St Pius X High School

Magherafelt

 

 

 

 

Prospectus

2000/2001

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT

‘St Pius X High School, in partnership with parents and the community, seeks to enable pupils to discover and develop their talents and aptitudes in an environment permeated by Catholic values, so that they will be able to participate actively and responsibly in society now and in the future’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

1          GENERAL INFORMATION

2          SCHOOL AIMS

3          ADMISSION CRITERIA - SCHOOL YEAR 2000/2001:

(a)        For Year 8 Pupils

(b)       Applications received after the beginning of the school year

(c)        Years 9 - 12 Pupils

4          CLASS ORGANISATION

5          ARRANGEMENTS FOR LUNCH

6          PASTORAL CARE - YEAR TUTOR / FORM TEACHER

7          CARE FOR PUPILS WHO TAKE ILL OR WHO SUFFER INJURY

8          DRUGS POLICY

9          CURRICULUM

10        EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY

11        CHARGES AND REMISSION POLICY

12        HOMEWORK AND HOMESTUDY

13        DISCIPLINE POLICY

14        SCHOOL RULES ON DRESS AND STYLE

15        ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE INTERNET:

    1. Policy Summary
    2. Advice for Parents on their children’s use of the Internet.

           

16        REVIEW AND AMENDMENTS

17        SCHOOL PERFORMANCE 1998/99

FOREWORD                                                                                   

St Pius X High School

59 Moneymore Road

Magherafelt

Co Derry

Tel No:           01648 - 32186 (2 lines)

Fax No:          01648 - 32573

 

This Prospectus aims to inform parents and children of the quality of life, policies, organisation and the teaching/learning activities which are promoted in St Pius X High School.

It is the basic philosophy of the school that every pupil must be given the maximum opportunity for a worthwhile education. This means more than academic achievement or success in examinations. As a Catholic school our over-riding aim is to establish and foster Christian values for life; to do this it is essential that we work in partnership with all our parents and with the Church. Growth in personal development, self-discipline, understanding of our religion; education in practical and social skills, vocational guidance; development of sporting talents and leisure interests - all of these are important goals.

By striving towards all of these goals the school has built up a sound reputation over the years. This is reflected in the fact that the current enrolment of 852 pupils is well above the school’s authorised enrolment figure of 825.

I hope the knowledge and impression gained from this booklet and from visiting the school will encourage parents to choose St Pius X High School for their children.

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

 

1          GENERAL INFORMATION

PRINCIPAL:                 

    1. CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS:

            Canon C O’Byrne PP

    1. SCHOOL ADDRESS and TELEPHONE NUMBER:

            St Pius X High School

            59 Moneymore Road

            MAGHERAFELT

Co Derry

            BT45 6HQ

            Telephone:    01648 - 32186 (2 lines)

            Fax:                 01648 - 32573

            E-Mail:           StPiusX@SCHOOLS.CLASS-NI.0RG.UK

            WEB:

            http://www.rmplc.co.uk/eduweb/sites/stpiusxi/index.html

    1. AUTHORISED ENROLMENT:   825
    1. CLASSIFICATION

           

St Pius X High, Magherafelt, is a mixed gender Catholic Maintained School, for day pupils - age range 11 - 16 years.

    1. EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD AREA:

            The School is situated in the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) area but pupils from the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) area are also enrolled. Information for parents, published by the Education and Library Board is available from NEELB, County Hall, Ballymena. Copies are distributed to parents of pupils who are transferring, through the Primary Schools. Reference copies are also available at St Pius X High School or from the Public Library Service.

    1. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARENTS TO VISIT THE SCHOOL:

            Parents and prospective pupils may visit the school on any day by appointment. There is a special OPEN EVENING on Monday 31st January, 2000, commencing at 7 30 pm.

    1. SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2000/2001

               

            School Holidays, planned for the School Year 2000/2001, are as follows:

                                                                                                            SCHOOL DAYS

            1 - 31 August 2000                                                                23

            30 - 31 October 2000                                                             2

            1 November 2000                                                                 1

            8 December 2000                                                                  1

            22 - 31 December 2000                                                         6

1 - 5 January 2001                                                                 5

            29 January 2001                                                                    1

            16 - 19 February 2001                                                           2

            13 - 20 April 2001                                                                 6

            7 May 2001                                                                            1

            1 - 31 July 2001                                                                      22

                                                                                                                        70

                                                                                    + held in reserve      1

                                                                                                                        71

            NOTE:           There may have to be some alteration to the above; if this is the case parents will be informed in good time.

