Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College

[EduCativ]

The school aims to give each pupil an education that will help her to develop her gifts, both spiritual and social, and achieve the highest academic standards of which she is capable. We hope each pupil will receive the help and guidance that will encourage her confidently to make her contribution to life as a responsible and self-disciplined Christian.
The Convent of Jesus and Mary enjoyed over 10 years as a specialist Language College. It was one of the first schools to achieve specialist status in this area and received funding directly from the government to promote languages and the international dimension both within the school and in the local community.
Whilst in many schools a minority of pupils choose to study a foreign language at KS4, The Convent of Jesus and Mary ensures that everyone learns at least one foreign language, with many students learning two or even three.
In year 7 students experience all of the languages offered at the school during the first term and they then choose the one they intend to continue with until the end of year 11. There are, however, fast-track courses for more able students. At KS5 students continue to experience languages through A-level courses or using the weekly enrichment classes.
We are a rich, diverse and inclusive school: there are over 35 languages represented. Many students at the school have an additional language which they may speak at homes such as Polish, Arabic, Portuguese, French Italian, and Spanish. These students are encouraged to participate in the early entry scheme and are supported in their learning through the weekly lessons offered as part of the Saturday School provision.
In addition to the normal curriculum, students at the Convent benefit from a whole range of cultural activities such as workshops organized in conjunction with international events and festivals, visits to art galleries and museums, cinema trips, and lectures, which make their education truly distinctive and develop both their interpersonal and intercultural skills, which are essential for success in an increasingly global economy.
A program of overseas visits as well as joint projects with schools located in other countries provide students with an opportunity to compare their experiences with those of their peers living abroad and explore global issues.
The integration programs run in conjunction with the British International School give students a chance to gain an insight into different school systems by hosting groups of Italian visitors who share their lessons during their stay in England.
The work carried out to promote internationalism throughout the school was recognized by the British Council in 2008 as the Convent achieved the International School Award.
St Claudine’s vision was to provide an exceptional education for girls. Inspired by that vision, our whole school, staff, and students, strive to live out St. Claudine’s values so our students grow. The majority of our school community is Catholic. Staff and students of other faith traditions are a vital part of the school community, supporting and participating in our spiritual life.
In the grim aftermath of the French Revolution, a young woman of vision and courage - Claudine Thévenet, whose brothers and an uncle were guillotined during the Reign of Terror - spent her time, her energy, and her money in providing food, clothing, education and secure home for orphaned and abandoned children. She was helped in her task by several like-minded charitable young women and in 1818 founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary.
In 1886, nuns from the now flourishing religious congregation were invited by Cardinal Manning to form a convent school for girls in Willesden. The school’s foundation stone was laid a year later and in 1888 the Convent of Jesus and Mary was opened as a private boarding school for girls. Now, at the start of the 21st century, the Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College provides high-quality, fully comprehensive education for girls aged from eleven to eighteen.

View full school