Personal Development

Personal Development here at St Mary’s

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we endeavor to enable every child to become confident, resilient individuals with a good understanding of diversity and how to positively contribute to the society in which they live. We strive to enable our pupils to take part in a wide range of cultural experiences during their time in our school including those that would fall outside of their typical experiences.

In order to achieve this, we offer a range of clubs before school, after school and during lunchtimes as well as a full programme of educational visits to enrich the school’s curriculum offer. These opportunities cover a range of essential life skills and cultural experiences that develop confidence, friendships and embed an understanding of positive mental health. Pupils have the opportunity to contribute to the life of the school by serving on pupils bodies, to engage with members of the community both in the local area and the national and global communities and develop their understanding of being good citizens. Our whole school curriculum is designed to provide our pupils with opportunities to learn through contexts relevant to their own experiences and to provide windows into learning and culture from around the world.

Through our RSE & RE curriculum, Picture News, school assemblies, daily acts of collective worship, whole school initiatives and our approach to managing behaviour, our children are given the opportunity to develop their own characteristics and understand the values and differences of those around them. Our pupils are taught explicitly about fundamental British Values and how they are applicable to their own personal context.

The curriculum Intent here at St Mary’s states:

‘We pride ourselves on implementing a broad and balanced curriculum teaching the full range of the National Curriculum Programmes of study with an appropriate amount of curriculum time committed to teaching each subject and all subjects taught to a high standard. Our curriculum is designed to reflect the Catholic Character of our school, our school context and the locality of Grimsby, with the children having multiple opportunities to learn about and to learn within our local area. Within our curriculum we plan specific opportunities to develop pupils’ knowledge and experiences beyond the National Curriculum in order to develop their cultural knowledge and character. Our curriculum is an entitlement for all pupils regardless of their starting point, teachers endeavour to ensure that all pupils can access the full curriculum at St Mary’s.’

Impact on Teaching and Learning and Standards:

Children have a greater knowledge and understanding of the place of Grimsby within History and Geography. They are able to articulate their prior learning and new knowledge learned. They are able to explain and make links to prior learning.  Visits at the beginning a topic is a springboard to future learning and children are able to retrieve key knowledge.

Children have recalled this learning much later in the same year and in the following year and this is helping with spaced retrieval.

These visits and experiences have engaged the children and have helped the children to understand what it is to be a historian / geographer / scientist / artist etc.  The children have been using the key vocabulary learned and using it in their reading, writing and spoken language, and in their questioning and explanations. Our children are now understanding that Grimsby and their local area is a place to be proud of but also we are enabling them to learn there is wider world out there that they can succeed in.

Please see St Mary’s fantastic Personal Development Document available here.

Personal Development Document

Please see below photos of competitions, sports events, school trips and in school activities at St Mary’s

2024/2025

Year 1 Trip to Street Life Museum – December 2024 

As part of Year 1’s topic Childhood in the 1950’s they went to visit the Street Life Museum for a special exhibition based on childhood toys from the 1950’s. Children were spoken to about and shown many different toys. Some they got a chance to have a go of. It was a really fun and engaging session and we finished the session with making our own toy.

Christmas Tree Decorating – December 2024

This week parents from our Stay and Play session were joined by their children in school to help decorate the Christmas Tree. This was a lovely thing for the families to share together whilst helping the school. Beyond their visual appeal, Christmas trees help to reduce stress and fostering a sense of connection and happiness during the festive season.

Pantomime – December 2024

This year to kick start our December celebrations we were very lucky to have a theatre company come into school and perform a Pantomime. We all had a fantastic time and the children smiled from beginning to end. It was a very engaging performance and the children were able to use their voices lots (It’s behind you!). The cost of attending a pantomime locally can be quite expensive. By being funded through the school, all children were able to enjoy this experience.

Wreath Making – November 2024

The children’s families were invited into school to make advent wreaths for the school. It was a great event that promotes partnership working between parents and the school. It gave the children the chance to have quality time with their families. The wreaths made, will be blessed by Fr. Andrew and placed in classrooms ready for the season of Advent!

KS2 Panathlon – November 2024 

Eight children were chosen to represent our school at this indoor Panathlon event. The event theme was to engage children’s interest in sport and focus on targeting young people who would benefit from becoming more physically active and to develop a focus on the School Games Values. The intent was to improve health and wellbeing, physical, social and emotional wellbeing. They achieved 5th place, well done!