2          SCHOOL AIMS

            The Aims of St Pius X High School are set down as follows:

  1. To enable all pupils to discover and develop their talents in relation to knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes in an environment where learning is an enjoyable experience by:
    1. providing all pupils with access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
    2. employing a range of teaching methods and learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
    3. striving to ensure that the most appropriate facilities, resources, equipment, and materials are available.
    4. using appropriate assessment procedures to motivate pupils and encourage success.
    5. keeping pupils and parents informed of progress and achievement.
    6. making provision for pupils with special needs and

facilitating associated staff development.

    1. encouraging good relationships within the classroom and school in general.
  1. To give all pupils the experience of a Catholic education by:

                                                                                i.            fostering their growth in and understanding of the Faith.

                                                                             ii.            promoting an appreciation of fairness, tolerance and forgiveness by word and example.

                                                                           iii.            helping to achieve high standards of respect, self-discipline, commitment and generosity.

  1. To further the working partnership between the school and the community by:

                               

                                                                                i.            involving parents in all aspects of their children’s education.

                                                                             ii.            developing closer links with ‘feeder’ primary schools.

                                                                           iii.            fostering co-operation and communication with other schools.

                                                                           iv.            providing opportunities for pupils to be involved in various forms of community service.

                                                                              v.            involving community groups and representatives in the life of the school.

                                                                           vi.            expanding the network of school/industry links.

  1. To enable pupils to realise the importance of active participation in all relevant aspects of life and to encourage them to become responsible adults by:

2

    1. encouraging pupils to act as responsible members of their families and communities.
    2. preparing pupils for their future roles.
    3. promoting a responsible lifestyle in relation to health, fitness and leisure.
    4. raising awareness of environmental issues and individual/community responsibilities.
    5. promoting understanding of and respect for the culture, faith and tradition of others.

3          (a)        ADMISSIONS CRITERIA - for YEAR 8 PUPILS -

SCHOOL YEAR 2000/2001

Introduction

All applicants will be admitted, provided the number of applicants does not exceed the school’s admission and enrolment numbers as determined by the Department of Education.

If the school is over-subscribed pupils will be admitted according to the Criteria 1 - 8 in the order set down. Each application will be considered according to the criterion to which it belongs in the order set down.

Pupils resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the school will be admitted before any pupil not so resident will be considered.

Attention is drawn to notes (i), (ii) and (iii) included with the criteria.

    1. Pupils who normally reside in the following parishes:

            Magherafelt including Castledawson.

            Ardtrea North including Newbridge and Ballymaguigan.

            Ardtrea including Loup and Moneymore

            Ballinderry.

            Note (i)

            If over-subscribed on criterion 1 priority will be given as follows:

    1. To pupils with brothers/sisters enrolled.
    2. To pupils with family members previously enrolled.
    3. On the basis of the proximity of the Parents’/Guardians’ home to the school.
  1. Pupils normally residing in the parishes of Bellaghy, Desertmartin, Lavey, Lissan, Ardboe, Coagh and attending primary schools:
    1. located in the parishes specified in 3.1 above
    2. located in the parishes specified in 3.2 herein

            (priority will be given in the order specified at (i) then (ii) above)

Note (ii)

If oversubscribed on criterion 2, priority will be given as follows:

    1. To pupils with brothers/sisters enrolled
    2. To pupils with family members previously enrolled
    3. On the basis of the proximity of the Parents’/Guardians’ home to the school.

 

    1. Pupils who have brothers and sisters presently enrolled in the school, irrespective of parish of residence.
    1. Pupils who are children of permanent employees of the school, irrespective of parish of residence.
    2. Pupils for whom special circumstances apply eg: Social Services Report, Security Reasons, irrespective of parish of residence. The Board of Governors will determine the merits of individual cases. Appropriate documented evidence must be provided.
    3. Pupils residing in parishes other than those already referred to and attending primary schools located in the parishes specified in 3.1 above; preference will be given to pupils residing in parishes located in NEELB area.
    4. Pupils residing in parishes other than those already referred to and attending primary schools located in the parishes specified in 3.2 above; preference will be given to pupils residing in parishes located in NEELB area.
    5. Pupils residing in other parishes who do not meet any of the criteria detailed above; preference will be given to pupils residing in parishes located in NEELB area.

