St Marys High School Prospectus 2010

St Mary’s High School

Prospectus 2010

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Dear Parents and Primary 7 Students A very warm welcome to St Mary’s High School.

I am delighted that you are interested in getting to know our school and hope you enjoy your visit. Our Prospectus will provide you with an insight into the life of our school illustrating what St. Mary’s has to offer this generation of postprimary students.

Our Vision Statement speaks of excellence, and excellence can only be achieved through applying high standards. We expect high standards from our students 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 students’ achievements and we aim to encourage every student to develop to her full potential.

As a Catholic school we strive to provide experiences which will enable our students to grow spiritually and place great emphasis on the Pastoral element of their education.

Welcome

We believe we can face the educational challenges which lie ahead and aim to enhance our provision further by collaborating with the other postprimary schools in our learning area.

From September this will enable Sixth Form students from St. Mary’s, De La Salle High School and St. Patrick’s Grammar School to be taught together in a variety of ‘A’ Level subjects.

In St Mary’s we are constantly striving for better ways of preparing our students 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.

Phil Smyth Mrs P Smyth, Principal

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

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Aims of the School Mission for the School The Mission of St Mary’s High School is to provide a Catholic education for all our students which develops their unique talents and encourages self development. We believe that each pupil will succeed through experiencing: • • • • • • •

a relevant and challenging curriculum effective and varied teaching strategies a stimulating learning environment an ethos of support, challenge and encouragement to succeed learning partnerships between school, home and community the opportunity to work collaboratively towards common goals a school community that strives for continuous improvement in all that we do

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

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

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.

Pastoral Care

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

The Table below indicates how a parent can raise a 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

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

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).

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

Catchment Schools

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.

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.

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.

Applications

Admissions

2007

2008

2009

2007

2008

2009

73

72

77

73

72

77

• Cedar Integrated PS, Crossgar • St Joseph’s PS, Strangford • Christ the King PS, Drumaness • St Macartan’s PS, Loughinisland • Convent of Mercy PS, Downpatrick • St Malachy’s PS, Castlewellan • Downpatrick PS, Downpatrick • St Malachy’s PS, Kilclief • Holy Family PS, Teconnaught • St Mary’s PS, Aughlisnafin • Portaferry Integrated PS • St Mary’s PS, Dunsford • Sacred Heart PS, Dundrum • St Mary’s PS, Newcastle • St Brigid’s PS, Downpatrick • St Mary’s PS, Portaferry • St Colmcille’s PS, Downpatrick • St Matthew’s PS, Magheramayo • St Francis’ PS, Drumaroad • St Nicholas’ PS, Ardglass • 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 • St Joseph’s PS, Killough

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Bus Routes

DONAGHADEE

A52

BELFAST From

1 A2

BALLYNAHINCH RIDGE A

16E PORTAFERRY

Downpatrick

A5

0

and

RATHFRILAND A25

HILLTOWN

PORTAVOGIE

A25 STRANGFORD

CASTLEWELLAN16D 17 DUNDRUM 16C BRYANSFORD NEWCASTLE

6

A20

19

Ballynahinch Drumaness

2

Castlewellan Clough Dundrum

A2

17

19

KILLYLEAGH CROSSGAR 14

4

16E

Portaferry Strangford Raholp

BALLYWALTER

A7

Ballylucas Ballynoe

HILLSBOROUGH DROMORE

SAINTFIELD

A2

16D

3 A2

Ballykinlar

COMBER

KIRCUBBIN

A3 A24

16C

ISBURN

NN

16A

Kilclief Ballyhornan Dunsford Ardglass Killough

A501

9 A4

16

Belfast Carryduff Saintfield Crossgar

A20

16

0

Shrigley Killyleagh

A3

14

MILLISLE NEWTOWNARDS A2

Bus No

A48

16A ARDGLASS

Full School Uniform Consists of:

School Uniform

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

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

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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

✔ Music

✔ Drama

✔ Physical Education

✔ English

✔ Religious Education

✔ French

✔ Science

✔ Geography

✔ Technology and Design

✔ History

✔ Word Processing

✔ Home Economics ✔ ICT ✔ Learning for Life and Work

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

✔ Mathematics

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“Just enjoy yourself. Don’t think of it as hard work but fun!”

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

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

Level 1/2

Occupational Studies (Horticulture)

Level 1/2

Science

This table shows the subjects and examinations as offered:

GCSE GCSE

Occupational Studies (Business)

Religious Studies

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GCSE

GCSE/ Diocesan Lifestyles Certificate GCSE (Single Award)

Additional Science

GCSE (Double Award)

Text Processing

Level 1/2

Wider Key Skills

Level 1

Post 16

“The teachers believed in me and that’s why I’m here”.

