N.I School OPEN DAYS
ACTION FOR CHILDREN
NURSERY AND PREP SCHOOLS
Admission process for Pre-School and Primary School The Pre-School and Primary One admissions online portal opens for applications on 7th January 2021 at noon and closes at noon on 29th January 2021 for applications for the academic year commencing September 2021. Pre-School education is available to all children in the year before they are due to start primary one. Pre-School education is not compulsory, although parents/ carers may find it helps to prepare their child for starting primary school. Further information on the process will be available on the EA website from 18th December .
For help and advice parents/guardians can contact the Admissions Helpdesk via email preschooladmissions@eani.org.uk or primaryadmissions@eani.org.uk.
platforms ensure that all parties are kept well informed. VCB Prep is an innovative and creative school.
Why Victoria College Preparatory School & Pre-School is the Perfect Choice for Your Daughter‌
the moment that lockdown was first announced. VCB Prep is a school that delivers. Ideally positioned on the Victoria College Cranmore campus, VCB Prep has considerable expertise in
As a school, Victoria College Prep is continually evolving and aspiring to deliver an education worthy of the 21st Century. Our broad curriculum ensures that our pupils receive the very best education available, which includes the promotion of STEM, ICT and Arts subjects. Underpinning our curriculum is an outstanding pastoral system which recognises the individual, encouraging each girl to grow in confidence and understanding to reach her full potential. VCB
Prep builds foundations.
solid
Victoria College Prep recognises the importance of building solid educational foundations across all year groups. Throughout Key Stage 1 and 2 the important core subjects of Numeracy and Literacy are developed through programmes which are both structured and developmental. All children may
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. Every parent wants their child to get the best start, especially in terms of education. With a long history of academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care, Victoria College Preparatory School offers a stimulating, passionate and caring environment in which your daughter can shine. Here are 5 fantastic reasons why we should be top of your list: VCB
Prep is a established motivated school.
welland
Established in 1947, Victoria College Preparatory School has remained steadfast throughout these turbulent times and has continued to deliver an exciting and broad curriculum from
managing the transitions from PreSchool to Primary 1, and from Primary 7 to Year 8. Natural links through sports, music, drama and languages allow the pupils to become familiar with the Senior School grounds and staff. VCB Prep is more than a school. VCB Prep considers it a privilege to witness each child’s individual learning journey and to nurture their passions and interests. Our aim is to be there for parents and children every step of the way, Pre-School to P7. Within a kind and supportive environment and an ethos which promotes inclusivity, children fulfill their potential and shine. Effective communication is a priority and regular updates through our website, newsletters, email and online
need some extra support at some point in their educational experience, whether that be to extend or consolidate their learning. VCB Prep has expertise in providing the necessary intervention based on individual learning needs.
We are confident you will understand why we are so proud of our School and why we are keen to ensure your daughter experiences the best primary education can offer. Further information and a virtual tour can be found on our website: www.victoriacollegeprep.com or a private visit can be arranged by telephoning 90386490.
JANUARY 2021 DATES 7th: Applications open for Pre-school and Primary school AQE 9th AQE 16th AQE 23rd 29th: Applications for PreSchool and Primary School CLOSE
School holiday food grants for students t
Families of young people who are entitled to Free School Mea days from Christmas 2020.
Education Minister Peter Weir announced the scheme which cost up to around £40 million. Well over 100,000 children in Peter Weir said: “I welcome the decision by the Executive Holiday Food Grant scheme. This is very good news, esp financially during this pandemic.
“The issue of ‘holiday hunger’ has become an increasing c Executive colleagues, to address this by providing food p Halloween holidays and indeed when schools were forced “I realise the vital importance for children who normally nutritious meal without placing their family under furthe
“This is a very worrying time for families particularly tho ments will help to support them during school holiday pe should be a basic right for all children and it is vital that and young people come back to school after holiday perio depends on it.”