                        Note (iii)

            If over-subscribed on any one criterion from 3.3 to 3.8 inclusive, priority will be given as follows:

    1. To pupils who have had a brother or sister previously enrolled.
    2. To pupils who have had other family members previously enrolled - father and mother, father or mother, aunt/uncle in that order.
    3. On the basis of the proximity of the Parents’/Guardians’ home to the school.

(b)       YEAR 8 ADMISSIONS AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE

SCHOOL YEAR - SCHOOL YEAR 2000/2001

            The criteria cited above will be applied to cover applications for admission to Year 8 received after the beginning of the school year.

            They will be utilised when the number of applications is greater than the number of vacant places available.

(c)        CRITERIA FOR TRANSFER BETWEEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

1999/2000 - ADMISSIONS CRITERIA - YEARS 9 - 12

Applications for transfer to St Pius X High School from other Secondary Schools will be considered provided that the school’s enrolment number, as determined by the Department of Education, is not exceeded by any additional admission.

1          A pupil will be refused permission to join the St Pius X High School community when the Board of Governors is of the opinion that his/her enrolment would prejudice the efficient use of the school’s resources. {Article 13(5) of the Education (NI) Order 1997}.

2          In the event of more applications than places being available at a particular time and/or in a particular year group, selection will be determined in accordance with the order in which the criteria set out below are listed.

            Preference will be given to applicants as follows:

            To pupils:

    1. living closest to the school on the basis of the proximity of the Parent’s/Guardians’ home to the school as measured by the shortest route.
    2. with brothers/sisters currently enrolled at the school.
    3. with family members (a) currently and (b) previously enrolled.

            Parents should make written application, in the first instance, to the Principal attaching the most recent school report of the child for whom the admission is sought. Accepting parental desire to have their children placed in appropriate schools and in order to avoid disruption to their education, such applications will be dealt with as soon as possible following their receipt by the Principal.

            ROLE OF THE PRINCIPAL

            The Board of Governors has delegated to the Principal the responsibility to examine the applications for transfer, to interview parents and students if deemed necessary, to establish whether the criteria are met and to advise the Board accordingly. Having examined the advice given the Board will confirm/make decisions as appropriate.

4          CLASS ORGANISATION

    1. On entry, pupils are organised into 3 groups or bands according to their attainment in their Primary Schools. In addition to attainment in Reading, English and Mathematics scores on standardised tests are used to assist with class placement. Pupils with difficulties in these subject areas are identified and placed in small classes of approximately 20 pupils, where special help including individual attention is provided, with the aim of correcting these difficulties in the early years of their secondary education. Pupils in other groups or bands are placed in mixed ability classes, with approximately the same number of pupils in each class. All classes follow the same programme of subjects and no distinction is made between classes in this respect. There is a total of 7 classes in each of the first 3 years, but division into smaller groups is always necessary for practical subjects where numbers are limited in accordance with Department of Education regulations. In Years 11 and 12, pupils are organised into groups of approximately 25. Classes for Subjects are arranged according to statutory requirements, and pupil choice where possible.
    2. THE SCHOOL DAY

            The school day begins at 8 55 am with Assembly and ends at 3 30 pm. There is a 15 minute morning break 11 00 am to 11 15 am.

            There are two 45 minute lunch breaks:

            1          12 25 to 1 10 pm        - 2 Year Groups are served.

            2          1 00 pm to 1 45 pm   - 3 Year Groups are served.

            CLASS PERIODS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

             8 55 - 9 10:     Assembly - Morning Prayer - Roll Call

             9 15 - 9 50:     Period 1

             9 50 - 10 25:   Period 2

            10 25 - 11 00:  Period 3

            11 00 - 11 15:  Morning Break

            11 15 - 11 50:  Period 4

            11 50 - 12 25:  Period 5

            12 15 - 1 00:    Period 6 (for pupils who go to lunch 2)

             1 10 - 1 45:     Period 7 (for pupils who go to lunch 1)

1 45 - 2 20:      Period 8

1.      - 2.55:  Period 9

2 55 - 3 30:      Period 10

 

5          ARRANGEMENTS FOR LUNCH

            School regulations require that pupils remain on the school premises at lunch time - except for a small number from the town of Magherafelt who are able to go to their homes for lunch and return in good time for class. Parents of such pupils seek permission in writing at the beginning of the school year.

