2025 Prospectus : simplebooklet.com

Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 29 Page 5 I t is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Dominican College Fortwilliam Established in 1930 by the Dominican Sisters from Cabra our school is rich in history and tradition and is continually growing and transforming to meet the needs aptitudes and ambitions of all our pupils Our school ethos focuses on treating each pupil as an individual celebrating their unique talents and developing their full potential across a wide range of academic and extracurricular areas We promote high aspirations encouraging our pupils to aim for excellence in all aspects of life Based on our distinct Catholic and Dominican ethos we are an inclusive community and promote values of trust tolerance and mutual respect Our approach to education ensures the holistic development of each pupil and prepares them to meet the challenges and embrace all the opportunities in a rapidly changing world The educational experience provided by Dominican College ensures that our pupils grow in confidence enjoy learning achieve highly and are empowered to take their place as leaders in society I hope you enjoy your visit to our school and get a flavour of life in Dominican College Lynda Catney Principal 3

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Ethos and Aims of the School Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 29 Page 6 As a Catholic school the Christian ethos of Dominican College permeates the life and work of the school and is reflected in its aims We appreciate the fundamental dignity of each person and aim to promote respect for self for others the school the wider community and the environment We aim to create a safe stable and harmonious atmosphere within which the values of truth freedom trust and responsibility are honoured Within the context of a purposeful learning community and recognising the uniqueness of each individual we aim to offer a curriculum which enables every student to reach her full potential spiritually academically morally socially and aesthetically We aim to promote the school s traditional appreciation of culture and the arts We endeavour to equip all our pupils with the self confidence and skills which will enable them to make informed and responsible choices in life and appreciate the value of the contribution they can make to society We encourage parental support in promoting the ethos and aims of the school and in building up the life of the school community The Board of Governors believes that these general aims provide a framework which indicates what the school believes in what it aims to do for our pupils and the values we hope they will espouse The whole curriculum taught in the classroom and beyond is designed to achieve these ends 4

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Our History Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 31 Page 8 Educating girls in North Belfast since 1930 In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the Fortwilliam area was one of the most exclusive areas of the city and had among its residents numerous wealthy business people involved in Belfast s engineering candle making and linen industries One residence Walton was purchased in 1930 and renamed the Convent of the Holy Rosary This became the home of the Dominican Sisters who at the request of the Bishop of Down and Connor Reverend Dr Daniel Mageean came to the area to provide much needed secondary education for young female Catholics Under the guidance of Mother Peter Flynn the foundations of today s school were established initially with the opening on the 15th September 1930 of a Preparatory School and a Commercial College on the 6th October 1930 The grammar school officially recognised in 1934 continued to flourish throughout the 1930s Post War Years In the Post War years the implementation of the Education Act NI 1947 which provided free education for all children resulted in an ever increasing enrolment which required further building programmes Fairbourne purchased in 1946 was renamed St Joseph s and housed the Preparatory School of 150 200 pupils until it closed in June 1977 St Mary s building was opened in 1953 The Lodge building previously Ormisdale which was the site of a private school for the daughters of the wealthy was purchased in 1957 from the Christian Brothers and renamed St Catherine s The Assembly Hall St Mary s Hall was completed in 1963 St Oran s House on Fortwilliam Park was acquired in 1965 and subsequently two nearby houses were purchased in 1970 and 1991 to accommodate the ever expanding sixth form in what was then known as St Colmcille s The College Chapel of the Holy Rosary was completed in 1966 6

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 31 Page 9 While many improvements had been made over the years it was apparent that in order to meet the challenges of the new century and the needs of the pupils a modern purpose built school was required The Walton building has been incorporated into the new school and remains an important link between the past and the present A New Millennium a New School and a New Chapter in the History of Dominican College The news that the Dominican community had long awaited came on 9th February 2000 when the Minister for Education granted 13 1 million funding for the new college building programme On Friday 6th October 2006 the new grammar school was officially opened by Bishop Walsh In his address Bishop Walsh noted the special contribution made by the Dominican Sisters to Catholic education in North Belfast Press coverage of the opening of Dominican College in 1930 described it as A Beautifully Situated Establishment with a High Purpose the same statement can be applied to the Dominican College of the 21st century Saint John Henry Newman once said to live is to change and to be perfect is to have changed often Dominican College has changed in many respects since 1930 but the ethos and traditions of the Dominican Sisters prevail the pursuit of Truth in all its forms intellectual spiritual and moral 7

