St Marys Prospectus

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St Mary’s High School

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The promotion of excellence through a caring, supportive, Catholic environment.

Vision Statement

Dear Parents and Primary 7 Pupils A very warm welcome to St Mary’s High School and I hope you will enjoy your visit. As you turn the pages of our Prospectus you will gain an insight into life in our school. Each year, Open Night provides parents and prospective pupils with an opportunity to experience at first hand the work of the school. If anyone is unable to attend Open Night it is possible to arrange a visit to the school simply by telephoning for an appointment.

Our Vision Statement speaks of excellence, and excellence can only be achieved through applying high standards. We expect high standards from our pupils in terms of school uniform and personal conduct as well as high standards of class work, homework and examination results. We are proud of our pupils’ achievements and also the external recognition the school has received through the Investors in People Award. The feedback report from Investors in People stated: “There is strong evidence of a staff who have the welfare and the educational and personal development of their pupils as their raison d’être and who take a great personal and professional pride in seeing all their pupils achieve their full potential.”

We aim to encourage every pupil to develop to their full potential.

We recognise that this can only be achieved through a meaningful and committed partnership with our parents. In addition to the annual parents’ meetings, parents are welcome to make an appointment at any time to discuss matters of concern relating to their daughters’ education.

In St Mary’s we are constantly striving for better ways of preparing our pupils to meet the challenges of life in the 21st century. This booklet will tell you how we try to achieve this and we are happy to provide any further information you require.

Best wishes

Phil Smyth Mrs P Smyth Principal

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Aims of the School St Mary’s High School promotes high achievement by working with its pupils to enable them:

Mission for the School • to reach their full potential

The Mission of St Mary’s High School is to provide a Catholic education forto all develop our students which their unique talents and encour• skills anddevelops knowledge ages self development.

We believe which will equip them to bethat each pupil will succeed through experiencing: st

adaptable in the 21 century

• atorelevant and challenging and curriculum • respect themselves • effective and varied teaching strategies others

St Mary’s High School promotes high achievement by working with its pupils to enable them: • to reach their full potential • to develop skills and knowledge which will equip them to be adaptable in the 21st century • to respect themselves and others • to have self-worth • to recognize that they have a contribution to make to wider society • to take responsibility for the choices they make

• • • • • • •

a stimulating learning environment support, challenge and encouragement to succeed an have of self-worth to ethos learning partnerships between school, home and community theycollaboratively have a to recognize the opportunitythat to work towards common goals school community that strives for continuous improvement in all acontribution to make to wider that we do society

• to take responsibility for the choices they make

Pastoral Care The school has a strong Pastoral Care system provided by: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Vice Principal Pastoral Year Head for each year group Form Teacher for each class School Merit System KS3 Student Council Assertive Discipline Programme School Chaplain Home School Links Parent/Teacher meetings for each year group Sixth Form Peer Mentors for KS3 and KS4 form classes Pupil Mentoring by Heads of Year Links with appropriate outside agencies EWO Stress Management for pupils ‘Mind Out’ Programme Progress Files Counselling Chrysalis Programme Pastoral Programmes for Years 8 - 14

To assist with the transition from Primary School St Mary’s offers the ‘Big Schools’ Year 8 Induction Programme to help Year 8 pupils to settle quickly and easily into the school community. This induction programme is available to all Year 13 pupils. The school’s EWO also provides transition workshops for Year 8.

A carefully prepared PSHE programme is designed to help guide, prepare, train and equip all our pupils to engage effectively in interpersonal relationships and daily living.

The aim of the PD programme is to: • Promote the all round development of the pupil • Empower pupils to be effective learners • Assist them to become responsible members of society How a Parent can raise concern about his/her child’s welfare/progress

I can contact Head of Year

SENCO Mr. D. Wylie

If I am still concerned I can contact Vice Principal Pastoral Mrs. M. Wylie

Vice Principal Curriculum Ms. R. McLaughlin

The Vice Principal may inform the Principal if further action is needed.

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Admissions Criteria Admissions No 125 Enrolment No 600 Pupils from all schools are welcome to apply.

