“
If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants .”
Isaac Newton
I am delighted to welcome you to Methodist College and am excited that you have chosen to be a Collegian. You now have exclusive access to everything that Methody has to offer so that you can reach your full potential and flourish throughout your time at the College. We offer an unparalleled education that is underpinned by opportunity, diversity and excellence so that all Collegians are inspired to rise to John Wesley’s Challenge to:
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”
Methody has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and extra-curricular success that is known throughout this country and beyond. We are very proud of our renowned reputation and know that past and present pupils have made Methody the school that it is. Every Collegian contributes to our vibrant community through their gifts and talents therefore I am really looking forward to learning more about you and your positive contribution to the College but also trust that your life will be enriched because of Methody.
The move to another school can be both exciting and a bit daunting but please remember that the more you get involved in the life of the College the more you will get out of your time here. All the staff are ready to help you to settle in quickly and make new friends so that you can enjoy your time at Methody.
This guide is to give you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) information on the daily life of Methodist College including what happens on day one, what uniform and games kit you will need and where you can find important information. Keep your guide in a safe place as I can guarantee you will use it during your first year. I look forward to seeing you during your induction to the College and watching you develop and grow within the Methody family.
Mrs J Lendrum, Principal
1. Monday 28 August: Bank Holiday (school closed)
2. Tuesday 29 August
Form 1 pupils and NEW pupils to the College in Forms 2- 4 should attend as indicated below. All pupils in L6 should attend as indicated below.
All Form 1 9.00 am in the Chapel of Unity
New pupils in Forms 2 & 3 9.30 am in Reception
New pupils in Forms 4 9.30 am in the Atrium, McArthur Hall
All L6 pupils 9.00am in the Whitla Hall
School will finish for each form as follows:
Form 1 12.00 pm
Forms 2 – 4 10.30 am
L6 12.00 pm
Canteen/Deli lunches will not be available.
3. Wednesday 30 August
All pupils should attend:
Form 1 9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms (same as June Induction days)
Form 2 9.00 am in the Whitla Hall
Form 3 9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms (same as F2 TG rooms)
Form 4 9.00 am in the Chapel
Form 5 9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms (same as F4 TG rooms)
Form L6 11.10am in the Whitla Hall
Form U6 Prefects 9.40 am and then all U6 10.00 am in the Whitla Hall
Form 5 - U6 will make their Games choices at lunch time and them be released to go home at 1.30pm.
Form 1 pupils finish at 3.00 pm and all other pupils at 3.15pm.
Parents/Guardians are asked to note the times for arrival as above are for the FIRST TWO MORNINGS ONLY . All other mornings Tutor Group registration begins promptly at 8.45 am.
Thursday 31 August – Friday 1 September will follow Week A timetable.
• All dates are inclusive
• Form 1, other new pupils and all L6 only on Tuesday 29 August 2023.
• INSET days - 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 August
• Staff Development Days (pupils do not attend)
Friday 27 October 2023;
Friday 9 February 2024;
Monday 27 May 2024;
2 others TBC
The Education Authority (EA) has a policy of co-ordinating the dates of school holidays in all the Primary and Secondary schools under its control and of providing school transport only on the dates when their schools are in session. Since the College holidays do not always coincide exactly with those of the EA (Belfast schools), there can be occasions when the College is in session but there is no school transport. Based on information provided by the EA, it would appear that there will be a number of dates during the 2023–2024 academic year when the College will be open but school transport will not be provided and pupils will not be able to use their bus/train passes. Parents/guardians of any children who may be affected should note that the dates are:
Tuesday 29 August 2023,
Wednesday 30 August 2023,
Thursday 31 August 2023,
Monday 18 March 2024
It is hoped that parents/guardians will make an alternative arrangement to enable their children to attend school on these dates.
At the College, staff are committed to helping pupils develop their potential in a supportive and positive environment. Thus, all members of staff have a pastoral role. However, some staff have a very special part to play in the Pastoral Care and Form Teams.
The Heads of Section for Junior School (Mrs E McKay), Middle School (Mrs L Forsythe) and Senior School (Mrs L McCluggage), have responsibility for co-ordinating the Form work within the College and are supported by a Form team consisting of a Head of Form, Deputy Head of Form, Form Tutor and Tutors. Each pupil is a member of a Tutor Group, and the Tutor, who is an integral part of the Form Team, has a specific responsibility for the pupils’ academic and pastoral welfare. The Tutors are in a unique position to establish a working relationship with the pupils in their Group, to monitor their development and to deal with a wide range of matters. If you wish to discuss an issue regarding the educational welfare or academic progress of a pupil, contact the Tutor in the first instance or the relevant Head of Form or Head of Department.
On occasions, you may have a pastoral concern because of family or personal difficulties affecting your child. You should contact a member of the Pastoral Care team, either the Deputy Head of Pastoral Care for Junior School (Mrs F Quinn), Middle School (Mrs M Cooney), or Senior School (Mrs H Parker). Urgent or highly sensitive issues should be brought to the attention of the Head of Pastoral Care, Mrs A Kennedy, or the Vice Principal (Pastoral), Mrs A Logan.
To help support pupils, there is also a counsellor from an independent counselling service, called Familyworks, which is approved by the Education Authority Independent Counselling Service for schools. The Counsellor is a professional and has been appropriately vetted. The service is intended for young people with acute or critical issues and Methody has currently been allocated seven appointments per week and two drop in sessions. The Familyworks counsellor works in partnership with the College’s Pastoral Care team. Information about the service is available from Mrs Kennedy.