KS2 Ten Pin Panathlon – November 2024

Children from KS2 were chosen to take part in this festival to engage new audiences increasing their physical activity. The intent was to improve the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of those taking part. Out of the 9 schools participating they came 2nd. An amazing result well done!

KS1 Dance – November 2024 

Children from Year 2 were chosen to take part in this festival to engage new audiences in this fun physical activity. Children learnt new dances and the importance of stretching before and after dancing. Two children from each school were awarded the most enthusiastic dancers.

Children In Need – November 2024

This year we raised money for Children in Need. We dressed in yellow, spotty or just our own clothes and donated money. We participated in activities throughout the day which began with watching a Gladiators special (hosted by Children in Need). Some of us created our own superhero badges which we made up our own superhero names and powers.

Anti-Bullying Week Workshops – November 2024

Grimsby Town Football Club, came into school during Anti-Bullying week and delivered some workshops with KS2.

They went through an engaging PowerPoint which highlighted what bullying means and the different types. They discussed who the children can talk to if they feel they are being bullied. The children had chance to ask lots of questions. It was a really informative session and benefited the children greatly.

Odd Socks Day – November 2024

Odd socks day took place on Tuesday 12th November as part of Anti-Bullying Week. We supported this day as a school by sporting odd socks! The idea behind this is that we are all unique and the odd socks represents this. We discussed the meaning behind the day and carried out activities such as colouring in odd socks and making our own displays to remind us in class we are all unique. We watched a presentation and some of us learnt a new song about showing Respect which was produced for Odd Socks Day 2024 by Andy and his band.

Anti-Bullying Week – November 2024

This week we marked Anti-Bullying week through various activities and a class assembly. Classes had the chance to learn about the term bullying and what it means to bully someone. We spoke about how we should treat others and who we can talk to if we have any concerns. Children participated in activities such as colouring, making posters about bullying not being okay and some classes made their own pledges on how to be kind to one another.

Most Active Class – November 2024

Each day, two children from each class wear a Fitbit and steps are recorded daily. At the end of the week the most active class is presented with a certificate and trophy. Year two, were the most active class over Advent Term 1 and as a treat, had an afternoon of boxing. They all enjoyed themselves and it was a great way to have fun and keep fit.

Remembrance Day – November 2024

We marked this special day as a school. Each year group created something linked to Remembrance Day such as poppies. We discussed in our year groups the meaning behind the day and held a service. The service saw everyone observe a 2 minutes silence at 11am and all of the children showed their upmost respect. At the end of the service, children were able to bring what they had made to the alter.

Y5/6 Athletics – November 2024

Eighteen children were chosen to represent our school at this indoor athletics festival. The event theme was to develop and compete with the intent to help support individual development within sport. A fantastic result finishing second with individual race wins.

Who are you going to call? – October 2024

As part of EYFS’ topic ‘Who are you going to call?’ The fire service came to visit!

They spoke to the children about their role, fire safety and also how they would call them if they were needed. The children got the chance to ask lots of questions and also got to sit in the fire engine!

Year 3 Trip to Cleethorpes – October 2024

Y3 had a Geography trip to the Cleethorpes. Our intent for this trip was to know that Cleethorpes is a town which uses land for different purposes. We walked down the seafront to look around and see which different types of land uses we could find. We split into three groups to take pictures of a different type of land use.
The children did a great job and spotting the different types and recording the evidence for their focus land use. We started at Cleethorpes leisure centre and walked all the way to the train station and back. Children could even spot different land uses on the way there and back while on the coach.

NSPCC – PANTS Assembly – October 2024

KS1 took part in an assembly led by the NSPCC, called PANTS. The assembly addressed the importance of privates being kept private. They spoke about different body part names and discussed who can see their privates with permission, such as doctors. The children spoke about secrets and what were good and bad secrets and they discussed who the children can talk to if they have a problem inside and outside of school. It was a really engaging assembly.

No Room for Racism – October 2024

Grimsby Town Football Club came and delivered workshops to KS2. They want to end racism in football and in the wider society. They worked with the children in their classrooms and delivered presentations and also took time to speak to the children. Here is what they had to say:

“Evan Khouri attended the sessions at St Mary’s and was also impressed with the conversations taking place in the classrooms, adding “Blundell Park is a place where we want everyone to feel welcome. It’s a safe space for everyone in the community, no matter what your race or ethnicity.” Pupils were given opportunities to understand the definition of stereotyping and explore discussions around negative and positive stereotyping that may occur subconsciously.

