MISSION STATEMENT

Our Catholic Convent School endeavours to emulate the example of the Holy Family, from which our Order takes its name. Therefore, with the Holy Family as our model, we strive to:

Foster an atmosphere in which tolerance, respect, courtesy and self-discipline can grow;
Cultivate an attitude of respect for the uniqueness of each individual, which encourages each one to reach his/her full potential;
Develop an awareness of the needs of others in the community, eg the underprivileged or deprived, by responding in a positive way;
Cater for the spiritual, social, emotional and intellectual needs of all, in a stimulating and challenging environment.

INDEX

Introduction
Learning at Marymount
Structure of the School
Childminding facilities
Transfer to secondary education, and results
Drama
Music
Sport
Extra-curricular activities
Computers
Parents' Association
Contact information

INTRODUCTION

Marymount Convent School was founded in 1878 by the Sisters of the Holy Family. The school is situated in Wallasey, in close proximity to the M 53 (mid-Wirral motorway) and the Wallasey Mersey Tunnel for a link to Liverpool city centre.

In 1952, with 240 pupils on the roll, Marymount underwent a general inspection. As a result of the report drawn up by Her Majesty's Inspectors, the School was recognised as efficient by the Ministry of Education (now the Department for Education & Employment - ie the DFEE).

In 1978 Marymount celebrated its centenary.

In recent years changes have taken place, notably the introduction of a governing body. Together with the headteacher, they are jointly responsible for the management of the School.

LEARNING AT MARYMOUNT

The curriculum includes the following subjects:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technology (including computer studies)
• Geography
• History
• Music
• Speech and Drama
• Physical Education
• Art
• French (introduced at age 9 years)
• Religious Education

All staff are fully qualified and experienced. Their dedication is a major contribution to the success of the school. Staff are kept up to date in their profession by in-service days when specialists are invited to speak and carry out workshops. Our teachers also attend courses in conjunction with the Department of Education, at the University of Liverpool.

Learning at Marymount combines the best of modern and traditional thinking. The National Curriculum guidelines are followed. The children are tested in Key Stage 1 and 2, ie the standardised attainment tests that were introduced by the Government for all children aged 7 years (KS 1), and 11 years (KS 2).

STRUCTURE OF THE SCHOOL

Marymount has three departments:-

• Nursery
• Infant
• Junior

Nursery Department: aged 3 to 4 years

Children can be admitted at 3 years. In a warm, caring environment, qualified staff make every effort to ensure that the children feel both happy and secure. There is structured play activity throughout the day aimed at developing language, number and social skills, spacial awareness and physical education. By the end of the year in this class most children are beginning to read and have a good concept of number. Such ground work in the early stages ensures a confident start when they enter the reception class.

The government has recently introduced a Nursery Voucher Scheme whereby a subsidy is granted towards nursery education for children aged four years. Our school has been authorised to participate in this scheme.

Infant Department: aged 4 to 7 years

In this section are laid the foundations of the pupils' educational future with a solid grounding in skills of reading, writing and mathematics. Play activity is included but the teaching is more formal. At seven years, children should be reading for learning and for pleasure. Before leaving this department the pupils are tested in the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 Attainment Tests, as previously mentioned.

Junior Department: aged 7 to 11 years

Both modern and traditional teaching methods are used with the aim of drawing out the full capability of the child. At junior level work becomes more demanding and some teachers specialise in individual subjects, e g mathematics, science, religious education, french. In years 5 and 6, emphasis is placed on the preparation for examinations. The standard of achievement was commended in the recent Her Majesty's Inspector's (DFEE) report.

CHILDMINDING FACILITIES

We offer pre- and after-school care from 8.15 to 8.50 am, and from 3.30 to 5.30 pm. Experienced staff are in attendance at both of these sessions.

TRANSFER TO SECONDARY EDUCATION, AND RESULTS

Children are prepared for entrance examinations for local Independent, Grammar and Grant Maintained Schools. A high level of success has been achieved each year with the majority of pupils transferring to the school of their choice.

DRAMA

The school provides tuition in speech and drama. This commences in the junior department where children have the opportunity to participate in class choral speaking and to compete at local drama festivals. Individual lessons are offered as an extra-curricular activity during lunch breaks. Individual children are entered for drama festivals and for the Guildhall Poetry Examinations each year.

MUSIC

Music is an important subject in the curriculum. In the primary department lessons are available in Music Workshop, an introduction to music, learning rhythm, and using percussion instruments. In the junior department music lessons form part of the curriculum. Pupils learn the recorder, keyboard and basic music theory. Singing is an important feature in all junior classes.

In addition, private tuition is available if desired in guitar, clarinet, flute and singing.

The school has celebrated successful results each year in the Guildhall Examinations in respect of the above.

SPORT

Sport at Marymount involves a variety of activities: -

• netball
• gymnastics
• class physical education
• indoor hockey (Unihoc)
• rounders
• athletics
• football
• beginners cricket

Netball commences in the upper junior classes with inter-school matches and annual local schools' netball tournaments.

Gymnastics is introduced in the reception class but is part of the curriculum from the age of 6 years (year 2/ top infants). It is a very strong activity at Marymount with teams and individuals competing in schools' competitions at regional and national levels. High standards of achievement have been attained in competitions for floor/ vault activities and sports acrobatics.

General classes involve ball handling skills, and use of varied equipment. A firm favourite with children and parents alike, is the annual Sport's Day. With the recent reintroduction of boys to the school, new activities of football and beginners cricket are being re-established for boys and girls.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extra-curricular activities include a netball club and a gymnastics club. The upper junior pupils participate in the netball club which meets after school from 3.30 to 4.30 pm. Pupils enjoy these additional practice sessions and improve their skills for participation in competitions.

The gymnastics club operates during lunch time breaks and after school. The sessions provide practice and preparation time for the enthusiastic gymnast.

The judo club is available once a week after school, from 3.30 to 4.45 pm.

Pupils may participate in the Civic Award Scheme, and many badges for Arrowe, Birket and Clatter levels are presented annually by the Mayor of Wirral. The best Police projects, at Arrowe level qualify for Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates in school.

The Civic Award aims to promote good citizenship, self-reliance, service to family and community, personal achievement and wise use of leisure.

COMPUTERS

Children are introduced to the computer at nursery level. Initially, they use simple games to enhance their reading and number skills, colour and shape recognition.

This skill is extended in the primary classes to incorporate keyboard knowledge and an introduction to word processing and data skills.

PARENTS' ASSOCIATION

Marymount has an active Parents' Association which exists to support the school and all its activities and to raise funds for particular projects for the benefit of all the children.

Activities include Summer and Christmas fairs, the video club and fun events for the family eg family discos, barbecues, sponsored events, mystery auctions and race nights.

The Parents' Association also encourages parents to be involved in school organised events such as Sport's Day, parents' social evenings, special school celebrations and the leavers' evening party.

The Parents' Association relies on the commitment and enthusiasm of parents to continue its good work.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you would like to receive a school prospectus, or any further information, please contact:

Sister Catherine O'Reilly
Headteacher
Marymount Convent School
Love Lane
Wallasey
Merseyside
L44 5SB
UK

TELEPHONE/FAX: + 44 (0) 151 - 638 8467