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ExcellencethroughCareOur Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockINFORMATION BOOKLET 2024
12Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock
1INFORMATION BOOKLETcontentsPageContents ............................................................................................................................................ 1Points of View – Year 8 (2023 – 2024) ............................................................................................ 2Welcome .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Mission Statement and Aims .......................................................................................................... 4Admissions Policy and Admissions Criteria for 2024 .............................................................5-10 Pastoral Care .................................................................................................................................. 11 Summary of Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy .................................................................... 12How a Parent Can Raise a Concern about Child Protection/Safeguarding............................. 12Curriculum .................................................................................................................................12-13Careers and Extra-Curricular Activities ....................................................................................... 14Academic Achievements: GCSE and A-Level, 2023 ...............................................................15-17College Day, Contributory Primary Schools and College Policies for Students ...................... 18College Uniform ............................................................................................................................. 19Dining Hall Menus ..................................................................................................................... 20-21Bus Arrangements to and from the College .......................................................................... 22-26Subject Information ..................................................................................................................28-43Clubs, Societies and Extra-Curricular Activities .....................................................................44-46College Sporting Achievements 2022-2023 ...........................................................................48-49
332Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock“I have settled in OLSPCK really well. The teachers have been very supportive and I have made lots of new friends. I am enjoying all the new subjects, particularly History and Science. The sports are brilliant: you could start to play basketball, football, gaelic, swimming and many more.” Isla Hamilton, Gilnahirk PS“The transition to secondary school seemed daunting but OLSPCK was so inviting and I felt that I tted right in. My favourite subject is Science because there is so much to learn. I have joined the Coding Club, basketball, gaelic and the Young Apprentice. I love my school.” Rory McGrady, St Ita’s PS“I have loved my rst term at OLSPCK. I have had so much fun and made so many new friends. I love being able to work with the Year 13 Mentors; they are so kind and have lots of patience. Another fun part of Year 8 is extra- curricular activities. I have joined netball, athletics and the Choir.” Emilia Donnelly, Lough View PS“The move to Knock has been a steep learning curve. Each student has their own favourite subject but I love the variety, especially the practical-based subjects. Class Mentors can help with problems and give great advice. The teachers are very fond of us Year 8s, but not as much as the superkind dinner ladies!!!! At Knock, we are denitely a team.” Daniel Curry, St Patrick’s PS, Holywood“Knock is an amazing school. I have joined the Junior Choir, Junior Apprentice and netball. I am so grateful to our Tutor, Mr O’Neill, as he showed us our way around and got us settled into our new school. I have made so many new friends and have had great lessons and grades. My favourite subject is RE.” Jewel Dito, St Malachy’s PS, Bangor“I have really enjoyed the rst term at OLSPCK. The teachers have all been so welcoming and I have joined the athletics and netball after-school clubs. My favourite subject is PE. I am really enjoying the Mentor Programme.” Aoife Boal, St Comgall’s PS, Bangor“In my time at OLSPCK so far, I’ve made loads of new friends. I enjoy sport and there are great facilities and opportunities available for everyone.” Etain Nolan, St Bernard’s PS“At the start of my OLSPCK journey, I looked up and the building never ended. It was gigantic! On my rst day I was feeling nervous but I was with my friends so that was all that mattered. I met my Tutor and all my classmates for the next seven years. When I met my teachers they welcomed us with a warm, gentle smile, which comforted me.” Ben Murray, St Joseph’s PS, Carrydu“I have really enjoyed OLSPCK so far. I have enjoyed all of the subjects and I am learning lots of new things. I joined the Cookery Club and I have so much fun baking delicious treats. I have made new friends. Everyone in Knock is really nice.” Ansa Bijo, Dundonald PS“I’m settling in really well. I’ve made some new friends and some old friends from primary school are in my class. The lessons are taught really well and the extra-curricular activities are fun. The food in the dining hall is delicious. I have joined the football and gaelic clubs.” Oisin McErlean, St Joseph’s PS, Ballyhackamore“OLSPCK has been a fabulous experience for me as it has given me so many new opportunities to excel. Coming from a small school on my own, OLSPCK was scary at rst but luckily the school has such a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. I could not believe the variety of extra-curricular activities available and the musical opportunities. I have really enjoyed my rst few months here.” Ami Mason, Portaferry Integrated PS“When I started here at OLSPCK I didn’t know very many people, but everyone was so welcoming. I have now joined the gaelic and hurling teams. I have made loads of new friends through after school-activities and am getting on great.” Cormac Conlon, St Patrick’s PS, BallygalgetPoints of View - Year 8 (2023 - 2024)
33INFORMATION BOOKLETDear Parents and PupilsWelcome to Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock. This booklet gives you additional information about the College and I hope you nd it both informative and useful. I trust that you will discover today that our College Vision Statement of ‘Excellence through Care’ is much more than just three words for us. It reects the aspirations we have for each individual child within our care; it reects the pastoral care that we provide on a daily basis; and it reects the core values of our Catholic ethos. Our students, too, are taught to ‘CARE’ each and every day, with a strong focus on Commitment, Attendance, Respect and Extra-curricular activities. Suce to say that we are exceptionally proud of our 1,408 students and the many past pupils of our College since 1985.I have always believed that Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock is unique; yes, we are academically strong, but there is so much more to a student of Knock than his or her academic prole. In the College every year, I see at rst-hand a commitment to students’ extra-curricular activities which promote the development of the ‘whole person’. I also see our students using ‘their talents for the service of others’, quietly reecting the College Mission Statement in their work with many charities and community groups. It is this combination which will ensure that our students are well prepared to make a positive contribution to society in the years ahead. Should you choose to join our College, we look forward to welcoming you to #teamknock, where our motivated students, supportive parents and committed sta all work together for the benet of our entire College community. You will nd more information about the school on our website at www.knock.co.uk.My very best wishes to you and your family as you make this important decision to choose a new school. I look forward to welcoming many of you to Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock in September 2024.Yours faithfullyDeborah McLaughlin Principal Dear Parents and Prospective Pupils Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock120 Gilnahirk Road, Belfast, BT5 7DL Tel: (028) 9040 1184 Website: www.knock.co.uk Email: info@knock.co.uk
54Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock“Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock cares for young people in a way that encourages them to develop to their full potential within a supportive Christian community. We seek to prepare our students to play an active and responsible role in society and to use their talents for the service of others”.This Mission Statement guides us in the task of enabling our students to realise their full potential. It stresses the importance of relationships. Students are to be cared for and their talents developed in a harmonious manner. They are to be encouraged to use these talents for the benet of others.Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock aims to:• develop the ‘whole person’ as a follower of Christ;• promote the philosophy and values of Catholic Education;• develop positive attitudes in an atmosphere of co-operation, justice and mutual respect;• prepare young people to be condent and creative contributors to society;• enable students to realise their full academic potential and to develop all their gifts and talents;• prepare students for adulthood by enabling them to acquire the relevant knowledge and skills;• engage positively with the local and wider community.Our aim, therefore, is to provide a school where each member of the school community enters fully into the life of the College and where all students are happily and enthusiastically involved in a wide variety of work within a well-structured but exible framework.Central to the life of the College is prayer. The whole school joins in the celebration of the Eucharist at the beginning of the academic year to celebrate the Birthday of Our Lady; in March, to honour our other patron, St Patrick; and also on other special occasions; for example, Holy Days, the Year 8 Mass of Welcome and our Leavers’ Masses for Year 12 and 14.Mission statement and aims