School holiday grant payments will be made direct to families mid-term breaks (approximately 20 weeks) between Christma
Concluding the Minister said: “Over 100,000 children are c Christmas 2020 approaches the Executive recognises the
to be extended until Easter 2022
als will receive food grants during school holi-
will run until Easter 2022 and is expected to n East Down and across NI will benefit. e to support my proposal to fund a School pecially for those families who are struggling
concern this year and I have worked, with my payments to families during the summer and d to close. receive a free school meal to have access to a er hardship in these difficult times.�
ose with school age children and these payeriods. Access to a healthy nutritious meal we continue this support to ensure children ods, healthy and ready to learn. Their future
s to cover all school holiday periods, including as 2020 and Easter 2022.
currently entitled to a free school meal. As additional challenges all families will face and in particular those with school aged children. “The School Holiday Food Grant scheme will help struggling families to provide food for their children and leave them with one less issue to worry about.� Families of children entitled to free school meals should receive a two week grant payment from week beginning 14 December.
What is a Pre-School Place? A pre-school place is a place in a pre-school class for your 'Pre-School' aged child (the year immediately before they are due to start primary one). Pre-school classes can be held in settings such as Playgroups, Statutory Nursery Schools, Nursery Units/Classes within Primary Schools or pre-school places within a private or voluntary daycare setting. Most pre-school places are available:
• •
at least two and a half hours per day
five days a week at least 38 weeks from September to June Some nursery schools and classes offer full-time pre-school places which last four and a half hours per day.
What is a Funded Pre-School Place? A funded pre-school place is a place in a pre-school setting that has no cost to the parent. Although there is no cost for the place, some pre-school settings may charge for additional services such as snacks or lunch. Funded pre-school places are for children who are in their pre-school year (the year immediately before they are due to start primary one).
Is Pre-School Education Compulsory? No, you are not required to send your child to a pre-school setting. Although it is not compulsory, some parents find that the play and learning opportunities provided to their child through pre-school education greatly helps to prepare them for starting primary school. The opportunity to mix with other children can also help with the social aspect of starting school, especially if your child has never been in an early years setting before.
would benefit most from participating in the programme. Sure Start encourages parents to get involved in the programme too because, Sure Start can help your child get ready for parents play a key role in encouraging and pre-school with programs for two and three helping children to succeed at school and in life. year olds.
Preparing your child for pre-school
The programme can help their social and emotional development, improve their communication and language skills and encourage their imagination through play. After a parent applies for their child to be involved with the programme, a panel will look carefully at a range of information on each child and will decide which children
For more information about Sure Start in your area, go to: https:// www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/sure-startpartnerships and select the one closest to you. Sure Start offers support in over 35 areas.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Learning at home with BBC Bitesize Bitesize is the BBC's free online study support resource for school-age pupils. It is designed to aid pupils in both schoolwork and, for older pupils, exams. In Northern Ireland support is offered for Foundation, Key stage 1 and Key stage 2 in the Primary section and Secondary support is offered to Key Stage 3 and GCSE. Visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize to avail of the extra support that is on offer for your children. Learning at home has never been so much fun.
At Academy Primary and Nursery School we believe that a strong focus on Pastoral Care ensures pupils feel cared for and valued. In response to this our pupils meet their educational potential and, in many cases, surpass it!
A happy child who feels safe and valued, is a child who gains the most from their education. Whilst our academic standards
and achievements are high, we also seek to develop the ‘whole child’. It is important that through our care and instruction, children not only develop academically, but also emotionally, physically, creatively and spiritually.
We offer a vibrant and varied extra-curricular programme that gives pupils the opportunity to engage in activities that develop their team work skills, self-esteem and social skills.
Good relationships, built on mutual respect, are at the heart of everything we do at Academy Primary. We have high behavioural expectations based
on three principles; Kindness, Safety and Respect.
Finally, it is our hope that when Academy PS pupils grow up and walk past the school gates, their hearts are flooded with fond memories, pride and affection.
We would normally hold an Open Day and Evening at Academy Primary and Nursery
in December, but due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic we cannot facilitate that this year. Instead, we will host a Virtual Open Day which will go live on 1st December on our school website. Our website address is www.academyprimary.com. Select ‘About Us’ then ‘Virtual Open Day’.