In the College there are particular staff with specific responsibilities for learning support. If you have any concerns in this area, please contact the Learning Support Co-ordinator, Dr Anderson or the Deputy Learning Support Coordinator, Mrs J Marrs.
In common with other schools, we follow government advice regarding our safeguarding procedures. It is an unfortunate reality that some young people will suffer abuse. This is, of course, completely unacceptable and if a member of staff becomes aware that a pupil may be suffering some form of abuse, then he/she follows the College’s policy and reports the matter to the Designated Teacher for Child Protection (Mrs Kennedy) or one of the Deputy Designated Teachers for Child Protection (Mrs Logan, Mrs Parker and Mrs Quinn).
The Designated Teacher follows a formal procedure which includes giving a written account to the Principal and informing the Chair of the Board of Governors. In cases of suspected abuse the College is also obliged to report the matter to Social Services. Clearly, a parent/guardian who suspects that a pupil is being abused should advise the school immediately. In the event of continued concerns by parents/guardians, issues can be raised with the College using the Complaints Policy. Copies of the latter, the Child Protection Policy and the Anti-Bullying Policy are available upon request andon our website.
We aim to provide holistic support to everyone in our school community, across all areas of family life, which is why our school subscribes to a digital platform called: Tooled Up Education. This gives our families and our staff privileged access to a digital library, packed full of evidence-based tips, activities, educational webinars and enlightening podcasts, on all matters relating to mental health, aspiration, learning, digital life and family life. Tooled Up is curated by one of the UK’s leading experts on parental engagement in children’s lives and learning, Dr Kathy Weston and her experienced team. Please see our website for further details
1. All pupils must be in school by 8.40 am for their Tutor Group Assembly at 8.45 am. Those who have not reported to Tutor group or registered in a morning activity before proceeding to Main Assembly or Form Assembly will be recorded as ABSENT (unless they have recorded their presence in school by reporting to the Rolls and Records Office A Block); parents will be required to communicate the reason for absence as soon as possible. Separate arrangements will apply for U6 registration.
2. Pupils should not normally arrive for school before 8.25 am and should leave the premises within 10 minutes of the end of their final lesson, unless attending an extra-curricular activity supervised by a member of staff (including Library study).
3. Pupils must remain on the school premises throughout the school day, including break and lunch, unless special leave has been given. Sixth Form only have permission to be out of school during lunchtime.
4. School ends at 3.15 pm Monday-Thursday and 3.00 pm Friday.
5. The lunch interval is as follows:
12.50 - 1.35pm (Monday - Thursday)
12.35 - 1.20pm (Friday)
Pupils in Forms 1-5 must take lunch in the College Canteen or Deli Bar, or eat their packed lunches in the areas allocated. They must not purchase and/or have food delivered to them from local fast-food outlets.
Only Sixth Formers are permitted to leave the College grounds at lunch time, but at no other time without appropriate permission.
A biometric system is in operation in which parents can ‘top up’ online to cover the cost of their child’s lunch. Pupils are also able to top up their account at one of the cash machines located in the Canteen/Sixth Form Centre.
It is the policy of the College that pupils should not be absent from school during term time except in case of illness or other emergency ; this is important at the beginning and end of terms as well as at other times. In special circumstances, where absence is unavoidable, leave of absence must be obtained in advance. Requests for leave of absence should be made in writing, explaining the circumstances, a minimum of three days before the required date. Requests for absence for part of a day should be made to the pupil’s Tutor (in this instance notification via the Gateway App is also acceptable), for a complete day to the Head of Form and for periods longer than one day to the appropriate Head of Section. When a pupil leaves school during the day, for a medical or dental appointment, for example, they must sign out in the Rolls and Records Office and sign in there on return to school. It should be noted that social engagements, entertainment, holidays, etc. are not acceptable as a reason for absence.
In the case of absence due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, parents are asked to message the College via the Gateway App before 9.00 am on each day of absence. The Department of Education requires that we receive written confirmation from the parent/guardian when a pupil is absent from school giving the reason and date(s). Notification via Gateway App on each day of absence satisfies this requirement. However, a telephone call must be followed up by written confirmation from a parent/guardian stating clearly the dates of absence and the reason again using the Gateway App.
Parents/guardians will receive a message via Gateway App if their child does not arrive in school and we have not been informed about the reason for their absence. Parents should reply about absences via the Gateway App. (All queries not related to absences should be made to reception on 02890 205205).
If a pupil feels unwell during school they should go to the San (Medical Room) where the School Nurse will assess their condition. If deemed necessary, she will contact the parent and request that the pupil is collected from the College. Pupils must not contact their parents directly in this regard unless advised to do so by a member of staff.
Please note that parents/guardians are not allowed to drive into the College grounds to deliver or collect pupils from school unless permission has been sought in exceptional circumstances from a Head of Section. Students are not allowed to drive cars into the College grounds. A sanction will be issued to students who fail to adhere to this regulation.
All pupils are expected to assist in maintaining the good appearance of the buildings and grounds. It will be regarded as a serious offence for any paper or other litter to be left anywhere on the premises. Litter baskets and recycling bins are provided at numerous points.
Any accidental damage to College property must be reported immediately to a member of staff. Deliberate damage will result in a sanction which may include the immediate exclusion from the College of the pupil concerned.
If a mobile device is brought into school it must be kept out of sight in a school bag or zipped blazer pocket at all times.
A mobile device which is used may be confiscated by a member of staff to be returned at the end of the school day. If a pupil is found using a mobile device to take a photographic image, given its potential for inappropriate usage, it will be confiscated but returned only to the parent/guardian. If there is an emergency, parents/guardians can phone Reception for advice on how to contact their child. If exceptional circumstances arise when the guidelines do not adequately deal with a particular situation, it is important for a parent/guardian to contact the appropriate Head of Section. Of course, a pupil may approach a member of staff if an unforeseen situation arises.
