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Our Sixth Form Curriculum

First-class teaching

Our highly qualified teachers share their inspirational passion and expertise in every lesson. With decades of combined experience, you can be sure you are getting the very best teaching at St Mary's. Our teachers are all academic specialists in their subject areas. Heads of Department create a rich, engaging curriculum that shares their passion for their subject.

Being a large Sixth Form means we can offer you a range of A Levels and BTECs to match your ambitions.

Applied Science (BTEC)

Art and Design (A Level)

Biology (A Level)

Business Studies (BTEC)

Chemistry (A Level)

Computer Science (A Level)

Drama (A Level)

Design Technology (A Level)

Economics (A Level)

English Language (A Level)

English Literature (A Level)

French (A Level)

Geography (A Level)

German (A Level)

History (A Level)

Law (A Level)

Mathematics (A Level)

Further Mathematics (A Level)

Music (A Level)

Physical Education (A Level)

Physics (A Level)

Politics (A Level)

Psychology (A Level)

Religious Studies (A Level)

Sociology (A Level)

Spanish (A Level)

BTEC - Follow your calling

Our BTEC National Certificates and Diplomas offer knowledge and real insight into industry. The BTEC qualifications we offer have an emphasis on practical-based learning. Our students may choose a mixture of A Levels and BTEC qualifications, or purely BTEC. These qualifications offer excellent opportunities for onward progression to universities, or competitive apprenticeships.

Our expert staff not only deliver inspiring lessons and support exceptional coursework, they also organise highly relevant workplace visits.

"I really loved my two years studying Applied Science. Through the assignments I learnt transferable skills that I'm now using at university, both in scientific practices and writing analytically. The teachers went above and beyond to support my learning. I achieved a double Distinction and now I'm studying Biomedical Science at Northumbria University." Helena - BTEC Applied Science 2020-22

The Sixth Form

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St Mary’s Catholic High School / 19 Nov

Our school buses are unable to safely operate this morning. Therefore, St. Mary's will be closed today.

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 15 Nov

This week's newsletter has been emailed to parents/carers. A copy can be found on our school website. https://www.st-maryshigh.derbyshire.sch.uk/information-for-parents-and-carers/letters-home/parent-newsletter

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 11 Nov

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. Our entire school community gathered for a remembrance service today, which included the 2 minute silence and the laying of wreaths. The service was led by those pupils who are part of service groups outside of school. The behaviour of our pupils was immaculate, and we are very proud of them.

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 8 Nov

Flanders Trip Day 3: After breakfast this morning, we visited the town of Poperinge. ‘Pop’ was a very important city during WW1, since it was one of only two in Belgium cities that was not under German occupation. It was used to billet British troops and also provided a safe area for field hospitals. Here, we were able to take in Talbot House, an ‘every man’s house’ that allowed soldiers some rest and recuperation from the front line, as well as a chance to build a relationship with God. As is tradition, we had cups of tea, tinkled the ivories on the piano and climbed the rickety stairs to the chapel in the attic. Mr Peach then took as to a shooting post to explain what could have happened to British soldiers who failed to follow orders. Here, pupils explored the cells where soldiers were kept for poor behaviour. We then headed on to Hill 60 for a spot of lunch on the coach. At Hill 60, we climbed to see the giant crater caused by the 32,000kg of explosives that the British lay in mines underground. En route, we saw the remains of pill boxes and bunkers. From here, we moved on to Sanctuary Wood cemetery where Miss McDiarmid gave a talk about her grandfather’s uncle, Robert, and his story of the war, showing artefacts that have remained in her family since 1918. At the Sanctuary Wood Museum, the pupils were able to walk through what are reportedly actual trenches that were once part of the British front line, as well as musing at the many exhibits. Mr Strachan talked us through how trenches were dug and how they were interconnected and fortified. Our trip today also allowed us to visit Tyne Cot, the largest commonwealth war grave cemetery in the world, where we were able to pay our respects to a Canadian soldier, Private James Robertson, who won the Victoria Cross for valour. Mr Peach told us Robertson's story by his grave, in addition to the fact that there are a remarkable 35,000 names of the missing on the back walls of the cemetery. Before our last stop of the tour today at Langemark, we took a brief stop at the site of the first chlorine gas attack where the statue of ‘the brooding soldier’ has been erected. Mr Cox read Wilfred Owen’s famous poem, Dulce Et Decorum Est and gave the pupils some context about the gas attacks that took place during the war. As the sun was setting, we made the last visit of the day to the German cemetery in Langemark. In total, there are about 44,000 burials in the graveyard, in what is a very dark and dismal surrounding. The pupils were really shocked at the scale or the plaques with the names of the soldiers buried in the crypt and could see how different the cemetery was from the Commonwealth graveyards we have been to this week. Before we departed back to the hotel, Mr Peach led us in prayer because our tour of Flanders had come to an end. We returned for our evening meal, and so that students could pack ready for our return journey tomorrow. We hope to be back at St Mary’s by 7pm, but we will update parents and carers once we know more.