If you have any further queries regarding anything to do with our school or would like to register interest to receive welcome information, please do not hesitate to contact us directly on 028 97510407.
staff and pupils. For more information on the procedures being implemented by the school, please visit their website at www.victoriaparkprimaryschool.co.uk
Victoria Park P.S Welcome Pupils Back To School The motto of Victoria Park P.S. is ‘Living to Learn, Learning to Live’, and it has never been shown more clearly than now.
Victoria Park P.S. and their Principal Mrs Gourley, would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all parents for their support and patience during what has been trying times for everyone. All
As they welcome pupils back to school after a prolonged absence as a result of COVID 19, everyone at Victoria Park P.S. is learning to live with the ‘new normal’ as they ensure that they continue to provide a safe learning members of staff understand that these environment for their are testing times and they are doing students. their utmost to ensure that all pupils In this regard, Victoria Park can continue to thrive in a safe and P.S. have been scrupulous in secure learning environment. their following of government advice regarding the implementation of social distancing policies and hygiene safeguards. From staggered start and finishing times to modified classroom layouts, all of the necessary procedures are in place to ensure the safety of
‘High Quality Education for Children’ at Lisnasharragh Primary School Lisnasharragh Primary School has been providing ‘high quality education for children’ in the Castlereagh area for over sixty years. We have a proud tradition of excellent pastoral care, academic standards and extracurricular opportunities. We have had major refurbishments of our classrooms, library and school grounds including a Floodlit 3G Pitch, indoor and outdoor play areas, ‘quiet area’ and pupil maintained garden. We aim to create a happy and secure environment where your child can develop and reach their full potential within our school family. Our school welcomes and supports children from all backgrounds and promotes inclusivity using child-centred approaches.
also offer a wide range of free After-School activities, e.g. Sports, drama, choir, art, ICT and library. Our school has extremely strong drama and musical traditions, with our choir always in demand to sing at local events. The children have the opportunity to learn a wide range of instruments from our three professional tutors. We have a fully equipped ICT suite and each classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard. We are a Green Flag Eco school and currently finalists in the Leaders Award National Engineering Competition in 2020. The children also developed their STEM skills as part of the RDS Primary Science Fair. If you would like further information check out our website at www.lisnasharraghps.com or find us on Facebook.
Contact the school office on 028 9040 1211 to We provide excellent arrange a telephone wrap-around care daily from 7:45am to 5:00pm, meeting. for pupils from P1-P7. We
Bangor’s Aodhan Keag helps Flahavan’s celebrate a decade of
2020 marks the tenth year of Flahavan’s partnership with Athletic 43,380 children from 391 schools have taken part in the league wit from 2010, will return for this year’s anniversary celebration. Katie Catherine Ashford, Events and announce the 10th anniversary Over the last ten years The brand’s support has led to a “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic January. Subject to Executive 5th March 2021.” “Over 200 schools across West, are expected to take part “Each round will take place over following Friday, across the six able to proceed in as close a but we may have to adapt our Athletics Northern Ireland also place for specific cross-country
“We look forward to continuing to work with Flahavan’s to promo Michael McKillop, Paralympic Gold Medallist, added,
“As a para-athlete, I am extremely passionate about inspiring you one of this year’s Flahavan’s ambassadors, I will share my top trai start of an exciting career for our sporting stars of the future, so I e
The 2020/21 Flahavan’s Porridge Athletics NI Primary School C information on taking part in the League, please contact the Athlet
Pictured – Aodhan Keag from St Comgalls School in Bango Squad with Flahavan’s Primary School Cross-Country League
NI Athletics - Here’s to ten years!
