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FIVEMILETOWN COLLEGEPROSPECTUS 2024
fmta centre of excellence at theheart of the community
We are rightly proud of the many and varied achievements of our current and former pupils. Our school was originally opened in 1960 and has a rich history crafted by generations of wonderful staff and young people. The school has been completely rebuilt in recent years and as we continue to experience top quality teaching and learning, we now also boast excellent facilities to rival any school in the Province. Our co-ed school caters for pupils from Year 8 up to Year 14 offerring a wide range of GCSE and A Level subjects.Our school is rmly placed at the heart of the community. It is our aim to maximise the potential of every pupil, whether that be on an academic, sporting, musical or spiritual front. Everything we do in school centres around what is best for our pupils. At the heart of our school lies three core values – Excellence, Commitment and Respect. We have high standards and high expectations that our entire school family will feed into these values to ensure each and every pupil achieves their full potential.To support and enhance our curriculum we have an extensive range of extra-curricular activities on offer. Our sports clubs include rugby, football, netball, hockey, cricket and athletics, to name but a few. Additional tailored courses are offered to students in years 13 and 14 through the Enrichment Programme to help prepare them for life beyond school. Outside the sporting arena, our extra-curricular programme includes clubs such as Scripture Union, Eco-schools, Outdoor Spaces, Art, Science and Home Economics.At Fivemiletown College, we pride ourselves on the excellent relationships which exist amongst staff, pupils, parents, partner primary schools and the wider community. These excellent relationships coupled with high quality teaching and learning are essential ingredients in ensuring academic success.We hope you nd this prospectus useful in gaining an insight into life in Fivemiletown College. To gain a fuller picture of what our school has to offer we are holding an Open Evening on Thursday 11th January 2024 at 7.00p.m. for Primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils and their parents. I would encourage you all to come along and meet with pupils, staff and Governors. You will have a guided tour of the school and see a selection of students working in various departments. I very much, look forward to meeting you all.“It is my great privilige to introduce you to Fivemiletown College. We are one of Northern Ireland’s leading all ability schools, with an outstanding reputation for academic excellence and an impressive record of achievement in music, sport and drama.” Mrs J AllenPrincipalprincipal’s welcomeheart of the community
& valuesvisionFivemiletown College has long been recognised as a leading all-ability school and we are justly proud of the achievements of our pupils. Established in 1960, our current “state of the art” facilities were opened in March 2009. Our sporting facilities include a 4 court sports hall, 5 all-weather tennis courts, a ‘Technogym’ tness suite, oodlit ‘Astroturf’ hockey pitch and an indoor heated swimming pool.The weekly youth club is held in the Youth Annexe and the college’s sports provision offers facilities to the wider community during the evenings and weekends, enhancing its status as a Community College. We pride ourselves in being a school which caters for all abilities. We offer a wide range of courses, both academic and vocational in collaboration with SW College (Enniskillen and Omagh) Many of our students graduate from universities and move on into professional careers and many have achieved success in the business world, trades and agri-food industries. Pupils from all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed in the school and we aim to foster a sense of respect for others. Our teaching staff are characterised by their dedication to their pupils, team work and pastoral care. They often work above and beyond the call of duty to support the pupils in their care.Engagement with the community we serve is evidenced through open evenings, concerts, support for local charities, links with primary schools and parental contact. Local ministers from the area support the spiritual life of the school in taking weekly assembly. We have a solid foundation and aim to build on past success and move forward into the future with condence.commitmentOur aim is to educate, prepare and inspire all students to achieve their full potential as lifelong learners, thinkers and productive contributors to society. We provide a caring, supportive environment in which each student is encouraged and challenged to develop their strengths, interests and talents.Loyalty to friends, colleagues and our school. High work ethic in order to achieve. Supporting and caring for those in need and understanding the importance of teamwork.excellenceSetting high standards and aspiring to achieve. Producing high quality work, continually striving for improvement. Being proud of personal and collective achievement.respect Value all members of the school community. Respect all resources and facilities. Tolerate others with different opinions or beliefs than ourselves.core valuesfmt the right place for you
