ST MARY'S COFE PRIMARY SCHOOL in Greater London, Barnet

Education Centre Information: St Mary's CofE Primary School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Barnet
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Church of England
Diocese: Diocese of London
Nursery Provider: Has Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 489
Number of boys: 251
Number of girls: 238
Age Range: 3-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Founded in 1813, St Mary's moved to new purpose-built premises in 1990, at which time a large nursery was also opened. The new premises feature an atrium which spans the classrooms and offers facilities for technology, pottery, cookery, art and other practical activities, and acts as a central resource area for maths and science equipment. The school has no defined catchment area, but mainly serves the parishes of St Mary-at-Finchley and St Paul's, Long Lane, and it reflects the cultural mix of the area, offering a Christian ethos within a multi-faith community. St Mary's puts emphasis on achieving high academic standards and positive attitudes towards work and behaviour. Art, PE, dance and music feature strongly, and the school has its own orchestra and voluntary choir. Other extra-curricular activities include sport (netball, football, gym, short tennis), an art club, a drama club (which mounts two productions each year), the 'Watch environmental club', a chess club and the 'Powerpoint all faiths religious club'. Children also have the opportunity to go on annual school journeys. A school council meets regularly (with the motto, 'Big or small, we listen to you all'). Year 6 organises a Lent fair in aid of Comic Relief, and the school supports a host of other charities including the Children's Society, Homeless Action in Barnet, Royal Legion Poppy Appeal, British Red Cross, North London Deaf Childrens's Society and Imperial Cancer Research. The school is taking part in the 'Focus on Food' project sponsored by RSA/Waitrose and a 'Learning Through Landscapes' project, supported by fund raising by the parents' association, which has enabled the school to develop the playground environmentally and aesthetically. The school has an active parents' association which helps boost funds through activities such as a twice-weekly bookshop.