Should the school be over-subscribed the following criteria will be applied, in the order set down, by the Board of Governors.

1 Pupils whose normal place of residence is within the contributory parishes. These are Downpatrick, Saul, Strangford, Ardglass, Killough, Tyrella and Dundrum (not listed in order of preference).

Pupils transferring from feeder primary schools (this includes pupils enrolled in these schools who are not resident in the contributory parishes).

3 Pupils who have a sister at the school on the date of transfer.

4 Pupils for whom special circumstances apply e.g. social services report, health, security reasons. The Board of Governors will determine the merits of individual cases.

5 Pupils of a parent who is a past pupil of the school.

6 Pupils whose parents have expressed preference for a single sex school.

It is parents’ responsibility to ensure that any information which is relevant to St Mary's Admissions Criteria is included on the Parents’ Remarks Section of the Transfer Report Form or is attached to that Form.

The criteria relating to the initial admission of pupils into Year 8 before the commencement of the 2010 school year will also be used for entry into Year 8 should admission become possible after the commencement of the 2010 school year.

Applications 2007 73

2008 72

Admissions 2009 77

2007 73

2008 72

2009 77

Catchment Schools Admissions Criteria - Years 9-12 Usually pupils are admitted between Years 9 and 14 to the capacity of the relevant year and with due regard to the safety and welfare of the existing pupil population.

Criteria

Pupils come to St Mary’s from the following schools

a) Interview with the Principal or Vice Principal of this school between parent/guardian and new pupil.

• Cedar Integrated PS, Crossgar

• St Joseph’s PS, Strangford

• Christ the King PS, Drumaness

•St Macartan’s PS, Loughinisland

b) Written report from other school.

• Convent of Mercy PS, Downpatrick

• St Malachy’s PS, Castlewellan

c) Recommendation of Principal of other school.

• Downpatrick PS, Downpatrick • Holy Family PS, Teconnaught

• St Malachy’s PS, Kilclief • St Mary’s PS, Aughlisnafin

• Portaferry Integrated PS

• St Mary’s PS, Dunsford

e) Consideration of numbers in practical classes prescribed limits will not be exceeded.

• Sacred Heart PS, Dundrum

• St Mary’s PS, Newcastle

• St Brigid’s PS, Downpatrick

• St Mary’s PS, Portaferry

f) Admission would be prejudicial to the efficient use of resources.

• St Colmcille’s PS, Downpatrick

• St Matthew’s PS, Magheramayo

• St Francis’ PS, Drumaroad

• St Nicholas’ PS, Ardglass

g) Admission would not adversely affect the education of other pupils.

• St Joseph’s PS, Ballycruttle

• St Patrick’s PS, Ballynahinch

• St Joseph’s PS, Ballykinlar

• St Patrick’s PS, Legamaddy

• St Joseph’s PS, Carryduff

• St Mary’s PS, Killyleagh

• St Joseph’s PS, Crossgar

• St Patrick’s PS, Saul

d) Reasonable correlation between subjects, especially at Year 11.

• St Joseph’s PS, Killough

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Bus Routes

A6

po t 16

A52

A48

MILLISLE NEWTOWNARDS

Carryduff

BELFAST

Direct to School, past school, end of road

DONAGHADEE

Belfast Saintfield A20

COMBER

BALLYWALTER

3

A2

A3

A501

A2

Crossgar

Connection at Bus Station

0

ISBURN

A3

14

A7

KILLYLEAGH CROSSGAR

Portaferry

16A Kilclief

NN

0 17

RATHFRILAND Castlewellan A25 Clough Dundrum

HILLTOWN

Raholp

4

Downpatrick

A5

and

16E

Strangford

A25 STRANGFORD

A2

A

Drumaness

PORTAVOGIE

PORTAFERRY

19

RIDGE

A20

Killyleagh

BALLYNAHINCH Ballynahinch

KIRCUBBIN

Shrigley

2

SAINTFIELD

A2

A24

9

A4

HILLSBOROUGH DROMORE

A2 1

8

CASTLEWELLAN DUNDRUM 16D BRYANSFORD Ballylucas Ballynoe NEWCASTLE

Ballyhornan

ARDGLASS 16C Ballykinlar

Dunsford Ardglass Killough

School Uniform The school rules include the compulsory wearing of school uniform and appropriate clothing for PE, games and practical work. The school uniform is to be worn at all times unless a specific exception has been made by the Principal.

