St Ciaran’s CollegeBallygawley

P R O S P E C T U S 2 0 1 2

Welcome to St Ciaran’s College

15 Tullybryan RoadBallygawleyCo. TyroneBT70 2LY

Tel: 028 855 68640Fax: 028 855 68660 Email: info@stciarans.ballygawley.ni.sch.uk Website: www.stciaransballygawley.org

Headteacher: Aidan Taggart BA, MA, MSc, PQH

Chairperson: Mrs Deirdre McSorley

Dear Primary Seven students, parents and carers, I wish to warmly welcome you to our Open Night. St Ciaran’s is an inclusive all ability school catering for students up to eighteen years of age. We provide a wide range of academic and vocational courses to suit the differing needs of our students. This allows them to have a wide range of career options. We believe in the best for and from

all our students. This is reflected in our excellent academic results and in our record in preparing our students for Higher and Further Education as well as for the world of work. Our students also have opportunities to nurture their gifts and talents in a wide range of extra curricular activities, academic and sporting with the emphasis on learning and enjoyment.

We also have a community focus. We gained, in 2009, Specialist School status for Business and Maths and as a result we have strengthened our links with local business and community groups.

Our school motto is “Fortis in Fide” meaning “strong in faith.” We encourage development of the whole person not just through formal class, but also through well structured Religious Education and Personal Development programmes, class masses, prayers, participation in community events and charity fundraising. The priests of our parishes work in the school on a regular basis.

Relationships are the key to a successful happy, well ordered, learning community. St Ciaran’s is recognised for its friendly, family atmosphere. Our Pastoral system

aims to ensure that each individual student is known and supported not only to progress academically but also to integrate into the life of the school. We encourage an atmosphere where our students and their parents feel that they can talk freely to any member of staff and know that they will be dealt with in a caring, confidential way.

Our students’ parents and carers are very important partners in the education process and we encourage communication between school and home for the benefit of our students. Recognising that Transfer can be an especially worrying time, we have in place a series of measures including an induction programme to make transfer easier and to address any concerns students might have.

Finally I want to thank you for your attendance tonight and I hope that you will find your visit both informative and enjoyable. I wish all the young students transferring from Primary School this year, every success in their future studies

Yours faithfully,Aidan TaggartHeadteacher

Mission StatementSt Ciaran’s College is committed to promoting the education of our students in a Christian environment, recognising the gifts of each individual in developing their spiritual, academic, physical and artistic potential. As a Catholic school, St Ciaran’s will encourage students towards a sense of vocation and service to others in whatever career they choose.

The School CurriculumKey Stage 3The school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all pupils. As a Catholic school, Religious Education is central to the pupil’s education and is a compulsory subject throughout all years. The other time-tabled subjects comply with the learning areas as laid down by the N.I. Curriculum.

Learning Areas Contributory SubjectsKey Stage 3, Years 8-10

The Arts Art and Design, Drama, Music, Moving Image

Environment and Society Geography, HistoryEnglish EnglishMathematics MathematicsModern Languages French, IrishPhysical Education Physical EducationScience and Technology Science, Technology and DesignReligious Education Religious EducationLearning for Life and Work Personal & Social Education

EmployabilityInformation TechnologyCitizenshipHome Economics

Key Stage 4GCSE core subjects are compulsory in Years 11and 12:• Religious Education • Mathematics• Science • English

All pupils study Learning for Life & Work and have classes in Careers Education and Physical Education.

The following are optional GCSE subjects that are offered: • Additional Mathematics • ICT• Art • Irish• Business Studies • Learning for Life & Work• Child Development • Mathematics• Drama • Media Studies• English Language • Motor Vehicle Studies• English Literature • Music• French • Physical Education• Geography • Science (Double/Single Award)• History • Sociology• Home Economics (Food) • Technology & Design• Home Economics (Childcare) • Hospitality Occupational Studies at South West College, Omagh offers a first Certificate Skills based practical course in subjects such as Joinery, Cookery, Hairdressing, Hospitality which leads to two vocational GCSEs and there is also the extended certificate in the following subjects: Hospitality, Sports Studies, Construction, Engineering, Children’s Care, Learning and Development and Agriculture.