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 Our Curriculum 19 31 Page 10 The following information reflects the current curriculum offer however this is reviewed regularly by the Board of Governors Detailed information on each academic subject may be found on the school website at https www dominicancollege org uk subjects JUNIOR SCHOOL KEY STAGE 3 Year 8 10 A broad and balanced curriculum covering all areas of study of the Northern Ireland Curriculum is provided for all pupils Pupils in Year 8 9 and 10 study the following subjects Art Design Drama English French or Irish Geography History Home Economics ICT Mathematics Music Physical Education Religious Education SENIOR SCHOOL KEY STAGE 4 Year 11 and 12 Science Spanish Technology Design Citizenship Careers Employability Personal Development The school offers 27 subjects at GCSE level All Year 11 and 12 pupils study 9 GCSE subjects or 10 subjects if Further Mathematics is taken Religious Education English Language English Literature and Mathematics are all compulsory Learning for Life and Work is a statutory part of the curriculum but is not taken for GCSE Art Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Design and Technology Digital Technology Drama English Language English Literature 8 French Further Mathematics Gaeilge Geography Government and Politics Health and Social Care History Home Economics Food Nutrition Irish Mathematics Media Studies Music Physical Education Physics Religious Education Science Double Award Science Single Award Spanish

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 32 Page 12 Additional Educational Needs School procedures are in place to identify students with additional educational needs The school s approach for addressing this is embedded within existing good classroom practice and the pastoral care dimension of the school It is the aim of the school to identify students with additional educational needs as early as possible providing full access to a broad curriculum and ensuring that all students feel valued and have a positive self image There is a Learning Support Co Ordinator Learning Support Teacher and Classroom Assistants in the department We are committed to Continuing Professional Development for all staff with a strong focus on Autism and Dyslexia It is a central focus of the SEN department to develop an Autism and Dyslexic friendly school by providing quiet spaces Support Hub adjustments to the curriculum lunchtime clubs and friendship groups Where appropriate access arrangements are provided in both internal and external examinations for those pupils on the register Assessment and Reporting There is regular assessment of pupils progress and attainment throughout the academic year with all pupils sitting formal school examinations at least once a year Each year group has an annual parent teacher meeting and parents receive a full written report once a year In addition Years 8 10 receive a short report once a year and Years 11 14 are issued with grade reports mid way through each term Pupil progress is closely monitored and the pastoral team work closely with pupils and parents to support pupils in fulfilling their individual potential 10

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 40 Page 16 Extra Curricular Activities We believe that participation in extra curricular activities is crucial to the all round education of each pupil It develops self esteem and interpersonal skills as well as forging friendships and a sense of belonging We offer a varied programme of extra curricular activities and encourage all pupils to get involved MUSIC AND DRAMA Dominican College has a strong tradition of promoting culture and the arts and we offer a wide range of Music and Drama groups In addition to participating in school liturgies concerts and musical theatre our pupils have performed at a variety of venues and competitions Activities include Chamber Choir Guitar Groups Junior Traditional Group Orchestra SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS Concert Band Junior Choir Music Theory Senior Choir Our most recent school productions include Mary Poppins The Greatest Show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat SPORT Pupils can access a wide variety of physical activities including Athletics Badminton Basketball Camogie Fitness Training Gaelic Football 14 Gymnastics Netball Recreational Netball Club Soccer Trampoline Waterpolo Drama Club Senior Traditional Group Musical Theatre Club Wind Band Sound of Music

