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Clounagh Prospectus 25/26

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Message CLOUNAGH JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLPROSPECTUS2025-26www.clounagh.com028 3833 2717

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2. Principal’s Welcome3. Pupils’ Perspectives5. Vision 6. Ethos 7. A Caring School9. School Community 11. Curriculum12. Assessment & Reporting 13. Facilities 14. Homework 15. PE & Sports17. Music 18. Drama19. Extra-Curricular Activities 20. CEAIG 21. Special Educational Needs23. Attendance 24. Uniform 25. Safeguarding26. Transfer Arrangements 28. Admissions Criteria Contents1

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2Principal’s WelcomeWelcome to Clounagh Junior High School, and thank you for taking the time to visit and find out about our school. Clounagh is a diverse and caring learning community for pupils aged 11-14 (Years 8-10) with a Learning Support Centre catering for pupils aged 11-16. We are situated on the Brownstown Road in Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, and the core mission of our dedicated staff team is to providea stimulating learning environment in which all pupils are encouraged to reach high standards in everything they do. Our pupils are taught by inspiring teachers who have a passion for sharing their knowledge and helping their students develop the skills, qualities and dispositions which will lead to success and contentment in adulthood. We know that pupils must be happy and feel safe and secure to learn effectively, and we offer outstanding pastoral support to help them on their journey to success. In addition, we organise an exciting range of extra-curricular activities which are so important in developing the whole person. We also aim to instil in our pupils the importance of charity, empathy, compassion and friendship, so that Clounagh pupils are equipped to be positive contributors to the society in which they live and work.Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you require any further information, and I look forward to meeting you and welcoming your child to Clounagh Junior High School. Mr P ElliottPrincipal

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EMMI TRAYNORMILLINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOLI chose to come to Clounagh because my sister attends here and my dad also attended in the past.After hearing about both of their experiences – along with my own experience at the Open Nightand the knowledge that the school has a really good girls’ football team – I knew Clounagh was theschool for me. My favourite subjects are PE, Science, Maths and Art. I enjoy these subjects because Ilove sports, I like being creative, I’m good at solving problems, and I love to learn new interestingfacts. My chosen after-school extra-curricular activities are football, hockey, netball and knitting. Iam really enjoying these activities a lot because I love to learn new things and also I’m an activeperson who is passionate about sports and enjoys playing them as much as I can. My ambitions forthe future are to get good results in my exams, move on to Portadown College after Clounagh andhopefully get into a good university. I also hope to continue to play football and maybe play forNorthern Ireland someday. The advice I would give a P6/7 reading this is don’t be afraid, it mightseem big and scary but the pupils and teachers are really friendly and are there to help you if youneed them. I would also advise you to get involved in any extra-curricular activity that interests youas it is a really great way to make friends and have fun.ELIJAH DAWSONHART MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOLMy name is Elijah Dawson, and I picked Clounagh due to the high praise from my cousins and mum, andthough I did not care at first what high school I went to I am now relieved to have got into Clounagh astheir teaching and curriculum is particularly good. One of my favourite subjects is Music as it is a nicebreak from normal work and being able to have fun while still learning new things. Another subject I likeis PE as we get to work our bodies and play sport while socializing. There are lots of exciting things to doin Clounagh. I go to guitar ensemble and am in the school play but there are many other things here too.I am not sure what I will do in the future, but Clounagh has developed my skills a lot. I recommendClounagh as it is an amazing school, and it will help you learn.Pupils’ Perspectives3

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ALEXANDER MULLHOLLANDBRICHES PRIMARY SCHOOLI chose to attend Clounagh Junior High because my sister is in Year 10 and has really enjoyed hertime at Clounagh. She really likes all of her teachers and has been happy here. She told me howyou get to do interesting problem questions in Maths and write creative stories in English –there’s even a spooky story competition at Hallowe’en. You get to change the colour of flames inScience and make delicious things in HE. I just knew Clounagh would be such a fun school. Two ofmy favourite subjects so far have been Maths and Science. We’ve been getting to work on sometricky problem questions in Maths and have been experimenting with the Bunsen Burner inScience. Clounagh also has lots of extra-curricular activities for students to get involved with,both during and after school. I am hoping to try out basketball this term. My hopes for the futureare to work hard at school and hopefully set up my own business one day. My advice for any P6or P7 students thinking of their next school is to definitely apply for Clounagh. It is a brilliant andkind school and you will be really happy here.LUCY MULLEN ORCHARD COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOLI chose to come to Clounagh because all of my family had come here and most of my friendswere coming here too. My favourite subjects are PE, Technology and History. I enjoy PE becausewe play a variety of different sports and activities. I enjoy Technology because we get tomanufacture different objects and bring them home, and I enjoy History because we get to learnabout different events that have occurred throughout our country and other countries as well. Iattend football practice after school and enjoy doing this because I love to play football and I ampart of the school football team and we have been very successful. My ambitions for the futureare to get into a high class in the Senior High, to continue with my footballing journey and toeither become a Sports Physio or a PE teacher. My advice to P6 or P7 pupils thinking aboutattending Clounagh is not to be afraid. The teachers, the prefects and friendly faces all have yourback!4