stepsStepping into Fivemiletown College, each pupil will discover that they are valued as an individual and that their talents and abilities are nurtured. All staff do their very best to ensure every pupil leaves this school as a condent and articulate young adult, fully prepared to continue the next stage of their journey. Starting a new school can be a daunting time in a child’s life (and parents too…) During the transition from primary school, we will gather information about each child so that we are aware of their strengths, interests and concerns. This will help us to provide all pupils with the best possible support to ensure they reach their full potential.We have the highest ambitions for and expectations of our students in all aspects of school life, and we work hard to equip every student with the qualications and skills to enable them to continue their journey beyond our gates: whether that be at university, a further education college or the world of work. At Fivemiletown College we aim to maximise potential for every pupil every day.At Fivemiletown College we aim to make the transition between primary and post primary as smooth as possible.To do this we have a number of strategies in place.• A member of the Senior Leadership Team will visit each feeder Primary School in early January to speak to all P6 and P7 pupils. They will each be given a prospectus and the opportunity to ask any questions which they may have.• If your child is successful in gaining a place in Fivemiletown College, an individual meeting with a member of the Senior Leadership Team will take place with each pupil and their parent/guardian(s) in May 2024.• Each new Year 8 pupil will be invited into school in June for an Induction Session as well as completion of standardised tests.• We hold a further induction evening in June for parents and pupils. Here our new pupils will meet their form teacher, Year Head and Pastoral Leader as well as the other pupils in their form class.• At the end of August, Year 8 pupils start the term prior to the rest of the school. They have a half day in school spent doing familiarisation and team building activities.rstfmt the right place for you
the school dayThe school is open from 8.15am each morning. Students are expected to be in school before the rst bell at 8.55am. Each morning, students meet with their Form Teacher for registration. Form Class takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 - 9.15am and a whole-school Assembly is held on Tuesday and Thursday. Once a month, students attend a Year Assembly and a House Assembly.Each year group is divided into a number of classes (usually three) depending on the actual enrolment number. Pupils are placed in form classes led by a form teacher, with whom they will remain for ve years. After meeting with their form teacher each morning, students follow their timetable for the rest of the day. Classes are streamlined academically and class placing is determined by performance using computer based adaptive tests.PERIOD 1 9.00 - 9.15 REGISTRATIONPERIOD 2 9.15 - 9.50PERIOD 3 9.50 - 10.25PERIOD 4 10.25 - 11.00 PERIOD 5 11.00 - 11.15 BREAKPERIOD 6 11.15 - 11.50PERIOD 7 11.50 - 12.25PERIOD 8 12.25 - 1.00 SENIOR LUNCHPERIOD 9 1.00 - 135 JUNIOR LUNCHPERIOD 10 1.35 - 2.10 PERIOD 11 2.10 - 2.45PERIOD 12 2.45 - 3.20TIMETABLEhomeworkHomework is integral to students’ learning as it provides them with opportunities to consolidate their learning and develop their skills of independent study.Each student is given an individual planner at the start of each academic year so that they can organisetheir workload effectively. We ask all parents and guardians to encourage their child to complete their homework and to check and sign their planner on a weekly basis. The planner is also a means of communication between the school and parents.
pastoralIn Fivemiletown College, we have a supportive and effective Pastoral Care network which ensures each individual student feels secure, respected and nurtured throughout their time at our school. Our dedicated Pastoral Care team ensure that our students can enjoy a safe and caring learning environment and that any problems that may arise are dealt with promptly and effectively.The Pastoral Care system is headed by the Pastoral Senior Leader, Mrs McConaghy. She is supported by our Head of Key Stage 3, Mr Liggett and 4 Miss Sloan, as well as form teachers and our pastoral support worker. Students have their own dedicated Year Head who will closely monitor the academic progress, emotional welfare and social development of students in their care.Each Head of Key Stage meets regularly with each year group, holding monthly assemblies to review progress and monitor both behaviour and attendance. When Year 8 students enter the school they are placed in a Form Class and assigned a Form Teacher who will stay with that group of students until Year 12, looking after the day to day administration and well-being of the class.Students meet with their Form Teacher every day so that any issues that arise can be dealt with swiftly. Safeguarding concerns are dealt with by the Designated Teacher for Child Protection, Mrs McConaghy, who is assisted by Mr Wallace. The school also offers the services of a counsellor who is in school once a week, providing condential support to students who require it.In addition to this, the school has employed the services of a full-time Pastoral Support Worker, Mrs Donaldson. Her time is dedicated to the support of our students. She works mainly with pupils on an individual basis, providing tailored pastoral support and liaising with school staff and parents when necessary.careMrs McConaghyMr LiggettMiss SloanMr WallaceMrs Donaldson
Our house system ensures students feel part of a smaller, distinct group within the larger school community. Each student is assigned a House when they enrol in the college and remain in this House for the duration of their school life creating a sense of identity and belonging. In Fivemiletown College, there are three houses, Brooke, Heads and School. The House System is allied to our ‘Ready To Learn’ scheme, which promotes and rewards positive attitudes and behaviour. When a pupil achieves success in school they are rewarded with Achievement Points which are also transferred to their House. There are regular competitions held throughout the year which everyone can take part in to try and win points for their House. The House with the most points for the year will be presented with the House Trophy and a gift for each student.housesystemschoolheadsbrookeHigh quality pastoral care and support for all students is our priority.