5INFORMATION BOOKLETOUR LADY AND ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE, KNOCK120 GILNAHIRK ROADVOLUNTARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLDENOMINATIONAL CO-EDUCATIONALBELFAST AGE RANGE: 11-19BT5 7DL ADMISSIONS NO: 190ENROLMENT NO: 1330Telephone No: 028 9040 1184College Principal: Miss Deborah McLaughlin Email: info@knock.co.ukChairperson of the Board of Governors: Mr Leo O’Reilly Website: www.knock.co.ukOPEN DAY INFORMATION 2024Parents/Guardians and P7 children are warmly invited to attend the College’s Open Day on Saturday, 13 January 2024 from 9.00am to 12.30pm. There will be an address by the Principal at 9.00am and 11.00am followed by tours of the College with student guides.To Parents/Guardians naming Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock as a preference on their child’s Transfer Application.Admissions Policy And Admissions Criteria for 2023SEAG Entrance Assessment Results: In assessing academic ability, Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock will use the Band and, as a sub-criterion, the Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS), awarded to pupils completing the SEAG Entrance Assessment (scheduled for Saturday, 11 November 2023 and Saturday, 25 November 2023) as specied by the College. Parents/Guardians must enter the applicant’s Band and Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) from the SEAG Entrance Assessment and upload a copy of the applicant’s statement of results with the Transfer Application. Results are available on 27 January 2024.Special Circumstances or Special Provision: If you are applying for Special Circumstances or Special Provision, please see the relevant sections below.VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONThere is no capital fee. We ask parents/guardians for a voluntary contribution of £150 per family per annum to assist with the provision of additional facilities and equipment.RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONS TO THE SCHOOLThe Board of Governors, having agreed the Admissions Criteria, has delegated to the Admissions Committee, consisting of four members of the Board of Governors, the Principal and two Vice Principals, the authority to decide which particular applicants shall be admitted to the College in accordance with the Admissions Criteria and any appropriate statutory regulations issued by the Department of Education. Any reference to the term ‘Board of Governors’ includes any Committee appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of applying the Admissions Criteria set out herein. The Board of Governors may require the support of the College’s administrative sta in order to full its duties and they are so authorised by the authority of the Board of Governors.ADMISSIONS POLICYOur Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock is a Catholic, co-educational, selective voluntary grammar school under the trusteeship of the Diocese of Down and Connor. The College accepts those who are academically suited for the type of education it oers whose parents/guardians are in agreement with the Catholic philosophy and aims of the College.The Board of Governors has determined that the educational outcomes from the SEAG Entrance Assessment will be used to admit applicants [see criteria A to F and subsidiary criteria H1 to H7]. Information on the SEAG Entrance Assessment is available from the College or from www.knock.co.uk.In accordance with the 1997 Education (Northern Ireland) Order (Section 16 (4), pupils resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission will be selected for admission before any child not so resident may be selected.Applicants claiming Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions (see below) will be considered rst. In light of the documentary evidence submitted, the Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors will decide whether these applicants should be
76Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knockconsidered under the Band and Total Standardised Age Score actually achieved in the SEAG Entrance Assessment or an allocated higher Band and/or Total Standardised Age Score. The College will use a Special Circumstances Protocol (available from the College on request) to decide if any increase in Total Standardised Age Score and/or Band is required. Once a decision has been made, the applicant will then be considered along with all applicants of the same Band/Total Standardised Age Score for the purpose of applying the Admissions Criteria.The Board of Governors will NOT use as a criterion the position of preference given to the College on the Transfer Application, i.e., an applicant who has chosen Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock in any position on the Transfer Application will be considered equally with those who have put the College rst.ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR YEAR 8 PUPILS TO OUR LADY AND ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE, KNOCKIn order to determine which applicants will be accepted into Year 8, the following criteria will be applied in the order set down:A Applicants who have been awarded Band 1 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who, on the documented evidence submitted, are in the opinion of the Board of Governors of a comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 1.B Applicants who have been awarded Band 2 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who, on the documented evidence submitted, are in the opinion of the Board of Governors of a comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 2.C Applicants who have been awarded Band 3 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who, on the documented evidence submitted, are in the opinion of the Board of Governors of a comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 3.D Applicants who have been awarded Band 4 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who, on the documented evidence submitted, are in the opinion of the Board of Governors of a comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 4.E Applicants who have been awarded Band 5 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who, on the documented evidence submitted, are in the opinion of the Board of Governors of a comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 5.F Applicants who have been awarded Band 6 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment and also those applicants to whom Special Circumstances or Special Provisions apply and who, on the documented evidence submitted, are in the opinion of the Board of Governors of a comparable ability to applicants awarded Band 6.G Other applicants.Parents/Guardians must upload a copy of the applicant’s statement of results from the SEAG Entrance Assessment with the Transfer Application.If there are more applicants in a category under consideration (i.e., Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and Other) than there are number of places available, such places will be allocated in accordance with the following subsidiary criteria of H1 to H7. If, on application of the subsidiary criteria in order, there is oversubscription in a particular criterion, then the next criterion will be applied to determine the allocation of places.H1 Applicants who, at the date of their application, have a child of the family currently/previously enrolled at the College or already accepted for admission in the coming year (2024/25). Name and year group of present pupil and name/maiden name and dates of attendance of former pupil must be provided. [“Child of the family” will be dened in accordance with Department of Education guidance.] H2 Applicants: (i) who are the eldest* or only child of the family; or (ii) whose sibling** is an eldest child who achieved a grade A in the PPTC GL Assessment and applied to the College. The sibling’s application was provided to the College by the Education Authority and was considered by the Board of Governors but he/she was not selected; or (iii) where every older sibling of the applicant did not achieve a grade A in the PPTC GL Assessment.
7INFORMATION BOOKLET *Twins, triplets, etc. will be entitled to recognition as ‘eldest’ in family if twins, triplets, etc. are the rst born to a family. **Include the name and date of birth of the sibling who is an eldest child and the year of his/her application.The H2 Verication Certicate should be completed and uploaded with the Transfer Application. It must be signed by one of the following who knows the applicant and family for at least two years and is not a member of the applicant’s family. There is no requirement that the verier must be a resident in Northern Ireland/GB.• a primary school Principal• an elected public representative• a medical practitioner• a lawyer• a member of the clergyH3 Applicants who are entitled to Free School Meals (FSME). ‘Entitled to Free School Meals’ means applicants who are listed on the Education Authority’s register as entitled to free school meals at the date on which their parent/guardian has submitted their post-primary Transfer Application or at any date up to and including 4 March 2024 (no later than 4pm).H4 Applicants for whom Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock is the nearest Catholic grammar school from their permanent place of residence. Distances will be measured overland using grid references provided by nidirect - Distance Measurement Tool. Place of residence will be the applicant’s address as it appears on the Transfer Application. The completed H4 Verication Certicate, uploaded with the Transfer Application, must be signed by one of the veriers as stated in H2.H5 Applicants who have achieved the highest Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) in the SEAG Entrance Assessment or allocated Band and TSAS due to Special Circumstances/Provisions. The highest scoring candidate will be ranked rst, the next highest candidate being ranked second, etc.H6 If there are applicants who have the same SEAG Entrance Assessment Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) or allocated Band and TSAS due to Special Circumstances/Provisions tying for the nal place(s), applicants will be selected for admission on the basis of the initial letter(s) of surname (as entered on the birth certicate or court order) in the order set out below, as determined by a randomised selection:N Y I Mc D H Mac O B A F W Q R M E S L K U C J X P T Z V GIf clarication is needed on the surname(s) and/or forename(s) on birth certicates, the College will use the H2 Verication Certicate signed by one of the veriers or advice from the relevant consulate.H7 In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of the surname will be used in the order set out above. In the event of two identical surnames, the alphabetical order of the forenames (as entered on the birth certicate or court order) will be used. Should two or more applicants have the same surname and forename and thereby qualify for the last available place(s), those applicants will be placed in rank order of eldest child by date of birth as entered on the birth certicate or court order. Where, after this process has been applied, any applicants continue to tie for a nal place, places will be allocated by randomised computer selection. The subsidiary criteria H1 to H7 will be applied in the order set down.It is emphasised that the onus is on the parent(s)/guardian(s) to ensure that all of the above information is provided. When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will take into account information which is entered on or submitted with the Transfer Application, or has been provided on request. Parents/Guardians should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s Admissions Criteria is stated on the Transfer Application or submitted with it. The nal date/time for receipt of new applications/documentation in support of applications is Monday, 4 March 2024, no later than 4pm. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCESTwo documents are available on the College website at www.knock.co.uk for the parents/
98Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knockguardians of children who have taken the SEAG Entrance Assessment 2023 and wish to claim Special Circumstances:• Claiming Special Circumstances - A Guide for Parents & Guardians• Claim for Special Circumstances (Form SC)The College has academic performance as its rst criterion. Special Circumstances refer to the claim that a child experienced a medical or other problem which may have aected his/her performance in the SEAG Entrance Assessment. Special Circumstances must be outlined on Claim for Special Circumstances (Form SC) and supported by documentary evidence of a medical, educational or other appropriate nature. Documentary evidence must be submitted with the Transfer Application and Form SC on the Education Authority’s online Portal - EA Post Primary Applications.Consideration of a claim for Special Circumstances consists of three stages. Stage 1 requires consideration of whether there is, in the judgement of the Admissions Committee, sucient contemporaneous medical, professional or other evidence to warrant acceptance that the case is valid for consideration under Special Circumstances. If an applicant is permitted to be considered as having Special Circumstances, Stage 2 requires an educational judgement to be made by the Admissions Committee on the veriable educational evidence provided to assess if the Total Standardised Age Score/Band achieved by the child in the SEAG Entrance Assessment does not correspond to the academic ability of the child. If Stages 1 and 2 are met, at Stage 3 the Admissions Committee will award a mark up to the top of the condence band in the Special Circumstances Protocol (available from the College on request), taking into account the nature of the Special Circumstances claimed by each individual.If a claim for Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which Access Arrangements were provided to an applicant sitting the SEAG Entrance Assessment on 11 and/or 25 November 2023, the Admissions Committee may take into account the fact that the applicant was provided with such Access Arrangements. Note on COVID-19Special Circumstances will not be applied solely due to lost teaching and learning time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specic COVID-19 impacts which are unique to the applicant may, however, still be applicable to Special Circumstances.Details of Medical or Other ProblemsWhere it is claimed that an applicant’s performance in the SEAG Entrance Assessment has been aected by a medical or other problem, independent evidence of its existence must be provided to the College. Where the issue is of a medical nature of short-term duration, which aected the applicant only at the time of the SEAG Entrance Assessment, the College 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 SEAG Entrance Assessment. Where the issue is of a non-medical nature, the parents/guardians must set out the precise details of the issue and append independent evidence, veried by an appropriate professional, with the Transfer Application to corroborate its existence. Independent Evidence of Medical or Other Problems This evidence must be veried by one of the following who is not a member of the applicant’s family:• a primary school Principal• a registered health or social care professional• a medical practitioner• a lawyer• a member of the clergyDetails of Educational EvidenceEducational evidence must be provided by the parents/guardians on Form SC, veried by the primary school Principal, to enable the Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors to reach a decision. The Board of Governors will, when considering the weight to be given to submitted evidence, consider standardised test results as ranking in priority to other submitted evidence. General Note on Special Circumstances It is emphasised that the onus is on the parent(s)/guardian(s) to ensure that all of the above information is provided. Failure to provide such information may result in the College being unable to accept the application for Special Circumstances. Parents/Guardians have a statutory right to request and obtain information on their child. Further information on the rights to access pupil records is available from the Information Commissioner’s Oce or from the website: http://www.ico.org.uk
9INFORMATION BOOKLETPlease note that judgement of the importance of documentation forwarded in support of Special Circumstances will be at the discretion of the Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors.SPECIAL PROVISIONSTwo documents are available on the College website at www.knock.co.uk for the parents/guardians of children who wish to claim Special Provisions:• Claiming Special Provisions - A Guide for Parents & Guardians• Application for Special Provisions (Form SP)Special Provisions may be made by the Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors where the applicant:1. has received more than half of their education* outside Northern Ireland; or *based on the time from the start of Primary 1 (1st September 2017) to the 28th February 2024 i.e. more than 3 years and 3 months.2. wishes to transfer to a post-primary school that uses the SEAG Entrance Assessment from a school outside Northern Ireland; or3. due to a serious medical or other problems, which are supported by appropriate 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.For those pupils currently in P7 in primary schools in Northern Ireland, claims for Special Provisions should be made on Form SP and uploaded with the Transfer Application by Thursday, 22 February 2024 (12 noon). After this date, claims for Special Provisions should be made directly to Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock, and parents should notify the Education Authority’s School Admissions Team. The nal date/time for receipt of new applications/ documentation in support of applications is Monday, 4 March 2024, no later than 4pm.It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to complete Form SP, provide the documentary evidence and the required educational evidence, and to upload this evidence with the Transfer Application. The Board of Governors will assess each applicant’s claim for Special Provisions and may contact the parent to arrange further assessment of the child by a suitably qualied person or body approved by the College. This will be known as the Special Provisions Assessment. The Admissions Committee will then determine, based on the information available, an appropriate Band and TSAS equivalent for the applicant. Such applicants will then be considered with all other applicants who have received a SEAG Entrance Assessment Band and TSAS and the Admissions Criteria will be applied.Where Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock is not the applicant’s rst preference school and the applicant has sat a Special Provisions Assessment in another school, Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock will use the results of that Special Provisions Assessment in the Special Provisions Procedure.DUTY TO VERIFYThe 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. Parents/Guardians should note that they may be asked to produce original documents verifying information pertinent to the College’s Admissions Criteria. Original documents are required; scanned copies or photocopies are not acceptable. If the requested evidence is not provided to the Board of Governors by the deadline specied by the Board of Governors, this will result in the withdrawal of an oer of a place. Similarly, if information is supplied which appears to be false or misleading in any material way, the oer of a place will be withdrawn.
111110Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS AFTER 1 SEPTEMBER 2024In the event of a place becoming available in Year 8 after 1 September 2024, the above criteria will be applied to any unselected applicants. The College maintains a waiting list for those seeking a place in Year 8 which will be in place until 30 June 2025. Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the College if you would like your child’s name to be removed from the list.A fresh application must be submitted for each subsequent year in accordance with the Admissions Criteria for the particular year group, i.e., Years 9-14. Further details on Admissions Criteria and the operation of the waiting list are available from the College or its website www.knock.co.uk.If the application is made for a child who arrived in Northern Ireland after the transfer process has been concluded and the Admissions Committee determines that the child is suitable to be admitted, the College may seek Department of Education approval to admit the child as an additional place. If such approval is given, the child will be admitted.APPLICATIONS AND ADMISSIONSYearAdmissions NumberTotal Applicationsi.e. All preferencesTotal Admissions*2021/22 180 376 2242022/23 180 230 2182023/24 190 323 201* Includes Special Educational Needs students and those admitted on Appeal and by the Exceptional Circumstances Body. An additional 32 places were permitted under Temporary Variation in 2021/22 and 2022/23 with an extra 3 places in 2023/24.