cs NI, which has seen the Primary School Cross-Country League grow into a much-anticipated annual event. Over the past 10 years a total of th a 60% increase from 2010 – 2020. This year, Irish Senior Bronze Medallist, Katie Kirk, the first Flahavan’s Athletics NI league ambassador e will join Paralympic Gold Medallist Michael McKillop to support this year’s league. Commercial Manager, Athletics Northern Ireland, explains how this year will work: “Athletics NI is delighted to sponsorship with Flahavan’s Porridge for the 2020/21 season of our Primary School Cross Country League. Flahavan’s has invested considerable resources in cross country at grassroots, taking the league to the next level. steep increase in participation of primary school children across Northern Ireland. we have postponed the Flahavan’s Cross Country League from our original start date in October, to the end of restrictions and Sport NI guidance, round one will start on 29 th January 2021, with round two kicking off on the County Down, Southern Area, Causeway Coast, County Tyrone/Fermanagh Area, County Antrim, and North in the league this year.” one week, from Friday to the regions. We are hopeful we will be format as possible to previous years, approach as restrictions evolve. has robust and stringent protocols in races which we will be adhering too.”
ote the Primary School Cross Country League after a difficult year.”
ung people of all abilities to get involved in sport. Through my role as ining tips and encourage a healthy and balanced diet. This could be the encourage all schools across Northern Ireland to get involved!”
Cross Country League will get underway in January 2021, for further tics NI office on info@athleticsni.org or 028 9060 2707.
or, one of the young athletes in the Flahavan’s Junior Endurance ambassadors Katie Kirk & Michael McKillop
‘Crazy Hair Day' at Kircubbin Integrated Primary School for BBC Children in Need. Principal Irvine commented "Our children made a real effort to come in with some truly crazy hairstyles and managed to raise over ÂŁ700 in total. We also linked in with the BBC Children in Need theme of mental health and our P5-7 children also enjoyed workshops from Action Mental Health learning about the Five Steps to Well Being - Connect, Be Active. Keep Learning, Take Notice and Give.
Kircubbin Integrated Primary School Are you frustrated with local politicians who continue to struggle to work together and make crucial decisions on behalf of us all? Have you considered integrated education for your child? At Kircubbin Integrated Primary School we fully subscribe to the four key principles of Integrated education equality and diversity - where every child is valued, respected and loved and learns the importance of loving one another. At KIPS we celebrate difference and cater for all needs through a dedicated programme of classroom differentiation, early intervention and additional adult support where required. faith and values – where we learn about different faiths and have a dedicated programme of RE (including Catholic RE and sacramental preparation for those that wish to choose this as an option) parental involvement – where we place great importance on the home and school partnership to best support and develop all of our children. This includes a Parents’ Information Session at the beginning of each year, two parental consultations and an open door policy alongside the annual report. Regular surveys allow parents to give further feedback informing future school development planning. social responsibility – where all pupils are given a voice through our School Council. Pupils also have an opportunity to take on many positive roles within the school community such as reading partners, Anti- Bullying Ambassadors, Playground Buddies and Digital Leaders. We believe this to be the best way forward for all of our children as we ‘in our wee country’ continue to learn from the mistakes of our past in a new era of peace and inclusion. We fully support a holistic approach to learning where children get as many varied opportunities as possible to discover more about themselves and where their skills, talents and interests lie. This year, we can arrange individual tours by appointment if required (COVID19 measures in place). Alternatively, please take a look at our school video on the website and Facebook page and give us a call if you have any queries. The future is integrated, will you join with us?
EA launches Music Service website The Education Authority (EA) has launched the Music Service website, which showcases the inspiring work in nearly 700 schools across Northern Ireland to make music accessible to children and young people. The new website, developed over two years, is packed with information on Music Service activities, including concerts, events and service development. The website is a valuable tool for parents of new pupils accessing the service for the first time. It explains the benefits of music lessons, highlights the advantages of membership of the vast array of orchestra bands and ensembles available to pupils of all levels across Northern Ireland, and provides a point of contact for parents and carers who would like to find out more about their child’s progress and opportunities. “I am delighted to announce the launch of the EA Music Service website. It is a celebration of the fantastic and inspiring work that goes on in the almost 700 schools to make music accessible to our children and young people,” said Michele Corkey, EA Director of Education. “Through a team of passionate and professional EA tutors we inspire, support, and challenge our pupils. We help them build confidence and self-esteem. We help them to develop creativity, communication skills and many other academic and interpersonal skills. “There are so many benefits that come from learning music, from experiencing group music making; enhanced social skills, emotional well-being, and behavioural awareness. Global research over the last decade has proven that music education is a powerful tool in helping children reach their full intellectual, social, and creative potential,” she concluded.
