Why choose St Michael’s?

Parents and pupils choose St Michael’s because of its strong Christian ethos and small size, which enables pupils to reach their full potential.

As a Catholic school, we aim to foster Christian values. We celebrate Christian festivals and work from the annual church calendar. We aim to show that Christianity is not a separate entity but is woven into everyday life.

The curriculum supports and extends the spiritual, moral and cultural growth of our pupils as well as the social, intellectual and physical aspects. It helps them to make sense of their own feelings and beliefs while becoming aware of, and respecting the beliefs of, others.

Pupils are encouraged to understand religious concepts and symbolisms and to appreciate a range of religious traditions.

A programme of weekly assemblies involves representatives from a wide range of local
churches. Mass is celebrated in school at the beginning and end of every term. The school attends weekly Mass at Our Lady of the Portal and St Piran’s church.

Father Gilmour McDermott, the parish priest of Our Lady of the Portal and St Piran’s, acts as the school chaplain and visits on a regular basis.

Other parish priests and local religious orders support the school in a variety of ways.

St Michael’s is a very small school. The absolute maximum of pupils is 80. The ratio of teachers to pupils is very high. The wide age range enables most children in one family to attend the school. All pupils learn to know and relate to different age groups.

A happy, purposeful family atmosphere is cultivated throughout the school. Older pupils are encouraged to help younger ones and always to set a good example.

The whole school (except the nursery) has lunch together, prepares school Masses, participates together in concerts, plays and in a range of other activities.

The school’s discipline policy is based on positive Christian behaviour and values. We expect good behaviour and deal individually with misconduct. Isolation and detention are
used for any class misbehaviour and deliberate lack of homework.

Where more serious misbehaviour occurs, the school works with parents to promote improvement. The school does reserve the right to exclude, temporarily or permanently, should poor and disruptive behaviour persist.

Our chapel, where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved during term time.

Reflections after the Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Plymouth.

A visit to the local library.