Sixth formers work together at Newcastle school

A host of activities took place outside the classroom when sixth formers at a Newcastle school enjoyed a ‘Day of Aspiration’.

The Year 12 students from St Mary’s Catholic School took part in a series of team-building tasks throughout the day, which is a regular event in the school’s calendar.

“At St Mary’s, we want to develop all students holistically and give them a wide breadth of opportunities to develop socially, morally, culturally and spiritually,” said Emma Pearson, Headteacher at St Mary’s, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“One example of this is our Year 12 Day of Aspiration, which takes place every autumn term and allows our Year 12 students to complete a variety of activities aimed at developing their hopes and ambitions for the future, whilst also getting to know their peers well with team-building activities.”

Projects across the day included building Lego models to represent inspirational scenes, constructing the tallest possible free-standing structure together, group discussions, and creative design. The students additionally took part in an exercise where they wrote letters to their future selves.

“The students also reflect on their spiritual journey as part of this day, and how they hope to develop spiritually, including giving service to others and the wider community, as part of their faith journey at St Mary’s,” continued Miss Patterson.

“Our students always enjoy taking part in the day, and this year was no exception. We look forward to future events in the Sixth Form this year that will allow the students to express and develop themselves beyond the classroom.”

Assistant Headteacher James Turnbull added: “We pride ourselves on providing an enriching and broad curriculum at St Mary’s, and it is wonderful to see our Year 12 students participating in the wider life of the school so enthusiastically.

“They really are a credit to our school.”