It has also to be worn for school functions, or by individuals or groups representing the school.

Full School Uniform Consists of: School • Official school blazer • Light blue blouse long-sleeved • Royal blue v-necked jumper • Royal blue skirt • Blue and yellow tie • Navy tights/navy socks • Blue and yellow scarf • Official shower proof fleece • Flat black shoes PE • Swimming costume • Towel • Plain Navy Tracksuit Trousers • Red aertex T-shirt • White socks • Trainers (preferably white)

The school blazer is compulsory for all pupils in the school.

Official Uniform Supplier: J J Donnelly Market Street, Downpatrick, Tel: 02844 613533

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The Curriculum at Key Stage 3 In St Mary’s pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum which provides a coherent link between primary and secondary school. In planning for the Northern Ireland Curriculum, we hope to provide for pupils at Key Stages 3 and 4 a curriculum which will prepare them for adult life.

The full list of subjects taught at Key Stage 3 is as follows: ✔ Art & Design ✔ Drama ✔ English ✔ French ✔ Geography ✔ History ✔ Home Economics ✔ ICT ✔ Learning for Life and Work ✔ Mathematics ✔ Music ✔ Physical Education ✔ Religious Education ✔ Science ✔ Technology and Design ✔ Word Processing

During the Spring term, Year 10 pupils consider the options available for study in Years 11 and 12.

Key Stage 3 SCHOOL SUMMARY RECORD: KEY STAGE 3 - 2008 TEACHER ASSESSED SUBJECT LEVELS: Number and % of pupils achieving each level Subject

W

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

N

Ex

Abs

No of Pupils

0.0

0.0

0.0

7

14

29

37

3

0.0

0.0

5

0.0

%

0.0

0.0

0.0

7.4

3.2

0.0

0.0

5.3

0.0

No of Pupils

0.0

0.0

0.0

8

11

0.0

0.0

3

0.0

%

0.0

0.0

0.0

8.4

0.0

0.0

3.2

0.0

No of Pupils

0.0

0.0

0.0

5

34

38

12

2

0.0

0.0

4

0.0

%

0.0

0.0

0.0

5.3

35.8

40

12.6

2.1

0.0

0.0

4.2

0.0

3

4

5

6

7

8

N

Ex

Abs

No of Pupils

1

21

42

22

4

0.0

0.0

1

4

%

1.1

4.2

0.0

0.0

1.1

4.2

No of Pupils

4

15

0.0

0.0

1

5

%

4.2

0.0

0.0

1.1

5.3

No of Pupils

6

6

0.0

1

1

4

%

6.3

6.3

0.0

1.1

1.1

4.2

English Total 14.7 30.5 38.9 21

32

20

Maths Total 22.1 33.7 21.1 11.6

Science Total

TEST RESULTS: Number and % of pupils achieving each level Subject

W

1

2

English Total 22.1 44.2 23.2 20

34

16

Maths Total 21.1 35.8 16.8 15.8 32

25

20

Science Total

KS3 1CT 100% Pass at Level 5

33.7 26.3 21.1

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Curriculum at Key Stage 4 Years 11 and 12 A variety of vocational and academic courses are offered for pupils at Key Stage 4.

The table below shows the subjects and examinations as offered: Subject

Award

Art & Design

GCSE

Business & Communications Systems

GCSE

Business Studies

GCSE

Child Development Drama English English Literature Employment Skills French Geography History ICT Learning for Life & Work Mathematics Media Studies

GCSE GCSE GCSE GCSE Level 1 GCSE GCSE GCSE GCSE GCSE GCSE GCSE

Occupational Studies (Business)

Level 1/2

Occupational Studies (Horticulture)

Level 1/2

Religious Studies

Science

GCSE/ Diocesan Lifestyles Certificate GCSE (Single Award)

Additional Science

GCSE (Double Award)

Text Processing

Level 1/2

Wider Key Skills

Level 1

Sixth Form Curriculum St Mary’s has a long tradition of Sixth Form provision. Courses currently on offer are listed opposite: We have extended the range of courses on offer for Sixth Form students to encompass a wider range of ‘A’ Level and Vocational courses.