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 Pastoral Care 19 40 Page 20 The welfare of each pupil in Dominican College is paramount We have a well embedded pastoral system where pupils are genuinely cared for supported and encouraged to develop care and respect for all members of the school community Relationships for learning are characterised by mutual respect openness and trust High expectations are set for pupils in terms of performance discipline uniform and attendance The Year Head has overall responsibility for all pupils in the Year Group and is the first point of contact for parents and guardians Class Tutors take a very supportive approach towards pupils in their care and monitor each pupil s progress academically and pastorally The Class Tutor is the first point of contact for pupils at morning registration and all pupils meet with their tutor at the end of the school day at afternoon registration Counselling services are available to pupils in school when required We can offer the support of two outside counsellors and a fully trained Teacher Counsellor Pupils attend weekly Tutor class and also follow a structured programme of personal development The school s main pastoral policies including the Safeguarding and Child Protection policy are available to view on the school website at https www dominicancollege org uk pastoral policies Parents We believe that key to our success is the effective partnership between school and parents and guardians In line with the Dominican Ethos we recognise parents and guardians as the primary educators of our pupils and aim to promote a positive relationship with them to ensure the very best outcomes and educational experience for all of our pupils We actively encourage parental engagement and liaise regularly with parents to seek their views on school planning and development Parents and guardians are made very welcome in school at concerts and productions Masses and other social events We hold regular curriculum information sessions for parents as well as annual parent teacher meetings and communicate regularly using a variety of online methods including school email ParentMail SIMS ParentApp Microsoft Teams and SchoolCloud 18

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 20 33 Page 22 Leadership and Mentoring Our pupils are encouraged to assume leadership roles and we provide many opportunities for developing leadership skills throughout their school career Sixth form pupils are strong role models for the younger pupils and act as mentors in both pastoral issues and in providing peer support with academic work Recently our prefects and mentors have undergone training in mentoring and peer mediation In addition they have been involved in the Barnardo s Leadership programme and a group of pupils have been trained as TAMHI Mental Health Ambassadors We are delighted that a large group of our sixth form pupils are currently involved in the SistersIn Leadership Programme where they are being mentored by inspirational leaders from the business world Community and Charities As a Catholic school the Christian ethos of Dominican College permeates the life and work of the school and pupils are encouraged to become active contributors to the local and global community All pupils are actively involved in charity campaigns including the Trocaire campaign during Lent St Vincent de Paul Hamper and Toy appeal at Christmas as well as the Shoebox appeal In recent years our pupils have participated in the Saphara project 20

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 57 Transition to Year 8 Page 26 In Dominican College we recognise the importance and complexities of the transition from Primary to Grammar School Our induction programme is specifically purposed to enable our Year 8 pupils to adjust to their new school surroundings new routines and new aspects of learning The Year 8 pastoral team play a key role in the delivery of our induction programme and strive to ensure that the induction process is a warm supportive and motivating experience for our new Dominican pupils Year 8 Induction Programme JUNE AUGUST Information presentation for parents and pupils followed by a one to one Welcome Interview with a member of the Year 8 pastoral team Parental resources on supporting successful post primary transition distributed SEPTEMBER Welcome Assembly Year 8 Summer Camp Two days of activities and workshops focusing on forming new friendships Year 8 Induction Programme Year 8 Induction and Familarisation Day Theme Our New School OCTOBER Year 8 Thanksgiving Mass in our College Chapel Year 8 TransitionWorkshops Routines Responsibilities and Relationships Parent Induction Evening and Presentation from Year 8 Induction Team Year 8 Pastoral Care Our commitment to the holistic development of our pupils is demonstrated through the range and variety of specific pastoral support initiatives we offer throughout Year 8 outlined below Our pupils enjoy many opportunities to make new friends and form close relationships with their tutors subject teachers and sixth form pupils as mentors and prefects We remain adaptable and responsive to the needs of our pupils and hope that Year 8 is a memorable year in Dominican College laying the necessary foundations that will enable each pupil to fulfill their full potential over the years spent with us Year 8 Pastoral Initiatives 24 Year 8 Mentoring Year 8 Preventative Curriculum Year 8 Peer Medidation and Friendship Support Year 8 Weekly Assemblies Year 8 Internal Events Translink Safety Bus Hallowe en Fancy Dress Christmas Prize Giving Ceremony Sixth Year TAMHi Mental Health Ambassadors Learning Support Subject Mentoring Study Buddy Scheme Extra Curricular Clubs and Societies Chocolate and Chat Sessions with HOY