Every article brought to school, especially all clothing, should be marked clearly (preferably with name-tapes or marking ink) with the full name of the owner. On occasions pupils may ask a member of staff to look after small personal items such as watches. While staff will be as helpful as possible, it must be understood that the College cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of such items. All valuables, including bicycles, mobile devices and musical instruments, should be covered by home insurance.
Non-essential items of value or large sums of money should not be brought to school. Items such as watches or money must not be left in changing rooms or the sports pavilions AT ANY TIME . It is the pupils’ responsibility to take care of all personal possessions. The College does not accept responsibility for personal property brought in to school by pupils.
All pupils required to do so must take part in organised Games unless they are excused for medical reasons. Requests to be excused Games must be made via the Gateway App before 12pm on the day in question. For extended absence from Games a doctor’s certificate may be required. Pupils excused by the PE department from Games may go home at lunchtime.
Special buses are arranged to convey pupils to and from afternoon Games venues (at Pirrie Park, Deramore and elsewhere) but parents/guardians may wish to make arrangements to collect their children from these venues.
Parents/guardians are responsible for transport to ‘home’ fixtures on Saturday mornings. When afternoon Games are cancelled, all pupils in the Forms concerned must attend classes or other activities as arranged by the PE staff.
All Games/PE kit and equipment must be clearly marked with the owner’s name. On Games day pupils may leave their Games kit in the storage bays (off the main KLM corridor) before 8.45am and collect it at lunchtime.
Parents/guardians should notify the College, in writing, of any change of home address, telephone numbers and email addresses immediately. This should be done via The School Gateway App.
When places are offered and accepted, it is on the understanding that parents/ guardians will undertake to co-operate with the College in ensuring that their children conform with its traditions and standards and will accept that the College also has rules which may relate to aspects of a pupil’s life outside the College. Please also refer to the Code of Conduct for Pupils, Uniform Regulations and the Positive Behaviour Policy (on website).
All pupils must:
• attend on every occasion that the school is in session, unless ill, or unless prior permission has been given;
• arrive in school no earlier than 8.25am, unless involved in a supervised College activity;
• arrive for Tutor Group Assembly (registration class) by 8.45am;
• provide written explanation from a parent/carer for every absence;
• attend all classes, Assemblies, Games and activities as shown on individual timetables and rotas;
• remain on the school premises until the end of each school day (Sixth Form pupils are allowed to leave the school grounds at lunchtime but must return promptly for the start of the afternoon session).
• leave the College grounds within ten minutes of their last supervised activity;
• if feeling ill during the course of the school day, go to the Sanatorium (going home without permission from the College Nurse or a senior member of staff is not permitted);
• if present in school but unable to take part in school Games or Physical Education classes, bring a letter of explanation from parents/carers to the Head of the Physical Education Department;
• request permission from teachers prior to being absent from class;
• wear uniform in line with College Uniform Regulations at all times.
All pupils must:
• set high standards of behaviour for themselves, both inside school and on the journey to and from school, or when involved in school activities;
• take responsibility for their behaviour, attitude and appearance at all times;
• show courtesy and consideration for all other pupils, teaching and ancillary staff, and visitors to the College at all times.
• observe and adhere to all safety instructions given to them;
• arrive in each class on time, with the correct materials, and preparatory work and homework completed on time to the best of their ability;
• follow instructions given by all teachers, ancillary staff and College Prefects;
• take responsibility for their own possessions and belongings, ensuring that where possible, all are clearly marked with their name;
• report any accident or breakage immediately to a member of staff;
• take responsibility for valuable possessions brought into school.
Pupils must not:
• use offensive language or act in an offensive or violent manner towards any other person;
• bring into school any item or substance which will contravene school regulations such as alcohol, illegal drugs or any substance which has an intoxicating or hallucinatory effect (smoking, including smoking e-cigarettes, is strictly forbidden in all circumstances, both inside school and on the way to and from school and school activities);
• borrow, use or take away any item belonging to another person without clear permission;
• intentionally damage College property or that belonging to another person;
• eat or drink in class, assembly, corridors, locker areas or in study areas (pupils are permitted to drink still water in class only with the permission of their teacher);
• use mobile phones/devices at any time during the school day, except with the permission of a member of staff;
• record or send an image or sound without the permission of a member of staff and the people being recorded;
• bring into school knives, other weapons or any dangerous item;
• interfere with fire extinguishers or fire alarms.
Parents/guardians are responsible for the payment of a Capital Fee and are also asked to contribute to the College Fund; any other expenses are of a personal nature. A copy of the Board of Governors’ policy statement on charging is available on request. A fee note is sent to parents at the start of the academic year together with details of arrangements for payment which should be made by 31 October or by direct debit over ten months.
The Capital Fee, which is currently £140 per annum, is set by the Department of Education and charged by the College in respect of each pupil, unless the pupil is a Free Schools Meals pupil. This fee is a legislative fee, and is charged because the College, as a Voluntary Grammar School, is responsible for 15% of capital building costs, these are not fully grant-aided by the Department of Education.