            A cash cafeteria service is provided in the school dining hall. For pupils who bring a packed lunch facilities are available in the dining hall.

Comprehensive and caring supervision is provided each day by teams of teachers and supervisory assistants, thus ensuring that pupils can safely enjoy their lunch-break.

6          PASTORAL CARE - HEAD OF YEAR/FORM TEACHER

            The policies, procedures and programmes for Pastoral Care and Personal and Social Education are the cornerstone for all activities that are part of St Pius X High School.

            We believe that a caring a happy environment is essential for pupils to succeed, hence great care is taken to ensure that the transfer from primary to secondary school is as smooth as possible.

We have created a structure in which the care and guidance of pupils is undertaken by teachers at all levels including the Principal.

            Each pupil has a Form Teacher whose role is to monitor and assist in all aspects of his/her personal, academic, social and vocational development. All Form Teachers meet their classes for prayer and registration each morning and during the weekly pastoral period. This provides an opportunity for them to get to know the pupils and to monitor their general progress in all aspects of school life.

            Under the guidance of the Pastoral Co-ordinator, Year Heads and Form Teachers work closely in drawing up the Pastoral Programme. This programme identifies problems/concerns and if possible eradicates or alleviates them. Each member of the team has an important role in counselling the individual pupil and meeting with parents.

            The School Chaplain, Fr J Russell, CC, also makes an important contribution to the programme. He is available to advise teachers and to support and counsel pupils on request.

 

 

7          CARE FOR PUPILS WHO TAKE ILL OR WHO SUFFER INJURY

            A nurse/classroom assistant cares for sick or injured pupils. Parents can be assured that such pupils will get prompt attention and excellent care.

            Parents are free to discuss with her details of any particular chronic illness from which a pupil may suffer and to leave with her medicines for dispensing. Guidance on the care of young people and detail on the above procedures will be provided to parents of incoming pupils prior to their arrival in the school.

8          DRUGS POLICY

            The school is committed to the health and well being of all students. It is the policy of the school to keep the premises free from all illegal drugs and to give students the skills and knowledge to resist the use of drugs, including tobacco and alcohol.

            Students who are known to be in possession of, distributing, selling, providing or using tobacco, alcohol or illegal substances in school, on school property or on school trips will be subject to pastoral/disciplinary measures, in accordance with school policy.

            A copy of the full Drugs Policy is available on request from the school.

9          CURRICULUM

            The curriculum planned and provided in the school is broad, balanced and relevant to the needs and aspirations of all pupils. In the first three years, KEY STAGE 3, a wide range of subjects and experiences are offered in order to develop the talents, skills, interests and abilities of each pupil. The requirements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum are accounted for within our overall provision. To ensure coherence and relevance in the curriculum all subjects/courses are taught within the context of the School Aims.

  1. THE SUBJECTS STUDIED ARE:

                        ENGLISH                             RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

                        MATHEMATICS                BUSINESS STUDIES

SCIENCE                              INFORMATION

COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

                        FRENCH                               PHYSICAL EDUCATION

                        IRISH                                                HOME ECONOMICS

                        HISTORY                             ART AND DESIGN

                        GEOGRAPHY                     TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

                        PSE                                         DRAMA

                        MUSIC

            All pupils are given the opportunity to experience the full range of subjects in their first three years.

  1. KEY STAGE 4

            In the Spring Term of Year 10, pupils choose the courses they wish to study during Year 11 and Year 12. All pupils are given the opportunity to take courses for public examination. Parents are fully informed towards the end of the Spring term about the options that are available to their children. The final choice of courses is made following thorough consultation between teachers, parents and pupils. The choice of courses taken will be in accordance with the requirements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

  1. EXAMINATION COURSES in 2000 and 2001

                                                                                i.            GCSE

            ART AND DESIGN              IRISH

            BUSINESS STUDIES                        MATHEMATICS

            INFORMATION SYSTEMS            MUSIC

            ENGLISH LANGUAGE      OFFICE APPLICATIONS

            ENGLISH LITERATURE    RELIGIOUS STUDIES

            FRENCH                               SCIENCE:

            GRAPHIC PRODUCTS                   Single Award/Double Award

            GEOGRAPHY                                  TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN

            HISTORY                              TECHNOLOGY:

            HOME ECONOMICS:                     Resistant Materials

             Child Development                        PERSONAL and SOCIAL

             Home Economics                EDUCATION (Modular)