In addition to their academic studies, our students undertake a taught pastoral programme including Religious Education and Careers.

They play a very active role in the broader life of the school as mentors, prefects, librarians and paired readers.

Subject

Awarding Body

GCE Applied Business

OCR

GCE Applied Health & Social Care

CCEA

GCE Applied ICT

OCR

‘A’ Level Art and Design

CCEA

‘A’ Level Maths

EDEXL

‘A’ Level Media Studies

WJEC

‘A’ Level Moving Image Arts

CCEA

‘A’ Level Religion

CCEA

National Level 2 Health & Social Care

OCR

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Enrichment Activities

Homework Club After school activities have been in place in the school since 2001. The activities run from 3.30 – 5.00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They form a major part of the school’s extra curricular programme. These activities include:: • • • • •

Computer Work Maths Science Sport Technology

programme, St Mary’s also promotes netball, basketball, camogie and gaelic football. Each sport takes part in a number of leagues through the country and in Ulster. We are constantly striving to develop our PE curriculum to meet the needs and interests of our pupils, in particular promoting Health Related Fitness throughout the school. All pupils are encouraged to develop coaching skills in the above activities and are frequently linked to local clubs.

The PE department also runs a ski trip each year which has been very successful and enjoyed by many pupils.

Sports Facilities Available

These activities are arranged by staff members to suit the requirements of pupils both in relation to timing and content. In most areas sessions are organised periodically which are geared towards examinations and coursework. Pupil uptake is high and this response testifies to the positive view the pupils take of the provision.

Access to

Collaboration

• •

• • • • •

Gymnasium Sports Hall 2 Netball Courts All Weather Pitch Camogie/Gaelic fields Downpatrick Swimming Pool Downpatrick Leisure Centre

Dissolving Boundaries International Links

Wider Key Skills

PE

This unique programme offers young people in Years 11 and 12 the opportunity to broaden their skills and to make them more effective in the workplace. The content of the programme is made up of activities

St Mary’s has a wide and varied PE programme.

In addition to sports encountered with the PE

Enrichment Activities

carried out both inside and outside the classroom.

The areas covered include: The Environment, The World of Work and The Community. The programme is delivered by a Youth Worker as well as the class teachers. A portfolio of work is assessed regularly.

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Careers Education St Mary’s offers Careers Education through the Pastoral Programme and through the subject of Learning for Life and Work at Key Stage 3 and 4 and as a structured programme for Years 13 and 14.

The delivery of the programme is greatly facilitated by the existence of a ‘Careers Suite’ which is stocked with up to date careers information, as well as a close working relationship with the local careers officers who provide advice and options to our students.

Year 10

Aimhigher Roadshow – offering progression routes from Year 10 onwards. Career Planning Day facilitated by Sentinus. A taught programme of 18 weeks to include Job Search and decision making activities in light of the important career choices that need to be made this year.

Year 11

A continuation of the Career Planning process where students are given the opportunity to research jobs and courses. Some students prepare for ‘Employment Skills Level 1’.

Year 12

A ‘Career Planning Day’ is organized with ‘Cragrats’ which offers Year 12 students an insight into choices they need to consider at the end of KS4.

All students avail of an interview with the Careers Officer. In October of Year 12, all students sample one week’s Work Experience in a career area of their choice. A log book is completed during the placement and an evaluation process carried out on their return to school.

In March of Year 12 each student participates in a ‘Mock Interview’ evening. Many local employees give their time to make this experience very worthwhile for our students.