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Where are they now Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 58 Page 28 Cliodhna McTaggart University Queen s University Belfast Degree Medicine A levels Biology Chemistry Maths and Digital Technology Why did you choose the course I wanted to follow a career that would have lifelong learning as well as being able to make an impact on people s lives I enjoyed my A Levels in Science and wanted to learn more while also doing a degree that would enable me to make connections with people and change their lives for the better Amie Grehan University St Mary s University College Belfast Degree Religion A levels Religion Health and Social Care and Sociology Why did you choose the course I have always wanted to be teacher from a young age and this course in St Mary s had everything I could ve wanted included From the open days I had such a good feeling and knew it would be a good place for me Annphina Meppilly University Queen s University Belfast A levels Chemistry Biology and Geography Why did you choose the course Degree Medicinal Chemistry Medicinal chemistry is a course which combines my interests in Chemistry as well as Biology I can directly impact people s lives by designing and developing new drugs or improving existing ones Being a Medicinal Chemist will allow me to contribute to advancements in healthcare which is something that really excites me Kiran Joy University Queen s University Belfast Degree Pharmacy M Pharm A levels Biology Chemistry and Health and Social Care Why did you choose the course Choosing to study Pharmacy has been driven by a genuine passion for healthcare and a desire to contribute to the well being of others I wanted to broaden my horizons in Science and understand how medicines improved our health Moreover the diverse opportunities within Pharmacy such as community hospital and research have always appealed to my aspirations of becoming an independent and versatile person 26

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 59 Page 29 Here are the destinations of some of Our Year 14 pupils who left recently Cara Gillen University Queen s University Belfast Degree Law with Politics A levels History Government and Politics and Sociology Why did you choose the course I want to have the options to explore different career paths within this area This course is a Joint Honours so you will graduate with a law degree and a politics degree The modules are also very interesting Kyla McGowan University Queen s University Belfast Degree Computer Science with Professional Experience A levels Maths Digital Technology Sociology and Financial Studies Why did you choose the course I really like computing and I ve wanted to do computer programming as a career for a long time this course will teach me the Professional skills needed for this career path Martha Curran University Ulster University A levels Chemistry Biology and Maths Why did you choose the course Degree Accounting and Law I have a genuine passion and interest for Mathematics it was my favourite and strongest subject at school I really enjoy the course and the opportunities that come with it Kady Hughes University Ulster University Degree Foundation Art and Design A levels Art and Design English Literature and Moving Image Art Why did you choose the course Art was always my favourite subject in school and it was something I knew I wanted to do as a career I chose this course as a way to explore a variety of Art mediums and decide which one is best for me to specialise in for 3 years Maeve McSherry University Queen s University Belfast A levels Chemistry Biology and Maths Why did you choose the course Degree Mathematics I have a genuine passion and interest for Mathematics it was my favourite and strongest subject at school I really enjoy the course and the opportunities that come with it 27

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 20 43 Page 30 The Siena Restaurant Siena Restaurant provides a relaxed comfortable and friendly environment where pupils and staff can enjoy healthy nutritious food The Restaurant holds a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 from Belfast City Council and operates a cashless system of payment Cards are issued to each pupil and these are used to make payment for any purchase in the restaurant Breakfast Morning Break Senior Lunch Junior Lunch Daily Timetable 8 10am 8 50am 10 50am 11 10am 12 00pm 12 40pm 12 50pm 13 30pm PERIOD Morning Registration Period 1 Period 2 Break Period 3 Period 4 Junior Lunch Period 5 Period 6 TIME 09 00 09 15 09 15 10 05 10 05 10 55 10 55 11 15 11 15 12 10 12 10 13 00 13 00 13 40 13 40 14 30 14 30 15 20 College Regulation Uniform P E Uniform Regulation school tunic knee length with school crest Regulation O Neill s Dominican College Shorts or Skort or Regulation green shorts or Dominican College black leggings Regulation school blazer with school crest Green regulation sweater with school crest White blouse and regulation tie or Regulation striped blouse Black tights Flat Black shoes 28 Regulation O Neill s Dominican College Training or Ruby top or white polo shirt White sports socks Non marking sports trainers Optional Regulation O Neill s Dominican College HZ squad top or Regulation O Neill s Dominican College Hoodie no other plain or branded sweatshirts hoodies or tops are permitted Please note regulation black leggings can only be purchased in school