The Music Service website is available at https:// musicservice.eani.org.uk/
St Matthew’s Primary School ALWAYS STRIVE TO DO YOUR BEST
St. Matthew’s Primary School is a learning community characterised by a strong Catholic Ethos, wherein each and every individual is encouraged to achieve his/her learning potential. Each individual is well prepared for the role they play in contributing to society, the economy and the environment and given the necessary skills to enter a dynamic world which will be increasingly
technological and challenging.
are frequently involved in the life Our school motto is ‘Always strive of our school. to do your best’. St Matthew’s Primary School welcomes new Principal, Ms All members of the school community have an important role Owens. With 16 years teaching experience in Northern Ireland, Liverpool and Dubai which includes her roles as Assistant Head Teacher in Liverpool and Vice Principal in an Academy in Dubai, she is a welcome addition to the St Matthew’s family.
to play in the success and running of our school. Many opportunities have been provided for all stakeholders to contribute to our school. Parents and the wider community
For more information on our school, and to view our virtual tour, download our school app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store by searching St Matthew’s Primary School Magheramayo. Alternatively, you can call today on 028 40650311.
You are choosing the option of Wrap around care - With 28 different afterschool activities the boys are never short of things to do. With wraparound care being provided on-site for boys in the By choosing Inchmarlo you are: form of a morning breakfast club ( 8am – You are choosing Smaller class sizes - We 8.40) and then afterschool from end of continue to provide small class sizes up to school until 5.45pm it is an easy transition a maximum of 24 in each class. In the for those boys looking to spend more time current education climate of overcrowded in school than in childcare elsewhere. classrooms this provides much needed You are choosing full time nursery reassurance that every boy will be noticed provision - Our Pre-Foundation class are and individuals will be catered for. in school for a full day – 9am – 2.10. This You are choosing specialists - With 14 is over 5 hours of nursery age provision specialist teachers there is expertise per day following the preschool throughout the curriculum. Our class curriculum. A great way to start off your teachers are experienced and deliver an child’s schooling at Inchmarlo. excellent curriculum but adding Music, You are choosing academic excellence. In Science, Sport, Art and Drama teachers our most recent ETi inspection report it from RBAI and further afield to the was reported that: “The children have teaching staff raises the bar even higher access to excellent, well-planned for the boys. Our own class teachers are opportunities for the progressive also extremely experienced in teaching development of problem solving skills in boys and the differences in approach that numeracy and in other areas of the really bring the best out in them. curriculum.”
WHY INCHMARLO ?
With national data showing that our boys are achieving standards in both literacy and numeracy that are significantly higher than the national average, Inchmarlo is proving to be an excellent choice. You are choosing 100 years of tradition and history. At Inchmarlo we are about blending the traditional with a modern twist. The ability to take all that is good with a modern progressive curriculum and underpin it with traditional methods and focus on reading, writing and arithmetic makes us the school we are. You are choosing 2 schools in 1. As the preparatory department of RBAI, we see our boys on a journey, starting in Pre Foundation and finishing in Year 14. With 94% of the boys in the last 4 years transferring to the main school, the journey to RBAI starts here at Inchmarlo. Don’t leave your son’s education to chance….make the correct choice in Inchmarlo!
Welcome to Moneyrea Primary and Nursery School
choir, band, drumming, drama, SU, Eco Club, Spanish, ICT, clay club etc. There is always something happening at Moneyrea! We are proud of our Eco School (Green Flag), Rights Respecting School (Silver) and Young Enterprise Awards and our extensive international links through our Erasmus+ projects.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to introduce you to Moneyrea Primary and Nursery School.
