. If parents/carers are interested in helping with these or have suggestions for new ones please contact school.
Gardening Club
We are always looking for volunteers to come into school on a Friday, if you are interested please contact Mrs Clinton Deputy Head Teacher.
St. Mary’s School Garden Project
Many of our children have taken some part in the planning, planting and maintenance of our whole school grounds.
We have made our raised beds look attractive by using “companion” planting – so it does the fruit and vegetables good, but also it is good to see the beautiful colours.
Lynn Redfern, a grandparent form school, has made a huge difference to our school garden. We have grown some of our flowers for our planters from seed, and have bought some. Children have visited Hopewood Park to buy plants. Different children have taken responsibility for planters – selecting plants and maintaining them. We are very proud of how our school looks now. Last year we won Sunderland in Bloom best school garden in the East – we have entered the competition again this year and are waiting to hear the outcome!
We are very proud of our hard work, and love it when parents and visitors comment on what a beautiful school we have.
Choir
At St Mary’s we are lucky to have a wonderful choir, which is open to Years 4, 5 and 6. Over the last two years the choir have taken part in a huge range of events. Over the last few years the choir have taken part in singing at the Sage Gateshead, in support of Barnardo’s and the children are delighted to have been invited to sing at the Royal Albert Hall.
Chess
We have a wonderful chess club which is open to Year 5 and this is run by Mrs Morley on a Tuesday night.
Drama
Our Drama Club is led by Sophie from ‘All-Star Productions’, incorporating song, dance and role- play. You name it, they will have a go! Building on its popularity, the club has been able to add new members, and now has members from Years 2 – 6. The children meet every Wednesday (Y2 and Y3 and Fridays (Y4, Y5 and Y6).
Music Lessons
At St. Mary’s we encourage the musical talents of our children, and in KS 2 we have many instrumental lessons on offer including: String, Woodwind, Brass, Keyboard, and Drums. The skills of the pupils are celebrated in our musical assemblies held at Christmas and in the summer term. (Unfortunately, there are no spaces available at the present time.)
Action Team
Two representatives from each class meet every Wednesday. They are the driving force behind making St Mary’s a more environmentally friendly place, and are working towards achieving our Green Flag. The action team introduce many Green initiatives in school, including our ‘Walk to School’ programme. They also put the Morrison’s vouchers, collected by the children to good use, using them to purchase hosepipes, a wormery and seeds, which will be used during their upkeep of the school allotment and gardens.
Booster Classes
Throughout the academic year, various booster sessions take place in both Key Stages, including Reading and Writing clubs.
School Council
The School Council is run by Year 6 pupils, who meet weekly at lunchtimes. They are the voice of St Mary’s, representing their fellow pupils in meetings etc.
Sports Clubs
Throughout the school year, there are many sporting activities taking place including Netball
Football
5, 7 and 11-a-side football is available at various stages over the year.