The College Fund payment is a separate contribution requested from parents/ guardians. It is a voluntary contribution and is an opportunity for parents to work in partnership with the College toward delivering its values and aims, recognising that despite government under funding, the College and parents/ guardians would not wish to see any reduction in the quality or breadth of educational provision in the College. A leaflet explaining the College Fund is sent separately to all parents. The suggested level of contribution for 2023-24 is £590 per pupil. All contributions to the Fund are spent in the same academic year, for the benefit of all pupils. The College is confident that parents/ guardians will support this Fund to ensure that all the pupils continue to receive the best possible education. Parents will not be asked to contribute to the College Fund for more than two children at any one time. The Board of Governors encourages parents/guardians to make the College Fund payment by Gift Aid. This means that the College, as a charity, is able to recover from the Inland Revenue income tax amounting to 25p per pound on top of each contribution, at no additional cost to the parent/guardian. Please note it is not possible to Gift Aid the Capital Fee.
The College has had a number of very generous donations from past pupils over the years. These tend to be for particular capital projects or for purposes specified by the donor, such as for the promotion of pupil mental health and well-being and enhancing opportunities for pupils of modest means. The Board of Governors are extremely grateful for all donations, which are a testament to the donors’ appreciation and support of the College’s aims and values.
Support is available from the College to help pupils from financially disadvantaged backgrounds participate in the life and work of the College. This Discretionary Fund is disbursed by the Principal and financed by annual contributions from the Methody Collegians. The list at the end of this policy provides an indication of how this money is used, but is by no means comprehensive.
Requests for funding should be made in writing to the Principal using the Discretionary Funding application form.
The total amount of funding available will vary from year to year depending on the level of contributions from the Methody Collegians any funds remaining from the previous year and the number of applications made. Once it has been allocated it will not be possible to consider any additional requests until the following academic year.
The level of assistance provided will be at the discretion of the Principal. The amount of assistance provided may be up to, but not exceeding, 2/3 of the itemised cost. A receipt for items purchased must be provided to the College.
Application for assistance with the cost of an extra-curricular trip or visit may only be made once during a pupil’s time at the College.
• Purchase of essential items of school uniform.
• Travel and residential costs incurred when representing the College as an individual, as part of a group or as part of a team.
• School trips, visits and tours. University visit.
• Additional examination administration.
Further details including an application form is available on the College website.
Our uniform identifies pupils as part of the Methodist College community and instils pride in it. Being appropriately dressed helps pupils to develop a positive mind set for learning and supports them in being successful, creative and happy. When in uniform all pupils are ambassadors of the school and it is important they look and behave appropriately at all times whether in school, travelling to and from school or representing the school at an outside event. Parental support in this area is important.
CA Gowdy Ltd 121-131, Woodstock Road, Belfast
David Gotto 72, Stranmillis Road, Belfast
McCalls 20-24, Market Street, Lisburn
Warnocks 791-792, Lisburn Road, Belfast
Financial Assistance towards the cost of school uniform is available for some pupils through the Educations Authority’s clothing allowance. The eligibility criteria are the same as those used for free school meals. Please contact the Head of Pastoral Care, Mrs Kennedy for more information. There is also a Principal’s Discretionary Fund details of which can be obtained from the school website or the Principal’s office.
Stocks of second-hand MCB uniforms are often available from the Save The Children shop (Tel 02890 249549) 12 Botanic Avenue, Belfast.
Some second-hand uniform items have been donated and are available in school from Lost Property.
• Navy Blazer (boys’ or girls’) with embroidered logo. Sixth Form blazer for Sixth Form pupils.
• White button neck shirt/blouse. It (should) must be tucked into trousers/ skirt at all times.
• Methody regulation skirt (navy for Forms 1-5, grey for Sixth Form), worn no shorter than knee length (please see photographs) with plain, black opaque tights or dark grey knee socks, or,
• Dark charcoal grey, traditional school trousers. Full length & regular fit. To be worn with plain black or dark grey socks (not trainer socks.)
• School tie, to be worn up to the top button (fastened) and tied correctly with the College symbol visible below the knot. Other ties (e.g. sports/ society ties) are not permitted.
• Plain black school shoes with no more than 6cm heel. Please see guidance on acceptable and unacceptable styles.
• Methody regulation navy or grey V-neck knitted jumper may be worn.
The following items should not be worn:
• Chinos, jeans or ‘jean like’ trousers, skinny jeans or leggings.
• Hooded tops/sweat-tops apart from # (see Regulations following)
• Non-uniform cardigans/jumpers
• External coats/jackets (plain black or navy only) may be worn over blazers but should not be worn inside the school building.
All items of uniform should be labelled with the pupil’s name. Pupils who lose items of uniform/equipment should check Lost Property.
Any garments worn below shirts should be plain, light coloured and not visible.
Below are examples of acceptable footwear:
Below are examples of unacceptable footwear:
Please note that the following do not conform to the College regulations and must not be worn with College uniform:
• Shoes with white or coloured soles/rim/logos/trainers or trainer type shoes such as Nike Airforce 1s, Replay footwear, Black Vans.
• shoes with suede, Nu- buck or canvas finish;
• stiletto/ kitten /wedge heels/ platform shoes;
• ballet pumps;
• boots/fashion footwear above the ankle.
The skirt should be worn to sit at or below knee level as shown below. It should not be altered in terms of length. Skirts purchased which are too short will have to be returned and you will be asked to purchase a new skirt of the appropriate length. In Forms 1-5 pupils wear the navy skirt, 6th Form wear the grey skirt. Skirts must not be rolled up at the waist.
Trousers should not be super skinny.
• Hair should be neat and tidy, natural in colour and conventional in style (minimum #2 clipper, medium/high/skin fades are not permitted i.e. the scalp should not be visible).
• Nails should be natural in colour and should be an appropriate and safe length for a working environment.
• If worn at all make up should be subtle and natural in appearance.
• Fake/faux tan should not be worn.