At Moneyrea we believe that education is a partnership, with everyone working together to nurture a love of learning. In our work, we are ably supported by our School Council, Rights Respecting School Steering Group, Eco Committee, Governors and amazing PTA, which is the glue that binds our school community
Moneyrea is an inclusive school, welcoming children of all abilities, backgrounds, cultures and faiths. At Moneyrea we value each child, respect their differences and promote tolerance and mutual understanding. All children are unique and all children are special. together. We are a ‘family’ oriented school, where our children ‘learn together, respect and care for one another’. Moneyrea is a vibrant, joy-filled school, where the success and happiness of every child matters. We are committed to helping our pupils acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values they need to lead happy, creative and fulfilling lives. At Moneyrea there are opportunities for everyone to shine, whether in class, in-school performances, on residentials or at after school activities which include: netball, football, rugby, hockey, athletics, gymnastics, dance, basketball, Monkeynastix,
I trust this editorial provides a flavour of life at Moneyrea and may encourage you to consider applying for a place at our nursery or Year 1 this coming January. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, we are unable to facilitate our usual Open Day. However, you can join us on a virtual tour by accessing two short videos on our Facebook page or school website at www.moneyreaprimary.co.uk. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy Christmas, from everyone at Moneyrea Roy Greer, Principal
Bangor students come together for Odd Socks Day as part of Anti-Bullying Week 2020 Schools and youth organisations across North Down came together for their first ever link up with Odd Socks Day in support of Anti-Bullying Week. Odd Socks Day gave children and young people a costeffective but fun way to embrace all that is different about them and their peers. It was the first time it has come to Northern Ireland, having enjoyed many successful years in the rest of the UK. Last year Odd Socks Day saw 56% of UK school children take part but this year the campaign sought to even more young people as it made its way to Northern Ireland. Anti-Bullying Week in Northern Ireland is coordinated by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), an interagency group managed by the National Children's Bureau (NCB) and funded by the Department of Education. The event here this year is supported by Translink and Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI). Deirdre McAliskey, Assistant Director at the National Children’s Bureau, hosts of the NIABF and organisers of Anti-Bullying Week, said:
“We believe that by channelling our collective power, through shared efforts and shared ambitions, we can reduce bullying together. We all have a part to play in tackling bullying and we are delighted this year to have partnered with Anti Bullying Alliance, our sister organisation in England, and have the support from CBeebies and CBBC star Andy Day, and his band Andy and the Odd Socks, to help inspire children, parents and schools to bring about positive change and a world free of bullying.” Collectively, the member organisations and sponsors encouraged children and young people to join their classmates in celebrating their differences. Ms McAliskey continues: “This year, more than ever, we have experienced the inspirational capacity that society has when it comes together to tackle a common challenge. By channelling our power for good, through shared efforts and collective responsibility, we can reduce bullying together. We want children and young people to parents, carers, teachers and politicians to all play a role in uniting against bullying. This is everyone’s business, not just those directly affected.” Gillian Cuthbert, Chair, Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), added: “United Against Bullying was a very apt theme for this year’s event and despite everything that’s going on around us, we feel it is more important than ever to be consistent with our efforts to erase bullying: “This year’s Anti Bullying Week featured a range of campaigns including Odd Socks Day. This was be a great initiative to allow children to embrace their differences and have discussions about being unique and how we all play a part in solving this puzzle. It was also a simple campaign that doesn’t put pressure on families and children to spend on expensive fancy dress costumes or something new, just don two mismatched socks and think how our differences make us special.”
Cairnshill Primary School In an ever changing and unpredictable climate, Cairnshill Primary School remains focused on the needs of each and every child. For over 50 years, Cairnshill PS has served the local community and established a reputation for high standards and exceptional pupils. Cairnshill Primary is a fully inclusive school, welcoming children from all backgrounds and religions. With just under 600 pupils, it is the largest controlled school in the local area. Each year group has three classes as well as a part time Nursery catering for 52 pupils. At Cairnshill PS, children are nurtured to be the best that they can be. In a world where there are so many anxieties and fears, children at Cairnshill remain safe, happy and content, always striving to help others and enjoy their time in school.