Classes that we worked with last week have been asked to create their own No Room For Racism Pledges, a way to keep the positive messages at the forefront of pupils minds, ensuring that discrimination is never acceptable and what to do if someone is needing support.”

World Mental Health Day – October 2024

As a school we celebrated World Mental Health Day. The children came wearing yellow and we participated in different activities throughout the day. Some of us did some colouring, wordsearches, breathing activities and some even danced (because that’s what makes us happy!). The children discussed the importance of looking after their mental health and that it is just as important as looking after their physical health.

KS2 Boccia 2 – October 2024

Two KS2 children took part in this develop and engage event against other schools in the area. Working as part of a team, the intent of this event was to engage new audiences. They did extremely well coming second in their group.

KS2 Basketball – October 2024

Ten children took part in this develop event against other schools in the area. Working as part of a team, the intent of this event was to support individual development within sport, and to promote teamwork.

KS2 Boccia – October 2024

Two KS2 children took part in this develop and engage event against other schools in the area. Working as part of a team, the intent of this event was to engage new audiences. This event was a pathway to the county finals., they did extremely well coming second in their group. Deservedly they won the School Games Value award for most enthusiastic players!

Y5 Trip to Brocklesby Estate – October 2024

Y5 went to Brocklesby Estate to learn more about life cycles and food chains in preparation for their science topic next term. They made bird feeders, took part in a  nature quiz, learnt about camouflage and why animals camouflage and went on a nature trail to discover the history of the grounds. Even though it rained, fun was had by all!

Speak Out, Stay Safe Assembly – October 2024

We had an assembly called Speak Out, Stay Safe. It was held by the NSPCC and they were reinforcing behaviours that were and were not okay. They introduced ‘Buddy’ to the children who was helping them make good decisions. The children watched a virtual assembly and it talked to them about PANTS, about bullying and about being looked after at home. They spoke to the children about who they could talk to in and outside of school. The children found the assembly really engaging. It was a very informative assembly.

Dental Care Assembly – September 2024

Two ladies from the local practice ‘Rejuvadent’ came into school to hold a whole school assembly. They are working with the school to implement teeth brushing in school after lunch. The programme is available to all students within the school (following agreement from parents) and as part of this they will receive a dental check every 6 months in school and will be provided with a toothbrush and toothpaste to keep here.

The assembly was the first step in educating children about looking after their teeth and the correct way to do so. They also shocked the children (and grown ups!) and showed us how much sugar is in our favourite foods.

We all found the assembly really informative and thought provoking. It helped educate children on the correct way to brush teeth and also gave good switch options for sugary foods.

Year 6 Focus week September 2024

Day 1- Year 6 were welcomed to the Into University building to look at Kente Art and clay modelling. We looked at clay models and how these explained cultures in their designs. We modelled our own designs with clay and described why we had used these patterns.

We then visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where we were shown around all the sculptures. It is the only place in Europe to see Barbara Hepworth’s The Family of Man in its entirety, alongside a significant collection of sculpture, including bronzes by Henry Moore, important pieces by Roger Hiorns, Damien Hirst, Studio Morison, and Hemali Bhuta, and site-related works by Katrina Palmer, Andy Goldsworthy, Alfredo Jaar, David Nash, Sean Scully and James Turrell.

The following day, we found out many facts about university and the opportunities that the courses would present to us. We learned about how we would be accommodated there and the life skills we would learn during our time there. As a team, we worked on our presentations about our inspirational people: Barbara Hepworth, Kevin Clifton and Khadija Saye.

On our final day, we were excited about our visit to University of York, where we were shown around the grounds of the campus by the University Ambassadors. We learned about the courses and the daily routines that the students have become accustomed to. We were excited about the fact that there were shops on the campus!

The University prepared gowns and hats so we could have a graduation! Parents attended and applauded our presentations! A great week of University inspiration to boost our dreams and goals.

2024/2025 Clubs

Reading Club

Choir Club

KS2 Choir formed in November 2024, so we are the newest club in school.
Being the best singer is school is not essential. As long as you have passion, commitment and dedication then you will fit right in. We are exploring new songs to introduce to the school, whilst incorporating Catholic Social Teaching element of participation. We also consider the virtue ‘Joy’ as we wish to bring Good News to the school community through song.

Hama bead/Lego Club

Hama bead and Lego club runs for both KS1 and KS2. It gives the children an opportunity to participate in an activity that they may not be able to do at home/outside of school. The club creates a calming environment where children have the chance to socialise with others or just focus on their own hobby. In addition to this, the club supports working parents in providing a longer school day.