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Enjoy learning and want to continue learning through life.Achieve academicallyto their highest standard. Be capable of makinginformed decisions. Have a clear understanding of their own beliefsand respect those of others. Have a clear understanding oftheir own beliefs and respectthose of others. Have high self-esteem and highexpectations of themselves. Vision “Empowering pupils for a world ofchange.”Be flexible and responsive to achanging world.Want to contributeto society to makethe world a better place. Have a sense of excitement, visionand purpose in their lives. 5

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The school actively promotes and supports a Christian ethos. Assembly is held three mornings per week and is often led by ministers from the major churches. Scripture Union meets at lunch time one day per week. Throughout the year, the school welcomes speakers and groups from such organisations as The Gideons, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Youth for Christ and Scripture Union. One of the highlights of the school year is the annual Carol Service attended by parents, guests and local clergy. The school choir may also participate in Carol Services in local churches. At the heart of our school lies effective pastoral provision which actively promotes a safe, secure and welcoming environment for all by developing mutual care and respect within the school family regardlessof background, religion, culture or gender. The school strives to be a vibrant and challenging community which through innovative learning and teaching seeks to meet the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual needs of all. Pupils are encouraged to manage their own learning and to make informed responses and decisions. Self-discipline, self-reflection and a focus on increased personal responsibility are actively promoted. Pupils are also encouraged to participate in the decision-making process via the School Council and through the development of pupil voice throughout the school. In addition, the school seeks to promote an effective home-school partnership with parents, nurtured through an ‘open door’ policy. Induction Day, Parents’ Evenings, Information Events, School Play, Prize Evening, Carol Service and concerts all combine to strengthen this important link. There is effective cross-phase liaison at Primary and Senior High School levels in addition toon-going collaboration with the Southern Regional College through multi-link training courses.The school is actively engaged in a Shared Education Programme working with a project partnerpost-primary school. The school also has active community links with the local churches and clergy, community groups as well as business and charitable organisations. Ethos6

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In Clounagh we provide pupils are nurtured in with a safe, secure and happy environment where they are challenged to do well and encouraged to develop into caring, responsible young adults ready to make a positive contribution to society. Beginning secondary school can be a daunting experience and a good start is important. An Induction Day is held for Year 8 pupils where they spend a morning with their form teacher, getting accustomed to new surroundings and meeting new classmates. Parents areencouraged to come along with their children and lend some moral support. However, it is ourexperience that within a short time pupils are soon at home in their new surroundings and ready to move forward with their learning. A ‘Friendly Faces’ mentoring programme which involves a group of young people from Year 10 supporting Year 8 pupils has proved successful in dealing with any concerns. Every morning each class will meet with their form teacher for registration. Such regular contacthelps to establish and build a meaningful relationship between teacher and pupil. Time spent duringregistration period includes attending whole school assembly, on-going personal developmentlessons, preparation for year assembly and the monitoring of attendance.Pupils will also have a timetabled form period class. During these periods in Year 8 & 9 units fromthe Citizenship, Employability and Personal Development programmes are followed. In Year 10 theLLW Curriculum is delivered via a twelve week ‘Carousel’ approach.A Pastoral Team consisting of Form Teachers, Year Heads and senior members of staff strive toensure that each child is nurtured in a secure environment. School staff are supported by a ReachMentoring ‘Connect’ worker who facilitates one to one mentoring, a nurture group and young carerssupport group. In addition, the services of a School Counsellor can also be accessed shouldadditional help, advice and support be required. Referral to the service can be made by a parent,member of staff or the young person themselves. We value, promote and encourage partnershipwith parents who may visit the school at any time. A Caring School77