key stage 3(Year 8 - 10)• Art• Drama• English• French• Geography• History• Home Economics/Food & Nutrition• ICT• Learning for Life and Work• Life Skills• Literacy Skills• Mathematics• Music• Physical Education & Games• Religious Education• Science• TechnologyAt Key Stage 4 students are offered a pathway best suited to their ability, interests and future career path. Subject choices are made in Yr10 following discussions with parents and students, advice from the Careers Department and academic progress indicators.Students have the opportunity to follow an academic programme in school giving students the opportunity to study up to 10 GCSEs or a more vocational programme through the Occupational Studies Skills programme at South West College (Enniskillen Campus) to do skills based practical subjects such as Hair and Beauty, Joinery, Plumbing, Bricklaying or Electrical Engineering. These courses are attended one day per week over two years, lead to two vocational GCSEs and enhanced employment opportunities on leaving school.At Key Stage 3 students work in either set or mixed ability groups as appropriate and studying subjects such as:Subjects on offer may include:• Agriculture• Art & Design• Business Communication Systems• Child Development• Design & Technology• Engineering• English Language• English Literature• Food and Nutrition• French• Geography• Health and Social Care• History• ICT/Digital Technology• Learning for Life And Work• Mathematics and Further Mathematics• Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies• Music• Performing Arts/Drama• Physical Education• Preparation for Adult Life• Prince’s Trust• Single/Double Award Sciencesubjectskey stage 4(Year 11 - 12)
successCurriculum Enrichment Stimulating students through extracurricular activities and curricular enrichment.• Completing GCSE courses early• UK Maths Challenge• School Productions• Music Festivals• Public Speaking• Poetry competitions• Encouragement of students to enter local and national events & competitions• After school and lunchtime clubs• Focused visits to artistic events, sporting opportunities, exhibitions & performances.Gifted and TalentedThe term ‘Gifted and Talented’ refers to students who have abilities signicantly beyond their peers in one or more core areas. This means they will be consistently working at greater depth. The term ‘talented’ is used to refer to students who have exceptional aptitude in creative or performing arts or outstanding abilities in sport.Our aim is to provide for gifted and talented students by:• Identifying strengths by compiling a ‘Gifted and Talented’ register.• Identifying the educational, social and emotional needs of pupils with high ability and employ strategies that will enable them to full their potential.• Supporting the abilities, personal qualities and talents of students dened as able, gifted and/or talented.• Ensuring that gifted and talented children receive an appropriate education through providing teaching which makes learning challenging and enjoyable using higher order thinking and questioning skills.• Stimulating students through extra-curricular activities and curricular enrichment.At Fivemiletown College, staff have high expectations for you to achieve success and will equip you with the necessary skills and support to ensure you reach or exceed your potential. Targets are set and reviewed regularly, and if necessary, appropriate support is provided.Inspirational LearningFivemiletown College offers a rich, challenging and varied curriculum to our students, which is suitable for each learner. We work hard to create an enthusiasm for lifelong learning and to ensure that all students achieve to the best of their abilities. Opportunities are provided to encourage our students to become independent learners, to develop their oracy skills and develop skills of self-discipline.achieving
