What did you do before becoming head of Marymount, and how long have you been in the role?
Before starting at Marymount in January 2021, I was senior deputy head at Woldingham School. During my eight years there I was also head of department and then head of lower school. During my teaching career, I have held various roles including the middle leader roles of head of year and head of department. I trained in Ireland and have taught there and in England, both in the maintained and independent sector.
What is your subject and do you still teach at all?
My subjects are Theology and English. These were my subject choices for my initial joint honours degree. I taught RE in my first year at Marymount. Now, I step in when needed and I am always delighted to be back in the classroom as a “super sub”.
What attracted you to the school?
I felt a sincere alignment to the ethos, mission and educational philosophy of the school, one which holds a genuine commitment to human flourishing in the broadest sense, as well as the holistic development of the individuals within our school community. The vision “That all may have life and have it to the full” is at the heart of what we do. I was also attracted to the overall community: the staff, students, parents and governors with whom I met. They are so invested in the school, which contributes to the provision of a wonderful education for our students.
What achievement are you proudest of since joining the school?
We went into remote learning two days before I started my role at Marymount. While challenging, I enjoyed making connections and getting to know the community throughout lockdown. We had a phrase, “Together yet apart”, and this was lived out during the pandemic disruption. I am also incredibly proud of formulating the strategic plan in a consultative and thorough approach with all the school’s constituents. This is providing us with a clear vision and plan that we are collectively working towards in terms of living out the goals of the school and realising our strategic objectives.
What are the school’s key values, ethos and vision?
“That all may have life; and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
The value of each and every individual and a commitment to realising potential not just for the individuals’ betterment but for the betterment of the world.
We encourage international-mindedness and global citizenship.
We hope our students will be “firm in faith, vibrant in hope, rooted in love and one in service”, as Mother Marie-Joseph Butler, who founded the Marymount schools, desired.
We embrace the IB learner profile, developing each student as a learner.
How do you incorporate the Catholic faith into school life?
The Catholic faith is very much woven into the fabric of school life. Key school events are marked by gathering as a community to celebrate Mass. Preparation for the Sacraments happens in school. Prayer is part of daily life here. Through our service and outreach we strive to embody Catholic social teaching. Our director of spiritual life ably supports our community in the living-out of the mission and the ethos of the school.
What kind of child thrives at Marymount – is the school selective?
Students who thrive at Marymount are curious, open-minded and are typical to the IB learner profiles: those who want to grow as individuals and embrace all life at Marymount has to offer. We are selective in that we only want the very best for our students. We make sure that those offered a place are going to flourish within the rigorous curriculum the IB challenges them with.
What makes Marymount different and sets it apart from others in the area?
We are the first all-girls IB school in the UK and this experience of the curriculum sets us apart. Combined with the RSHM [Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary] mission, we have a potent recipe for holistic development. We are a genuinely internationally-minded community with real unity through diversity binding us together.
What pastoral care do you offer?
Knowing our students is key and as a small school we know each of them very well. Led by one of our deputy heads, our pastoral care is exceptional. Students are known and loved as individuals and we have small adviser or class groups which support this. We have a school counsellor, two exceptional nurses, a boarding staff team which is second to none, and key staff have MHFA [Mental Health First Aid] training. Overall, the ratio of adults to students is high, so even the smallest problems can be identified and addressed.
What enrichment opportunities are there for all students?
We are fortunate to offer a vast variety of extracurricular, service and leadership opportunities to our students. Growth-mindset and the power of being involved and participating in these only aids in the overall student development. From Model UN, National Honor Society and Campus Ministry group to tennis, volleyball, Girls Who Code and Fashion Society, the list is endless with possibilities. Our programme changes on a termly basis, and we encourage our girls to embrace these opportunities.
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