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Our pupils are encouraged to become “caring young adults” and to think of thoseless fortunate than themselves. As part of this aspiration money for variouscharities is raised by a number of special events organised throughout the yearby Form Teachers and individual classes. We are proud of our efforts to helpthose at home and further afield who are less fortunate than ourselves.We promote an environment where independence is valued and individuals canflourish without fear of bullying. We acknowledge that every pupil has the right tobe safe and happy in school, and to be protected when he or she is feelingvulnerable. It is important that we create an atmosphere in the school wherepupils who are being bullied, or others who know about it, feel that they will belistened to and that action taken will be swift but sensitive to their concerns.Pupils who feel uncomfortable or threatened are encouraged to speak to anymember of staff as soon as possible. Parents should also raise a concern bycontacting the school immediately. A copy of the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy isavailable on the website and upon request.8Enrichment DaysTwice a year, we pause the timetable and organise Enrichment Days duringwhich pupils choose from a range of activities which offer them theopportunity to “do something different” and develop important life skillsoutside the normal curriculum. Activities include:·Journalism and Book Club·Glee Club·Crafts and Entertainment·Media and Film Club·Health and Fitness·Nutrition and Food

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House Points are awarded for achievement across all areas of school life, both insideand outside the classroom. They are also awarded for participation in House activitiesand for demonstrating qualities such as kindness and helpfulness which align with ourethos and values. House Assemblies take place once every half term, during whichsuccesses and achievements are recognised and celebrated. The four Clounagh Housesare Alexander, Carson, Nuffield and Scott.Pupils are encouraged to play an active role in decision making throughout the school inmatters where there is a role for pupil voice. Every class returns two representatives tothe respective Year Group Councils and these in turn nominate four pupils to serve onthe main School Council. This is the main pupil discussion/decision-making body whosetask it is to ensure that our young people have an opportunity and mechanism toexpress their views and opinions. School CouncilHousesWe believe in recognising and celebrating the success of our pupils whether it beacademic, musical, sporting or achievement at a personal level. Our Behaviour forLearning Policy is based on promoting positive behaviour and providing an opportunityfor pupils to gain recognition for their efforts. Good attendance is also highlighted, andvarious certificates are awarded to acknowledge individual success throughout theyear. Our annual Prize Night held in June is a special occasion where staff, pupils andtheir parents come together formally to celebrate the achievements of our youngpeople in and beyond the classroom.Celebrating Success9

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The school operates an ‘Open Door’ policy, and parents are welcome to school at any time. In addition, the school communicates with parents through letters, leaflets, pupil diary, phone calls, texting service, counselling and information meetings, and the Year 8 Induction Evening in June. A fund-raising group, theFriends of Clounagh Association, has recently been formed and consists of parents, past pupils and staff. As part of the Learning for Life and Work Programme, representatives from the business community organise training days for pupils. The school works closely with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, Learn to Earn, Project Business and the Reach Mentoring Team. The school has very close links with all schools in the area and actively promotes cross-phase liaison meetings. We are a member of the Craigavon Area Learning Communityand also benefit from the Principal’s membership of the Post-Primary Principals’ Associationand the Vice-Principals’ Forum. Local employers facilitate work experience for pupils fromthe Learning Support Centre at Key Stage 4. The school’s Carol Service takes place in St Mark’s Church, Portadown, in December, and residents from nearby care homes and primary schools attend a matinee performance of the school production every two years. The school engages with community agencies and bodies such as YMCA, MENCAP, Love for Life, Local Clergy, PSNI, NIFRS, Aspire, Freedom Acts, Beam Creative Workshops, Nutrition Services, NI Mood Matters, Sentinus, Start 360, Royal British Legion and Teenage Cancer Trust. Links to the Community10

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Curriculum 11The compulsory subjects in the Northern Ireland Curriculum are delivered to all our pupils. The Key Stage 3 LearningAreas are:·The Arts (Art & Design, Music, Drama)·English (including Media Education)·Environment & Society (Geography, History)·Learning for Life & Work (Personal Development, Local & Global Citizenship, Education for Employability, HomeEconomics)·Mathematics (including Financial Capability)·Modern Languages (French, Spanish)·Physical Education·Religious Education·Science and Technology (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Technology & Design) Additional curriculum initiatives also facilitated the provisions for Special Educational Needs, Under-Achievement andSupporting Newcomer Needs.

