The school has permanent recognition with the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi for the conduct of matriculation. Recently it has sought and gained affiliation with the Aga Khan University Examination Board for matriculation and higher secondary classes. It is also registered with Cambridge University International Examinations (CIE) for both O and A Level examinations. St. Mary's Academy was the first school in Pakistan and one of just a few schools world wide that enjoys the status of being a Cambridge International Fellowship Centre and is the first school in Pakistan to be registered for the Cambridge International Primary School curriculum.

The medium of instruction is English for all classes. From Class Prep to Class 7 a general curriculum is offered including English, Urdu, Social Studies, mathematics, science, art, music, physical education and Islamiyat or religious studies.

In Class 8 students enter either the matriculation or the O Level section.

Class 8 matriculation students commence study for the Aga Khan University Examination Board science syllabus that includes English, Urdu, Pakistan Studies, Islamiyat or ethics, mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology.

Class 8 O Level students pursue a general course leading to O Levels and in Class 9 commence their elective studies. Apart from the compulsory subjects of English, Urdu, Islamiyat or religious studies, Pakistan Studies and mathematics students select three or four subjects from additional mathematics, computer studies, physics, chemistry, biology, economics and principles of accounts.

At A Level students are required to study three subjects and may take four subjects. The subjects available are accounting, biology, business studies, computing, chemistry, economics, mathematics, further mathematics, physics, law and Urdu.

All students participate in a physical education program and have the opportunity to acquire computing skills.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

SPORTS

The school has an extensive sports program. Each Friday is devoted to sports with inter class and inter House competitions. Inter school games are also played.

Sports played include...

• Cricket
• Football
• Basketball
• Volley ball
• Table tennis
• Lawn tennis
• Badminton
• Athletics including cross country
• Field games such a long jump, high jump, shot putt, javelin, discus
• Martial arts


There is a special tennis coaching clinic for senior primary students to introduce them to the sport.

These activities culminate in the annual sports carnival.

DEBATING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING

Throughout the year there are opportunities for students to participate in public speaking and debating contests both within the school and in inter school competitions. These activities are conducted in both English and Urdu.

MUSIC

In addition to the music classes for primary students there are senior and junior choirs that perform on special occasions. There are also opportunities for students to play instruments and to perform at school functions.

SCIENCE

Senior students are encouraged to participate in the Buraq Planetary Society and to sit for the admission test for the annual Buraq Space Camp. Senior students are also encouraged to sit for the tests for admission to the annual National Science Talent Quest camp. Entry to both these camps is via competitive tests open to students from across Pakistan with the top forty or fifty students being selected. Usually there are several St. Marians among these students.

All students are encouraged to develop and display science projects during the annual Science Week.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL INTERACT CLUB

The school has a registered Interact Club which provides an opportunity for senior students to develop their leadership skills whilst serving the community. This club was very active in a joint project with the International School, Frankfurt to assist earthquake victims.

YOUNG FRIENDS OF AL SHIFA

A branch of this organization operates in the school. Students undertake various activities as a community service to assist the patients of Al Shifa Eye Hospital.

ST. MARY'S ACADEMY MODEL UNITED NATIONS CLUB

This club is run by senior students and hosts both in school and interschool model UN conferences. It is a registered Model UN Club.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

At all levels students are encouraged to take up leadership roles such as class monitor and other various roles that are held within a class. Senior students are elected as school prefects. Another group of senior students hold office as student councilors who offer peer support to other students and conduct a variety of welfare activities both within and outside the school.

VOLUNTEERS

Older students are encouraged to become active in their community as volunteers helping out in various places and institutions in Rawalpindi.