Post 16 CurriculumSt Ciaran’s College offers a range of courses for 16+ pupils with excellent results over many years. Students are offered three or four post 16 subjects. Subjects offered include: • Art & Design • Home Economics • Accounts • Irish • Biology • Mathematics• Chemistry • Media Studies • Drama and Theatre Studies• Music • English • Physics• French • Religious Education • Geography • Sociology • History • Technology & Design • Business Studies • Government & Politics• Information and Communication • Health & Social Care Technology

BTEC National Awards include:• Agriculture and Rural Studies • Construction• Children’s Care Learning and Development• Computer Games • Motorsport• Engineering •Travel & Tourism• Sports Development Coaching and Fitness• Hospitality

Additional Courses:Students can sample many extra curricular activities such as GAA and coaching awards, Certificate of Personal Effectiveness courses, Paired Reading and many career oriented activities.

Admission Criteria for Post 16:(a) Minimum of five GCSEs - grades A-C.(b) Students must have a record of good attendance, good conduct and application to study.

The School DayAssembly: 9.15am - 9.25amMorning Lessons: 9.25am - 12.45pmBreak time: 10.30am - 10.45amLunch time: 12.45pm - 1.35pmAfternoon Lessons: 1.35pm - 3.40pm

School UniformGIRLS UNIFORM (COMPULSORY FOR ALL YEARS)

Turquoise blouse, Kingfisher blue skirt, Silver grey, fine knit V-neck Trutex jumper, School tie, Black shoes onlyBlack blazer with school crest, Grey socks/black tights in winterBlack scarf (optional)

BOYS UNIFORM (COMPULSORY FOR ALL YEARS)

Grey shirt, Black trousers, Black fine knit, V-neck Trutex jumper (Years 8,9 & 10), School tie, Black shoes onlyBlack blazer with school crestBlack scarf (optional)

P.E. UNIFORM - GIRLSNavy school shorts, Blue polo shirt, Trainers (non-marking sole) and Blue socks

P.E. UNIFORM - BOYSNavy school shorts,Tyrone Jersey/White round neck tee-shirt,

Trainers (non-marking sole) and Blue socks

The main focus for St Ciaran’s as a Catholic school is to bring our young people closer to God. As a department, we promote the importance of having a relationship with God and each other in partnership with our homes and parishes. Religious Education is a vital part of our curriculum and the overall ethos of the school.

Jesus is the centre of our pupil’s personal and intellectual development. We feel there is no distinction between faith and life, so Religious Education is more than a subject and indeed encompasses all areas of the curriculum. In St Ciaran’s faith is shared, nurtured and encouraged and it is developed through a strong academic and wholistic syllabus.

Religious Education

The Religious Education Department is involved in a number of outreach programmes. St Ciaran’s Peregrini in association with Fr PJ Gormley (SMA) travelled to Zambia in 2009 and 2011 to immerse themselves in his missionary work in the compound of Mulenga. St Vincent de Paul has strengthened its links with the school through its Christmas projects. The Pope John Paul II Award is developing leadership skills and community activism among the Year 13/14 students.

The Oratory in St Ciaran’s remains a sacred space that is conducive to prayer and worship. It helps us to meet the spiritual needs of our students when celebrating the Eucharist, Penitential Services and Prayer Services throughout the Liturgical year.“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead”. James 2:14-17

Sport in St Ciaran’sSporting activities are central to life at St Ciaran’s. All students are expected to take part in Physical Education classes and there are many opportunities for our students to take part in our sporting extra curricular activities.