1111INFORMATION BOOKLETTutor GroupsWe place a great deal of emphasis on the pastoral care of our students. The basic pastoral unit is the tutor group, which consists of approximately 28 students. A Tutor is assigned to each group and remains with the group as they move from Junior to Senior to Upper School. Our tutor groups meet each morning before class for prayer, Registration and announcements. Morning Registration ensures that a student who may be worried about any aspect of College life has easy access to his/her Tutor. Each year group regularly attends Morning Assembly. There is also a Tutor period once a week, during which students follow a Personal Development Programme covering a wide range of relevant issues. The Tutor, Head of Year and Head of School closely monitor each student’s academic performance and personal development. Transition from Primary to Post-Primary SchoolWe realise that it can be quite dicult for children to make the transition from primary to post-primary school and so care is taken to ensure that the changeover goes as smoothly as possible. Year 8 students follow a two-day Induction Programme before commencing their academic studies. During these days, they meet their Tutors, get to know the College and have the opportunity to make new friends.In late September, a special evening Mass of Welcome is celebrated for Year 8 students and their parents. A Parent/Teacher Meeting is scheduled for each year. Special Educational NeedsThe College provides a range of interventions to support students with particular learning needs. We follow the revised Code of Practice in identifying, assessing and supporting students with special educational needs. Through Personal Learning Plans (PLPs), we provide support tailored to each student’s unique learning requirements. If your child has a special educational need which you would like to discuss in more detail, please contact the Learning Support Co-ordinator (LSC), Mrs Fox.Student Mentor ProgrammeUnder the Student Mentor Programme, four Year 13 students are assigned to each Year 8 class. For the duration of the Programme, they meet with that class once a week to explore various themes such as smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, bullying, prejudice, friendship, school and the environment. The Student Mentor Programme enables Year 8 students to build a bond of trust with older students and provides another source of support while they are settling in to College life.Pastoral Support TeamThe College has a team of experienced teachers who are available via Time To Talk for consultation with students on an individual basis. An external counselling service is also available in the College. Merit SystemIn the Junior and Senior Schools, we operate a Merit System which aims to reward students for achieving high standards in areas of work, behaviour, attendance, punctuality and uniform. The Merit System awards individual and whole class merits. Individual students are given a certicate (gold, silver and bronze) when they achieve stipulated targets. In the Junior School, certicates are awarded to tutor groups achieving rst, second and third place each month. Gold Merit Certicates are presented at the respective Award Ceremonies.Child ProtectionThe College is committed to providing a safe, caring environment which promotes the protection and safeguarding of each individual child. The full Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy is available at any time from the College or on the College website www.knock.co.uk.Pastoral Care
131312Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockOur Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock is committed to providing a safe, caring environment which promotes the protection and safeguarding of each individual child. In accordance with the aims of the College and in order to full our statutory obligation under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, the College’s Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy aims to ensure the protection and safeguarding of all our students. The aim of this summary is to provide parents and students with a brief overview of the policy. The full Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy is available at any time from the College or on the College website www.knock.co.uk.The Roles and Responsibilities of the College Safeguarding Team and the Designated Teachers for Child Protection are dened.Designated Teacher for Child ProtectionMs Grace McCarthyDeputy Designated Teachers for Child ProtectionMrs Antoinette FoxMrs Fiona KnightMiss Sinead McErlaneThe policy describes Types of Abuse and lists Potential Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse.The Processes for Referral are clearly outlined on Page 14 of the Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy.The policy includes a Code of Conduct for All Sta and Volunteers and guidance on How a Parent Can Raise a Concern about Child Protection/Safeguarding and How to Report a Concern about School Sta or Volunteers.The policy outlines the conditions under which volunteers and sports coaches may work in the College.HOW A PARENT CAN RAISE A CONCERN ABOUT CHILD PROTECTION/SAFEGUARDINGIf a parent has a concern about the safety of his/her own child or any other child, the parent should contact the Designated Teacher for Child Protection or the Deputy Designated Teacher without delay.The Designated Teacher(s) will inform the Principal and will clarify the facts of the allegation (Discreet Preliminary Clarication). The Designated Teacher(s) will refer the matter to Social Services if it is deemed necessary and will report back to the parent on the progress and outcome of the complaint as soon as possible. If a parent is still concerned, he/she may contact the Principal directly. If the parent is dissatised with the outcome, he/she may refer the complaint to the Chairperson of the Board of Governors in the rst instance, then to the NI Public Services Ombudsman (Tel: 0800 343 424).If any parent, student or member of sta wishes to report a child protection/safeguarding concern about school sta or volunteers, he/she should contact the Principal or the Designated Teacher for Child Protection without delay. CurriculumAt the heart of every outstanding school is a curriculum that oers challenges, instils a passion for learning and ignites intellectual curiosity while preparing students for the next step.Our curriculum aims to meet the diering needs of students by making available a broad range of subject choices. It reects the aims and objectives of the College and conforms to all statutory requirements. Our Curriculum Junior School: Key Stage 3 (Years 8, 9 and 10)On joining the College, our Junior School students are introduced to academic discipline in the following Learning Areas: The Arts, English with Media Education, Environment and Society, Learning for Life and Work, Mathematics with Financial Capability, Modern Languages, Physical Education, Religious Education and Science and Technology.Integral to our curriculum are the cross-curricular skills of Using Mathematics, Using ICT and Communication, which are developed through the dierent Learning Areas along with Thinking Skills Summary of Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy
1313INFORMATION BOOKLETand Personal Capabilities. Year 8 and 9 students study the following subjects:Students also choose two Modern Languages from French, German, Irish and Spanish.A Personal Development Programme is provided and all Junior School students follow our Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Programme. In Year 10, students study all of the above subjects but Science is taught as the separate subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.Senior School: Key Stage 4 (Years 11 and 12)Senior School students study a broad and balanced range of GCSEs. Depending on their chosen subjects, they can study between ten and twelve GCSE courses.The curriculum consists of a compulsory core element and optional subjects. Core GCSE Subjects:A number of students take the GCSE Mathematics examinations at the end of Year 11 and then study GCSE Further Mathematics in Year 12.The compulsory core also includes non-examination Physical Education, Careers and Personal Development classes.Optional GCSE Subjects:Students may study ve subjects from the following:Some students take GCSE Music at the end of Year 11, which allows them to choose a sixth optional GCSE subject.Upper School: Key Stage 5 (Years 13 and 14)The Upper School curriculum provides for the academic and personal development of our students.All students entering Years 13 and 14 must study Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS Level) and Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Most students take four AS Level subjects in Year 13 and three or four A2 subjects in Year 14.In addition, all students attend Careers Education, Personal Development and RSE classes. Students who do not study Religious Studies at AS or A2 are required to take a modular course in Religious Education; a programme for Christian Citizenship.Our Curriculum Enrichment Programme allows students to supplement their AS and A-Level courses. Mandarin language and cultural classes are oered to students. They may also take part in our Community Service Scheme and the Student Mentor Programme.Any combination of AS and A2 Level subjects may be taken from the following:Other courses may be available through our partnership arrangements with neighbouring schools.Art and DesignDramaEnglishEducation for EmployabilityGeographyHistoryHome EconomicsInformation and Communication TechnologyLocal and Global CitizenshipMathematicsMusicPhysical EducationReligious EducationScienceTechnology and DesignEnglish LanguageEnglish LiteratureLearning for Life and WorkMathematicsReligious StudiesArt and DesignBiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryComputer ScienceDramaFood and NutritionFrenchGermanGeography HistoryDigital TechnologyIrishMusicPhysical EducationPhysicsScience (Double Award)SpanishTechnology and DesignArt and DesignBiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryComputer ScienceDigital TechnologyDrama and Theatre StudiesEconomicsEnglish LiteratureFrenchFurther MathematicsGeographyGermanGovernment and PoliticsHistoryIrishMathematicsMoving Image ArtsMusicNutrition and Food SciencePhysical EducationPhysicsReligious StudiesSociologySpanishTechnology and Design