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Years 8 & 9 October November/DecemberMarch/AprilMayTracking Assessments Examinations Tracking Assessments Examinations Year 10October November/DecemberMarch/AprilTracking Assessments Examinations Examinations Assessment & ReportingClounagh has a well-established system of assessment, throughwhich pupil progress is constantly monitored by staff who makeuse of results to identify strengths and areas for improvement,provide appropriate remediation, and celebrate success. Anintegral part of this is the use of a tracking programme tomonitor each pupil. Students are encouraged to self-evaluate,reflect and comment on their performance and to set realistictargets to achieve improvement. Assessment takes many forms and at present includes: ·Class Tests ·Practical Tasks ·Oral Work ·Listening Skills ·Individual and Group work·Homework Through the school’s continuous professional development programme staff have beentrained in all strands of Assessment for Learning.Much emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in their children’s education, andto this end parents are kept fully informed of their child’s progress. In Years 8 and 9,tracking reports are issued in January and full written reports in June. In Year 10, a fullwritten report is issued in January and a tracking report in June.In January, parents are invited to attend a series of year-specific home-school onlineliaison meetings which provide an opportunity for parents to discuss with teachers howtheir child is progressing and to express any concerns they may have. Parents who areunable to attend may arrange to meet staff at a later date.12

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The school was opened in 1957 and extended in 1971, 2002, 2010 and 2014. Accommodation consists of 41classrooms including 4 Science laboratories, 3 ICT rooms, 2 Home Economics rooms, plus specialist Technology &Design, Art and Music Suites. All classrooms are equipped with interactive data panels.Recently the school has seen the building and refurbishment of a new Art Suite complete with 2 new classrooms, adigital studio equipped with PCs and Design Software, and a new Kiln Room with Ceramics area.Other facilities include a spacious Entrance Foyer, a well-stocked Library, and two Gymnasia (one of which servesas our Assembly Hall equipped with a sophisticated sound and lighting system). In addition, there is a dedicatedCafeteria providing a wide choice of school meals, lunches and snacks.The site of 18 acres includes 2 all-weather hockey pitches, 2 grass dual purpose rugby/football pitches, outdoornetball courts and athletics facilities. For the safety of pupils, a lay-by for school buses is provided within theschool grounds.In the near future, construction will begin on a new Sports Hall and Fitness Suite, a Multi-Use Games Area, andadditional classrooms through the Department of Education’s School Enhancement Programme.Accommodation & Facilities13

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Homework is recognised as a key element in a pupil’s development; itfosters self-discipline and promotes the learning process. All pupilsreceive homework on a regular basis. In addition, every pupil is given ahomework diary/planner in which to record work and each class has amaster diary completed by subject teachers.The type of work set may include: ·Reading ·Learning ·Written Exercise ·Research.Whatever the homework, staff will ensure that it is of educational valueand appropriate to the ability of the pupil. Homework is designed toconsolidate class work, promote thinking skills, challenge the individualand provide the opportunity for pupils to work independently.HomeworkThe School DayPeriod 1(Registration/Assembly)8.30-8.50amPeriod 28.50-9.20amPeriod 39.20-9.50amPeriod 49.50-10.20amBreak 10.20-10.35amPeriod 510.35-11.05amPeriod 611.05-11.35amPeriod 711.35-12.05pmPeriod 8/First Lunch12.05-12.40pmPeriod 9/Second Lunch12.40-1.15pmPeriod 101.15-1.45pmPeriod 111.45-2.15pmPeriod 122.15-2.45pm14

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Physical Education and Sport15The PE Department offers an extensive range of activities, sports and pursuits which provide opportunities for participation todevelop the whole person. We seek to:·Develop skills and attitudes, to enable pupils to succeed in their future lives.·Enable each pupil to maximise his/her physical potential through the development of basic skills of movement, balance, co-ordination and timing. ·Promote an interest in an enjoyment of physical activity as a contribution to fitness and a healthy lifestyle.·Help the pupil to become more self-confident and sensitive to others. ·Help the pupil to cope with failure, success, stress, competition and fear, in preparation for a rapidly changing world. ·Develop the ability to co-operate with others and to compete fairly, to become responsible citizens. ·Provide each pupil with the opportunity to perform and progress at his or her own individual pace, according to ability –through quality Teaching and Learning. Sporting facilities include:·Two all-weather Hockey pitches ·Two grass dual-purpose Rugby/Football pitches·Two outdoor Netball courts ·300m Athletics grass track ·Two long jump pits with all-weather runways ·Two high jump areas ·Two shot putt areas ·Girls’ Gym (fully equipped and refurbished)·Boys’ Gym (fully equipped and refurbished)