Our students benefit greatly from our excellent sports facilities which include:• Sports Hall • Gymnasium • Fitness Suite • 3G Pitch • Tennis/Netball Courts • Basketball Court • Handball Courts

Students have the opportunity to participate in the following sports throughout their years in St Ciaran’s: Athletics Badminton Basketball Cross-country Gaelic FootballNetball Gymnastics Soccer Minor Games DanceRounders Table Tennis Tennis Volleyball Rugby Orienteering Handball Golf

Teams participate in team games such as Gaelic football (boys & girls), netball, soccer, basketball, handball and in individual sports. In recent years our school has enjoyed success at local, County and All-Ireland level.

Pastoral Care (Detailed policy available on request)

Pastoral Care is concerned with the well being of all students and is the responsibility of all staff within our school.

Our Pastoral system:• Actively supports the aims of the school.• Contributes to the personal, social and emotional development of each individual through Personal Development class and throughout the curriculum.• Delivers the Personal Development Programme in line with our ethos and values.• Acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of all.

Each pupil has a Learning Tutor, who provides guidance and support to their tutor group, monitors progress and encourages success. As well as teaching, tutors meet with their tutor groups on a regular basis and with individuals when the need arises.

Learning Tutors in each year group are led by a Lead Learner who co-ordinates the work of the

Year Group and becomes involved where particular student issues give cause for concern. These areas are regularly monitored by the Pastoral Team in addition to daily monitoring by subject teachers.

St Ciaran’s College stresses the importance of full attendance, regular homework and handwork. Good links between home and school are vital to ensure that our students achieve their full potential. The pastoral team encourages parents/ carers to contact them with their concerns and to arrange a time to meet that suits everyone.

We are supported by New Life Counselling Service provided by the Department of Education who come into the school on a Tuesday from 9.30am to 3.40pm. We aim to listen and support our young people in a caring and confidential way. Parents/Carers should feel secure in the knowledge that we will always consult them and keep them informed when a young person is in need of help.

Extra-Curricular Activities

at St Ciaran’s College

Code of ConductSt Ciaran’s strives at all times to maintain a harmonious atmosphere and so expects:• respect for self• respect for others• courtesy and good manners• respect for school property• commitment to consistent hard work• a high standard of dress, punctuality and attendance

While recognising the importance of rules and regulations, St Ciaran’s places great emphasis on rewards and providing opportunities for students to take personal responsibility for their own behaviour and learning.

Drugs EducationSt Ciaran’s College is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of all members of the college. The protection of all college members will be achieved through the general ethos of the college, through an effective pastoral care programme and a comprehensive Drugs Education Programme. By working in partnership with parents and outside agencies, we have a vital preventative role to play combating the misuse of drugs by young people. Our Pupil Welfare Auxiliary continues to be responsible for the confidential pupil care, health and hygiene service at St Ciaran’s.

Health EducationSt Ciaran’s College is a Health Promoting School. We encourage our students to make healthy food and lifestyle choices which plays a crucial role in the development of all pupils in Key Stage 3, 4 and 5. We believe that all students should be encouraged to eat a healthy balanced diet and therefore the food we provide will be nutritious, varied and appealing for pupils. All food served complies with current guidelines for healthy eating and the New Nutritional Standards for school lunches and other food in schools (DENI 2008).

School Nutritional Action Group (SNAG)This is a school based action group where staff, students and the Catering Manager continue to work together to promote and encourage healthy eating within our school.All staff are aware of pupils with food allergies. Nuts or nut products are not used or served anywhere in the school and parents have been asked not to use foods which contain nuts when sending packed lunches.

Child ProtectionSt Ciaran’s College accepts and adheres to the principles of child protection as outlined in the Southern Education and Library Board Child Protection Procedures. The school provides a safe and caring environment which allows students to feel safe and secure. The school has designated teachers who will deal with all issues raised by individual students and by parents and outside agencies.

Learning SupportTransition from Primary School to Secondary School can be a worrying time for P.7s but there is no need to worry!

At St Ciaran’s College we offer an integrated model of Learning Support so students can experience all aspects of school life. Classes are smaller so students will be given all the support they need.