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 8 Nov

This week's newsletter has been emailed to parents/carers. A copy can be found on our school website. https://www.st-maryshigh.derbyshire.sch.uk/information-for-parents-and-carers/letters-home/parent-newsletter

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 7 Nov

Flanders Trip Day 2: Today has been a very special, very busy day. After breakfast in our lovely hotel, we made our way to the Passchendaele Museum. This is a beautiful site that hosts what can only be described as an immersive experience: there are real uniforms to see; videos to watch; screens to interact with; opportunities to smell artifacts; the chance to walk through a fully-recreated bunker; and even mock trenches that our pupils could duck down through. The time here really brought the war to life for many. From the museum, we travelled into Ypres to see the Menin Gate, that we would return to later, before visiting the highlight of the trip for many - the Belgium chocolate shop! After spending more than a pretty penny there, we had some lunch and free time in the wonderful town of Ypres, before heading to St George’s church and the Ramparts cemetery. Throughout the day, Mr Peach has been able to fill us in on the significance and meaning behind these sites, as well as some of the horrifying statistics that colour this area’s importance during WW1. We are really very proud of three of pupils in particular today. George, Niobe and Layla were all able to visit the graveyards of relatives to pay their respects. It was lovely to see so many of their friends supporting them in doing so, in what are quite small, lesser-known cemeteries around the Ypres salient. After a quick turnaround to change at the hotel, we enjoyed a delicious evening meal together in Ypres, before attending the Menin Gate ceremony where the Last Post is played. George, Layla and Niobe did a superb job, laying the wreath and taking part with confidence and composure. It is something that they are sure to never forget, as they represented our school in their uniforms. We have another busy day planned tomorrow, but, for today, what has been really noticeable is just how many thoughtful observations the pupils have made. This coupled with their sensitive questions, is making the trip all the more fulfilling.

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 6 Nov

Flanders Trip Day 1: We have arrived safely at our hotel in Lo-Reninge, after a pleasant trip down to Dover, via a services stop, and a calm crossing to Calais. Our first stop was at Essex Farm, the place where the famous In Flanders Fields poem was written by John McRae. Mr Cox gave an explanation and reading of the poem and Mr Peach showed pupils around the dressing station and toured the cemetery. Today has also afforded us with opportunities to make links to GCSE History Paper 1, as well as other interesting historical context. Mr Peach detailed the causes of the First World War before we crossed the border into Belgium and began to see sites of interest. Our evening meal is at 6:30 this evening, after which the pupils have some free time, before a well-needed good night's sleep - tomorrow will be a busy day! The Flanders trip is always one that is challenging: our pupils are, of course, excited to be away from home and to be travelling abroad, but are faced with moving stories, as well as expectations that they are respectful and empathetic. And so we are delighted with their behaviour and reverence so far, but we never take it for granted.

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 6 Nov

***Vacancy Alert - Part-Time Teaching Assistant***

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 4 Nov

Thank you to those parents and carers who have taken the time to scan the QR code on your Year 11 or 13 child's report to tell us that you have received it. If you haven't done this yet, however, there is still time.

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 25 Oct

As we get closer to Christmas, more people may be in the market to purchase an e-scooter from one of the leading retailers. However, it is important to remind parents and students of the rules surrounding e-scooter use. • It is illegal to use an e-scooter in public areas. • An e-scooter can only legally be used on private land with the owner’s permission. • Parents may also be liable for prosecution as well. As of Friday 1 November, officers who engage anyone using an e-scooter in a public place will seize the e-scooter, before sending it to be disposed after 14 days. For further information on e-scooter usage, visit Derbyshire Constabulary’s website: https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters #escootersknowthelaw

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 24 Oct

This week's newsletter has been emailed to parents/carers. A copy can be found on our school website. https://www.st-maryshigh.derbyshire.sch.uk/information-for-parents-and-carers/letters-home/parent-newsletter

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 23 Oct

The first report for this academic year for our Year 11 and Year 13 has been issued today and can be viewed now on MCAS. Pupils received these this morning from their Form Tutors and will be bringing them home, along with an accompanying letter. We would be grateful if you would scan the QR code on the report to acknowledge your receipt of it.

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 23 Oct

Tickets for the ‘Year 7 Concert’ on Wednesday 27th November are now on sale! Please join us for an evening of performances from our spectacular musicians. Tickets are priced at £5 each; book early to avoid disappointment. In the interests of both pupils and audience members, we politely ask that you do not bring babies or small children who may disturb the performance. You can book tickets here:

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 23 Oct

With Friday being an INSET day, a reminder that tomorrow is the last day of this half term, and we wish all pupil, parents, carers and staff a restful break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday 4th November.

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 21 Oct

A reminder that St Mary's will be closed this Friday for INSET and so Thursday 24th is the last school day of this half term. We wish pupils, parents, carers and staff a restful break and look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 4th November.

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 18 Oct

This week's newsletter has been emailed to parents/carers. A copy can be found on our school website. https://www.st-maryshigh.derbyshire.sch.uk/information-for-parents-and-carers/letters-home/parent-newsletter

St Mary’s Catholic High School / 11 Oct

Year 13 CERN Trip: Day 3 Beautiful weather meant a perfect day for exploring the old part of Geneva. After watching the 140m high fountain start up, and the students predictably getting soaked again, they had free time for some cultural immersion and souvenir shopping. The students have been impeccably behaved and a delight to be with.

Academic Excellence

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The Sixth Form

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Headteacher / Mrs M Dengate

St Mary’s Catholic High School

Newbold Road Upper Newbold Chesterfield Derbyshire S41 8AG

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