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Sports available:Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Circuit Training, Cricket, Dance, Football, Gymnastics, Health-Related Fitness, Hockey MinorGames, Netball, Swimming (LSC), Rounders, Rugby, Softball, Table Tennis, Tug of War, Volleyball. Sporting events and activities:·Girls’ Hockey: teams meet on 2 afternoons per week and compete in League & Cup, Northern Ireland Junior Schools’ Cup, andSaturday morning matches·Girls’ Netball: participation in Year 8/9/10 District Tournament, League & Cup·Athletics: participation in Athletics Practice, District Championships, Ulster Championships, Irish Championships, and Cross-Country Competition·Boys’ Football: teams compete in Mid-Ulster Schools’ Football Association, U12, U13, U14 League & Cup, and U12/U14 NI Cup ·Girls’ Football: teams compete in the Northern Ireland Schools’ Cup·Boys’ Rugby: U14, U13 and U12 Rugby Teams compete in midweek and Saturday morning fixtures and tournaments. ·Swimming: Ulster Schools’ Cup and Championship.16Physical Education and Sport

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MUSICThe facilities offered by our Music Department include two fully equipped classrooms, a computer annex, three ensemble rooms and a recording studio. Opportunities also exist for pupils to have private tuition in guitar, singing, drums and piano, aswell as that offered by the Education Authority Music Service in woodwind, strings, brass and percussion. Clounagh pupils enjoyparticipating in a wide range of additional musical activities, including School Band and Orchestra, Choir, Guitar Ensemble andUlster Scots Group.Performing opportunities include the Annual Christmas Carol Service in St Mark’s Church, Portadown, and the Annual SummerTerm Concert in the Assembly Hall. The Music Department also runs an after-school GarageBand Club for pupils interested inmusic technology. 17

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DRAMA‘The Clounagh Play’ is part of our school’s heritage. We have a very long, proud tradition of presenting full-scale musical productions. Every other year our drama team mount a dramatic production featuring large numbers of our pupils drawn from all year groups.They are given the chance to perform on stage or become involved in a practical aspect of stagecraft such as lighting, sound,costume, make-up and props. On the week of our performances, young people will play to adult audiences on three successiveevenings and again to invited primary school pupils each morning. In the intervening years, pupils are given the opportunity tocome along and hone their skills in Drama Club. 18

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Trips & VisitsThere are further opportunities for pupils to deepen their learning outside the classroom through trips and visits organised at various times throughout the year. These may range from skiing and educationaltrips in Europe to attending presentations in Craigavon Civic Centre. Opportunities exist to attend sports fixtures,participate in field trips, visit the theatre, and other subject-related activities. In addition, we welcome representatives from local churches, guest speakers, the PSNI and other accredited agencies to talk to our young people on a wide range of issues. We view such contact as another means of encouraging pupils to assume greater responsibility for their own actions and to help them play a positive role in the community.Extra-Curricular Activities Extra-Curricular Sports activities include: ·Athletics·Basketball·Circuit Training·Cricket·Cross-Country·Football·Health-Related Fitness·Hockey·Netball·Swimming (LSC)·Rugby·Table Tennis·Volleyball Other extra-curricular activities include:·Art Club·Band / Orchestra·Choir·Cookery Club·Creative Writing Club·Drama Club·Eco Club·GarageBand Club·Guitar Ensemble·Homework Club·Minecraft Club·School Production ·Scripture Union·STEM Club·Tea and Knitting Club·Technology ClubUlster Scots GroupClounagh prepares pupils for a fuller enjoyment of futureleisure pursuits through the media of sport, music, drama, artand literature and we equip individuals for a greatercontribution to the community. All pupils are encouraged toparticipate in these enrichment programmes.19

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Pupils follow the Northern Ireland Revised CurriculumEmployability Programme in Years 8, 9 and 10. In addition, pupils are informed of potentialsubject-related careers within each learning area. Age-appropriate careers education, information, advice and guidance is delivered in Year 10 providing students withopportunities to research various career pathways to assist them in GCSE subject choice. This is supported by presentations by various agencies and interviews with a Careers Adviser from The Department of Economy and programmes provided by Young Enterprise NI. Senior pupils in theLearning Support Centre who attend Occupational Studies classes atthe Southern Regional College also benefit from a close workingrelationship with the Careers Adviser.Careers Education,Advice, Informationand GuidanceCEAIG20