When P.7s come to St Ciaran’s College they will be provided with expert support from all staff. They will be supported by an experienced team of assistants who will help them settle in and support them throughout the year.

If they need extra help with reading, spelling or maths, then they can join our daily spelling club, Reading Partnership in our social club, tables club, or make enquiries about any other support they need!

Information and Communication TechnologySt Ciaran’s recognises the importance of developing ICT skills not only through the curriculum on offer, but also through extra curricular activities. We have state of the art ICT facilities which are constantly being updated and extended. Each classroom is equipped with at least two computers and many have interactive whiteboards/data projectors. We have five large ICT suites, two wireless trolleys containing 48 laptops and Media Studies/Art and Music rooms comprising up to date Apple Mac technology. In addition we have video conferencing equipment and a school Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Music in St Ciaran’sSt Ciaran’s College has a thriving Music Department and students of all ages have the opportunity to be involved in music in a variety of ways. Opportunities for all students to come together and perform are provided and instrumental tuition is available to all students. Lessons in Piano, Guitar, Drums, and Voice are available from private tutors who visit the school and the SELB Music Service offers lessons for Brass, Woodwind and String instruments. In addition to Junior and Senior Choirs and the Traditional Group there are other musical ensembles that perform at a wide range of events both local and beyond.

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)The College CEIAG and employability programmes are an important element in the school’s curriculum. The careers team provides a high quality programme which is relevant, up to date and gives impartial career information to everyone. The careers team along with all staff take a great interest in their students to ensure that they develop the personal qualities, skills, knowledge, understanding and attitudes needed to give them a strong foundation for the world of work in a rapidly changing economic environment. There is lots of career information available to all students via computer networks in school, specialist software and the internet.

The school has strong links with local industry, commerce, the professions, all the Higher and Further Education establishments and the Local Area Learning Community Career Teams. Advisers from the Northern Ireland Career Service assist in making appropriate career decision and choices, which are informed and well thought through. Each year the careers department or subject departments arrange visits to industries, universities and colleges and there are lots of visiting speakers from various career professions. Students get the opportunity to participate in planned and appropriate experiences in the world of work to increase learning, motivation and to develop their employability skills and give relevance to the learning programme.

Academic Performance 2011Key Stage 3 Assessment 2011

English

Levels 3 4 5 6 7

% Achieving Teacher Assessed Level 7.2 8.8 30.4 33.6 18.4% Achieving Test Level 8 12.8 45.6 25.6 2.4

Mathematics

Levels 3 4 5 6 7 8

% Achieving Teacher Assessed Level 0 29.6 31.2 24.0 11.2 2.4% Achieving Test Level 8.8 22.4 32.0 22.4 7.2 0.6

Science

Levels 3 4 5 6 7 8

% Achieving Teacher Assessed Level 4.0 12.0 31.2 28.8 22.4 0% Achieving Test Level 5.6 25.6 29.6 24.8 9.6 0

Performance in Public Examinations 2007-2011Performance Indicator

2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11

School NI Average School NI

Average School NIAverage School NI

Average

% Achieving 5+ GCSEs at Grades A*-C (or equivalent) 66 50.3 69 54.1 79 59 75

% Achieving 2+ A Levels at Grades A-E (or equivalent) 97 93.1 100 94.2 99 95 97

Attendance RateTotal attendance rate for school year 2010-2011 was 90.8%.

St Ciaran’s Vision StatementTo provide our young people with the opportunities and experiences that allow them to maximise their true potential as individuals and contributors to society and the economy.

St Ciaran’s College offers...

• a caring, safe and secure environment

• very high quality teaching and learning

• excellent academic results

• lots of extra curricular activities

15 Tullybryan Road, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone, BT70 2LY

Tel: 028 855 68640 Fax: 028 855 68660 Email: info@stciarans.ballygawley.ni.sch.uk Website: www.stciaransballygawley.org

St Ciaran’s CollegeBallygawley