Sixth Form Prospectus

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

22 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION WELCOME VISION & VALUES CREST BE A COLLEGIAN CURRICULUM MCB & BEYOND SIXTH FORM FACILITIES LEADERSHIP MATTERS SPORT CLUBS AND SOCIETIES MUSIC HOUSE SYSTEM PUPIL VOICE

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SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Methodist College Belfast, where you will discover a celebrated tapestry of opportunity, diversity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique. I would love for you to join us so that you can experience all of the life changing opportunities on offer at Sixth Form.

further study, the world of work and adulthood.

Methody is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.

THIS IS METHODY.

We are committed to ensuring that the next two years of your life provide you with the best possible educational experience so that you are prepared for

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J Lendrum Principal

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SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

WELCOME TO METHODIST COLLEGE Situated on the edge of Belfast city centre, Methody is an enriching community that offers a truly unique educational experience for all. With unparalleled choice and opportunity, we foster excellence and ambition according to your individual ability and interests.

of this is delivered within a rare blend of stunning architecture and modern state-of-the-art facilities.

Non-denominational and co-educational, we welcome pupils from all faiths or none, into our safe and inclusive family – a place where we respect differences and celebrate all that unites us as Collegians.

Our strong track record of academic distinction is matched only by our commitment to delivering a holistic and multidisciplinary experience, where every student can find their place, their passion and their purpose.

With over 1850 pupils, Methody is Ireland’s largest grammar school.

We have over 500 pupils at Sixth Form who all enjoy an extensive provision of curricular and extracurricular activities. All OUR DIVERSE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

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HOME LANGUAGES

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ETHNIC GROUPS

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RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

COMING TO METHODY HAS MADE ME FEEL LIKE I’VE JOINED A REALLY BIG FAMILY. I LOVE IT HERE. 7

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

VISION & VALUES OUR VISION To be the first-choice school in Northern Ireland, offering a truly unique educational experience for all.

OUR MISSION Methody offers unparalleled choice and opportunity. We foster excellence and ambition in a diverse and nurturing environment where every Collegian can flourish.

OUR VALUES

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We wear our Methody crest with pride. Our values are the principles, beliefs and standards that help shape our decisions, guide our actions and manifest in our behaviours as Collegians.

Our values are at the heart of Methody.

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. JOHN WESLEY’S CHALLENGE

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SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

AT THE HEART OF ALL COLLEGIANS

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Our school crest, the Maltese Cross has instilled pride in many Collegians down through the years. A true Collegian displays the following values not just during their time here at the College but in their lives beyond school. These values are the fabric of who we are.

C

R

E

COMMITMENT

RESPONSIBILITY

EXCELLENCE

We are committed to learning and working hard not only for ourselves, but for the benefit of the College and the wider community.

We always do what is right, not what is easy.

We channel the Collegian ambition into striving to be the very best we can, in everything we do.

We act with integrity, humility and kindness.

We respect and protect our environment.

S

T

STEWARDSHIP

TEAM

We honour the rich heritage of our College through our leadership, now and in the future.

As Collegians, we are a team and a family.

We celebrate diversity, respect our differences, and cherish all that unites us as one College community.

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SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

BE A COLLEGIAN

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FOR ME I WAS READY FOR A FRESH START AND TO MEET NEW PEOPLE. THERE WERE SO MANY NEW PEOPLE WHO STARTED LOWER SIXTH AND I QUICKLY FELT PART OF THE COLLEGE.

Every year we welcome pupils from a range of different schools who wish to avail of the unequalled opportunities that exist at Methody.

We will support you as you transition from Form 5 to Sixth Form with a comprehensive induction programme and opportunities throughout the year to continue to engage with staff and pupils so that you feel part of the Methody family. We want you to embrace the unique range of opportunities, inside and outside of the classroom.

Joining Sixth Form at Methody means becoming more than a pupil, it means becoming a Collegian for life. From the moment you join, you become part of a proud and enduring network of Collegians who remain connected long after they leave the College. This lifelong community spans countries, careers, and generations, offering friendship, support, professional connections, and a shared sense of identity wherever life takes you. As a Collegian, you carry with you a lasting bond to the College and the opportunity to stay engaged with a worldwide network that supports and celebrates you for life.

Information on Admissions for Lower Sixth and the online application form can be found on the Admissions section of our website.

130+

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STUDENTS PROGRESS TO RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITIES

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

CURRICULUM We offer an incomparable 31 subjects to study in Sixth Form; our size enables us to offer not only more subject choice but many more subject combinations providing opportunities that sets a Sixth Form experience at Methody apart.

You can study three subjects in Sixth Form, or opt to study four. The Sixth Form timetable also includes periods of compulsory Supervised Study and a Tutorial Period where guest speakers talk about a wide variety of relevant topics preparing you for life beyond Methody.

