June Month
Welcome to a New Academic Year!
Principal’s Letter
Dear Parents and Families of Sancta Maria,
Welcome to a new school year brimming with endless possibilities, growth, and excitement!
It gives me immense joy to extend my warmest greetings as the newly appointed Principal of this prestigious institution. I, along with my team and all of you, commence on this journey of taking Sancta Maria a much more sought-after institution of choice. I am fully committed to fostering the success and well-being of every student at Sancta Maria.
The entire Sancta Maria team is excited to welcome our dear children back for the new academic year, as much as the children must be eager to return and make the campus lively and vibrant after the summer break.
Our 2023-24 cohort accomplished remarkable feats last year, notably our graduating classes, whose academic achievements and university admissions have served as sources of inspiration for many. I am delighted to announce our outstanding academic accomplishments in the recent March series of IGCSE and A-Level examinations.
Sancta Marians achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate at the IGCSE level, with 67% of students earning the prestigious ICE Distinction Award and 33% receiving the ICE Merit award. Additionally, our A-Level pass rate stands at an impressive 91%. Notably, two of our students attained the highest grade possible in their respective subjects at the A-Level.
Summer was a bustling season for us as some of our students visited NASA, where they had the privilege of meeting a current astronaut, Annie Fisher. Her stories of space exploration captivated everyone and inspired our students to dream big.
Our university placements are proceeding smoothly, with students gaining admission to prestigious institutions like Imperial College and several other renowned national universities. We will provide more details on this soon.
Campus maintenance has been underway at full throttle, with our dedicated administrative and support staff working tirelessly to ensure that every corner of our campus is in pristine condition, ready to welcome our students.
Each school possesses its own unique essence, and I observe that Sancta Maria’s character is particularly robust. It holds on to a simple ambition: “To be a school renowned for fostering exceptional learning experiences, where environment is safe, nurturing, stimulating, enabling students to excel academically, socially, and emotionally, thus unlocking their full potential.
In the forthcoming weeks and months, we have an array of exciting events, activities, and learning opportunities planned for our students. I encourage you to stay connected and engaged with our school community by attending events, volunteering your time, and participating in school activities.
I am enthused by the prospect of an exceptional academic year ahead, during which we will collectively endeavour to ensure our students reach new heights.
Warm regards,
Hema Sanjay
Principal
In the Spotlight
Excellentia Academia: Excellence in Academics!
IGCSE Results
We are thrilled to announce the outstanding achievements of our students in the IGCSE examinations. All 88 students passed, achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate. Notably, 67% of our students received the ICE Distinction Award, and 33% earned the ICE Merit Award. Impressively, 90% of our students secured grades C and above, with two students scoring 99% in Mathematics and two others scoring 99% in English as a Second Language (ESL). The cumulative grade distribution is equally impressive, with 26.71% scoring A* (90+), 32.49% scoring A (80-89), 16.96% scoring B (70-79), and 12.45% scoring C (60-69). These results reflect our commitment to academic excellence and our students’ hard work and dedication. Congratulations to all!
AS Level Results
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our high achievers in the Cambridge AS Level examinations. Our students have performed exceptionally well, with Mihir and Jayasree each achieving 4 a’s. Additionally, Aayon, Abhinav, Arianna, Vishwa Jayanth, Anahita, Hasini, Radhika, and Saksham each earned 3 a’s. These outstanding results reflect their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and wish them continued success in their future endeavours.
A Level Results
At the A Level, 73 students took the examinations, achieving an impressive 91% pass rate. We are exceptionally proud of our top performers, with Anuraag achieving 4 A*s, and Gauhiit and Akshath each earning 3 A*s. These outstanding results highlight the dedication and hard work of our students and faculty. Congratulations to all for their remarkable accomplishments!
Happenings in the School
Journey to the Stars: Our NASA Adventure
Laurels
Dhruv, won 1st prize at the 14-day residential camp at IIITH!
Dhruv stood out among forty-three participants from diverse backgrounds and impressed everyone with his exceptional performance. Congratulations to Dhruv for this remarkable achievement!
Teacher’s Corner
Discovering the Magic: Early Years Exploration
In a Cambridge curriculum early years classroom, vibrant spaces foster holistic development. Child-centric setups include interactive learning corners, sensory play areas, and cozy reading nooks. Engaging activities align with Cambridge’s learning goals, ensuring that every child thrives in an environment designed to inspire curiosity and exploration. Child safety is paramount, and collaborative planning ensures dynamic educational experiences.
Collaborative Planning
Collaborative planning in early years involves educators, parents, and children working together to design enriching learning experiences. This approach integrates child-centered methods, flexible curriculum design, and reflective practice. Through shared responsibility and mutual respect, optimal development and positive outcomes for young learners are achieved in a supportive educational environment.
Teaching and Learning Approaches in Early Years
Play-based learning encourages active exploration and experimentation through play activities, while inquiry-based learning promotes questioning, investigation, and discovery to construct new knowledge. Constructivist approaches emphasize the learner’s active role in building understanding through hands-on experiences. Project-based learning engages learners in in-depth investigations and collaborative projects, and experiential learning provides real-world experiences to facilitate active learning. Holistic approaches integrate multiple domains of development, promoting active engagement and knowledge construction.
Effective Classroom Management
Effective classroom management in early years classrooms encompasses establishing clear expectations, routines, and boundaries. Utilizing positive reinforcement and engaging activities creates a nurturing environment conducive to learning and social-emotional development. By fostering a sense of security and respect, educators cultivate a foundation for lifelong learning and success.
“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Denis Waitley
Sirisha Vakati
Early Years Teacher
Subject Lead – Science/Understanding the World