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 47 Page 31 Access To Dominican College The pupils attending Dominican College come from a very wide area The school benefits from being on a number of major bus routes Buses from Randalstown and Antrim leave pupils adjacent to the school while the Antrim Road has a substantial bus service in both directions The Downview bus route which originates at the City Hall leaves students at the school gates A number of dedicated buses leave the school in the afternoons The collection points for pupils are within the school grounds with the exception of the Crumlin and Glenavy buses which leave from Fortwilliam Park The routes for these dedicated buses are 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Glengormley Sandyknowes Antrim Road Sandyknowes Roundabout Ballyhenry Road Beverley Shops Carnmoney Village Prince Charles Way Abbey Centre Glengormley Hightown Antrim Road Glengormley Hightown Road Turning Circle Mallusk Road Blackrock Square Ligoniel Antrim Road Salisbury Avenue Westland Road Cliftonville Circus Alliance Avenue Ardoyne Road Crumlin Road Ligoniel Mountainhill Ardoyne Antrim Road Salisbury Avenue Westland Road Cliftonville Circus Alliance Avenue Ardoyne Shops Whiteabbey Whitehead Antrim Road Floral Road Whitewell Road Shore Road Whiteabbey Village Greenisland Carrickfergus Whitehead Crumlin Fortwilliam Park Antrim Road Carlisle Circus Crumlin Road Horseshoe Bend Nutts Corner Crumlin Aldergrove Crossroads The Diamond Ardmore Road Largy Road Glenavy Fortwilliam Park Antrim Road Carlisle Circus Crumlin Road Horseshoe Bend Nutts Corner Glenavy Crumlin Service Buses We have the facility of sharing a service bus for pupils travelling from Crumlin in the mornings The bus drops our pupils off on the Antrim Road We have the facility of sharing a service bus for pupils travelling from Whiteabbey in the mornings The bus picks up pupils at Whiteabbey Village and along the route to the school The bus drops off the pupils in the school grounds We have the facility of sharing a service bus for pupils travelling from Whitewell in the mornings The bus picks up pupils at Mill Road Bawnmore Park Arthur Road Whitewell Road and Shore Road The bus drops off the pupils on the Somerton Road 29

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 47 Page 33 Admissions Criteria Voluntary Grammar School Girls Grammar Denominational Age Range 11 18 DOMINICAN COLLEGE 38 Fortwilliam Park Belfast BT15 4AQ Telephone No 028 9037 0298 Fax No 028 9077 3661 E mail info dominican belfast ni sch uk Web site www dominicancollege org uk Principal Mrs L Catney BSc PGCE PQH NI Chairperson of the Board of Governors Mrs Sheila Crea Admissions No 150 Enrolment No 1050 OPEN DAY Open Day will be on Saturday 18th January 2025 from 9 30am 1 00pm Principal s address at 9 30am and 11 00am A prospectus and further information will also be available on our website www dominicancollege org uk To PARENTS GUARDIANS naming Dominican College as a preference on your child s Transfer Application SEAG ENTRANCE ASSESSMENT RESULTS In assessing academic ability Dominican College will use the BAND awarded to pupils completing the SEAG Entrance Assessment on Saturday 16th November 2024 and Saturday 23rd November 2024 as specified by the school Parents Guardians must state the BAND achieved on the online Transfer Application and must upload a copy of the statement of results which they will receive on Saturday 25th January 2025 to the Portal on the EA website SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Any parent guardian claiming Special Circumstances must complete the SC Form in the Special Circumstances Pack available from Dominican College or on our school website The SC Form together with the independent documentary evidence which corroborates the claim for Special Circumstances must be uploaded with the Transfer Application to the Portal on the EA website by Thursday 20th February 2025 Please refer to the Claiming Special Circumstances A Guide for Parents and Guardians document which is available from Dominican College or on our school website SPECIAL PROVISION For those currently in P7 in primary schools in Northern Ireland claims for Special Provisions should be made on the SP Form and uploaded with the Transfer Application to the Portal on the EA website along with independent verifiable documentary evidence as appropriate by Thursday 20th February 2025 The SP Form is available from Dominican College or on our school website After this date claims for Special Provisions should be made directly to Dominican College and the Admissions Office of the Education Authority no later than 4pm on Tuesday 25th February 2025 Please refer to the Claiming Special Provisions A Guide for Parents and Guardians document which is available from Dominican College or on our school website Further details on Special Circumstances and Special Provision are outlined in the Admissions Policy ADMISSIONS POLICY RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONS TO THE SCHOOL The Board of Governors draws up the Admissions Criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub Committee which includes the Principal the responsibility for applying these criteria Any reference herein to the Board of Governors includes any Committee or Sub Committee appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of applying the Admissions Criteria set out herein It is the responsibility of the parents guardians to ensure that they supply on with the Transfer Application all the information required to enable the Board of Governors to apply the admissions criteria 31

