St Mary’s has always been an outward-facing school and our Sixth Formers are just the same, recognising that they are part of both the local and global community; they take their responsibilities as global citizens seriously. The Sixth Form is a time for the girls to develop a broader awareness and understanding of the world around them and how they play a part in shaping it. We hold the concept of service in high regard and are deeply committed to helping the girls become compassionate and resilient leaders.
Charity is at the heart of our Outreach Programme and Sixth Formers can expect to play a significant part in this, whether it be mentoring younger girls within the school or helping to raise money for one of the chosen school charities. It is our expectation that girls in the UVI Form will dedicate an hour a week to giving back to the school community and beyond in imaginative and collaborative ways. A large number of our Sixth Form, for example, volunteer in a mentoring programme with the local Springfields Academy. Many Sixth Form girls also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. This is offered to all Sixth Form girls on a purely voluntary basis, whether or not they have participated in DofE before. Through the DofE Award, the girls meet varied challenges, including the physical challenges of expeditions, while also being of service to others both in school and in the community.
Our Sixth Formers also have the opportunity to undertake international expeditions and groups of girls have been involved helping to build a school in Zambia and working with the Charitable Foundation for the Education of Nepalese Children, following a school trip to Nepal in 2014. The Calne Foundation Trust Enrichment Scholarships can also aid girls financially who wish to undertake volunteering work.