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Special Educational NeedsMainstreamIn the mainstream at Clounagh, pupils who have learning difficulties are placed in a class which has a small number of pupils. The pupils may remain in this class throughout their 3 years (the curriculum is suitably differentiated to meet individual needs) or they may move into another band depending upon their progress. Baseline Assessment tests in Literacy, Numeracy eg. Reading, Spelling and Mental Arithmetic given to all Year 8 pupils during their first month, advise staff of those pupils who have difficulties in particular areas and facilitate planning for differentiated teaching and remediation. The school uses a range of standardised tests, the most recent being the GL CAT-4 diagnostic test with results analysed for the benefit of the pupil, parent and teacher. Remediation programmes include the Better Reading Partnership Programme and withdrawal groups for literacy and numeracy. A further series of Standardised Tests are given to pupils during Year 9 and Year 10. These tests advise staff of pupil progression and of the possible need of additional help for pupils with continuing difficulties.Close liaison with parents ensures that pupils are given the most suitable provision for their individual needs. Parents’ and pupils’ views are sought as part of the IEP target-setting process. In line with the Code of Practice, the school operates a 3-Stage Plan with regard to children who are experiencing learning and/or behavioural difficulties. Pupils with physical disabilities have access to all curriculum areas. Entrances and exits are ramped and there is an 8-person key-operated lift. The school also has a fully equipped accessible toilet. PE facilities also include accessible toileting and changing facilities. The main school has full-time Special Educational Needs General Assistants. 21

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Clounagh Junior High School Learning Support Centre (LSC) is an integral part of the main school. The LSC’s aim is to meet the wide-ranging needs ofpupils with learning difficulties who hold a Statement of Special Educational Needs by facilitating and encouraging each pupil to realise their optimumlevel of achievement within the areas of learning as outlined in the Northern Ireland Curriculum. The curriculum the pupils follow is the same as their mainstream peers but is tailored to meet individual pupil needs and abilities. Staff in the LSC endeavour to ensure learning is both relevant and motivating.Pupils in the LSC are taught as a class by the mainstream specialist teachers for Music, PE, Technology and Design, Home Economics, Science, Modern Languages, and Art. Pupils are offered the opportunity to undertake accreditation in subjects ranging from Academic & Vocational to Personal Development & Life Skills such as:• OCN Level 1 Essential Skills in Application of Number• OCN Level 1 Essential Skills in Communication• OCN Entry Level Essential Skills in Adult Numeracy• OCN Entry Level Essential Skills in Adult Literacy• CCEA Occupational Studies in Business & Services (Levels 1 and 2)• OCN Prince’s trust Extended Certificate (Level 1 and 2)A further objective is to provide a caring, structured and stimulating learning environment where pupils are nurtured in order to overcome anyemotional, social and educational difficulties and to develop their true potential as contributing members of society. To enhance this, we encourage anactive and supportive partnership with parents and the local community.Our intention is that, by the time our pupils leave at 16, they will be equipped as far as possible – through work placements, multi-link training coursesand Training & Employment Agencies – for the world of work. A key focus for our pupils is to help them acquire values and skills that they can rely uponthroughout their lives and, in doing so, have the best chance to lead fulfilling lives as individuals and as citizens of their communities.Pupils in the LSC participate in a wide range of extra- curricular activities such as Football, Art Club, Scripture Union, Badminton, Hockey and TableTennis. At present, pupils in Years 8-10 attend swimming lessons at a local Leisure Centre on a weekly basis. In addition, many educational, industrialexperiences and social trips are organised throughout the year. Special Educational NeedsLearning Support Centre22

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Support for Newcomer Pupils is provided by a full-time ESL (English as a Second Language)classroom assistant who, along with the Inclusion and Diversity Co-ordinator, deliver aprogramme of withdrawal English lessons and targeted ‘in-class’ support. Those pupils with basiclanguage skills have the opportunity to obtain internationally recognised external qualifications inEnglish as part of the JETSET scheme.Newcomer PupilsAttendanceAt Clounagh Junior High School we value full school attendance as a way of attaining success. Ifstudents struggle to attend school, we will work closely with families to find ways to ensure thereare no barriers to learning and that the well-being of our students is nurtured and cared for. OurAttendance Policy is available upon request.232021/222022/232023/2490.2%89.2%90.1%Religious EducationThe curriculum delivered by the Religious Education Department reflects the Christian ethos of theschool where a strong emphasis is placed upon faith, morals and values. It seeks to deliver a balancedprogramme that prepares pupils for the opportunities, challenges and experiences of later life.Assemblies take place from Tuesday to Thursday. Pupils may be partly or wholly excused fromattendance at Religious Education if their parents make such a request in writing to the Principal.23

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Uniform24A high standard of uniform and appearance is expected and full school uniform must be worn at alltimes. Throughout their time in Clounagh, pupils are encouraged to assume greater personalresponsibility for their behaviour and to treat their peers, members of the school staff and adultswith courtesy, good manners and respect.The Clounagh Junior High School Dress Code can be viewed at www.clounagh.com and is alsoavailable by contacting the School Office on 028 3833 2717.