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 47 Page 34 NOTES ON SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Please read the Claiming Special Circumstances A Guide for Parents and Guardians document available from Dominican College or on our school website before completing an application for Special Circumstances Details of Medical or Other Problems Where it is claimed that an applicant s performance in the SEAG Assessment has been affected by a medical or other problem it is the responsibility of the parents guardians to set out in the online Transfer Application using the SC Form the precise details of the problem and append upload independent evidence to corroborate its existence Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the applicant only at the time of the assessment the school will require the production of evidence that the applicant was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of the assessment Where the problem is of a non medical nature the Parents Guardians should append upload appropriate independent evidence If a claim for special circumstances is made in respect of matters for which access arrangements were granted or could have been granted had they been made known to the assessment centre the Board of Governors may take into account the fact that the child was granted access arrangements or could have been granted access arrangements for these matters Educational Evidence Sufficient objective documentary evidence must be provided by the Parents Guardians applying for Special Circumstances and be uploaded with the online transfer application to enable the Board of Governors to reach a decision The following must be provided 1 Results of all standardised tests in English Literacy and Mathematics Numeracy taken by the applicant in Key Stage 2 These should be CAT4 Verbal and Quantitative and or PTE and PTM Standardised Age Scores SAS 2 All test results must be accompanied by the name of the standardised test supplier and verified by the Primary School Principal ie signature School stamp school headed notepaper Parents may provide any other relevant educational evidence from the Primary School Applicants considered under Special Circumstances will be judged on evidence made available to the school and awarded a Band accordingly The Board of Governors applying the College s Special Circumstances Protocol will convert the standardised test results supplied by the applicant and provide a Band equivalent for the applicant Special Circumstances Protocol available on request These Bands will be considered with those of all other applicants who received a Band and the admissions criteria applied NB The existence of special circumstances DOES NOT in itself lead to automatic admission to Dominican College or an adjustment to the Band attained Each case is considered on its own merit by the Board of Governors It is emphasised that the onus is on the Parents Guardians to ensure that the above information is provided by the Primary School Failure to provide such information may result in the school being unable to consider the application for Special Circumstancess Parents should be aware that they have a statutory right to obtain information on their own child from their Primary School Further information on parents rights can be obtained from the Information Commissioners Office www ico org uk NOTES ON SPECIAL PROVISIONS Please read the Claiming Special Provisions A Guide for Parents and Guardians document available from Dominican College or on our school website before completing an application for Special Provisions Special Provision will be made by the Board of Governors for applicants 1 who have received more than half of their primary education outside Northern Ireland based on the time from the start of Primary 1 1st September 2018 to 28th February 2025 i e more than 3 years and 3 months or 2 wishing to transfer to a post primary school that uses the SEAG Entrance Assessment from a school outside Northern Ireland or 3 who due to serious medical or other problems which are supported by appropriate documentary evidence or for a demonstrably valid reason also supported by documentary evidence was EITHER unable to sit the SEAG Entrance Assessment OR has an estimated outcome because they only sat one of the two Entrance Assessment papers 32