1514Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock15A team of experienced teachers and a Department for Economy (DE) Careers Adviser are involved in the provision of Careers and Employability. Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is at the heart of the curriculum. It is delivered through every subject area and in discrete Employability and Careers lessons on the timetable for Years 8 to 14. Initially, the emphasis is on helping students nd out about their skills and qualities and the local and global economy. As they progress through the school, CEIAG prepares young people for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences they will face throughout their adult working lives.Careers InformationUp-to-date Careers information is available through the College bespoke Careers programme and various online software packages. Careers teachers advise on all aspects of subject and career choice, and guidance is oered to both class groups and individuals. GCSE and A/AS Level Option Books are produced annually to help students make their subject choices. All students in Years 10, 12 and 14 are interviewed individually or in small groups before they choose their GCSEs, A-Levels and post-18 choices. Individual guidance on subject and careers choice is also oered to students and parents at Option Days in the second term or on request throughout the school year. Careers Advice and GuidanceThrough eective careers advice and guidance, young people develop self-awareness and an understanding of the full range of opportunities in education, training and employment. They learn to develop the skills necessary to source and handle information, to be realistic, have aspirations and make informed decisions about future career pathways. Through our guidance programmes we aim to help students make informed but realistic choices about their futures through reviewing, learning, assessing, setting new goals and recording their achievements and experiences. Our guidance service is progressive, impartial and well informed, using the most up-to-date labour market information, provided by the NI Skills Barometer. Careers sta are available to students and parents after the publication of examination results and at Parent/Teacher Meetings. We strongly encourage parents to become constructively involved in the career planning of their children and welcome them to our Careers events that occur throughout the year. Students in all year groups will experience the World of Work, through various events in collaboration with organisations such as Young Enterprise and Eye4education. In June, all Year 13 students participate in our annual Work Experience Scheme. Further periods of work experience are also encouraged at appropriate times, especially for Sixth Form students. Additionally, students will be provided with the opportunity to meet with representatives from a diverse range of universities, at the annual UCAS Exhibition, University Roadshow and university presentations in school. In Year 12, all students will attend the Skills NI Careers Convention, providing students with an excellent opportunity to meet with a wide range of employers across NI. Students in Year 14 will attend QUB and UU Open Days and those who have University Admission Interviews will be provided with practice interviews on request. We pride ourselves on giving students as much exposure as possible to all career pathways available, including university and apprenticeships. Our ultimate goal is that all students will make a career choice that is compatible with their ability and future aspirations. DramaDrama contributes to the creative, social and personal education of every student within the College. As such, it is integral to the curriculum at Key Stage 3, helping students to become informed and responsible individuals. It is a popular choice at GCSE and A-Level and enjoys excellent results in both examinations. After school, Junior students are encouraged to attend a weekly Drama Club mentored by Senior students, who share their skills and enthusiasm with younger, eager participants. On a more formal level, the College Production brings together all aspects of the Arts in celebration of the varied talents and abilities enjoyed by the College community. In recent years, students have performed musicals (Les Misérables, School of Rock, The Sound of Music, Evita) and serious theatre from Shakespeare to Brian Friel.MusicAll students study Music in Years 8, 9 and 10 where the emphasis is on practical music-making (ukuele and keyboards), composition, listening and theory. The College facilitates private music tuition in strings, woodwind, brass, piano, guitar, drums and singing. Students work with our peripatetic music tutors individually or in small groups. Music can be taken as a fast-track GCSE subject in Year 11 or as a two-year GCSE option and at AS and A-Level. Students have the opportunity to be involved in events inside and outside the College through membership of the Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Folk Group (Liturgical), Traditional Group, Samba Group, Junior Orchestra and Senior Orchestra.Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)
1515INFORMATION BOOKLETSchool attendance 2022 - 2023No. of possible attendance sessions No. of sessions attended % attendance504831426409 96%GCSE and A-Level Examination Results 2018/19 to 2022/23PerformanceIndicator2018/192019/202020/21 Covid2021/22 2022/23Our Lady and St Patrick’s CollegeNI Grammar School AverageOur Lady and St Patrick’s CollegeNI Grammar School AverageOur Lady and St Patrick’s CollegeNI Grammar School AverageOur Lady and St Patrick’s CollegeNI Grammar School Average% achieving 5+ GCSEs at grades A*-C98.9 90.5 100Not available100Not available98.4Not available% achieving 7+ GCSEs at grades A*-C100 96.1 100Not available100Not available99.5Not available% achieving 3+ A-levels at grades A*-C91.6 79.7 99.4Not available92.4Not available96.3Not available% achieving 2+ A-levels at grades A*-E99.4 99.6 100Not available100Not available100Not availableYear 12 GCSE Results Summary 2022/23% entered for: % achieving grades A*-C in:7+ GCSEs 5+ GCSEs 7+ GCSEs 5+ GCSEs 0 GCSEs100 100 98.4 99.5 0Number of students in Year 12: 186Number of students with a Statement of Special Educational Needs: 2Academic Achievements
1716Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockYear 12 GCSE Results by Subject 2022/23Subject EntriesPercentageA* A*- A A*- B A*- C* A*- C A*- D A*- EArt & Design 18 33.3 66.7 94.4 94.4 100 100 100Biology 84 28.6 69 90.5 97.6 100 100 100Business Studies 92 21.7 77.2 88 97.8 98.9 100 100Chemistry 69 24.6 68.1 85.5 92.8 100 100 100Design and Technology25 32 60 72 88 88 100 100Digital Technology 15 40 73.3 100 100 100 100 100Drama 17 17.6 64.7 94.1 100 100 100 100English Language 186 12.9 65.6 90.9 97.8 100 100 100English Literature 186 38.2 75.3 95.7 97.8 100 100 100Food and Nutrition 21 33.3 81 90.5 95.2 100 100 100French 24 25 50 75 87.5 91.7 100 100Geography 48 50 77.1 91.7 95.8 97.9 97.9 100German 10 30 60 80 90 100 100 100History 97 35.1 77.3 90.7 97.9 100 100 100Irish 5 0 40 100 100 100 100 100LLW 186 40.3 71.5 93 97.8 99.5 100 100Mathematics 102 8.8 67.6 91.2 98 100 100 100Mathematics Further 82 39 89 97.6 98.8 100 100 100Music 15 33.3 73.3 93.3 93.3 93.3 100 100Physics 62 38.7 80.6 95.2 98.4 100 100 100Religious Studies 182 33 79.1 89 94 97.8 100 100Spanish 91 23.1 70.3 87.9 95.6 98.9 100 100SubjectEntriesPercentageScience:Double AwardA*A* A*A AA AB BB BC* C*C* C*C CCA*A* - CC78 24.4 16.7 21.8 3.8 12.8 6.4 7.7 2.6 1.3 97.4Subject EntriesPercentage9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 9 - 4Physical Education (AQA)47 25.5 55.3 72.3 91.5 95.7 100 100 100 100 100Computer Science (OCR)24 20.89 50.0 70.8 87.5 91.7 95.8 100 100 100 100
17INFORMATION BOOKLETYear 14 A-Level Results Summary 2022/23Number of students in nal year of course% achieving 3+ grades A – C% achieving 2+ grades A – EA-level 188 96.3% 100%Number of students with a statement of Special Educational Needs: 481 Year 14 Students (43%) achieved A or A* grades in 3 or more A-Level subjects.Year 14 A-Level Results by Subject 2022/23Subject EntriesCumulative PercentageA* A*- A A*- B A*- C A*- D A*- EArt and Design 14 57.1 71.4 100 100 100 100Biology 62 30.6 62.9 93.5 100 100 100Business Studies 49 28.6 63.3 87.8 98 100 100Chemistry 35 22.9 60. 85.7 97.1 100 100Computer Studies 10 0 30.0 60.0 100 90.9 100Design and Technology 6 16.7 83.3 100 100 100 100Digital Technology 13 23.1 46.2 77 92.4 100 100Drama 7 0 42.9 85.8 100 100 100Economics 9 22.2 77.8 100 100 100 100English Literature 20 35 80 100 100 100 100French 11 9.1 45.5 72.8 100 100 100Geography 58 19 41.4 86.2 98.3 100 100German 2 0 50 50 100 100 100History 36 8.3 72.2 86.1 100 100 100Home Economics 6 33.3 66.7 83.3 100 100 100Irish 1 0 100 100 100 100 100Mathematics Further 4 75 75 100 100 100 100Mathematics 62 35.5 72.6 93.6 98.4 100 100Music 3 0 33.3 66.6 100 100 100PE 30 66.7 83.4 100 100 100 100Physics 31 19.4 48.4 77.4 93.5 100 100Politics 33 27.3 81.8 100 100 100 100Religious Studies 16 25 75 87.5 93.8 100 100Sociology 41 39.0 58.5 97.5 99.9 100 100Spanish 8 12.5 87.5 100 100 100 100Year 14 Destinations 2022/23Higher EducationFurther EducationEmployment / TrainingHigher ApprenticeshipGapYear179 6 0 1 2
1918Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockTutor Group Registration 9.20 am – 9.30 amPeriod 1 9.30 – 10.05amPeriod 2 10.05 -10.35amPeriod 3 10.35 – 11.05amMid-Morning Break 11.05 – 11.20amPeriod 4 11.20 -11.50amPeriod 5 11.50 - 12.20pmPeriod 6 12.20 -12.50pmPeriod 7 Junior Lunch 12.50 – 1.25pmPeriod 8 Senior Lunch 1.25 – 2.00pmPeriod 9 2.00 – 2.30Period 10 2.30 – 3.00Period 11 3.00 – 3.343.45 pm – 5.00 pm: Extra-curricular activities and sportsContributory Primary Schools 2023Academy PS (Sainteld) Rosetta PS St Joseph's PS (Slate Street)Botanic PS (Belfast) Scoil an Droichid (Belfast) St Malachy's PS (Bangor)Braniel PS (Belfast) Seaview PS (Belfast) St Malachy's PS (Belfast)Cairnshill PS (Belfast) St Anne's PS (Belfast) St Mary's PS (Comber)Downpatrick PS St Bernards PS (Belfast) St Mary's PS (Kircubbin)Dundonald PS St Bernard's PS (Newtownabbey) St Michael's PS (Belfast)Gilnahirk PS (Belfast) St Bride's PS (Belfast) St Nicholas' PS (Carrickfergus)Grange Park PS (Bangor) St Caolan's PS (Sainteld) St Patrick's PS (Ballygalget)Holy Family PS (Downpatrick) St Colman's PS (Lisburn) St Patrick's PS (Holywood)Holy Rosary PS (Belfast) St Comgall's PS (Bangor) Strandtown PS (Belfast)Leadhill PS (Belfast) St Finian's PS (Newtownards) Stranmillis PS (Belfast)Londonderry PS (Newtownards) St Ita's PS (Belfast)Loughview Integrated PS (Belfast) St Joseph's PS (Carrydu)Millennium Integrated PS (Sainteld) St Joseph's PS (Holland Dr)COLLEGE POLICIES FOR STUDENTSAdministration of Medication in School Honours Tie PolicyAnti-Bullying Policy Intimate Care PolicyAttendance Policy for Students Pastoral Care PolicyCharity Policy Positive Behaviour PolicyChild Protection/Safeguarding Policy Relationships and Sexuality Education PolicyDrugs Policy Special Educational Needs PolicyEducational Visits Policy Study Leave PolicyeSafety and Digital Technology PolicyThe College Day for Students