We have high aspirations for our students believing you can maximise your intellectual potential. Sixth Form lessons are designed to challenge students academically within a supportive environment. We believe that the values of commitment and responsibility are an important part of the learning process; the Methody ethos will foster these values in you, developing you to work hard and achieve your goals.

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OF ALL A LEVEL GRADES AWARDED A*/A

90%

OF ALL A LEVEL GRADES AWARDED A*-C

We provide lots of Games options to maximise sporting opportunities. We also offer a varied enrichment programme including Arabic, Mandarin and Philosophy.

Each year, over 90% of Sixth Form leavers proceed to Higher Education, with over 130 pupils progressing to Russell Group Universities across the UK. Some students also choose to continue their pathway internationally in Europe and the United States.

SUBJECTS OFFERED IN SIXTH FORM: Art & Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Classical Civilisation Computer Science Digital Technology Drama and Theatre Economics English Literature Environmental Technology French Further Mathematics Geography German Government and Politics Health and Social Care History Latin Mathematics Moving Image Arts Music Nutrition and Food Science Physics Psychology Religious Education Russian Spanish Sport – BTEC Technology and Design Travel and Tourism – BTEC

I CHOSE METHODY TO DO MY A LEVELS, GIVEN THE VAST NUMBER OF SUBJECTS ON OFFER, THE GREAT FACILITIES AND EXCELLENT TEACHING. 15

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THE OPPORTUNITIES, FRIENDSHIPS AND MEMORIES I’VE MADE AT METHODY HAVE SHAPED WHO I AM AND WILL STAY WITH ME LONG AFTER I LEAVE.

MCB & BEYOND Our Careers advice and guidance provides students with the opportunities to develop the skills, acquire the knowledge necessary and to make considered and well-informed decisions.

Throughout Sixth Form, our network enables you to access a vast range of opportunities.

You will experience the world of work through an array of visiting speakers, businesses and conferences.

a team of Senior Careers Tutors who have a wealth of experience in particular fields enabling tailored advice and guidance.

The school is partnered with Unifrog, an award-winning online careers platform We host a Sixth Form Pathways Conference, on which you will be given a personal with exhibiting stands from universities account. Unifrog brings into one place and the world of employment. We also every undergraduate university course, run Interschool Law and Engineering apprenticeship, and college course in the Conferences providing you with direct access UK, as well as other opportunities, such to those working in the sector. In Lower as virtual work experience, School Leaver Sixth, there are additional opportunities for Programmes, MOOCs and information on you to gain work experience including work every college at Oxford and Cambridge. This shadowing and mock interviews with a range makes it easy for you to compare and choose of local employers. the best university courses, apprenticeships or further education courses. You can also As you begin to plan for life beyond Sixth explore exciting opportunities further afield Form, you will be assigned an individual by looking at English-taught undergraduate Careers Tutor who will support you through programmes available in Europe and the your Post 16 Pathways decisions. We have USA.

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SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

SIXTH FORM FACILITIES At Methody you have the opportunity to enjoy our outstanding Sixth Form facilities. Our dedicated Sixth Form Centre spans over four floors which allows you to access: • • • • • •

2 recreational areas A Sixth Form café Computer suite 2 study floors Breakout rooms Dedicated locker space

You will also be able to avail of the support from two specialised Study Support Supervisors within the Sixth Form Centre.

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“THE SIXTH FORM CENTRE HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED. THE FACILITIES ARE GREAT, AND HAVING A DEDICATED SPACE JUST FOR SIXTH FORM MAKES IT SUCH A POSITIVE PLACE TO BE.”

LEADERSHIP MATTERS We are committed to ensuring that Methody provides you with the leadership skills that you need now and in the future. Get ready to lead through: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ambassador roles Assembly roles Engagement with the Preparatory Department Form 1 links Representing the College Bespoke leadership training Senior Prefect / Prefect leadership roles Assistant Prefect leadership roles School Council Sixth Form Forum Captaincy of teams House Captains SistersIn

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THE OPPORTUNITIES I HAVE EXPERIENCED AT METHODY ARE UNPARALLELED, HELPING ME TO GROW AS A PERSON, GAIN VALUABLE LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND MAKE MEMORIES I’LL ALWAYS LOOK BACK ON.

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY The College has an enviable reputation for success in sports with teams and individuals competing in regional and national finals. Many successful sports people have worn their crest with pride and there are opportunities for everyone to find a sport in which they can participate and enjoy.