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 47 Page 35 Applicants in categories 1 2 who wish to apply under Special Provisions do not need to take the SEAG Entrance Assessment or the supplementary assessment unless their parents guardians so wish in which case the SEAG Entrance Assessment Band obtained would also be considered The Board of Governors will consider all the verifiable educational evidence supplied with the SP Form and may require an assessment of an applicant s abilities to be carried out by a suitably qualified person or body approved by the school The school will make direct contact with parents to make arrangements for an assessment where required Where Dominican College is not your first preference school and you have sat an acceptable Special Provisions test in another school Dominican College reserves the right to use the results from that Special Provisions test to assess the applicant s abilities It is the responsibility of parents guardians to provide precise reasons why the applicant did not take part in one or both of the SEAG Entrance Assessment tests and to submit appropriate documentary evidence which must be uploaded with the online Transfer Application The Board of Governors will consider each application for Special Provision Where this is granted the Board of Governors applying the College s Special Provisions Protocol will determine on the basis of the information available an appropriate Band equivalent for the applicant Such applicants will then be considered with all other applicants who have received a SEAG Assessment Band and the Admissions Criteria applied Special Provisions Protocol available on request ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO YEAR 8 IN SEPTEMBER 2025 Applicants resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission will be selected for admission before any child not so resident can be selected The Board of Governors of Dominican College will consider all claims for Special Provisions and Special Circumstances Where a claim is accepted the Board of Governors will assign a Band to the applicant Those applicants will then be considered along with all other applicants who have received a Band through SEAG Assessment and the admissions criteria applied The Board of Governors will apply the following criteria for admissions in September 2025 in order of priority as set down below If after the application of a criterion there remain more applicants than places available the next criterion is applied ADMISSIONS Applicants will be ranked in order of the Band attained in the SEAG Assessment the Band awarded under Special Provisions or the Band awarded under Special Circumstances namely 1 2 3 4 5 and 6 A First preference will be given to those applicants who have attained Band 1 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 1 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 1 under Special Circumstances B If places rremain after all Band 1 applicants have been admitted priority will be given to those applicants who have attained Band 2 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 2 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 2 under Special Circumstances C If places remain after all Band 2 applicants have been admitted priority will be given to those applicants who have attained Band 3 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 3 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 3 under Special Circumstances D If places remain after all Band 3 applicants have been admitted priority will be given to those applicants who have attained Band 4 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 4 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 4 under Special Circumstances E If places remain after all Band 4 applicants have been admitted priority will be given to those applicants who have attained Band 5 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 5 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 5 under Special Circumstances F If places remain after all Band 5 applicants have been admitted applicants who have attained Band 6 in the SEAG Assessment or have been awarded Band 6 under Special Provisions or have been awarded Band 6 under Special Circumstances will be admitted If there are more applicants in any Band under consideration i e Bands 1 2 3 4 5 6 than there are number of places available such places will be allocated in accordance with the consecutive application of the following subsidiary criteria 1 to 8 in the order set down below In the event that there are more applicants complying with a subsidiary criterion than there are places available or remaining those candidates complying with that subsidiary criterion will go forward to be considered under the next subsidiary criterion in order 1 to 8 and those not complying with that subsidiary criterion will be eliminated 33

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 47 Page 36 SUB CRITERIA 1 Applicants who have a sibling see note below currently enrolled at Dominican College or a sibling who has already been selected under the current transfer procedure Please state the name year group and years attended of the sibling s If after consideration of this criteria there remain more applicants than places available places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 2 2 Applicants who had a sibling see note below previously enrolled at Dominican College Please state the name year group and years attended of the sibling s If after consideration of this criteria there remain more applicants than places available places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 3 3 Applicants who are the eldest girl of the family to be eligible to apply for admission to Dominican College This criterion covers only children and the Board of Governors will treat twins or other multiples as joint eldest Applicants who consider that this criterion applies to them as the eldest girl of the family must provide a verifying letter written on headed notepaper and signed by one of the following who is not a member of the child s family Primary school principal Family doctor Parish priest member of clergy known to the family If an applicant has an elder sibling who did not gain entry to Dominican College in previous years due to applying to Dominican College and not gaining entry she shall be considered with all eldest girls evidence must be provided If after consideration of this criteria there remain more applicants than places available places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 4 4 Applicants who are entitled to Free School Meals see note below If after consideration of this criteria there remain more applicants than places available places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 5 5 Applicants who are a Child Looked After see note below If after consideration of this criteria there remain more applicants than places available places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 6 6 Applicants who are enrolled at the following feeder primary schools no priority will be given to any particular school Abbots Cross P S Antrim P S Ashgrove P S Ballyhenry P S Ballyholme P S Ballymacrickett P S Ballymacward P S Ballysillan P S Ben Madigan Prep Bunscoil an Tsleibhe Dhuibh Belfast Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain Bunscoil Phobal Feirste Carr s Glen P S Cavehill P S Christ the Redeemer P S Cliftonville Integrated P S Crumlin Integrated P S Elmgrove P S Belfast Fairview P S Gaelscoil Eanna Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach Crumlin Gaelscoil Na Bhfal Glengormley Integrated P S Greenisland P S Hazelwood Integrated P S Holy Child P S Holy Cross Girls P S Holy Family P S Holy Rosary P S Holy Trinity P S John Paul II P S Belfast Ligoniel P S Lowwood P S Mallusk Integrated Mercy P S Mossgrove P S Mount St Michael P S Oakwood Integrated P S Our Lady of Lourdes P S Our Lady Queen of Peace P S Our Lady s Girls P S Scoil An Droichid Scoil Na Fuiseoige Seaview P S Springfield P S Belfast St Anne s P S St Bernard s P S Belfast St Bernard s P S Glengormley St Bride s P S St Clare s P S St Colman s P S Lambeg St Comgall s P S Dromore St Comgall s P S St James P S St John the Baptist P S St Joseph s Holland Drive St Joseph s P S Antrim St Joseph s P S Belfast St Joseph s P S Crumlin St Joseph s P S Lisburn St Kevin s P S St MacNissi s P S St Malachy s P S St Mary s On The Hill P S St Mary s P S Belfast St Mary s P S Kircubbin St Mary s Star of the Sea St Matthew s P S St Michael s P S St Nicholas P S St Oliver Plunkett P S St Patrick s P S St Patrick s P S Ballynahinch St Paul s P S St Peter s P S St Teresa s P S St Therese of Lisieux P S St Vincent de Paul P S Templepatrick P S Whiteabbey P S Whitehead P S If after consideration of this criteria there remain more applicants than places available places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 7 34