All Year 12 students visit a ‘Careers Convention’ in the second term. This is usually organised by the local Business Education Partnership and attracts many representatives from business, local training organisations and members of Further and Higher Education. This gives our students a taste of some of their chosen careers.Years 13/14 The Career Planning process continues as we try to guide our students towards Post 18 choices. Each Year 13 student participates in one week’s Work Experience in February. In Year 14 many of our students complete UCAS forms for University entrance, as well as researching entry to other careers.some of their chosen careers.

Years 13/14

The Career Planning process continues as we try to guide our students towards Post 18 choices.

Each Year 13 student participates in one week’s Work Experience in February. In Year 14 many of our students complete UCAS forms for University entrance, as well as researching entry to other careers.

Years 13/14 students are given the opportunity to get an insight into University life by attending Open Days and Higher Education Conventions.

Year 13 Careers’ classes are currently involved in a ‘Success in Schools’ programme hosted by Young Enterprise.

Throughout the year there are visiting speakers from industry, Further and Higher Education and training, giving our young people a sample of the world of work.

Assessment Pupil Centred Learning We encourage our pupils to be fully engaged in their own learning. Pupils are trained to be self-evaluating and they are supported in their learning by their teachers through marking for improvement and target setting. The pupils are fully involved in this through the use of their Progress Files.

Homework St Mary’s is firmly committed to the belief that homework for all pupils is an essential part of their education. It is school policy to mark homework regularly and to actively seek the assistance of parents/guardians in promoting this.

The nature of the homework set varies between year groups, different classes and topics of study. It may include the following: • • • • • • •

Reading/Writing/Spelling Research Projects Observing/Recording Making a Model Completing Work Begun in Class Revision for Tests or Examinations

Reporting Teachers report to parents/guardians through written reports and on the occasion of the Annual Parent/Teacher Meeting for each year group. Parents may request appointments with teachers to discuss their daughter’s progress.

An integral part of teaching Assessment is used as an integral part of teaching to monitor the progress of each pupil and to diagnose any educational problems which merit remedial action. The information

gained from assessment informs future planning for teaching and learning.

Whilst assessment is ongoing, the following represent particularly important stages in the process: • • • • • • • • • • •

End of Unit/Module Topic Tests Christmas Tests Summer Tests Annual NFER Tests in June for Years 8, 9 and 10 MidYIS Tests for Year 8 YELLIS Tests for Year 11 Key Stage 3 - English, Maths, Science and ICT GCSEs in Year 12 ALIS Tests for Year 13 National Level 2 examinations ‘A’ Level examinations

The methods used include the following: • Oral

• Reading

• Written

• Practical experiments/ demonstrations

• Aural

• Investigations

The process is a continuous one for each pupil and is carried out through: • Tests • Homework • Fieldwork

• Coursework • Presentation • Progress Files

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Religion Department It is the duty of teaching staff in St Mary’s Religion Department to clarify, extend and deepen the knowledge and experience of faith your daughter has received from the home.

It is our challenge to enable your daughter to know and understand Christ and to make a meaningful response to his call to love God and to love your neighbour.

In Key Stage 3 the pupils follow the Fully Alive Programme which is endorsed by the Northern Bishops as the Official Catholic Religious Education programme for KS3 pupils in Northern Ireland.

The Religion Department offers every pupil the opportunity to receive a recognised qualification by the end of Year 12, either through following the Christian Lifestyle Programme that leads to the Diocesan Religious Education Certificate, or completing the GCSE Religious Studies courses provided and accredited by AQA. The Religion Department also offers an ‘A’ Level Religious Studies programme based on the Northern Ireland CCEA syllabus.

The pupils participate in daily morning prayer and weekly assemblies. With the assistance of the school’s Chaplain, there are many opportunities as well to participate in liturgical celebrations and prayer services which seek to develop the spiritual life of each pupil.

Inclusion/Special Educational Needs The aim of St Mary’s is to provide access to a broad and balanced Curriculum which is differentiated to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEN/disability, strive to reach their full potential. Pupils whose first language is not English will experience an ethos of support, challenge and encouragement to succeed.

Teaching and learning will be adapted to meet the needs of the pupils and their learning styles. The school adopts a flexible approach to SEN provision, eg in-class support, withdrawal and Outreach Support as deemed necessary. At KS3 pupils with educational statements receive support in our MLD Unit or in mainstream. Classroom Assistants are provided by the SEELB for those pupils who require additional assistance due to their SEN/disability.

