Personal Development
At Maricourt, personal development is not an addition to our curriculum — it is embedded at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply committed to developing the whole child: academically, culturally, socially, and personally. Our mission is to shape confident, compassionate, and capable young people who thrive in modern Britain and are equipped to seize opportunities on a global scale.
Developing the Whole Person
Through a rich and broad curriculum, our students gain far more than qualifications. They build character, resilience, and a moral compass that will guide them throughout life. We nurture each student’s identity and talents while fostering a deep sense of social responsibility, preparing them to be active, informed, and engaged citizens.
A Robust and Aspirational Careers Programme
Our comprehensive and progressive careers programme ensures that students are well-prepared for their next steps, whether they pursue apprenticeships, college, university, or employment. With regular, meaningful employer encounters, access to industry professionals, and links to further and higher education providers, our students are supported to make informed, ambitious, and aspirational choices for their futures.
Find out more about our Careers education programme by clicking here
https://www.maricourt.net/curriculum/careers/
Wellbeing at the Core
Emotional and physical wellbeing are essential for academic and personal success. We prioritise student wellbeing through dedicated pastoral care, mental health support, and a positive school culture that empowers students to thrive. Our learners develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and a lifelong love of learning, supported by a toolkit for healthy, balanced living.
Our wellbeing area of the school website gives plenty of signposting opportunities for all members of our community
https://www.maricourt.net/wellbeing/
Catholic Life and Mercy Values
As a Catholic school, our ethos is rooted in Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching. We embody the Mercy Values of compassion, service, hospitality, respect, justice, and courage, ensuring that every member of our community is nurtured, valued, and inspired to live a life of faith, service, and purpose.
Read more about our mission here
Assemblies, Collective Worship, Prayer and Liturgy
We gather every fortnight for whole-school and year group assemblies that focus on safeguarding, wellbeing, celebrating diversity, and promoting equality, reinforcing our commitment to inclusion, dignity, and respect for all. As a Catholic community, once a fortnight we gather to celebrate the word of the Lord through Prayer and Liturgy this gives us the opportunity to celebrate the Gospel and bring us together in Prayer and Reflection.
This is further complemented by weekly extended collective worship in form time, which provides space for reflection and spiritual growth. Each form group takes ownership by planning and leading one Prayer and Liturgy per year — a key opportunity for student voice and leadership.
Throughout the year, students actively engage in faith in action through fundraising and charitable giving. This includes:
- Lenten collections
- CAFOD appeals
- Christmas hampers
- Food bank donations
- Toy appeals
- Holiday funds to support families
- Charity work for causes such as Zoe’s Place, Cancer Research UK, and local hospices.
These acts of service deepen students’ understanding of social justice and compassion in the real world.
Click here to find out more about Chaplaincy work
High-Quality PSHE and RSE Education
Our well-sequenced and progressive PSHE and RSE curriculum supports students in making safe, informed, and ethical decisions. Covering key aspects of citizenship, relationships, digital literacy, finance, personal safety, health, and emotional wellbeing, this programme develops confident, respectful, and responsible young adults.
Click here to see our PSHE curriculum and supplementary partnerships in more depth
Click here to see our RSE Curriculum
Enrichment Through Partnerships, trips and Experiences
Our extensive enrichment programme offers a wide range of external partnerships, guest speakers, trips, and workshops to extend learning beyond the classroom. These experiences enhance cultural capital, inspire ambition, and provide valuable real-world context to personal development.
Please download our external Personal Development Annual programme
A Thriving Extra-Curricular Culture
With a rich offering of clubs, teams, and groups, students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop talents, and build leadership skills. From music, drama, and STEM clubs to competitive sports teams and debate groups, there’s something for every learner to engage with.
Click here to gain a quick view of our clubs programme
https://www.maricourt.net/school-life/duke-of-edinburgh/
Student Leadership Opportunities
We actively promote student leadership as a cornerstone of personal growth. Pupils take on a range of roles that develop confidence, accountability, and communication skills.
We proudly celebrate the appointment of our student leadership teams each year with a Whole School Mass, bringing together staff, students, and families in a shared moment of prayer, reflection, and community. During this special occasion, our student leaders make their pledges and promises to serve the school with commitment, compassion, and integrity, playing an active role in shaping our vibrant school community.
These include:
- Anti-Bullying Ambassadors
- Chaplaincy Captains
- Cafod Leaders
- Form Captains
- Sixth Form Prefects
- Sports Leaders
- School Council Members
- Wellbeing Champions
- Careers Ambassadors
These roles empower students to lead with purpose, contribute to school life, and represent the values of our community.
Read further about some of our groups by clicking here
At Maricourt Catholic High School , personal development is more than a priority — it is a promise. A promise to every student and family that we will nurture not only achievement, but character; not only academic excellence, but emotional intelligence and social conscience. Our students leave us ready to lead, serve, and thrive — in their local community, across modern Britain, and in the wider world.