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

Enrichment Activities

Fund Raising

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International Links School Trips

Sport

Enrichment Activities

Protecting the Environment After School Clubs

School Council

Competitions

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Careers Education 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.

•

All students avail of an interview with the Careers Officer.

•

In October of Year 12 students participate in one week’s Work Experience in a career area of their choice.

•

In March of Year 12 each student participates in a ‘Mock Interview’ evening.

•

All Year 12 students attend a ‘Careers Convention’ in the second term.

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 10 •

Aimhigher Roadshow – offering progression routes from Year 10 onwards

•

Career Planning Day facilitated by Sentinus

•

Units of Work delivered through the Personal Development Programme

Year 11 •

Students are given the opportunity to research jobs and courses through the GCSE Learning for Life and Work programme.

Year 12 •

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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.

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.

“Staff are very supportive”.

Pupil Centred Learning

Reporting

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.

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.

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

Assessment

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

“Staff know me well and the way I like to work”.

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Religion Department 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.

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.

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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.

19 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:

(i) A pupil has failed to attend the examination

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

5. Malicious damage or loss of school property.

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

Charges & Remissions

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.

• 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.

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

Related Incidents Outside School

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.

Guidelines for dealing with Drug related incidents • Report to SLT members and Principal.

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.

Responsibilities

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Rights

• 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.

Step 1 • Send for a member of the SMT or Head of Year Step 2 • Isolate the pupil

Any contact with the Media will be through the Principal.

Rights Responsibilities

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

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

Behavioural Policy

Responsibilities

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 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

Rights

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

Rights Responsibilities

Rights

Responsibilities

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Performance Tables OTHER EXAMINATIONS YEAR 12 PUPILS Subject

No of Pupils entered

No of Passes

% Achieving Success

Christian Lifestyle

Religion

16

16

100%

OCR

Text Production Business Professional

9

9

100%

OCR

Initial Text Productions

12

12

100%

CCEA

Employment Skills Level 1

17

17

100%

CCEA

Occupational Studies

16

16

100%

CCEA

WKS Problem Solving Level 2

16

16

100%

9

9

100

Awarding Body

ANALYSIS OF GCSE RESULTS (YEAR 12) Total Number

% A* - C

% A* - G

Art & Design

16

100

100

Business Studies

8

37.5

100

Drama

16

100

100

English

86

65.1

100

English Literature

23

82.6

100

French

60

66.7

100

Geography

16

81.3

100

History

11

100

100

Home Economics: Child Dev.

20

55

100

Information Technology

29

100

100

Maths

86

58.1

98.8

Media Studies

14

64.3

100

Learning for Life and Work

64

95.3

100

Religion

66

86.4

100

Science

85

52.9

100

Additional Science

20

95

100

SUBJECT

20

XL

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

86

% Entered for 1-4 Subjects

14

% Achieving Grades A*-C

Other Examinations

% Achieving Grades A*-G

5+ Subjects

1-4 Subjects

5+ Subjects

1-4 Subjects

66

31

96

4

All Examinations

% 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

0

17

100

0

75% pupils entered for 5 or more GCSEs obtained 5+ GCSEs

Performance Tables PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS FOR POST 16 PUPILS

No in final year of course

% Achieving full qualification

Art & Design

7

100%

Biology

4

100%

Business Studies

10

90%

Information Technology

19

95%

Mathematics

7

72%

Media Studies

6

100%

Moving Image Arts

8

100%

Religious Studies

4

100%

5

100%

A- Levels Subjects

Level 2 Nationals

Health & Social Care

Annual Attendance Rate (All Pupils) - 91%

Performance Indicator

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

School

NI Average

School

NI Average

School

NI Average

School

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

58

43

58

45

70

50

66

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

91

95

100

94

98

93

89

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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) • only leave premises at lunchtime if a lunch pass has been granted • move around the school in an orderly manner • help preserve the appearance of the school • 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

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Expectations of Pupils Pupils are expected to: (Cont) • 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 • Come to school every day • Always arrive in school on time • Always walk on the right hand side of the corridor • 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

“I like studying new subjects”.

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

St Mary’s Open Night - Tuesday 2nd FEBURARY 2010

Telephone: 02844 612515 Fax: 02844 616807 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

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www.stmarysdownpatrick.org.uk

e-mail: gmcveigh245@c2kni.net The information contained in this Prospectus is correct as of January 2010

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