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Fortwilliam prospectus 2025 NEW Layout 1 02 01 2025 19 47 Page 37 7 If after consideration of the above criteria there remain more applicants than places available places will be allocated by date of birth as identified on the applicant s birth certificate supplied along with the online application Priority will be given to the oldest applicant If after consideration of this criteria there remain more applicants than places available places will be allocated on the basis of Criteria 8 8 If after consideration of the above criteria there remain more applicants than places available places will be allocated on the basis of the initial and subsequent letters of the applicant s surname followed by the initial and subsequent letters of the applicant s forename s as entered on the birth certificate This letter order was determined by random computerised selection and verified by the Board of Governors S Z U A G B X L I F C T W K J M H N R Q D E Y V O P A A sibling is regarded as a child of the family as defined by DE in circular 2016 15 entitled to Free School Meals will mean applicants who are listed on the Education Authority register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their Parent or Guardian has submitted their post primary Transfer Application or any date up to and including 25th February 2025 A Child Looked After is defined by the Children NI Order 1995 as children who are in the care of a Trust or who are provided with accommodation by a Trust Accommodation may be in a residential home residential school foster placement or in a family placement with a relative or occasionally at home PLEASE NOTE When considering which applicants should be selected for admission the Board of Governors will only take into account information which is detailed on or uploaded with the Transfer Application Parents should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school s admission criteria is stated on the Transfer Application or uploaded with it An example of such information includes whether the child has a sibling currently enrolled at Dominican College or is the eldest girl of the family eligible to transfer to mainstream post primary education DUTY TO VERIFY The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or verify information on any applicant s Transfer Application If the requested evidence is not provided to the Board of Governors by the deadline given this will result in the withdrawal of an offer of a place Similarly if information is supplied which appears to be false or misleading in any material way the offer of a place will be withdrawn WAITING LIST POLICY The names of all unsuccessful applicants will be automatically placed on the waiting list Parents Guardians should contact the school in writing if they wish their daughter s name to be removed from the waiting list Should a vacancy arise after 10th May 2025 all applications on the waiting list for admission to Year 8 including applications that were initially refused new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the published criteria applied This waiting list will be in place until 30th June 2026 The school will contact parents in writing if their child gains a place in the school by this method Year 2022 23 2023 24 2024 25 Admissions No 153 160 150 Applications and Admissions Total Applications All Preferences 184 185 217 Total Admission 153 162 156 includes children who were admitted to the School with a statement of special educational needs and children admitted on appeal temporary variation granted for admission of an additional 10 places VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION There is no Capital Fee payable but we ask parents guardians for a voluntary contribution of 120 per annum payable at 10 per month if desired to assist with the provision of additional facilities and equipment Admission criteria for Years 9 to 13 is available on the school website or by contacting the school directly 35

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