19INFORMATION BOOKLETCollege UniformCollege Regulation Uniform - Compulsory Items• Black blazer with College crest • Traditional black school trousers (full length and regular t) to be worn with plain black socks, or• Regulation drop waist skirt, mid-grey, stitch down, all round pleat (65/35) with adjustable waist (1880 brand), worn on/below the knee with grey knee-length socks or plain black opaque tights• Plain white school shirt/blouse (top button fastened and tucked into trousers/skirt at all times) • College tie• Plain black low-heeled school shoes (maximum of 3 cm) (not trainers)College Regulation Uniform - Optional Items• Grey or black V-neck knitted jumper with College colours • College scarf or plain black scarf• A plain black or grey woollen hatCollege Regulation PE Uniform (O’Neill’s brand)• College tracksuit (half-zip and bottoms or jeggings)• College shorts or skort• College PE top• College socks or white ankle socks• Trainers (laced, non-marking soles)Rules for Uniform and Appearance • Students must wear regulation uniform in the College, going to and from the College and at all College functions and rep-resentative events, unless otherwise permitted by the Principal. Students must adhere to the College regulations regard-ing their personal appearance as stated in the Rules for Uniform and Appearance. • All items of uniform should be labelled with the student’s name. Students who lose items of uniform should check Lost Property in the Dining Hall.• All students must wear a blazer coming to and going from the College.• Heels on shoes should be a maximum of 3 cm. Only black laces are permitted.• Black denim-type jeans are not acceptable. If students wish to wear a belt, it must be plain black.• Subtle make-up is permitted in Year 10-14. Nails should be natural in colour.• Only school appropriate hairstyles are permitted. Any student who requires further direction about what is an appropri-ate hairstyle must consult his/her Head of School before any changes are made. • For health and safety reasons, long hair must be safely tied back for work in a Science laboratory or Technology work-shop. Students may wear one plain ring and/or a plain pair of studs/ sleepers (one in each ear lobe). Nose piercings and other piercings must be replaced with a clear stud during the school day. No other jewellery may be worn. Jewellery must be removed during PE classes. Students who wish to have new piercings should therefore do so at the beginning of the summer holidays. • All Upper School students must wear the Sixth Form crest on their blazers. • Any item of clothing or jewellery worn against College uniform regulations is liable to be conscated, to be returned at the end of the school day. • An explanatory note from a parent must be provided if a student cannot wear College Regulation Uniform.• The College reserves the right to issue further guidance to students during the school year in the event of fashion trends impacting adversely on student appearance.Uniform Suppliers - The recognised suppliers for College uniform are:• Gowdys, 121-131 Woodstock Road, Belfast, BT6 8AB. Tel. 028 9045 9052• Roberts School Wear, 24 Central Avenue, Bangor, BT20 3AF. Tel. 028 9127 0516• Truly Fare, 397 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 3GR. Tel. 028 9069 1347• Warnocks, 791-793 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7GX. Tel. 028 9038 1828• PE uniform : https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/education/schools/olspck.html or by visiting O’Neill’s shop at 45, Kennedy Centre, Falls Road, Belfast, BT11 9AE. Tel. 028 9062 9879
2120Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockDining Hall MenusMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayWEEK ONEDinnerRoast dinner with mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravyChicken with a black bean sauce, onions, peppers, mash or riceRoast dinner with mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravyChinese chicken strips, Asian sauce, onions, peppers and riceChips & curry sauceVegetarianVegetarian Kiev with mash, veg and gravyVeggie black bean with riceVeggie korma with riceVeg stung, noodles and hoisin saucePasta Tomato & BasilHam & mushroom carbonaraTomato & basil Mac & cheeseSnack Chicken kebabs JambonsPizza and sh goujonsDessertApple crumble & custardPink sponge cake & custardIced sponge with sugar strandsDaily Specials available every day: Soup and Sandwich, Filled Rolls, Baked Potato with cheese/beans/coleslaw, Salad Pots with chicken/cheese/ham, Pasta King with a choice of sauces
21INFORMATION BOOKLETMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayWEEK TWODinnerRoast dinner with mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravyChicken curry & riceRoast dinner with mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravyBeef lasagne, garlic bread & saladChips & curry sauceVegetarianVegetarian sausages with mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravyVeggie curry & riceVeggie tikka masala & riceVeggie lasagne, garlic bread & saladPasta Tomato & basilHam & mushroom carbonaraTomato & basil Mac & CheeseSnack Chicken kebabs JambonsPizza and sh goujonsDessertApple crumble & custardPink sponge cake & custardIced sponge with sugar strandsDaily Specials available every day: Soup, Filled Rolls, Salad Pots with chicken/cheese/ham/couscous/tuna
2322Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockBangor and HolywoodMorningBus NumberDeparture TimeDeparture Point Route1B 08.30 Ballymacormick Road at Groomsport Roundabout08.31 Ring Road; 08.32 Ballymaconnell Road South; 08.34 Ballycrochan Road (Ballycrochan Baptist Church, between Perry Road and Albany Road); 08.35 Albany Road; 08.36 Ashbury Avenue; 08.37 Robinson Road; 08.40 Gransha Road (beside Shell, just after Little Stars); 08.45 Balloo Road; 08.48 Rathgael Road; 08.49 Lord Wardens; 09.10 Ballymenoch Park, Holywood; 09.20 Arrival at College. 3 08.42 Bangor Bus Centre08.43 Brunswick Road (St Comgall’s Church, Mace); 08.50 beside Rathmore Road; 08.52 Crawfordsburn; 09.05 Ballymenoch Park, Holywood; 09.20 Arrival at College.4 08.45 Bangor Bus Centre08.47 Belfast Road (yover); 08.54 Crawfordsburn; 09.20 Arrival at College.11 08.40 Redburn Square, Holywood08.40 Redburn Square, 08.41 Northern Bank; 08.46 Redburn Estate/Firmount Cresent; 08.50 Old Holywood Road.AfternoonBus NumberDeparture TimeLast Stop Route1B 15.40 Bangor Bus Centre16.10 Lord Wardens; 16.15 Rathgael Road; 16.17 Balloo Road; 16.18 Gransha Road (2 stops); 16.20 Robinson Road; 16.21 Ashbury Avenue; 16.22 Albany Road; 16.23 Ballycrochan Road (2 stops); 16.24 Ballymaconnell Road South; 16.25 Ring Road; 16.30 Ballymacormick Road at Groomsport Roundabout. 3 15.40 Bangor Bus Centre15.45 Ballymenoch Park, Holywood; 16.00 Helen’s Bay; 16.05 Crawfordsburn; 16.30 Bangor Bus Centre.4 15.40 Bangor Bus Centre16.02 Crawfordsburn; 16.17 Brunswick Road; 16.20 Belfast Road (yover); 16.25 Bangor Bus Centre.11 15.40 Redburn Square, Holywood15.44 Hawthornden Way; 15.48 Old Holywood Road; 15.50 Firmount Crescent; 15.52 Demesne Road; 16.00 Church Road.Bus Arrangements 2023 - 2024
23INFORMATION BOOKLETBelfast (Lisburn Road, Malone Road, Stranmillis Road, Rosetta)MorningBus NumberDeparture TimeDeparture Point Route7 08.28 Bradbury Place 08.30 Lisburn Road (City Hospital); 08.38 Balmoral Avenue; 08.39 Harberton Park/Strangford Avenue opposite Gate E; 08.40 Harberton Park opposite Glenveagh School; 08.42 Upper Malone Road (House of Sport) via Shaw’s Bridge; 08.57 Upper Knockbreda Road (St Bernadette’s); 09.07 King’s Road; 09.11 Arrival at College.8 08.51 Ravenhill Road (Cherryvale Park)Ravenhill Road; 08.52 St John’s Church, Ormeau Road; 08:53 Hampton Park; 08.57 Upper Knockbreda Road (St Bernadette’s); 09.07 King’s Road; 09.11 Arrival at College.9 08.37 Stranmillis Road(Ridgeway Street)08.40 Stranmillis Road (Broomhill Park); 08.41 Malone Road (Broomhill Close, between Bladon Drive and Deramore Drive, Deramore Park, after Newforge Lane, before House of Sport); 08.59 Upper Knockbreda Road (St Bernadette’s); 09.09 King’s Road; 09.13 Arrival at College. 16 08.57 Upper Knockbreda Road(St Bernadette’s)09.07 King’s Road; 09.11 Arrival at College.AfternoonBus NumberDeparture TimeLast Stop Route7 15.45 Bradbury Place King’s Road; Knock Road; Upper Knockbreda Road; Belvoir Road; Shaw’s Bridge; Malone Road (all Metro stops); Balmoral Avenue (all Metro stops); Lisburn Road (all Metro stops); 16.20 Bradbury Place. 8 15.45 My Lady’s Road, Ravenhill RoadKing’s Road; Knock Road; Upper Knockbreda Road; Forestside; Ormeau Road; 16.10 St John’s Church, Ormeau Road; 16.12 Ravenhill Road; 16:14 My Lady’s Road.9 15.45 Stranmillis Road King’s Road; Knock Road; Upper Knockbreda Road; Belvoir Road; Shaw’s Bridge; Malone Road (all Metro stops); 16.15 Stranmillis Road (all Metro stops).12 15.50 City Hall King’s Road; Knock Road; Upper Newtownards Road (Ballyhackamore); Albertbridge Road; Mountpottinger Road; Short Strand; Queen’s Bridge; Oxford Street; May Street; 16.20 City Hall (Howard Street).
2524Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockCairnshill, Carrydu and KnockbredaMorningBus NumberDeparture TimeDeparture Point Route10 08.15 Laganside Bus Station08.27 Ormeau Road; 08.32 Belvoir Road; 08.34 bottom of Purdysburn Road; 08.35 Royal Lodge; 08.36 Cairnshill Road; 08.38 Via Manse Road, Ballygowan Road, Glen Road and Lower Braniel Road; 09.10 Arrival at College. 13 08.30 Purdysburn Hospital Layby08.36 Brackenvale Service Station; 08.37 Ivanhoe Inn; 08.40 Church Road, Carrydu; 08.42 Ballynahinch Road; 08.44 Sainteld Road; 08.46 Cairnshill Road; 08.48 Four Winds Turning Circle; 08.50 Manse Road; 08.52 Ballygowan Road; 08.54 Lower Braniel Road; 09.07 Arrival at College.17 08.40 Jamisons Garage, Carrydu08.41 Carrydu Roundabout; 08.42 Reservoir, Sainteld Road; 08.44 Cairnshill Road; 09.15 Arrival at College.20 08.40 Laurelgrove Turning Circle08.42 Four Winds Turning Circle; 08.55 Via Manse Road, Ballygowan Road, Glen Road and Lower Braniel Road; 08.58 Arrival at College.21 08.40 The Inns 08.42 Cairnshill Road; 08.44 Four Winds Turning Circle; 08.46 Manse Road; 08.48 Ballygowan Road; 08.50 Glen Road; 08.52 Lower Braniel Road; 09.10 Arrival at College.23 08.30 Church Road, Carrydu08.32 Ballynahinch Road; 08.34 Reservoir, Sainteld Road; 09.00 Arrival at College.188(E) 08.40 Jamisons Garage, Carrydu08.41 Carrydu Roundabout; 08.42 Reservoir, Sainteld Road; 08.44 Cairnshill Road; 08.45 Four Winds Turning Circle; 08.46 Manse Road; 08.48 Ballygowan Road; 08.50 Glen Road; 08.52 Lower Braniel Road; 09.15 Arrival at College.188(S) 08.35 Beechill Road(Opposite Beechwood Crescent)08.36 After Beechill Park Avenue; 08.39 bottom of Cairnshill Road; 08.40 Cairnshill Crescent; 08.43 Via Manse Road, Ballygowan Road, Glen Road and Lower Braniel Road; 09.03 Arrival at College.AfternoonBus NumberDeparture TimeLast Stop Route13 15.50 Sainteld Road Via Lower Braniel Road, Glen Road, Ballygowan Road and Manse Road (Garland Hill); Cairnshill Road (three stops); 16.10 Sainteld Road.15 15.40 Europa Bus Centre Via Lower Braniel Road, Glen Road, Ballygowan Road and Manse Road; Cairnshill Road (three stops); Sainteld Road; Carrydu Roundabout; Sainteld Road; Ormeau Road; Cromac Street; 16.40 Europa Bus Centre.16 15.40 St John’s Church, Ormeau RoadKing’s Road; Upper Knockbreda Road; Forestside; Sainteld Road (Forster Green, opposite The Inns, before Tesco, after Tesco, Pat’s); Cairnshill Road, Newtown Park; Sainteld Road; Ormeau Road; 16.10 St John’s Church. 17 15.38 Church Road, CarryduExpress to Jamisons Garage, Carrydu; Ballynahinch Road; 16.10 Church Road, Carrydu.18 15.45 Greer Park Avenue King’s Road; Knock Road; Ballygowan Road; Manse Road; Cairnshill Road; Sainteld Road (Mount Oriel); Belvoir Road; 16.10 Greer Park Avenue. 19 15.40 Ballynahinch Road, CarryduExpress to Jamisons Garage, Carrydu; Church Road, Carrydu; 16.10 Ballynahinch Road.20 15.45 St John’s Church, Ormeau Road (via Laurelgrove) King’s Road; Knock Road; Ballygowan Road; Manse Road (Garland Hill); Four Winds Turning Circle; 16.10 Laurelgrove (Ballymaconaghy Road); Newton Park (Colby Park); Sainteld Road (Mount Oriel); Forestside (Knockbreda Cemetery); 16.12 St John’s Church.
