Protected: Aim Higher
Aim Higher
At The Marist, we aim to offer extra opportunities for challenging and extending every learner’s academic ability. This is done via a range of activities and involves all year groups across the school. The flagship of our programme are our Aim Higher sessions. These sessions happen fortnightly and aim to deliver topics beyond the curriculum and that encourage debate and critical thought. The sessions our delivered by our learners who research, prepare, and teach about their chosen area. This helps develop future work skills including the ability to work as a team, how to research and create presentations, alongside public speaking skills. Sessions from the 2023-2024 academic year have included.
- ‘Are We Heading Towards Another Cold War?`
- ‘Is Time Travel Possible?’ – Year 11
- ‘The Power of Branding: Examining its Impact on Business Identity’ – Year 11
- Women in STEM – Guest speaker Belen Solanas
- A Summary of the Israel/Palestine Conflict and its History – Year 8
- ‘Should Everyone be Vegetarian?’ – Year 7
- The Soviet Union – Guest speaker Sir John Cheshire
After January, the programme continues and will include sessions on:
- ‘Strange and Unique People in the World’ – Year 7
- ‘My Life as an MP’ – Guest speaker Adam Afriyie
- ‘Political Ideologies in Action’ – Year 11
- ‘A Brief History of Democracy’ – Year 12
- ‘Should Vaping and Smoking be Banned Entirely?’ – Year 8
Alongside these sessions, the Aim Higher programme allows students access to competitions, including MACE debating competitions and the Model United Nations Club. At The Marist we aspire to encourage and get the best out of every single learner.
Law Society
The Law Society supports not only those interested in studying Law at university but also anyone eager to learn more about it. Open to all students from Year 9 to Year 13, the Law Society meets every Tuesday after school. During these sessions, students delve into topics such as the role of the government and the importance of legislation. The Law Society organises annual trips to university campuses, workshops, and invites distinguished guest speakers, such as the local MP in January 2024.
Law Society students actively participate in two national competitions: the ESU Churchill Public Speaking and Schools’ Mace competitions. These experiences provide valuable lessons in writing effective and well-planned speeches, enabling students to deliver them as skilled orators before an audience.
Miss Parravano, the Law Society coordinator, also assists students in Year 10 and above who aspire to study Law at the university level. She guides them in choosing the right path and provides advice on the best A Level subjects. Students are encouraged to nurture their intellectual curiosity through Super-Curricular Learning, aiding them in deciding on their preferred university course and deepening their knowledge in related fields.
VI Form students interested in applying to study Law receive additional support through individual meetings to discuss their desired career path. They also get assistance with Super-Curricular Learning, crafting personal statements, preparing for the LNAT test, and participating in mock interviews. Year 12 and Year 13 students are further encouraged to engage in essay competitions to enhance their university applications.
If you would like to find our more, please contact Miss Parravano, by emailing her at
Welcome to the Marist Medical Society
Are you fascinated by the cutting edge of medicine, curious about the application journey, or simply passionate about healthcare? Then look no further than the Marist Medical Society! We are a vibrant community of students from Year 10 to 13 brought together by a shared interest in the world of medicine.
Join us every Wednesday in Week A for stimulating discussions on a variety of topics. We dive deep into the latest medical breakthroughs with guest speakers from the field, from current medical students and recent graduates to established professionals and admissions tutors. We help students to navigate the intricacies of the various application processes, exploring different career paths like medical doctor, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and beyond.
But medicine is more than just qualifications. We also delve into the ethical considerations that shape healthcare, fostering critical thinking and open dialogue. Whether you’re a seasoned aspiring doctor or simply intrigued by the human body, the Medical Society offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and grow.
Here’s what awaits you:
- Engaging weekly sessions: Explore diverse medical topics, application strategies, and ethical dilemmas.
- Guest speakers: Gain insights from medical professionals, admissions tutors, and inspiring individuals.
- Career guidance: Navigate the various medical and healthcare pathways.
- Supportive community: Connect with like-minded peers and build lasting friendships.
- Open discussions: Share your thoughts and questions in a safe and inclusive environment.
Once students get into Years 12 and 13, we then offer bespoke help with their admissions tests, interview practice and the ever-changing landscape of their UCAS application.
Ready to embark on your medical journey? Connect with Mr Lang:
MUN
What is Model United Nations?
Model United Nations (or MUN) at The Marist is a school club in which students assume the role of national ambassadors to debate and seek to solve global issues. This could be anything, just like at the real United Nations: Middle East tensions, global environmental policies, the treatment of minorities in different countries, and so on. Any UN body or agency can be simulated (the Security Council is the most popular). Model UN is a global movement and club, with participation at “conferences” taking place by schools and universities in virtually all countries in the world.
By role-playing meetings like the Security Council and General Assembly, participants get a unique insight into how the United Nations works. They research, debate, and try to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, just like the real thing.
It’s great fun, giving our girls the opportunity to meet students from other schools in a fun and academic environment when we go to “conferences” (held at different schools around the country). It helps you develop and demonstrate key skills like public speaking, teamwork and negotiation which will look great on your CV. It differs from a traditional debate club in that you must argue the viewpoint of a specific country, and students get to learn not just how to vote, but also how to write resolutions, veto, amend, refine, and negotiate with students from other schools.
2. Why do Model United Nations?
There are few better ways of understanding international affairs and global politics than putting yourself ‘in the shoes of world leaders’. Because participants discuss UN topics and represent their adopted country’s position, they will often be arguing from an unfamiliar perspective, developing knowledge, understanding, empathy and other key life skills.
3. What do my interests have to be in order to enjoy Model United Nations?
If you are interested in the world around you, and why things are as they are, then Model UN could be for you. If you have an interest in geography, history, politics, the news or just simply want to better understand why certain countries do certain things, then you are ideally placed to excel at Model UN. It is excellent for self-confidence and demonstrating engagement with the world around you when applying to University.
