At play

Learning through play is an integral part of life at St Mary’s Kindergarten. In addition, a wide range of additional activities are on offer. Sessions such as music, ballet and Forest School stimulate the children’s bodies and minds. They also help develop their personalities and build their characters.

As well as the well-equipped Kindergarten building, the children have access to all the Lower School facilities. These include a multi-sensory play area, the school hall, dance studio and library. The children are also able to enjoy the nine acres of grounds at the school. For example, Kindergarten children use the sports courts, playing fields, Forest School area, secret garden and outdoor classroom.

Additional activities

Below are examples of additional activities currently on offer. For further details, please contact our Registrar, Mrs Justine Tierney, at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk or on 01206 594178.

Ballet

Ballet classes in our dance studio are a highlight of the week. During these sessions, children are introduced to the techniques of ballet. They also enjoy learning to interpret the music. The children especially love watching their performances in the mirrored walls!

Forest School

At Forest School, children explore the natural environment in a safe setting. They learn about the flora and fauna and take part in physical challenges, working together. They also enjoy a whole range of activities such as toasting marshmallows on the campfire and climbing trees. Favourite activities include building dens and making mud pies in the mud kitchen!

Music

Music lessons give the children a taste of music-making, using a variety of percussion instruments as well as singing songs. The annual Nativity is a wonderful opportunity for the older children to show off their performance skills to family!

Physical Education (PE)

PE sessions encourage the children to be active and to take part in stimulating games and activities that introduce practical skills and techniques. The lessons take part in the school hall, on the sports courts and the playing fields where a range of sports equipment is available. In the year before starting school, children take part in the Kindergarten and Infant Sports Day in front of family who come to cheer them on!

During their time in Kindergarten, children have the opportunity to go on trips, such as to the local church, and take part in events including Prize Giving, Remembrance Day service and Mothering Sunday service. We also hold a number of events for the whole family to enjoy, such as Fireworks night, our Summer Fete and outdoor theatre productions.

Open Days and Tours

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Pupils of all ages demonstrate outstanding communication skills From ISI inspection report 2023 - rated 'excellent'

The youngest children in the EYFS confidently ask for resources or explain their choice of activities From ISI inspection report 2023 - rated 'excellent'

Nursery life

Get an overview of St Mary’s Colchester nursery life

Welcome

Welcome to St Mary's Kindergarten

At work

Find out more about the curriculum at St Mary’s Kindergarten

Children in the EYFS and pupils in the lower school make excellent progress. From ISI inspection report 2023 - rated 'excellent'

Pupils’ attainment at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), in National Curriculum tests in Year 6 and at GCSE is excellent From ISI inspection report 2023 - rated 'excellent'

12th

highest performing Prep School in England, ranked by the Sunday Times

non-selective school in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk based on GCSE Attainment 8 scores

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