When visiting the school, you can expect a warm and friendly welcome to both children and parents. Each child is valued and staff work together to ensure that every child reaches their full potential. There are plenty of areas in which children are encouraged to excel including academic excellence, sporting fields, music, drama and modern languages. With a 50-strong orchestra as well as both Junior and Senior choirs, a wide variety of sports including football, hockey, basketball, rugby, futsal, fencing – there really is something for everyone! Where restrictions allow, individual tours of the school may be carried out in January 2021. For further information, call 0290705122 or check all social media platforms as well as the school website www.carinshillps.co.uk
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Sullivan Upper School Sullivan Upper is a co-educational, non-denominational, voluntary grammar school. The school was founded in 1877 and, since 1939, has occupied extensive grounds on the edge of Holywood. The school’s aims remain very much as they originally were: to provide the best possible education for all pupils, regardless of race, gender, background or religious denomination. Pupils come to Sullivan from a large catchment area, covering North Down, Ards and East Belfast. Sullivan Upper takes great pride in providing its pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum, supported by a much praised pastoral care system – truly living up to the school motto ‘lamh foisdineach an uachtar’ or ‘the gentle hand foremost’, a constant reminder about the virtue of gentleness in dealing with others. In order to ensure that all pupils are granted a well-rounded education in every aspect, the curriculum is extended through a wide range of cocurricular and extra-curricular activities for example in sports, music
and drama. A dedicated team of teaching and non -teaching staff helps all pupils to develop their talents to the full and to prepare themselves effectively for the challenges and responsibilities of adult life. Sullivan Upper School’s emphasis is strongly academic and they place a high value on academic achievement. Pupils entering the school at age 11 begin a 5-year course of study leading to GCSE examinations and the vast majority of those who take GCSE examinations remain at school for a further 2 years to take GCE AS and Advanced Level courses before heading off to universities at home or further afield, including Oxford and Cambridge. Sullivan Upper’s proud record of outstanding results in public examinations shows that all pupils are empowered to realise their potential. To find out more, visit the school website at www.sullivanupper.co.uk where you can participate in the school’s virtual open day experience. Alternatively, you can download the digital prospectus from the school’s website (which can be accessed using the QR code) on the Sullivan Upper School advertisement.
SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
perspectives.
We have a firm community focus and through effective collaborations within the wider area, we continue to improve the learning experiences of our pupils through a variety of effective partnerships. At Saintfield High School we continue to take the best of new innovations to enrich each child’s learning journey, adding to the traditions and skills that we know lead to educational excellence.
Saintfield High School is a thriving and vibrant coeducational non-selective postprimary school, and we have faithfully served the local and wider area for over sixty years. We are extremely proud of everything that our pupils achieve both inside and outside the classroom, and our reputation of delivering high quality learning alongside exceptional pastoral provision, cements our key position at the heart of our community. Saintfield High School offers children aged 11-16 a bespoke educational pathway that nurtures each individual pupil to achieve their true potential. In addition to a broad and balanced curriculum at both Key Stage Three and Key Stage Four, the school offers a wide and varied extra-curricular programme to enhance performance in the classroom and life skills, and to encourage and promote pupils’ broader
For more information, visit our website at www.saintfieldhighschool.com or call us on 02897 510356. PRINCIPAL
Excellence for All at Priory Integrated College Priory Integrated College is a community which seeks to provide education at its best. We are determined to draw out and develop the aptitudes and talents of all our pupils. We treat each pupil as an individual and get to know them so we can support their interests and passions, develop them on their learning journey and support them in becoming resilient and confident young people who are community focused and globally minded. We welcome children from both the Catholic and Protestant traditions, as well as children of other faiths and none. We seek to promote parity of esteem between all pupils and we celebrate difference in all its manifestations. Together (the word on our College crest) reflects our belief that we are stronger being part of the Priory family and together we achieve. Pupils who come to
Priory Integrated College learn about themselves and about others and how to respect both. Through our lens which values all people as equal, Priory pupils appreciate our diverse community and the warm atmosphere which supports each pupil to be and do their best.