We value the partnerships that have been forged between home and school in order to maximise support for our pupils. The school aims to provide a caring environment where all pupils feel included and valued and their self-esteem is raised in order to prepare them for the world of work.

Charges and Remissions Policy The school Management acts in accordance with the Charges and Remissions Policy produced by the SEELB in response to the Education Reform Order (NI) 1989 and related Guidance contained in DENI Circular 1989/91 (copies of this policy may be obtained from the SEELB Headquarters, Dundonald).

The Board of Governors reserves the right to levy charges for the following:

1. Residential/non residential trips wholly or mainly outside school hours which are not part of the common curriculum or not required by the syllabus of an approved public examination.

2. Musical tuition involving the hire of a musical instrument and/or cost of such tuition.

3. Materials and/or ingredients used in practical subjects if parents have indicated in advance a wish to receive the finished product.

4. Examination fee charges will be levied where:

5. Malicious damage or loss of school property.

(i) A pupil has failed to attend the examination

(ii) A pupil is entered more than once in a subject examination

6. Voluntary contributions from parents may be requested in relation to activities provided within school hours.

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Drugs Policy St Mary’s Pastoral Programme includes a Drugs Education Programme which provides information concerning the use and abuse of drugs.

The term ‘Drugs’ refers to a wide range of substances • Legal Drugs - such as alcohol, tobacco and prescribed drugs • Illegal Drugs - such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin

The promotion of positive attitudes and behaviour which would help young people resist drugs is carried out in Form Class time and also in subjects such as RE, Science and Home Economics.

The senior member of staff having overarching responsibility for drugs issues in the school is the Designated Teacher.

Guidelines for dealing with Drug related incidents On Discovery of drugs: Step 1 • Remove drugs and place in secure place.

• If pupil refuses to co-operate keep her under supervision.

Step 2 • Report the discovery to a member of the Senior Management Team and the Principal.

Step 3 • Senior Staff members investigate the incident.

• Pupil(s) concerned to be interviewed separately by Senior Staff Members.

• Details to be recorded on School Incident Sheet, including date, time and location.

Step 4 • Relevant agency to be contacted regarding advice.

Step 5 • Parents informed of situation.

• Incident to be discussed with parents/guardian and pupil.

• Details of interview to be recorded.

Step 6 • Suspension for possession of drugs.

• Expulsion for selling or repeated possession of drugs.

Related Incidents Outside School • • • • •

Report to SLT members and Principal.

Designated Teacher for drug related incidents to speak with pupil.

Parent/Guardian to be informed.

Information on Advice Centres given to pupil/parent/guardian.

Details of incident to be recorded.

Incident involving Pupil(s) who is/are under the Influence of Drugs Step 1 • Send for a member of the SMT or Head of Year Step 2 • Isolate the pupil Step 3 • Contact doctor, hospital, parent - as appropriate.

Step 4 • Try to find out what has been taken, when taken and if the pupil has any drugs in her possession.

Step 5 • Only search the pupil’s school bag in the presence of a witness and with the pupil’s consent.

Step 6 • Inform external agencies as appropriate • Keep record of all procedures carried out

Checks of school grounds/premises are carried out on a regular basis for signs of drug misuse which may have occurred outside school hours. If necessary, the local police will be contacted with regard to safe disposal of dangerous substances.

Any contact with the Media will be through the Principal.

Behavioural Policy Vision Statement

Responsibilities

The promotion of excellence through a caring, supportive, Catholic environment.