• The following piercings are permitted: ear (no more than 2 small, plain studs/sleepers per ear); nose (a clear retainer may be worn but no nose stud). Parents/students must ensure that new piercings are done during the summer period to allow for removal from the start of term.
• Pupils will be required to remove the following if worn: bars, spacers, hoops and any other facial piercing (e.g. in septum, on eyebrow, on lip).
• If jewellery is worn it should be appropriate and safe for a working environment and not extreme. Pupils are discouraged from wearing valuable items in school. One ring may be worn but bracelets and necklaces are not permitted.
• Visible tattoos are not permitted.
• A plain navy Methody fleece may be worn during inclement weather under the blazer, to and from school, but must not be worn during the school day.
• All jewellery and piercings must be removed prior to PE and Games classes. In the case of a new piercing that cannot be removed, a clear flat top plastic retainer must be purchased and worn. The inability to remove a new piercing will not be deemed an acceptable reason to be excused from PE or Games.
All pupils are required to conform to these regulations. The cooperation of parent(s)/guardian(s) in this respect is expected. Only regulation uniform should be worn. Infringement of the uniform regulations will result in the issue of a sanction in line with the College’s Positive Behaviour policy.
If for any unavoidable reason a temporary deviation from the Uniform Regulations is required, a written request should be made to the Head of Form. (For example, a pupil may be unable to wear their complete school uniform due to a broken leg or arm. If this is the case, full school tracksuit or tracksuit bottoms and regulation top may be worn).
Deviations from these regulations on the grounds of religious beliefs may be permitted. If the adjustment is not a previously agreed change a request should be made in writing to the Vice Principal (Pastoral) for consideration.
If a head covering is worn for any reason it should be plain fabric – black, white or navy in colour.
Individualism is not an acceptable reason to depart from the regulations. The College reserves the right to issue further guidance to pupils during the school year in the event of fashion trends impacting adversely on pupil appearance.
The items of PE and Games uniform can only be ordered online from the Canterbury School Shop located in the College (with the exception of those items marked with an *). Items can be collected from the shop by pupils at lunchtimes on Tuesday and Thursday during term time. Details of all opening times and how to order are available on our website.
Pupils going home after Games or after school practices are permitted to wear either full school uniform, including blazer , or navy-blue track suit bottoms and top/regulation hoodie , (but not a mixture of school uniform and Games/PE kit.). Leggings are not an acceptable alternative.
If a pupil is representing the College on a team, agreed MCB apparel must be worn.
If pupils are involved in a sporting activity from the beginning of the school day, they may only come to school in their full tracksuit if they have been given permission to do so by the Head of PE or the teacher in charge of the activity. Shorts or leggings must not be worn throughout the school day.
If pupils are leaving for a sporting activity during the day they come into school in their uniform and they change at the following times:
• Leaving between break and lunch – change at break time;
• Leaving after lunch – change at lunch time;
• Leaving at the end of school for a match or practice – change after school.
If pupils return during the course of the school day they must change into full uniform.
• Polo shirt
• White ankle socks*
• Non-marking training shoes* (no fashion trainers)
• Games skort
• Hooped Games socks
• Athletics vest or PE T shirt
• White shorts
• White ankle socks*
• Non-marking training shoes* (no fashion trainers)
• Rugby shirt OR Hockey polo shirt
• Navy rugby shorts OR navy hockey shorts
• Hooped Games socks
• Rugby/football boots are required if playing rugby*
Optional Items: Track suit bottoms (strongly recommended), hooded top, fleece. PE/Games activities will often be outside in the winter.
PE and Games Uniform should be purchased from the online school shop, with the exception of those Items marked *.
It is strongly recommended that:
• in contact sports mouth guards and shin guards are worn;
• in sunny weather sun cream should be applied.
It is the responsibility of or pupils to make themselves aware of the Uniform Regulations. These are displayed around the College and are available on the school website. Pupils should understand the correct uniform and the way in which the uniform should be worn.
Pupils should also be aware that failure to follow these Regulations may lead to disciplinary sanctions, which are outlined at the end of this Policy. College Prefects, as role models, will be expected set an example.
Parents/guardians will be provided with the uniform regulations annually by the school and should ensure that their child/children obtain the correct uniform items.
Parents are expected to support the school in its insistence that pupils wear their uniforms appropriately.
All staff, but especially the class tutor and the classroom teacher, will play an important role in monitoring uniform.
If a pupil fails to wear the correct uniform or to wear their uniform correctly, any member of staff may address this and log the infringement on their Sims Behaviour Management record. Form staff will monitor this.
Following an initial warning, Stage 1 or 2 detentions will be issued for repeated failure to adhere to uniform regulations. Continued breaches will result in the matter being referred to the Vice Principal (Pastoral) and ultimately, the Principal.
A card may be issued to allow temporary (no more than two weeks) exemptions if, for example, a pupil has a specific medical issue or school shoes have been left at Pirrie.
The purpose of this document is to ensure that pupils understand the guidelines for acceptable use of ICT Resources and to ensure that staff, pupils and parents can work together to effectively use ICT to enhance the learning experience.
In the context of this document ICT refers to computer based systems and any ICT resources related to extra-curricular activities or field trips. It applies to all platforms, including desktops, laptops, tablet devices and mobile phones. Pupils must ensure that their use of the College ICT resources is appropriate at all times. All users are required to comply with school regulations and not to bring the name of the College or themselves into disrepute.
All pupils are allocated a C2K personal email account and area for the storage of documents which they are responsible for maintaining.
SPAM and unsolicited emails are automatically filtered out so that the recipient does not receive them. Users are notified of these messages and can request their release from the IT Manager by forwarding the notification email on to him.