OUTSTANDING SPORTING FACILITIES • • • • • • • • • •

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• • •

25m Swimming Pool Spacious Sports Hall State-of-the-art Strength and Conditioning Suite Rebecca Shorten Rowing Land Training Centre Spin Bike Suite 40 acres of playing fields 9 Rugby Pitches 10 Cricket Wickets 3 Hockey pitches (Pirrie Park and Deramore Park) 5 courts for Basketball, Netball and Tennis Prescott Kerr Boathouse Multi-Use Games Area Multi-Purpose Quadrangle

A RECORD

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RUGBY SCHOOLS’ CUP VICTORIES

A RECORD

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GIRLS’ HOCKEY SCHOOLS’ CUP VICTORIES

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SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

EXPERIENCES FOR EVERYONE

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THE WIDE ARRAY OF OPPORTUNITIES ON OFFER AT METHODY HAVE ALLOWED ME TO DEVELOP SO MANY INTERESTS AND PASSIONS, WHICH HAVE SHAPED WHO I AM TODAY.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES With over 40 clubs and societies to choose from in Sixth Form, pupils have so many opportunities to get involved. This is your opportunity to develop your love for activities and to step outside your comfort zone to try something new!

ACADEMIC

CREATIVE

SPORTS

All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad Club Gaeilge Law Society Model United Nations Politics and Current Affairs Psychology Society Senior Debating Society

Brick Club Chess Club Drama Hewitt Society Methody Buzz (Magazine) Senior Drama Sewing Club

Athletics Badminton Basketball Boys’ Hockey Cricket Football Girls’ Hockey Golf Netball Pickleball Rowing Rugby Running Club Swimming Tennis Water Polo

CULTURE MUSIC Band Chapel Choir Drumming Group Girls’ Choir Guitarist Workshop Irish Traditional Group Senior Choir Senior Orchestra Swing Band

Chapel Village Moneybox Senior Christian Union

SCIENCE Rewilding Society Robotics Club

SCHOOL TRIPS At Methody we offer at least 25 school trips each year in Senior School, offering you a myriad of life changing experiences.

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SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

MAJESTIC MUSIC The musical talent of pupils at Methody is renowned.

Our Chapel Choir has sung in several English Cathedrals, in Oxford and Cambridge Colleges, at Westminster Abbey and three times at Carnegie Hall in New York, with the crowning achievement of seven of our Girl Choristers taking part in the Coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey in May 2023.

Our Girls’ Choir has an outstanding reputation through concerts and performances on radio and TV as well as having toured with the Vienna Boys’ Choir in Vienna and Salzburg.

Other music groups that you can get involved in at Sixth Form include the Senior Orchestra, the Big Band, the Brass Group, the Swing Band, the Irish Traditional Group as well as other small ensembles.

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SINGING AT THE KING’S CORONATION IS AN EVENT WE WON’T FORGET...

IT IS SOMETHING WE WILL TELL OUR GRANDCHILDREN.

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HOUSE SYSTEM

HOUSE SYSTEM The House System promotes collegiality, competition, leadership and most of all fun!

The Houses are as follows:

DOWNEY HOUSE FULLERTON HOUSE MCARTHUR HOUSE NEILL HOUSE RITCHIE HOUSE WESLEY HOUSE

The new House identities are all taken from the Methodist College Belfast Crest. Each House logo contains the Maltese Cross within because even though the pupils compete for their house, they are united by the fact they are Collegians.

The House System runs from Prep 1 right through to Upper Sixth, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging, encouraging teamwork, healthy competition, and school spirit across all year groups. You can take part in a wide range of competitions and activities throughout the school year for your allocated house creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.

You will also have the opportunity to showcase your leadership skills by taking on House Captain roles, helping to guide and inspire the school community.

WORK HARD, HAVE FUN, MAKE A DIFFERENCE. 27 27

H FFO ORR M M PPP RR OO SP SSIIXXTTH R O SP EE CC TT UU SS

PUPIL VOICE We are committed to ensuring that Methody provides the best experience for our students.

Pupil Voice is key to our success.

Students directly engage with the Principal and Senior Staff to make a difference by sharing ideas, discussing the School Development Plan and school policies.

SCHOOL & FORM COUNCILS Two representatives from each Tutor Group are voted on to the Form Council for that Year Group, which meets several times a term and elects two representatives to sit on the School Council.

SIXTH FORM FORUM

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Sixth Form students elect representatives to the Sixth Form Forum, headed by an Executive.

The Forum then elects three representatives from both Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth on to the School Council, which is chaired by the Head Girl and Head Boy.

I HAVE GROWN IN CONFIDENCE DURING MY TIME AT METHODY WHICH HAS PREPARED ME FOR LIFE BEYOND SCHOOL.

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ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT METHODY IS THE MELTING POT OF CULTURE AND DIVERSITY.

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YOUR LIFE DOES NOT GET BETTER BY CHANCE, IT GETS BETTER BY CHANGE. JIM ROHN

Methodist College 1 Malone Road Belfast BT9 6BY 028 9020 5205 methody.org