In St Mary’s all rules, rewards and sanctions are underpinned by the following principles: The Three R’s • Respect for self • Respect for others • Respect for property

Staff Responsibilities To maintain a consistent approach to promoting positive behaviour by: • Maintaining high expectations of pupils • Using appropriate teaching and learning strategies • Rewarding pupil achievements • Using fair sanctions as appropriate • Promoting a climate of mutual respect • Having clearly defined rules and procedures in place to which everyone is expected to conform • Maintaining a stimulating learning environment

Rights and Responsibilities Everyone in the school community has rights but they also have responsibilities:

Rights Pupil Rights • To be safe • To be heard • To be able to learn without unnecessary interruption • To fair treatment • To be treated with respect Staff Rights • To be safe • To be heard • To be able to teach without unnecessary interruption • To fair treatment • To be treated with respect Parents’ Rights • To be heard • To have their daughter taught without unnecessary interruption • To fair treatment • To be treated with respect

Pupil Responsibilities To help maintain a positive learning environment pupils are expected to: • Respect the rights of teachers to teach and pupils to learn • Accept direction and correction by staff in the classroom and elsewhere • Bring all they need to school each day • Arrive on time each day and for class wearing the correct uniform • Bring completed homework to school • Let other pupils get on with their work • Sort out disagreements without fighting • Treat other pupils and adults with respect • Respect the school environment • Move in a safe and orderly manner throughout the school

Parents’ Responsibilities To work in partnership with the school to promote positive behaviour by: • Ensuring their daughter comes to school on time every day and wearing the correct uniform • Ensuring their daughter has homework completed and brings all necessary equipment for class • Supporting the school in it s expectations of pupil behaviour • Providing absence notes • Keeping appointments with staff • Attending parent/teacher meetings Sanctions regarding unsuitable behaviour Any action taken will be guided by the following aims: • To bring about an improvement in the behaviour of the pupil(s) concerned • To maintain the right of other pupils to learn The following strategies and/or sanctions may be used depending on degree/extent of misbehaviour: • Detention • Daily report • Counselling within the school meeting with parents • Counselling and assistance from outside agencies • Withdrawal from class • Internal Suspension • Suspension • Expulsion

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Performance Tables ANALYSIS OF GCSE GRADES % SUBJECT

Total

A*

OTHER EXAMINATIONS YEAR 12 PUPILS A

B

C

D

E

F

G

U

0.0

12.5

33.3

54.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

6.7

26.7

13.3

33.3

13.3

0.0

6.7

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

53.3

46.7

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

French

24 15 15 89 19 76

Geography

Art & Design Business Studies Drama

0.0

0.0

0.0

Awarding Body

Subject

No of Pupils entered

No of Passes

% Achieving Success

Christian Lifestyle

Religion

9

8

89

X

0.0

0.0

0.0

11.2

55.1

19.1

3.4

7.9

3.4

0.0

0.0

OCR

Text Production Basic

30

30

100

0.0

21.1

31.6

36.8

10.5

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

OCR

Word Production Basic

27

27

100

1.3

9.2

3.9

34.2

27.6

13.2

7.9

1.3

1.3

0.0

29

0.0

10.3

6.9

37.9

24.1

10.3

10.3

0.0

0.0

0.0

OCR

Text Production Intermediate

22

21

95

History

27

0.0

29.6

29.6

37.0

3.7

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

OCR

Initial Text Processing

9

9

100

Home Economics: Child Dev.

33

0.0

0.0

21.2

51.5

9.1

12.1

6.1

0.0

0.0

0.0

OCR

Level 1 Key Skills Portfolio

6

6

100

9

9

100

Information Technology

11

18.2

45.5

18.2

18.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Maths

91

0.0

3.3

15.4

41.8

18.7

9.9

4.4

3.3

3.3

0.0

Media Studies

16

0.0

0.0

18.8

31.3

18.8

12.5

12.5

6.3

0.0

0.0

Office Technology

28 78 7 86 31

0.0

10.7

17.9

50.0

10.7

7.1

3.6

0.0

0.0

0.0

7.7

21.8

25.6

29.5

5.1

6.4

2.6

1.3

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

57.1

42.9

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

8.1

25.6

27.9

12.8

15.1

10.5

0.0

0.0

0.0

3.2

32.3

22.6

35.5

3.2

0.0

3.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

English English Literature

Religion PE Studies Science Additional Science

XL

School Performance Tables 2007-2008 PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS FOR POST 16 PUPILS 71% of pupils obtained 5+ GCSEs A* to C grades No in final year of course