25INFORMATION BOOKLETArds Peninsula and NewtownardsMorningBus NumberDeparture TimeDeparture Point Route10 07.55 Portaferry Square 08.05 Deerpark Road; 08.15 Kircubbin (Finnegans); 08.20 Greyabbey; 08.35 Regent St, Newtownards (opposite bus station); 09.00 Arrival at College. StrangfordCollege Bus07.50 Portaferry Square 07.55 Tullymally Road; 08.00 Ballygalget Road; 08.03 Cloughey Road; 08.07 Nuns Bridge; 08.08 Loughdoo Road; 08.11 Ballygelagh Road; 08.15 Quarter Road; 08.20 Transfer at Rubane below. GlastryRubane08.05 Glastry Corner 08.20 Rubane; 08.40 Regent St, Newtownards; Transfer to 10A below (opposite bus station).10A 08.40 Regent St, Newtownards(opposite bus station)09.10 Arrival at College.AfternoonBus NumberDeparture TimeLast Stop Route10 15.40 Portaferry 16.00 Newtownards Bus Station; 16.15 Greyabbey; 16.20 Kircubbin (Ulster Bank); 16.30 Loughdoo Road/Deerpark Road; 16.35 Deerpark Road; 16.40 Portaferry (Crossroads, Portaferry Square).10A 15.40 Kircubbin 16.00 Newtownards Bus Station; 16.15 Greyabbey; 16.20 Kircubbin (The Green).Ballygalget 16.30 Deerpark Road Transfer from 10 or 10A at Kircubbin; 16.30 Kircubbin (Ulster Bank); 16.32 Parsonage Road; 16.37 Manse Road; 16.45 McKenna Road; 16.48 Rubane Road; 16.55 Ballyeasborough Road; 17.00 Ballygelagh Road; 17.07 Loughdoo Road; 17.13 Deerpark Road.
2726Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockDundonald - Metro and Glider ServicesMetro 4C Service – 0.5 mile walk to College* AM departures serve Millmount Village / PM departures do not serve Millmount Village)AM Departs - Millmount Road Arrives - Kings Square (Kings Road) 08.13 08.2208.54 09.03PM Departs - Kings Square (Kings Road) Arrives – Millmount Road15.46 15.5516.16 16.25Glider Services – 0.9 mile walk to CollegeDeparts Dundonald Park & Ride. Glider service every 8-10 minutes from 5.18am. Local Stops – Cabin Hill (near General Merchants and Knock Road Glider Stop)Ballygowan, Comber and Darragh CrossNote: Please contact the Education Authority (Dundonald) as soon as possible to apply for a seat on this bus. This route is put out to tender by the Education Authority each academic year. The current provider is Belfast Mini Coach.MorningBus NumberDeparture TimeDeparture Point RouteA 08.30 Darragh Cross Square 08.35 Manse Road; 08.38 Rarey Road; 08.40 Carrickmannon Road; 08.50 Ballygowan; 09.00 Comber Square; 09.15 Arrival at College. AfternoonBus NumberDeparture TimeLast Stop RouteA 15.40 Darragh Cross Square 16.00 Comber Square; Ballygowan; Carrickmannon Road; Rarey Road; Manse Road; 16.25 Darragh Cross Square
27INFORMATION BOOKLETTHE ART AND DESIGN DEPARTMENT
2928Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockTHE ART AND DESIGN DEPARTMENTOpen Day Displays in Rooms 3Ar1 and Display AreaArt and Design is a subject where visual skills come rst. To appreciate and understand the world around them, students in Year 8 begin by looking carefully and recording what they see in a variety of ways. They will be introduced to the meaning behind the language of art: line; tone; colour; and become familiar with the use of a range of media, e.g. pencils, paint and pastels.Understanding what artists, designers and craft workers do, and have done, is also of great importance. So that students begin to think and work independently, they are encouraged to use ICT to provide personal research. In Years 9 and 10, students continue to expand their range of practical skills through a progressive experience of media, techniques and processes. Art and Design qualications challenge students to develop their observational skills and aesthetic appreciation. Investigation, experimentation and self-expression are prized at all levels, and these skills help students as they learn how to express their inner-most feelings and perceptions visually. A qualication in Art and Design also develops students as individuals and contributors to our society and the economy. GCSE Building upon the skills gained in Key Stage 3 (Years 8 - 10), students can progress to study GCSE Art and Design in Years 11 and 12. Students study the CCEA GCSE syllabus.AS/A2Students can continue to develop their skills and knowledge gained in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 by studying A-Level Art and Design. Students study the CCEA AS/A2 syllabus. These courses allow them to achieve their optimum and so follow on to third level education. THE BUSINESS STUDIES DEPARTMENT Open Day Display in Room 3Bs3What is Business Studies? Business Studies is taken by students at GCSE and A-Level, commencing in Year 11. It is a topical, interactive subject where students can see their classroom learning reected in the real world. To highlight this, we draw extensively from current events within Northern Ireland to illustrate and expand students’ learning. Entrants are, therefore, expected to have a genuine interest in business aairs, though no previous experience is required for entry into either the GCSE or AS/A2 courses. The teachers within the department have a wealth of experience, both in the classroom and in industry. We are an enthusiastic team who embrace a range of teaching strategies. Why Study Business Studies? A qualication in Business Studies provides the opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of the business world. It equips students with a sound vocational knowledge base and encourages the development of critical judgement, sound reasoning and an analytical approach to problems. Subject Information
29INFORMATION BOOKLETBusiness is also a word that covers a tremendous range of commercial and management careers. Within business, employees can move into areas such as personnel work, production, research, sales, marketing, purchasing, public relations, advertising, banking, nance, insurance, accountancy and so on. Extra-Curricular Activities:We have a Junior Apprentice competition for Junior School students in terms 1 and 2, where they participate in group tasks, with the losing team having to face our judges in the Boardroom, similar to the television programme.THE CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY DEPARTMENT Open Day Display in Room 3CaWhat is Employability?Employability is having the skills, qualities and capabilities required to meet the changing needs of employers, so that you can achieve your goals when you eventually go into the workplace. All Year 8 students follow a course in Employability.The Aims of EmployabilityThe aim of Education for Employability is to ensure that you develop qualities, skills, knowledge, understanding and attitudes which will give you a strong foundation for lifelong learning and work in a changing workplace.THE KEY AREAS IN THE PROGRAMMESkills and Qualities for WorkIn this section we help you to get to know what kind of person you are and what you can do.Career ManagementHere we help you work out steps for planning anything in your life. If you can plan a party, plan something in school, then you can plan even bigger things later in your career!Work in the Local and Global EconomyWe help you to nd out about your local area and what kind of jobs there are in it. We introduce you to the countries of Europe and what you could do there.Enterprise and EntrepreneurshipIn this section we encourage you to be creative and think of how to solve problems. Maybe you will be tomorrow’s entrepreneur and we’ll see you on Dragon’s Den with your idea!
3130Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockCOMPUTINGOpen Day Display in Room 3IT2 The Computing Department has 4 dedicated C2k PC suites. All 4 suites are equipped with an interactive whiteboard. Other suites are located in the Business Studies, Home Economics and Careers Departments. Teachers of other subjects also make regular use of trolleys of laptops.At Key Stage 3, ICT is delivered as a discrete subject. All Year 8 – 10 students are timetabled for a double period per week. Topics include eSafety, programming in Scratch and Python, web development and networks. The programme of study is refreshed annually.The department oers:GCSE Computer Science;GCSE Digital Technology;A-Level Computer Science;A-Level Digital Technology.All GCSE and A-Level courses are taught by subject specialists. Programming languages used include Python, HTML and CSS. An after-school Coding Club runs throughout the year led by Sixth Form Mentors. THE DRAMA DEPARTMENTA series of drop-in performances inspired by “Blood Brothers” in Room 2Dr1 from: 10.00 am – 11:00 am and 11.30 am – 12.15 pmThe Drama department aims to develop condence, self-respect and leadership in all our students. We do this through providing students with a rich and rewarding experience of drama and theatre forms. We focus on creating and devising dramatic work, developing performance skills, exploring social issues and the experiences of others. In the Junior School, we hold annual Drama Festivals to showcase the performance of curriculum work. We teach in specialist Drama studios with professional lighting and sound equipment. Specialist CoursesGCSE Drama is oered at Key Stage 4 and A-Level Drama at AS and A2. These courses give a rm foundation for performing arts related courses but, perhaps more importantly, prepare all students for professional work that involves working with others, leading teams, or public speaking and presentation skills. Co-CurricularWe aim to provide a broad range of opportunities for students outside of their normal lesson times. In specialist courses, students will perform to the public, giving an opportunity for parents to come and support their work. We hold an annual Junior School Drama Festival, where students compete for the Junior Drama Cup. We provide a range of extra-curricular activities, led by sta and Senior students. The highlight of our programme is the biennial school production, where we celebrate the talents and achievements of our students with the whole school community – a culmination of months of rehearsal. As well as performing, there are opportunities for students to be involved in all aspects of the performance – lighting, sound and stage management, as well as front of house, marketing and production.