Pupils should be aware that files stored on the C2K network are not private. Staff may review files and communications to ensure that pupils are using the network responsibly.
All internet access through the College’s C2K network is filtered and monitored and can be recalled at any time at the request of the Principal. Any electronic communication containing unacceptable material should not be forwarded or deleted but must be reported to a member of staff or the IT Manager immediately.
If a pupil accidentally accesses unacceptable material via the College network, they should report it immediately to their teacher or the IT Manager.
Pupils will be given some printer credits at the start of each year. Once these are used up, more credits can be purchased from the ICT Support Team in K Block.
Pupils should only use the school printers to produce school-related materials.
Pupils should try to reduce the number of items they print in an effort to reduce waste and the use of paper in the College. They should avoid using large areas of block colour or black ink in what they create to minimise the use of printer ink.
One computer room, usually K9, is open for pupil use from 8.00 am until 8.35 am each morning, from 12.50 to 1.20 on Monday – Thursday and 12.35 –1.05 on a Friday and after school from 3.20 pm to 4.25 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 3.00 pm to 4.25pm on Friday.
The study Floor computer room are available for 6th Form use subject to the rooms not being used for timetabled classes.
Pupils must access their e-mail, Fronter, Google Classroom and the range of other materials, from home through the My School portal. Use your school C2K username and password to access My School.
Pupils are responsible for good behaviour and appropriate use of College ICT resources and are expected to use them in a manner that befits the ethos of the College. Access to any ICT resource is a privilege, not a right.
• Pupils must ensure that their use of the College Computer Network is appropriate at all times.
• When using ICT resources pupils must not: Send or display offensive messages or pictures; send or play offensive sound recordings; use obscene language either verbally or via an electronic device; harass, insult or attack others on line.
• All usernames and passwords must be kept private. Do not permit anyone else to access the network using your username or password. No one is permitted to use a computer logged on with another person’s username or trespass in other users’ folders, work or files.
• Only open attachments to emails if they come from a known and trusted sender as attachments may contain viruses or other programs that could destroy files or software.
• Never try to bypass or hack the security systems of the computer rooms or the computer systems. This includes the bypassing of any website filtering services to access blocked web sites.
• Never try to copy computer software from the school computer systems. (This may be theft).
• No software should be stored on any removable media for the purpose of installation on any school device without the consent of the IT Manager.
• Do not violate copyright laws.
• Do not waste ICT resources.
• Never bring a mobile phone, iWatch, iPad, MP3 player or any electronic device into an exam room as this could result in disqualification.
• Do not use external removable devices for viewing illegal or unacceptable media of any type.
• Computer file storage areas and removable storage media of any kind may be reviewed by the IT Manager at any time.
• Food and drink are not allowed to be consumed in the computer rooms at any time.
• Never tamper with the cables and connections on the workstations
• Always report any damage to ICT equipment or computer rooms to a teacher or IT Manager immediately.
• Mobile devices may only be used in the classroom with the permission of the teacher. Pupils should be aware the following sanctions will be applied if a mobile device is used without permission:
• First time out – a warning will be given.
• Second time out - the device will be removed until end of class.
• Third time out - the device will be removed until end of school day.
• Mobile devices can be used at break and lunchtime in line with the guidelines listed above in italics.
Pupils must save their work to the school network to ensure that work can be retrieved if required in the event of material being lost or software failure.
The College currently has up to 60 iPads available as class sets for classroom use. The use of tablet devices for research, sharing work and specific applications is set to increase. Pupils should follow this advice when they use the College iPads.
• Ensure that you are fully logged off from all applications before you return the iPad.
• Remember your use of the iPad can be traced just as a normal computer.
• Do not tamper with any existing settings on the iPad.
• If you wish to store the work you create pupils should use their C2K One drive account.
• If you have been using photographs and/or video, you should delete these from the iPad when your project is complete.
• You must not use the iPad camera and sound recording without the permission of your teacher.
• If there are specific apps that you feel will help your learning, please speak to your teacher or the ICT manager who may be able to purchase them for future use.
The virtual classroom is an extension of the physical classroom and in just the same way there will be rules, routines and certain actions that pupils should follow in order for the blended approach to have a maximum impact. Both staff and parents should take time with pupils, to share expectations and model positive online behaviour.
Rules and guidelines for Pupils and Parents in the use of online platforms and live streaming.
• All pupils should access online platforms through My School and use their C2K email account and password.
• Pupils must be aware, that their actions and behaviours online should follow the same standards as those expected in classrooms and in school.
• Pupils should use their full name when online and not use inappropriate nicknames, characters or avatars.
• It is STRONGLY recommended that pupils should use communal rooms and not bedrooms when they participate from home in a live stream.
• Pupils must be dressed appropriately during live streams.
• Pupils must not record or make screen grabs of online streams.
• During a live stream, microphones should be muted until direction is given by the teacher.
• Pupils must not share private information during a live stream with staff or other pupils
• When using Zoom as an online platform, teachers will use passwords to let pupils gain secure access. Pupils must not share passwords for such access outside the members of that particular class or group.
• There should be no live stream contact with pupils on a one-to-one basis. A minimum of three participants at any time – one teacher/two pupils.
• Live streaming sessions should take place during the normal times of the school day.
• Parents should inform the school if they do not give their consent for their children to participate in live-stream sessions.
• Teachers may exclude pupils from live streams if their behaviour, language or dress is inappropriate.
Pupils are not permitted to access social networking sites via the College network. However, the following guidelines are suggested to ensure pupil safety and security when using these websites outside school.
• Do not give out or post personal information online.