% Achieving full qualification

Art & Design

13

100.0

Biology

2

100.0

Business

12

91.7

Information Technology

28

100.0

Geography

3

100.0

Media Studies

13

100.0

Mathematics

6

83.3

Moving Image Arts

14

100.0

Religious Studies

8

100.0

Level 2 Nationals Health & Social Care

11

100

A- Levels Subjects

PUPILS IN YEAR 12 (KEY STAGE 4) PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS FOR YEAR 12 PUPILS GCSE/GNVQ Part 1 Examinations Other Examinations % Entered for 5 or more Subjects

91

% Entered for 1-4 Subjects

9

% Achieving Grades A*-C 5+ Subjects 70

% Achieving Grades A*-G

1-4 Subjects 22

5+ Subjects 91

% Achieving no Grades A*-G

% Entered for other exams

% Achieving passes in 1+ courses or units

% Achieving no passes in either GCSE or other examinations

1

42

100

0

1-4 Subjects 8

Annual Attendance Rate (All Pupils) - 91% Performance Indicator

All Examinations

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

School

NI Average

School

NI Average

School

% Achieving 5+ GCSEs at Grades A*-C (or equivalent)

54

43

58

45

70

% Achieving 2+ A levels at Grades A-E (or equivalent)

91

95

100

94

98

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Expectations of Pupils Pupils are expected to conform to the following regulations for their safety and for the maintenance of standards within the school.

Pupils are expected to: • wear full school uniform to and from school • behave in a manner which does not bring the good name of the school into disrepute • co-operate with and respect all members of staff • report to the office if late for school (after 9.10 am)

• avoid wearing makeup or nail varnish.

• wear only one pair of ear studs in the lower ear lobe and one small ring.

• not to bring personal stereos or mobile phones into school.

• bring a written note from your parent/ guardian explaining any absence to your form teacher.

• restrict eating and drinking to break and lunchtime.

• come to class prepared • come to class on time General School Conduct

• only leave premises at lunchtime if a lunch pass has been granted

• Come to school every day

• move around the school in an orderly manner

• Always arrive in school on time

• help preserve the appearance of the school

• Always walk on the right hand side of the corridor

• only those pupils who have a written request from their parents may have permission to leave the school premises during the school day • make doctor/dentist appointments for outside of school hours. Where this is not possible written parental request must be submitted on or before 9.00 am on the day of appointment.

• have hair styles compatible with school uniform and wear long hair tied back to meet safety requirements in practical subjects

• Avoid running on the corridor at all times • Care for the school environment: Always put my litter in the bin • Always respond politely when spoken to by teaching, auxiliary and ancillary staff • Always take care of my uniform and keep my appearance clean and tidy • Talk to a member of staff if I have a problem

Year 14 Impressions of St Mary’s I would like to praise the school and staff for treating the Sixth Form pupils like adults and preparing them for University.

I love this school. T he teachers are so committed and without their help and hard work I wouldn'’t have achieved the grades I did at GCSE to go further.

I‘ t’’s friendly atmosphere T he teachers are very helpful. T hey talk to us like adults and try to get us ready for the next stage in life whether it is University or work.

Staff are very supportive and know me well and the way I like to work.

T he teachers are amazing, if anything all pupils should come here.

T he teachers'’ enthusiasm to help pupils. T heir T hey believed in me commitment is extraordinary. and that is why I'’m here.

I think this is one of the best schools about. T he teachers are helpful and very understanding.

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St Mary’s High School Ardglass Road Downpatrick BT30 6JQ

Telephone: 02844 612515 Fax: 02844 616807 ST. MARY’S OPEN NIGHT - TUESDAY 3rd February 2009

Principal:

Mrs P Smyth

Chairperson of Board of Governors: Mr E McGrady Enrolment Number: 600 Admission Number: 125 School Type: Catholic Maintained High School

11-18 years

www.stmarysdownpatrick.org.uk

e-mail: gmcveigh245@stmaryshs.downpatrick.ni.sch.uk The information contained in this Prospectus is correct as of January 2009

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