Fivemiletown College students once again celebrated a superb set of GCSE results across all subjects.exceptionalGCSE results N.I. Non Grammar FMT College Average 2023 Results 2023 5+ A* - C 79.7% 98%5+ A* - C (incl Eng. & Maths) 54.8% 97%GCSE Public Examination Results 2022/2023Agriculture 100%Art 100%Business Studies 90%Child Development 92%Design and Technology 95%Digital Technology 95%Engineering 96%English 97%English Literature 100%Geography 100%French 100%Home EconomicsFood & Nutrition 77%Mathematics 98.4%Further Maths 89% Motor Vehicle & Road User Studies 93%Occupational Studies 100%Physical Education 81%Science Double Award 92%Science Single Award 100%
supporting learningMany students at some time in their school career, experience barriers to their learning and may require additional support to help them reach their potential. The nature and duration of the support required will vary according to the specic needs of each student. At Fivemiletown College, we employ a range of strategies to facilitate inclusion and help students overcome their difculties.We embrace a multi-disciplinary approach to the provision we offer, maintaining close links with a range of external professionals including the Educational Psychology Service, Specic Learning Difculties Service, Behaviour Support Team, Occupational Therapists, Speech, Language and Hearing Specialists, Autism Support Service and Child and Adolescent Service.There is a wide range of mechanisms used within school to support students who require learning support.
sportThe PE Department offers a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum which caters for all pupils. Pupils are given opportunities to develop a range of skills that will enable them to make responsible and informed decisions throughout their school life at Fivemiletown College. Incoming pupils will have two double periods a week of PE and Games enabling them to explore and excel in a wide range of activities. The Year 8 PE Curriculum consists of the following areas; Gymnastics, Swimming, Basketball, Fit4School, Athletics and Tennis.fantastic facilitiesOur curriculum is complemented by excellent facilities: Astro-turf pitch 20m Swimming Pool 4 Court Sports Hall 5 Compressed Tennis Courts All Weather pitch Running Track Grass Pitches
outstandingopportunitiesAs pupils move through each Key Stage, the Curriculum is progressive and challenging therefore enabling continuous physical and academic development. GCSE PE and BTEC Sport Level 3 is an option for pupils’ study when in Year 11 and Year 13.The Department also offer an extensive Extra-Curricular Programme which supports the PE and Games curriculum. The extra-curricular programme extends high quality provision in specic activities whilst also preparing students for team competitions at Regional or National level.footballrugbyBoth boys and girls compete locally in Fermanagh and Western Schools FA competitions, attend IFA events and enter regional competions.Rugby at the College caters for both boys and girls, with numerous comptetitions organised to compete against other regional schools. As pupils move through each Key Stage, the boys will progress to compete in the High School’s Trophy with the girls progressing to competing in the Ulster’s Rugby X7s. equestrianThe equestrian team compete in various events throughout the year enjoying both individual and team success. Ava in Year 12 had amazing success nishing 2nd in the Irish National Tour Finals and 1st in her class at National Balmoral.hockeyYear 8 girls compete in the West of UlsterHockey League against regional schools, and this progresses up to U14 level.Our girls compete at regional Inter-school netball tournaments and in the Northern Ireland School Netball Leagues at U13-U16 Level.boys games curriculumgirls games curriculumThe boys games curriculum consists of Rugby, Football, Cross Country, Cricket and Net GamesThe girls games curriculum consists of Hockey, Netball, Cross Country, Football, Rugby and Net Games.netball
athleticsJanuary sees the E-District Cross Country Championships followed by the Track and Field Championships in May. If pupils excel they progress to Ulster and potentially Irish level. Locally we also excel at the Tyrone County Sports Championships and represent our Houses at our Sports Day held in June.