Excellence for All embodies our ethos and we expect each pupil to succeed academically and to always have a positive attitude to learning. Manners and good behaviour matter to us as we prepare our young people with the etiquette necessary to participate in all aspects of society. Priory pupils excel academically. Key Stage 4 and 5 results are hugely impressive and pupil progress compares extremely well with schools in any sector. In 2020 95% of pupils achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C and 80% of pupils achieved 3 or more qualifications at grades A*-C in Year 14. We saw our Year 14 pupils go on to study competitive university courses both locally and further afield. For more information, visit our website at www.priorycollege.co.uk
Home to School Transport Update Remember that home to school transport should only be used where you have no other alternative and you are encouraged to use active travel where possible. Do not travel if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 or your household has been advised to isolate. All pupils regardless of age are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering on all school transport if they can do so. Wearing a face covering is mandatory for post primary pupils on all forms of school transport. Exemptions apply for medical reasons and also for those pupils with special education needs or sensory difficulties. If you are travelling with us please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, and maintain social distancing when you can. There may be some disruption to services as we put in place new arrangements, please bear with us at this busy time. For more information on home to school transport visit: www.eani.org.uk/education-restart We also have a dedicated Home to School Transport Helpdesk - 028 9598 5959 - which operates Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
BREDA ACADEMY MOVING FORWARD It is an exciting time at Breda Academy as we go from strength to strength! As the Principal I am honoured to be leading this vibrant and successful school. Our devoted staff guide and support all our talented young people to meet their needs, enjoy school and make progress in their learning. I am especially pleased that for the past five years our exam results have continued to increase. In the last two consecutive years they have been
record breaking, with our Year 12 students achieving just shy of 80% 5 or more A* - C GCSE or equivalent grades. We continue to MOVE FORWARD as a community and in September we welcomed 112 Year 8 students who are now flourishing and enjoying school. We are very proud that the Academy offers all students a 7-year learning journey. Our 6th Form continues to thrive and we currently have over 170 Year 13 and 14 students studying A-Level and Level 3 qualifications. I am delighted that after their 7year journey with us, our recent Year 14 leavers are MOVING FORWARD to take up their place at a prestigious university,
starting an apprenticeship beginning their working career.
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We place our students at the heart of all we do and provide them with excellent pastoral care to promote their wellbeing. The Academy provides an inclusive and diverse curriculum and a wide range of qualifications. We strive to develop our students’ education, skills, and resilience to be successful lifelong learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens. For more information please visit our website https://www.breda.academy/ and our Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/BredaAcademy-1394574960867218/ Please join us on our exciting journey! Mr P Perry - Principal #proudtobebreda
Parents Worrying About Cyber Bullying The majority of parents fear that their child will be subjected to cyber bullying via group chats in a variety of apps including Whatsapp and Snapchat. School is almost every pupil’s social life. They form friendships and connect with others through hobbies, social outings and making plans for evening activities. But when cyber bullying occurs, it can be very upsetting to the pupil’s social network. It could begin with people spreading rumours or talking about them, to excluding and isolating them altogether. If and when this happens the actions of others can impact in every part of that person’s life. It is important for parents and teachers to understand cyber bullying. There are several forms of cyber bullying which can range from leaving comments on pictures to hurtful messaging. The main forms of cyber bullying often include using photographs, blogs, websites to make fun or alienate an individual from their social network. Victims of cyber bullying often do not tell anyone. The reasons vary from embarrassment, denial or simply not wanting to worry others. The prevalence of cyber bullying is on the rise and it is important that teachers and parents take affirmative action to educate their children on the potential harms that it can cause. One of the first steps of preventing and responding to cyber bullying is understanding why kids engage in this behaviour. Although, the most common reasons stem from anger and revenge, kids also cyber bully to fit in, to spread gossip or even to alleviate boredom. Both traditional bullying and cyber bullying cause significant emotional and psychological distress. In fact, just like any other victim of bullying, cyber bullied kids experience fear, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. You can also experience feeling overwhelmed, vulnerable, powerless, exposed, humiliated, isolated and even disinterested in life. Don't let cyberbullying into your classroom or home. Keep talking!
Admission process for Post Primary School Post Primary admissions online portal opens for applications on 1st March 2021 at noon. For help and advice parents/guardians can contact the Admissions Helpdesk via email postprimaryadmissions@eani.org.uk
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