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Safeguarding & Child ProtectionIn Clounagh Junior High School we have a primary responsibility to safeguard the welfare of the pupils in our care. The DesignatedTeacher for Safeguarding is Mrs McDowell (Vice-Principal, Pastoral) and the Deputy Designated Teachers for Safeguarding are MrsPatterson (Vice-Principal, Curriculum), Mrs Sutton (Senior Teacher - Pupil Support) and Mrs Bled (Head of Learning Support Centre). MrsMcDowell leads biennial Safeguarding training for all members of staff (teaching and non-teaching), and for new staff on arrivalthroughout the year. The Designated Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding is Mr Todd.All parents receive a Safeguarding Information Leaflet which includes procedures for reporting, while Assemblies are held to inform allpupils about Safeguarding and the procedures for reporting and support, both inside and outside School. Safeguarding messages arealso promoted actively through the Learning for Life and Work curricular programme and external agencies. Staff Photographs are ondisplay throughout the school to enable pupils to access staff support, and Form Room Noticeboards inform pupils of supportorganisations outside school.The school’s Safeguarding Policy provides all members of staff (both teaching and non-teaching) with clear guidance regarding whatshould be done in situations where abuse or neglect of a young person is suspected. A copy can be viewed on the website and isavailable upon request by contacting the School Office. 25

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An Open Evening is held in January of each year where parents/carers and prospective pupils from Years 6 and 7 are invited toattend. During this time parents are encouraged to speak with staff to provide information about all the school has to offer anddeal with potential concerns. Anyone unable to attend, or who requires additional information, is encouraged to contact theschool to arrange a suitable alternative. We welcome and promote a meaningful partnership between parents and school.11+ TransferA special Induction Evening for Year 8 pupils is held in June, the purpose of which is to help ease transition from primary tosecondary school and to foster effective home/school liaison. We value our links with our contributory primary schools andliaise closely with our primary partners to ensure that we have the most up to date and relevant information about our newYear 8 pupils. Key Dates:14+ TransferAt 14+ pupils transfer to Portadown College, Craigavon Senior High School or other schools. Continued emphasis is placed uponcareers guidance at this time. In June 2024 arrangements for the transfer of Year 10 pupils were finalised as follows:26Tuesday 28 January 2025 at12 noonEducation Authority post-primary application process opens with online portal available forapplicants to apply for Year 8 admission.Thursday 20 February 2025at 12 noonOnline portal closesTransfer Arrangements77 Portadown College1346217Craigavon Senior High SchoolOther SchoolsTotal

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2714+ Transfer Key Dates:.Further information can be found at www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions/post-primary-admissions-guide Monday 7 April 2025 at 12noonEducation Authority Junior to Senior High application process opens with online portalavailable for applicants to apply for Year 11admission.Friday 2 May 2025 at4.00pmOnline portal closes

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Respective functions of the Board of Governors and Principal in relation to Admissions to the schoolThe Board of Governors has decided that the following criteria will cover all admissions to the school in 2025/26 and in so doing delegates authorityto select those pupils who meet the conditions below to the Principal or his nominee. If the Principal considers that any admission(s) is/are inquestion, he will refer the case(s) to the Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors. AdmissionsThe lodging of an application is interpreted by the Board of Governors as an indication that the parents and the child concerned accept the ethos,aims, policies and regulations of the school including any code of conduct or discipline policy of the school. Information in relation to these may beobtained from the school. During the admissions procedure when applying the criteria punctual applications will be considered before late applications. The applicationprocedure opens on 28 January 2025 at 12 noon (GMT) and an application submitted by the closing date of 20 February 2025 at 12 noon (GMT) willbe treated as a punctual application. An application received after 12 noon (GMT) on 20 February 2025 and up to 4pm on 25 February 2025 will betreated as a late application.Admissions Criteria at Year 8In applying the criteria, preference will be given to those children resident in Northern Ireland. If the school’s enrolment and admission numbers have not been reached, the school will enrol all the children whose parents wish them to attend.However, if the applications for entry to First Form (Year 8) exceed the admissions number or would cause the school to exceed the total enrolmentnumber, pupils will be admitted according to the following criteria, applied in the order indicated below. 1. Children transferring from the following contributory primary schools:2. Children who at the date of application have a child of the family* currently enrolled at the school. 3. Children for whom the school is the nearest controlled post-primary school to their normal place of residence. 4. Children who at the date of their application are the eldest child of the family* to be eligible to apply for admission to the school. * Child of the family covers: Admissions Criteria28BirchesHardy MemorialOrchard CountyBallyoran DerryhaleEdenderry(Portadown)Hart Memorial Millington MullavillyRichmountSeagoeThe Cope