• Make sure that social networking account privacy settings are set at “friends only” or “protected”.
• Do not accept friend requests from anyone you do not know in person.
• Do not post private details such as home address, mobile or home telephone numbers or other personal details.
• Never post photographs that have been taken in your bedroom.
• Never post photographs of others without their permission.
• Never give out your mobile number.
• If you get messages or images which upset you, do not reply. Keep a record and report them to a trusted adult or your network provider.
• Think before you send messages or images – once you send them you cannot control them. Never pass on rude or embarrassing images or messages.
• Sexting of images is illegal for both sender and receiver.
• If someone makes you feel uncomfortable online – report it to a trusted, responsible adult.
• Respect other people’s privacy as well as your own.
• Do not make someone else uncomfortable online.
• Do not use a social networking site to bully another pupil including the editing and posting of inappropriate images, messages or comments or any aspects of cyberbullying.
• Be aware of the legal consequences of your online activities.
• You are not anonymous online. All deleted material can be retrieved, and correspondence can be sourced through the computer’s IP address.
REMEMBER - You can be traced online or on your mobile phone.
Be careful about what you say, what you upload, what you send, what you store.
Methodist College recognizes that concussions and other head injuries are serious and could result in significant brain damage or even death if not recognised and managed properly. This policy aims to promote the safety of pupils participating in school activities, including but not limited to extracurricular sports activities, and to provide academic support for pupils identified with concussive or other head injuries.
It is the responsibility of staff members involved in school activities to act in accordance with this policy when the staff member recognizes that a pupil may be exhibiting signs and symptoms of a concussion.
What is Concussion?
Concussion is a traumatic brain injury. It is a complex process in which forces are transmitted to the brain and result in temporary impairment of brain function. Concussion can have a significant impact on the short and long term health of a pupil if not handled correctly.
RECOGNISE: What are the visible clues of a suspected concussion?
The following visual clues can indicate a possible concussion:
• Loss of consciousness or responsiveness
• Lying motionless on the ground/slow to get up
• Unsteady on feet/balance problems or falling over/in-coordination
• Grabbing/clutching of head
• Dazed, blank or vacant look
• Confused/not aware of play or events
What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
The presence of any one or more of the following signs and symptoms may suggest a concussion. They may occur hours or even days after the initial incident.
• Loss of consciousness
• Headache or pressure in the head
• Seizure or convulsion
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling like they are in a fog
• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness, feeling slowed down, fatigue or low energy
• More emotional than normal, feelings of sadness
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light and noise
• Nervous, anxious or irritable
• Difficulty remembering or amnesia
• Neck pain
• Not feeling “quite right”
The College’s approach to managing a concussion injury are based on the accepted principles of STOP- INFORM-REST-RETURN
STOP A pupil with a suspected concussion must be removed immediately from the activity.
INFORM A pupil with a suspected concussion must report it to a member of staff, referee, coach, teammate, friend or family member and be properly assessed and managed.
REST A pupil with a concussion must undertake a mandatory rest period as per established guidelines outlined in this policy.
RETURN A pupil with a concussion must follow a graduated return to learning and return to play programme.
The member of staff responsible for the pupil at the time of the event will:
• Safely and immediately REMOVE the pupil from the activity (n.b. a pupil should not be moved, other than required for airway support, if they are suspected of having a neck injury);
• Make an initial assessment following the guidance in the Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool;
• Seek medical attention for the pupil from a qualified medical professional (this may be the College Nurse);
• If no qualified medical professional is available, consider transporting the pupil by ambulance for urgent medical assessment;
• Notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the pupil to inform them about the incident, remind them of the College’s concussion policy, ask them to be alert to the symptoms of concussion and advise them to seek advice and assistance from a qualified medical professional;
• For an incident onsite: notify the College Nurse. For an incident offsite, notify the teacher in charge of the activity. This person will then inform all other staff by e-mail on the same school day or at the start of the next school day.
Any pupil suspected of having sustained a concussion or other head injury during a school activity must be removed safely and immediately from the activity and evaluated by a qualified medical professional. The staged programme of return to learning and return to play will be applied in all cases of suspected or confirmed concussion.
The pupil and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed on the day of the concussion:
• that they should seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional
• that the 23 day protocol for sporting activities will automatically apply
Following a concussion, a pupil may have difficulties with short- and longterm memory, concentration and organisation. They will require rest while recovering from injury (e.g. avoid reading, texting, computer games, watching television) and may even need to stay home from school for a few days. As they return to school, they may need to start with a few classes or a half-day depending on how they feel. They may also benefit from a formal school assessment for limited attendance or homework if recovery from a concussion is taking longer than expected.
The College will accommodate a gradual return to full participation in academic and physical activities as appropriate, based on the recommendation of the pupil’s concussion trained health care provider and appropriate designated school personnel. In the absence of any such recommendation the 23day protocol will automatically apply. Progression to return to learning and return to play should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Medical recommendations will be shared with the pupil’s Head of Year, the Head of PE and staff.
Factors that may affect the rate of progression include:
• previous history of concussion,
• duration and type of symptoms,
• age of the pupil,
• the sport/activity in which the pupil participates.
A pupil with a history of concussion, one who has had an extended duration of symptoms, or one who is participating in a contact sport may progress more slowly.
The Return to Learning Programme will be devised by the Head of Year, who will notify the pupil and their parents/guardians, all school personnel responsible for supporting the academic needs of the pupil including but not limited to: the pupil’s Head of Year, tutor and subject teachers.
A record of pupils on the Return to Play Programme will be kept in the School Information Management System (SIMS). The progress of pupils through the programme will be monitored and recorded by an appropriate member of the games staff.