Dance Club

Gymnastics Club

Using the sports premium to fund this club has meant children attending have been able to access a sport they may not have been able to outside of school. Children have learnt new skills and techniques in balance, strength, flexibility agility, coordination and artistry. They have also shown great resilience by continuing to improve the different elements taught each week. Over the last two terms, the children participating have also developed their teamwork skills helping one another perfect the movements and routines.

Tennis Club

At tennis club we learn key tennis skills whilst having fun and staying fit!

The children are able to improve their skills and work on their team work. It has an impact on their physical health by giving extra opportunities to stay fit.

The club fosters a sense of belonging and connection, promoting mental wellbeing alongside the physical health benefits.

Basketball Club

At basketball club the children practise their basketball skills and put their skills to use in group matches.

The children are able to improve their skills and work on their team work. It has an impact on their physical health by giving extra opportunities to stay fit.

The club fosters a sense of belonging and connection, promoting mental wellbeing alongside the physical health benefits. It also gives the children the chance to participate in a new opportunity that they otherwise might not get to do.

2023/2024

Careers Day July 2024

Careers day at St Mary’s orgainainsed by Ali at NSPCC was a monumental success and we can’t thank Ali enough. Feedback from the children and all who attended all thought it was fantastic day and all they keen to be involved again next year.  Us staff even enjoyed it too. We had visits from a cabin crew, a talented Grimsby actor, nurses, vets, and the Mayor of Grimsby, fire fighters and paramedics and even a team’s call from someone who worked with the red arrows. Ali from NSPCC is already planning next year’s careers day and we cannot wait.

Thank you again Ali and Nicole from the NSPCC.

Sports Day

St Mary held out our annual Sports Day on the 21st June with early years in the morning and Year 1 to Year 6 in the afternoon. Well done to all our children who took part and a huge thank you to all our parents and carers who came along to support all the children.

Congratulations to RED – Soubouris for overall winning at the event and well done to YELLOW – Lisieux who won the overall sporting award.

Thank you again to Mrs Solomou for organizing a great day and all the staff for supporting the children.

Year 5 – Bikeability

In Bikeability, we learnt how to ride our bike safely on quiet roads. We practiced in the playground first, learning how to check for traffic over our shoulders and how to signal both ways whilst moving. We then took these skills onto the road with us and learnt how to ride past a junction and turn left and right both in and out of a junction. 19 out of 29 children passed their Level 1 and Level 2 certificates and all of the children were excellently behaved for the whole two day course! Well done Year 5.

Balance Bike

Our Reception class had a wonderful time with Lincs Inspire practising on balance bikes.

Kidz Fit

Here at St Marys we’ve had great fun with Carl from Kidz Fit learning all about the Olympics and fitness. Please check out his website below.

https://kidz-fit.co.uk/

World Book Day and a visit from Mighty Mariners our Grimsby Town Mascot.

World book day 2024 will be one to remember children took part in dressing up as all different book characters or there favorite pjamas. Each class join other classes to read and share special stories. We even had a special visit from Mighty Mariner the Grimsby Town Mascot. Thank you Grimsby Town.

 Year 3 and 4 children took part in an athletics festival. Well done

Boccia Team

Well done to our Boccia team who attended the develop event and came third place. They had the biggest smiles so I think it was a winner all round.

Road Safety Assembly

Road safety assembly for the whole school with out local PCSO officer, teaching the importance of road safety to our children here at St Mary’s.

Year 5 and 6 Athletics

Some photos from the recent Years 5 and 6 athletics festival. Well done to all that took part.

Safer Internet Day 2024

Year 2 exciting trip to Hull Street Museum. What a fantastic way to to learn about history.

Dance Afterschool Club

At St Mary’s our Year 6 teacher Mrs Ballard organised a very successful dance after school club. Our after-school clubs run from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Wear Red Day

Wear Red Day here at St Mary’s for British Heart Foundation. The school came together to wear red for a cause close to our hearts. Thank you to all our parents and carers for supporting us and thank you to Mrs Aslin for arranging all the children to meet Hearty.

Dodgeball Competitions

Year 3 and 4 dodgeball competition which took place at Oasis Academy Wintringham Immingham. Well done to every one who took part.

Also well done to Year 5 dodgeball competition who who represented St Mary’s fantastically.

More fantastic competitions held locally attended by St Mary’s. Well done to everyone who has participated.