St Catherine’s is an inclusive community where we are committed to supporting the wellbeing, personal development and mental health of our students. We believe in creating a culture which supports the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of each girl. Wellbeing is at the core of everything we do at St Catherine’s on a daily basis, both inside and outside the classroom. We believe that an holistic approach to wellbeing is key to our student’s happiness and success. A sense of belonging and feeling part of a community in which they are valued is a vital starting point and our House system is a crucial way in which we achieve this. The vertical mix of students provides a wonderfully nurturing and enriching environment in which the girls support one another. Furthermore, through involvement in our extra-curricular activities the girls meet those who share a common interest, find a sense of belonging and forge life-long friendships. The School offers over 100 such Clubs, ranging from Dog club to Coding, Lacrosse to Frisbee and Choir to Textiles. The girls are spoilt for choice. Physical activity for all girls is crucial, having a positive impact upon mood, sleep quality, stress and energy levels. With over 19 different sports played at School, over 100 teams coached per week, 14 specialist sports staff on site, a state of the art sports hall offering flexible basketball, volleyball, netball and badminton courts, all of our girls remain active both within the school timetable and beyond. There is a physical activity to suit everyone at St Catherine’s whether that be taking part in a sport competitively, or choosing a more mindful activity such as yoga. We always encourage our girls to take notice and be mindful. The curriculum at St Catherine’s includes ‘Life Matters’ which focuses on all aspects of positive mental health. It is crucial that girls are encouraged to be aware of, and enjoy what is happening around them on a daily basis; to take notice. This encourages a calmer environment in which they are more self-aware and able to make positive choices. The experience of learning itself is also key as it enhances self-esteem and has a positive impact on social interactions among the girls. Whilst this may sound rather self-evident for a school such as St Catherine’s, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that learning should also be fun. We want our girls to enjoy the learning experience itself so that they continue to learn throughout their lives. Encouraging our girls to try something which might feel outside their comfort zone is also important as it expands their horizons and builds resilience along the way. The importance of giving back to the wider community is something that is an integral part of the School’s ethos. We are extremely proud of the fact that we have three Sixth Form fundraising groups - the Charities Board, Community Board and the Philanthropy Board, and numerous other fundraising groups through the School Houses. By embracing these principles we hope that all of our girls will have a positive, happy and successful career at St Catherine’s.
Mrs Kirsty Meredith - Senior Housemistress
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