Under no circumstances will the pupil be allowed to return to play until the 23-day period is completed.
Communication Staff
Staff should follow the advice outlined in the Concussion Protocol. The teacher in charge of the activity will notify the pupil and their parents/guardians, and all school personnel involved in supporting the pupil in his/her school sport. A Concussion Report will be sent to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the pupil.
The School Nurse will inform staff of pupils who have a suspected or confirmed concussion. An updated list will be issued to staff at the start of each school week.
At the start of each academic year staff will be made aware of this policy and the standards of care relating to the management of concussive injuries. They will be provided with concussion awareness training that includes recognising the signs and symptoms that may suggest a concussive or other head injury. They will be provided with a copy of the Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool.
Pupils and parents/guardians should report suspected or known concussion or other head injuries that occur outside of school related activities to the College nurse. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to inform the school of signs and symptoms related to concussion or head injuries that are recognised while the pupil is not in school.
At the start of each academic year all pupil and parents/guardians will be provided with information about:
• The risk of concussion and other head injuries and the dangers associated with continuing to participate when a concussion or other head injury is suspected;
• The signs and symptoms associated with concussion and other head injuries; and
• The school’s protocols for:
◊ the removal of a pupil from an activity when the pupil is suspected of having sustained a concussion or other head injury,
◊ the evaluation of a concussion or other head injury, and
◊ the pupil’s return to participation in school activities, including classes
Please see the Policies section of our website for full list of appendices.
Mouthguards or gumshields are typically worn in contact sports to protect the mouth from injury. The purpose of a mouthguard is to distribute the impact of a contact situation evenly throughout the mouth, potentially reducing the chances of injury. Previous studies have indicated that the wearing of mouthguards reduces the incidence of hard and soft oral injuries, jaw fractures and neck injuries (Ranalli 2000; Knapik et al, 2007; Newsome et al, 2001). A study in New Zealand rugby union has reported a 47% reduction in dental injury claims following the introduction of compulsory wearing of mouthguards (Quarrie et al, 2005).
From the beginning of pre-season training in the 2015/16 season, the wearing of mouthguards is strongly recommended by the IRFU for players at all levels of the sport during training and games (including leisure rugby i.e. tag and touch rugby).
The IRFU advise clubs and schools to adopt an approach of ‘No Mouthguard, No Play’. Should a player have a legitimate medical reason for not being able to wear a mouthguard, this should be communicated and supported by a submission in writing and confirmed by a recognised medical practitioner/ dentist to the club or school.
It is the player’s responsibility to ensure that they wear adequate equipment to play the sport under World Rugby’s Laws of the Game, Law 4.1. The type of mouthguard a player should wear is a matter of personal preference, however failure to fit a mouthguard properly may reduce the effectiveness of the device. The IRFU advise that all players attend their dentist to get fitted for a player specific mouthguard.
The Irish Hockey Association would like to draw the attention of all its members to the safety guidelines in relation to playing equipment in Point 4 of the FIH Rules of Hockey 2013. These rules are implemented in the interest of player safety first & foremost and provide clarity on issues that may be deemed as safety concerns. All IHA Competitions are played in accordance with the FIH Rules of Hockey.
Competition Regulations available from the FIH provide additional information and requirements about players’ clothing, personal equipment and advertising. Refer also to regulations established by Continental Federations and National Associations. Field players of the same team must wear uniform clothing. Players must not wear anything which is dangerous to other players
Field players:
• are permitted to wear gloves for protection which do not increase the natural size of the hands significantly;
• are recommended to wear shin, ankle and mouth protection;
• are permitted to wear throughout a match for medical reasons only a smooth preferably transparent or white but otherwise single coloured face mask which closely fits to the face, soft protective head-covering or eye protection in the form of plastic goggles (i.e. goggles with a soft-covered frame and plastic lenses); the medical reasons must be assessed by an appropriate authority and the player concerned must understand the possible implications of playing with the medical condition;
• are permitted to wear a smooth preferably transparent or white but otherwise single coloured face mask which closely fits to the face when defending a penalty corner or penalty stroke for the duration of that penalty corner or penalty stroke and when they are inside the circle they are defending;
• other than players with goalkeeping privileges, are not permitted to wear protective headgear (face mask or other protective head covering) in any other circumstances.
Goalkeepers and players with goalkeeping privileges must wear a single coloured shirt or garment which is different in colour from that of both teams. Goalkeepers (i.e. wearing full protective equipment) must wear this shirt or garment over any upper body protection.
Goalkeepers must wear protective equipment comprising at least headgear, leg guards and kickers except that the headgear and any hand protectors may be removed when taking a penalty stroke.
The following are permitted for use only by fully equipped goalkeepers: body, upper arm, elbow, forearm, hand, thigh and knee protectors, leg guards and kickers.
A player with goalkeeping privileges may wear protective headgear when inside their defending 23 metres area; they must wear protective headgear when defending a penalty corner or penalty stroke.
Protective headgear incorporating a helmet with full-face protection and cover for the entire head and throat is recommended for goalkeepers and players with goalkeeping privileges.
Clothing or protective equipment which significantly increases the natural size of a goalkeeper’s body or area of protection is not permitted.
Parents should read the following policies, which can be found on our website:
• Involvement of Parents and Guardians Policy
• Child Protection Policy
• Positive Behaviour Policy
• Attendance Policy
• Regulations for Pupils taking part in School Trips
• Mobile Phone Policy
• Complaints Policy
Principal: Mrs J Lendrum, BA (Hons), PGCE, MEd, PQH (NI)