extra-curricularmusicOur Music department is a hive of activity! We continue to add to our classroom instrumental provision, investing in a class set of ukuleles alongside our usual keyboard setup. Our pupils have relished the challenge of a new instrument and some have even been inspired to take up guitar lessons.We have a wonderful array of instrumental tuition on offer, both from the EA Music Service and private peripatetic tutors, and we are delighted to offer tuition in upper strings, woodwind, brass, piano, singing and guitar. Our extra-curricular activities include Junior Choir and Band, with a view to starting an orchestra now that we are fortunate enough to have some string players!This is an exciting opportunity for pupils to become involved in the extra-curricular life of the College. The focus for this year in the Home Economics Department, was the creation of the classic Christmas cake – with a twist! Pupils baked their masterpieces in Baked Bean tins allowing them to decorate their nal outcomes as post boxes or snowmen. The club is open to all KS3 students and promotes extra creativity and skill development outside the curriculum. It is also a chance for pupils to interact with other year groups in a friendly and informal environment.cookery club
art clubArt coursework club is open to our examination students and runs on Thursdays after school. Pupils have the opportunity to continue to develop their coursework in a creative environment. Key Stage 3 pupils can avail of lunchtime workshops and have the opportunity to create various items to sell at The Christmas Craft Fair.eco clubOur eco-warriors maintain an extensive recycling drive by twice weekly disposing of blue bin material. Over 500kg was recycled last year showing the transformative efforts of our school community. In addition, we value our outdoor spaces and their potential to enrich the curriculum The team maintain our memorial garden and other outdoor spaces around the school, weeding, composting and planting as neccessary. We have also installed numerous environmental improvements as FMT continue to make positive steps forward.scripture unionOur vibrant Scripture Union group meet on alternate Tuesday afternoons throughout the year. SU has a Bible centred approach, with a lot of fun games and tasty treats added to the mix. A variety of guest speakers, from within school and beyond, ensure that all who attend are challenged in their faith. SU is supported by our local E3 Schools Worker for Fermanagh and Fivemiletown, who encourages links with SUNI activities to give young leadership and summer camp opportunities. One of our highlights is organising the Samaritans Purse Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal, involving the whole school community by donating items. The packing party is a fun afternoon and helps us think of others less fortunate than ourselves. The annual SU Shine project is another highlight, where we aim to share God’s love with others. This is often in the form of craft items as gifts for specic groups in school or special assemblies for different year groups. SU looks forward to welcoming new faces from our partner primary schools!
The Student Council keep busy and productive each year through various events. We focus on several fundraising activities throughout the year. These include bake sales for everyone - which both students and staff thoroughly enjoy. The students also relish being involved in this entrepreneurial experience, which equips them with skills for later life. Members are also regularly given the opportunity to provide their input and views to new policies and initiatives in school. In the past, members have been involved in updating the teaching and learning policy and pushing for environmental changes within school. Meetings are held once a month and students appreciate these opportunities to feedback their ideas and opinions about school life. The student council is very much the ofcial student voice here in Fivemiletown College and all staff appreciate how they enrich and develop school life. The newest class representatives have been elected and we are looking forward to another full and productive year ahead.councilstudentThere are also numerous opportunities for all students to take on additional responsibilities which help develop self-condence, leadership and presentation skills.• Becoming a Speak Out Champion• Being a House captain• Being a Sport captain• Being part of the Eco-Schools team
successcelebratingThis year we joined in celebrating success with top achieving students at GCSE Level.Alife Weir and Ava Stubbs - both shared top spot in N. Ireland achieving 100% in Art & Design.Bethany Coalter also reached top spot jointly in N. Ireland, achieving 100% in Mathematics.A huge well done to all our students and especially these top achievers whose success is a reection of their incredible talent and commitment to their studies.Bethany CoalterAle WeirElla-May McGirr Grace Campbelll Elizabeth MillarRebecca CopelandAva StubbsDaniel McElwaine