(ii)       RSA

            CLAIT

                                                                                i.            ACHIEVEMENT IN EDUCATION

            LIVING MATHEMATICS   ENGLISH

            GEOGRAPHY                                  GRAPHICAL & MATERIAL

HISTORY                              STUDIES

                                                            BUSINESS STUDIES

    1. GRADED OBJECTIVES IN MODERN LANGUAGE

            FRENCH

            IRISH

    1. AEB BASIC SKILLS

            GEOGRAPHY

  1. CROSS CURRICULAR THEMES

               

            Cross Curricular Themes (EMU/Cultural Heritage, Health Education, ICT, Careers, Economic Awareness) are delivered through the Programmes of Study of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. These may be supplemented by modules or units of work in eg: Careers/Information Communications Technology.

  1. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

                        Religious Education is given priority in the Curriculum. The second of the school aims is to give pupils the experience of a Catholic Education, by fostering their growth in and understanding of their Faith.

            The Religious Education Programme meets with the approval of the Armagh Diocesan adviser and satisfies all the requirements laid down in the NI Core RE Syllabus. The programme is about faith building, and gives opportunities for pupils to develop their relationship with God and with each other through the use of scripture, doctrine, prayer and reflection on their own experiences.

            ‘The New Christian Way’ Series is used as the main part of the programme for Years 8 - 10. This is a follow-on from ‘The Children of God’ Series used in the Primary School.

            In Years 11 and 12, pupils follow either a GCSE Course or a course leading to The Diocesan Certificate. Both these courses provide opportunities for faith development.

            Our Chaplain, Fr John Russell, from the Magherafelt parish, contributes to the Religious Programme. He is available for the celebration of Mass, prayer services, liturgies and individual counselling.

            The Religious Programme is further enhanced by daily assemblies, class liturgies and regular visits from members of Religious Orders.

  1. CAREERS EDUCATION

            The aim of Careers Education in the school is to help pupils acquire the skills, attitudes and values they will need to identify their talents, and to use them to select a suitable career.

            Through the careers programme pupils develop:

    1. a knowledge and understanding of themselves;
    2. a knowledge of the employment, training and educational opportunities available to them;
    3. the ability to make considered choices and decisions.

            In Years 11 and 12 during time-tabled Careers classes, pupils are given an understanding of the world of work, and the requirements or procedures for Further and Higher Education, Training and Employment. The programme involves pupils in activity-based learning ie: discussions, debates, role-play and projects. Each pupil compiles a job study and completes a personal career plan.

            There are industry-linked activities including speakers and industrial visits. In Year 11 all pupils undergo a minimum of one week’s work experience. This is usually planned for the final weeks of the third term.

            A Careers Officer from The Training and Employment Agency comes to the school one day each week and participates in the delivery of the programme.

  1. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

            It is our aim to provide learning opportunities for children who have numeracy and literacy problems, with a view to helping them achieve a satisfactory level of competence. At the beginning of Year 8, children are given English and Mathematics tests to help identify those with difficulties. Pupils who receive special help are not set apart from the mainstream of everyday school life. In English and Mathematics an additional teacher is allocated to the group thus facilitating individual tuition.

            While working within the guidelines set down by the Northern Ireland Curriculum, pupils follow the Programmes of Study in both English and Mathematics. Each pupil begins work within the level suited to his/her ability. Each pupil’s work is continually assessed and progress monitored. Further standardised testing is carried out periodically and results recorded.

            In Years 8, 9 and 10 it is hoped that with the quality of teaching, encouragement and individual attention, pupils will make satisfactory progress and achieve a level of competence which will enable them to reach their potential by the end of Key Stage 3.

            In Years 11 and 12 Key Stage 4 pupils continue to work on the Programmes of Study. They study for the examinations in both English and Mathematics which are best suited to their ability. At present, pupils are taking the WJEC Communication Skills in English and CCEA ‘Living Mathematics’.

            The ‘Code of Practice’ issued by the Department of Education came into effect in September ’98. The ‘Code of Practice’ recommends a five stage approach designed to ensure the identification of pupils with special educational needs and the monitoring and regular reviewing of the provision set in place for them. The first three stages are school based, with support from external specialists when necessary. At Stages 4 and 5 the Education & Library Board shares responsibility with the school.

            Within each stage of the ‘Code of Practice’, communication with and involvement of parents and pupils are most important factors in working for successful outcomes.

