At St Mary’s we believe in the education of the whole child and therefore we see education as being first and foremost a pastoral activity. 

To this end the school has a strong Pastoral Care system with each member of staff having not only a pastoral role but specific pastoral duties. Each class in the school has a form teacher assigned to it and each year group has a Year Head. Co-ordinating all of this we have a Vice-Principal, Mrs Mary Wylie whose remit is specifically pastoral.

To assist with the transition from Primary School St Mary’s offers the “Big Schools” Year 8 Induction Programme to help year 8 pupils to settle quickly and easily into the school community.  The school’s Educational Welfare Officer also provides transition workshops for Year 8.

St Mary’s operates a Merit System at Key Stage 3 to promote positive behaviour and  positive attitudes to school and each Key Stage 3 form class has a sixth form mentor attached to it.

We actively encourage contact with parents, and Parent/Teacher meetings are organised for each year group.

A carefully prepared Personal, Social and Health Education programme is in place for all pupils and this is designed to help guide, prepare, train and equip all our pupils to engage effectively in interpersonal relationships and daily living.The specific aims of the PSHE programme are to:

·      Promote the all round development of the pupil

·      Empower pupils to be effective learners

·      Assist them to become responsible members of society

Raising Concerns About Your Daughter’s Welfare or Progress

What can I do if I am concerned about my child?

I can contact the Head of Year

If I am still concerned I can contact

Mrs M Wylie, Vice-Principal (Pastoral)

and/or Ms R McLaughlin, Vice-Principal (Curriculum)

The Vice-Principal may inform the Principal, Mrs Darling if further action is needed