The lodging of an application is interpreted by the Board of Governors as an indication that the parents and the child/ren concerned accept and are in agreement with the aims, policies and regulations of the school including any code of conduct or discipline policy of the school. Information in relation to these may be obtained from the school.Admission to Year 8(either in September 2024 or during the course of the 2024/2025 school year)Should the number of applications exceed the admissions number a subcommittee of the Board of Governors will apply the following criteria in numerical order. In selecting children for admission, children resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the school will be selected before any child not so resident.1 Pupils transferring from the following primary schools: Aghadrumsee, Augher, Aughnacloy, Brookeborough, Carntall, Denamona, Dromore, Enniskillen Model, Fivemiletown, Lisbellaw Maguiresbridge, McClintock Moat, Newtownbutler, Queen Elizabeth II Richmond, Tempo and any maintained primary school serving the same area.2 Pupils whose transfer form expresses a rst preference for Fivemiletown College.3 Pupils for whom Fivemiletown College is the nearest suitable Post-Primary School (Google maps).4 Brothers/sisters of present/past pupils/eldest child.5 Children of employees (including Board of Governors).6 Children for whom special circumstances apply.7 Children of former pupils.8 Children who are entitled to FSME (Free School Meals).9 Children who live nearest to the school measured by Google maps or an appropriate Ordnance Survey Map.admissioncriteriachoose theright placevemiletown college
schoolAll students attending Fivemiletown College are expected to wear school uniform to establish a sense of identity and to foster pride in being a student in our school. School uniform should be worn in a neat, tidy fashion at all times. Enrolment in the college implies support for the College Uniform Policy.• Black blazer with the school badge must be worn.• Only the ofcial school scarf may be worn to and from school.• White blouse (top button must be fastened) with clip-on school tie.• Mid-grey knee length skirt (tight tting skirts are not permitted).• Black v-neck pullover may be worn in colder weather.• Black tights or black knee length socks.• Black leather shoes (trainers or canvas pumps are not permitted).• Make-up is not permitted.• Black blazer with the school badge must be worn.• Only the ofcial school scarf may be worn to and from school.• White shirt (top button must be fastened) with clip-on school tie.• Mid-grey trousers.• Black v-neck pullover may be worn in colder weather.• Black socks.• Black leather shoes (trainers or canvas shoes are not permitted).Badges are conned to school badges e.g.: House, Prefectand or charity badge. Only one pair of stud earrings may be worn, one in each lower ear lobe. Facial piercings including eyebrow or tongue are not permitted.Girls and BoysSchool 1/4 zip, t-shirt, black shorts/ skorts.Games KitBoys: Rugby shirt, black shorts and sports socks.Girls: Netball top, skort and sports socks.Optional itemsSkinny tracksuit bottoms, leggings and contact top and rain coat.The Departments PE and Games kit is modern and smart. It can be purchased locally at SD Kells in Lisnaskea and Enniskillen.uniformP.E. KitBoys’ UniformGirls’ Uniformright place
school tripsOur classrooms are not dened or bound by four walls. Our pupils have the opportunity to learn in various environments, going on trips both at home and away throughout their time in Fivemiletown College. We host an annual ski trip to Austria, where our pupils have the opportunity to experience some wonderful Alpine adventures. We also host a Paris trip for Key Stage 4 pupils. This trip is aimed mainly at GCSE pupils studying French and Art and incorporates trips to galleries and museums and of course Euro-Disney!Trips closer to home include the Aviva Stadium, to watch Irish Rugby Internationals, the Grand Opera House to see various productions, the Balmoral Show and many more. All providing worthwhile and fun learning experiences for our pupils.
are happy tooparents ourAt Fivemiletown College, we value the thoughts and opinions of our parents and use their feedback to enable us to continually improve the educational experience for our students. We invited parents to comment on the transition process from Primary School to Fivemiletown College and how they felt their child was progressing.Here are a few of the comments we received.I am more than happy with Fivemiletown College as I have a happy son. He is thoroughly enjoying his school life with his friends and new teachers.Fivemiletown College is a school committed to helping every pupil achieve their best, encouraging them in many ways. Great communication with parents.Very happy! Having the choice of a grammar school or FivemiletownCollege, we have no regrets. All the teachers are well prepared andenthusiastic. There is a high standard of teaching and a very positiveethos throughout the school. Really impressed by how wellorganised everything is.Fivemiletown college has exceeded all my expectations. You have succeeded in making my child feel welcome and relaxed – a streamlined transition from Primary School. He is thriving and fullling his potential in all areas of school life. I am delighted with our choice of school. My child is embracing all the school has to offer and is being challenged to meether full potential.““““““““““there’s noplacelikefmt
Fivemiletown College51 Colebrook RoadFivemiletownCo. TyroneBT75 0SB028 8952 1279info@college.vemiletown.ni.sch.ukvemiletowncollege.orgfmtcollege@FMT collegeDesign by ICT Department, Fivemiletown College