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• a child born to a married couple or to a couple in a civil partnership; • a child born to a co-habiting couple; • a child born to a single parent; • a child of either/any of those people by a previous marriage, civil partnership or relationship; • a child living with a couple who has been treated as a “child of the family” whether there is a marriage or a civil partnership or not; • a child living with an individual, who has been treated as a “child of the family”; • an adopted or fostered child; • a situation where, for example, an orphaned cousin is being brought up with a family or individual. Twins and other multiple birth applicants will be regarded as joint eldest.Eldest ‘child of the family’ eligible to transfer includes cases where the eldest child has completed his/her post-primary education, the eldest child ofa reconstituted family, the eldest child of the family was statemented or attended a special school or where a family has relocated to NorthernIreland. Proof of eldest child should be uploaded with the Transfer Application – a letter on headed note paper, stating that the child is the eldest eligiblechild and that the family is known to the verifier, from one of the following who is not a family member of the applicant: a Primary School Principal, amedical practitioner, a solicitor, an elected public representative, a member of the clergy or a police officer. 5. Children will be selected for admission based on initial letter(s) of surname (as entered on Birth Certificate) in the order set out below:E, G, Q, O, I, U, L, T, Y, N, R, M, D, Mac, S, Mc, Z, A, J, V, B, X, C, K, P, W, F, HThis order was determined by random selection.In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter the subsequent letters of the surname will be used in alphabetical order. In the eventof two identical surnames the alphabetical order of the initials of the forenames will be used. 6. Random Selection, capable of leaving a clear audit trail (e.g. computerised random selection).The above Criteria will also be used for applications received during the course of Year 8.NOTES When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only consider information which is detailed on oruploaded with the online Transfer Application. Parents should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to theschool’s admissions criteria is stated on the transfer application or attached to it. Examples of such information include whether the child attends acontributory primary school. 29

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Inaccurate or misleading information provided on or attached to a Transfer Application may prejudice an offer of a place and may leadto the withdrawal of a place awarded to an applicant who has gained an unfair advantage. Duty to VerifyThe Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or verify informationon any Transfer Application. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines setby post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any school nominated onthe applicant’s Transfer Application. Admissions Criteria for Years 9 & 10During Years 9 and 10 the following criteria will be applied in selecting pupils for admission:(a) The school’s enrolment number is not exceeded.(b) The admission of the pupil would not prejudice the efficient use of resources in the school.(c) Children who, at the time of their application, have a member of the family currently enrolled at the school. (Member of the familycovers half-brothers and sisters, together with children who are adopted or looked after).(d) Proximity to the school, with those living closest to the school being given priority (distance to be given by public road).30Year2022/232023/24Admissions No. Total Applications All PreferencesTotal Admissions220 236 2302202332332024/25220211 211

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Clounagh Junior High SchoolBrownstown RoadPortadownBT62 3QA 028 3833 2717 info@clounagh.portadown.ni.sch.uk www.clounagh.comPrincipal: Mr P Elliott MA (Oxon) FRCO PGCE PQH (NI)Chairman of Board of Governors: Dr D BlevinsEnrolment Number: 660Admissions Number: 220Age Range: 11 - 14 years (Learning Support Centre: 11-16) Classification: Controlled Secondary (Junior High) Co-Educational Day School with Learning Support Centre.School Policies are available to view at www.clounagh.com and are also available on request - please phone 028 3833 2717. Theseinclude the Dress Code, Behaviour and Discipline, School Rules/Home School Agreement, Anti-Bullying, Drugs Education, RSE,Safeguarding and Child Protection, and the Board of Governors ‘Charging & Remissions’ policies. A copy of the formal ComplaintsProcedure is also available upon request.