  1. ASSESSMENT/REPORTS

            The school’s assessment/reporting policy in Year 8 is designed to promote confidence in pupils while challenging them to realise their full potential. This policy is built on in Year 9 and in subsequent years.

            On two occasions in each of the first four years, formal assessment (this includes coursework, homework and tests) is carried out and reports are sent out to parents. In Year 12 a formal assessment and report is made at the end of the first term.

  1. RECORDS OF ACHIEVEMENT

            All pupils leave school with a National Record of Achievement. Each year pupils are asked to build up a portfolio, which provides a profile of themselves and their achievements. In Year 12 these achievements and experiences are summarised and presented in the National Record of Achievement Folder.

            Each pupil’s Personal Folder contains the following records:

                                    ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATES

                                    ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

                                    INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOL LIFE

                                    INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY

                                    PERSONAL STATEMENT

                                    EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

                                    QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDITS

                                    PERSONAL CAREER PLAN

 

            The aims of these records are:

               

                                                                                                                                i.            to encourage each pupil to take an active part in his/her own learning and development;

                                                                                                                             ii.            to give prospective employers and those in further education a fuller picture of the pupil’s achievements, activities and interests.

  1. INSPECTION AND OBTAINMENT OF DOCUMENTS

                        Copies of documents, including Curriculum documents, are available for inspection at the Principal’s Office, on written request, to any parent who has a child enrolled in the school or is intending to enrol a child. A parent may obtain a copy of a relevant document on written request, giving one week’s notice, and on payment of the cost of providing such a copy.

  1. COMPLAINTS

            If a parent has a complaint about the Curriculum, he/she should first discuss such a complaint with the Principal. If the matter is not resolved, the parent may raise it with a School Governor who, if necessary, will bring the matter to the attention of the Board of Governors. Should the matter remain unresolved, the parent may take the complaint to an Independent Tribunal.

 

10        EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  1. Many pupils participate in a wide range of activities and clubs outside school hours.

            These include:

            CLM

            PUBLIC SPEAKING

            QUIZZES

            THE CONSERVATION GROUP

            THE TRADITIONAL MUSIC GROUP

            THE CHOIR

            THE SKI CLUB

            STAGE PRODUCTIONS

            EUROPEAN STUDIES

            THE MENTOR PROGRAMME

 

 

10.2     SPORTING FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO PUPILS

            Sporting facilities at the school include one gymnasium, two small pitches, tennis-courts and a cross-country course.

Local council facilities - sports hall, swimming pool, athletics track and pitches are rented.

            Local Gaelic clubs also are very supportive by permitting us the use of their facilities and pitches.

The recent commencement of the building programme means that these will be supplemented by an additional full size Gaelic pitch, the provision of an all-weather facility and the erection of a Sports hall housing a minor hall and full size gymnasium.

OUR SPORTING TRADITION

            It is the aim of the school to provide a variety of sporting activities for boys and girls throughout the school year, including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Cross-Country, Dance, Aerobics, Fishing, Gaelic Football, Gymnastics, Netball, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming and Yoga. Over the years we have earned an outstanding reputation for sports achievements.

            Sporting activities are provided through the PE Programme and after school activities. Three formal PE classes per week are provided for each teaching group. For those pupils who wish to participate in further sporting activities, one and a half hours, four evenings per week, are provided after school to coach sport and prepare teams for inter-school competitions in Gaelic Football, Basketball, Soccer, Rugby, Netball, Camogie, Cross-Country and Athletics. The competitions are detailed in the paragraphs which follow.

 

ATHLETICS            Boys and girls - four age groups involved in Ulster Schools Championships.

            NEELB Championships.

            Co Derry Championships.

            Sports Hall Athletics Competition.

CROSS-COUNTRY            Boys and girls teams take part in Ulster Schools Championships and in the NEELB Competition.

BASKETBALL         Year 9 and year 11 - South Derry League.

            Years 8 - 12 - NEBSSA Leagues.

RUGBY         Year 11 and Year 12 - Todd Cup.

SOCCER       Year 11 and Year 12 - Coleraine & District Schools Leagues.

CAMOGIE

Camogie is one of our main team games for girls. All girls have the opportunity to take part in internal tournaments. There is a school tournament for each year group in June. Three age groups compete in the Co Derry Schools Competition and in the Ulster Colleges Championship.

Year 8             )           Intra school competitions

Under 14        )