31INFORMATION BOOKLETTHE ECONOMICS DEPARTMENTOpen Day Display in Room 3Bs1WHO ARE WE? We teach Economics at AS and A-Level to Years 13 and 14 students. GCE A-LevelStudents study Economics at both AS and A-Level, where it is a popular choice. The course covers many issues of contemporary relevance including: What caused the credit crunch? What will be the impact of Brexit? How big a problem is inequality? How can world poverty be reduced? What are the economic consequences of global warming? A range of teaching methods are used with an emphasis on relating theory to current problems.Why Study Economics? Economics gives students an excellent insight into how the economy works as well as developing skills of analysis, evaluation and problem-solving. Students have gone to Higher Education to pursue courses in Economics, Accountancy, Finance, Law and Management.Extra-Curricular:Students have attended talks organised by Economics and Finance at QUB. Visits are also organised to the dealing room in the Department of Finance at Queen’s.THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENTMain Open Day Display in Room 2En1We aim to establish a friendly, lively and purposeful atmosphere in the classroom where students are given opportunities to gain condence as communicators and to develop their skills as readers and writers.English groupings are determined by the student’s tutor group. Junior classes are allocated ve periods a week. English work in Year 8 and the Junior School is based on literature and language texts chosen to stimulate and challenge our students. We help them enjoy and explore material which allows them to understand and practise reading, writing and speaking for dierent purposes and audiences. In the typical English lesson the emphasis is on active learning; this might involve small group or paired work, participating in debate, role-play, presentations to the class, drama based activities and evaluating lm and other media texts. The use of ICT is well integrated into English lessons to enhance teaching and learning. Teachers encourage students to develop the habit of reading independently by bringing classes to the school’s very well stocked Junior Library. Naturally, as an English Department, the focus is on promoting high standards of literacy as evidenced by the quality and range of pieces showcased in the goodwork books of Junior School students.There are nine specialist teachers in the English Department. The majority of teachers teach the full range, from Year 8 to Year 14.THE FRENCH DEPARTMENTOpen Day Display in Room 1Lg7Bienvenue à la Section de Français à Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock, or Welcome to the French Department.French is one of four modern languages that students have the opportunity to learn in the College. Each Year 8 student who chooses French will have three periods per week and, in these classes, time is spent developing the students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Within a very short space of time, students are participating enthusiastically in pair and group work and enjoy performing role-plays and short sketches.At present, the course being followed by our Year 8 students is ‘Studio’, a very popular, modern and lively textbook which oers many games, songs and interactive activities. Students are invited to make use of the wide range of reading material available in the Junior Library. There are many simple readers available which are
3332Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knocksuitable for beginners. You will even nd a series of Mister Men books – in French, of course!Links with France and French-speaking people are encouraged and, in Years 13 and 14, students can participate in the exchange with our partner school, Lycée Notre-Dame du Roc, in la Roche-sur-Yon.Taking all these aspects of the course into consideration, it is hoped that, above all, the study of French in Year 8, and throughout the school, will be an enjoyable experience which gives students the condence and skills to communicate in the target language.THE GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENTOpen Day Display in Room 3Gg1The Geography Department aims to provide a broad and balanced geographical education and to encourage interest within and beyond the classroom. Geography is becoming an ever more relevant and important area of study in today’s rapidly and constantly changing physical and human environment.There are ve specialist teachers in the Department, each teaching the full range of students. The subject is taught to all students in the rst three years and then students choose their GCSE subjects.Geography concerns itself with both human and physical aspects of our world. The endangered earth, climatic change, world famine, nuclear power, pollutions and the spreading desert are some of the key issues that interest us. Recent oods, earthquakes and volcanic tsunami are part of Geography. Why did it happen? Will it happen again? Why do people live there? What is pollution? These are some of the issues we look at in Junior School classes. At last, all the main political parties have adopted the environment as one of their major policy themes. We intend to give our students a thorough understanding of their physical and human surroundings, as well as a wide range of intellectual and social skills. In this way, they will be equipped to meet the environmental challenges that will confront them in the next few years.The Department is fully equipped with visual teaching aids. We use the College computer network and every classroom has an interactive whiteboard. There is a good collection of maps of NI and parts of England, along with ne rock and fossil specimens. We have a Departmental Library which is renewed and updated regularly.There is much emphasis on the collection, presentation and analysis of personal eldwork, using locations in Northern Ireland, as this is a compulsory element of GCSE and A-Level examinations. Geography is very relevant to our understanding of the widespread problems facing our planet. We hope that all of us will begin to appreciate that we have shared responsibility in understanding and taking care of the workings of ‘our home’. THE GERMAN DEPARTMENTOpen Day Display in Room 1Lg6Why study German? Guten Tag! Warum Deutsch?• Around the world, German (Deutsch) is spoken by 100 million native speakers and also 80 million non-native speakers. • German is the most frequently spoken native language in Europe and is the second-most spoken language in Europe after English.• German and English share a lot of similar words. Do any of the following ring any bells?Haus Hand Name Wind Foto Gras Maus• German is the most commonly used language on the Internet after English.• Germany is the largest European economy and one of the world’s leading export countries – do you recognise any of the brands?
33INFORMATION BOOKLET• German is closely related to English and Dutch. You can, therefore, quickly acquire pronunciation skills and feel condent in speaking the language. • Last, but certainly not least, Haribo are made in Germany!!Where is German spoken?German is spoken primarily in Germany (95%), Austria (89%) and Switzerland (64%).German also has ocial status in Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Belgium, as well as a province in Italy! Germany is situated at the heart of Europe and has a border with nine other countries.German at OLSPCK:Students can choose German as a Modern Languages option from Year 8 and may continue to study through to A-Level. Learning German is interactive and practical. The Key Stage 3 textbook ‘Stimmt’ is user-friendly, attractive and fun. There are also lots of online activities which students can use both in and out of lesson time. Students have 3 periods of German each week and gain a rm grounding in the language as well as the culture. Students learn to converse about many topics such as family, hobbies and school life.THE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS DEPARTMENT Open Day Display in Room 3Po1Politics is a literary and discursive A-Level subject. It is lively, interesting and topical, and involves a detailed knowledge of current aairs and keeping up to date with contemporary political developments worldwide. Students of A-Level Politics are well informed about how important decisions which aect their lives are made and about what is going on in the world around them.If you are good at reading, arguing, writing essays, weighing up evidence, analysing documents and enjoy watching the news, then Politics would make an excellent A-Level choice. Studying Politics will help you to improve your aptitude in these areas. It complements other subjects such as History, English Literature, Sociology, Geography, Economics and RE, and is particularly useful for those considering careers in law, journalism, teaching, local or central government, research, the media or the civil service.Course Content and Examination Arrangements: In this school we follow the NI CCEA Specication for Government and Politics. At the end of Year 13 students sit external examinations for their two AS modules. They are as follows:1. The Government and Politics of N. Ireland2. The British Political ProcessStudents proceeding to A2 Level sit examinations in two further modules at the end of Year 14:1. Comparative Government – The United Kingdom and the USA2. Political PowerFor further information, contact Mrs O’Hare.
3534Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockTHE HISTORY DEPARTMENTOpen Day Displays in Room 3Hi4.Tyranny, Treachery and Travels! The Terrible Tudors and the Early Modern World! If you like a bit of controversy, then you will love Year 8 History in Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock. Year 14 Annual Trip to DublinThe study and teaching of History has radically changed in the last decade. The History Department has enthusiastically embraced the challenge of these changes and combines a thorough approach to academic work with a friendly, relaxed and fun atmosphere. The History curriculum reects the aims and objectives of the College to promote mutual understanding, awareness, sensitivity and respect for all. It also reects the aims of the NI curriculum to span local, national, European and global contexts and to develop students as individuals and as contributors to society, the economy and the environment.We want to create enthusiastic, engaged students and nurture a passion for History that they will remember throughout their lives. We challenge our students to ask why are we learning History? What relevancy does it have for me today? History in OLSPCK is, therefore, enquiry based. Students are challenged to be ‘History Detectives’, sifting through evidence and clues to fully understand the past. They use a wide range of sources to help them step back in time and to investigate how people lived in the past. Students are encouraged to ask questions and identify sources for investigation. They collect and record information and present it in a range of forms. Great emphasis is placed on the development of thinking skills and personal capabilities and all teachers use a range of learning and teaching strategies to promote life-long learning. Lessons are enhanced by the use of digital media resources and, above all, a ‘hands on’ approach that the students will never forget! In recent years we have visited Washington, Berlin and in 2024 are going to Poland. In Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock we believe in promoting History as an active and alive subject. Over the last three years we have revamped our programmes based on student interests. In Year 8 we study the Tudors and the Early Modern World; Year 9 - Revolutions, including the Indian Revolution introduced in 2021; Year 10 - Black Civil Rights in the USA and the Path to Partition; Year 11 - Life under Nazi Dictatorship 1933-45 and Northern Ireland and its Neighbours 1965-98 and Modern Ireland; Year 12 - International Relations 1945-2004; Year 13 - Britain 1830-1880 and Ireland 1830-1867 and nally in Year 14 - American Presidents 1900-2000 and Partition of Ireland 1900-25. To see examples of Year 8 and A-Level work, come and visit us on the third oor. You will see examples of Chronologies of our life; PowerPoints on Henry VIII and his wives and our books packed full of work completed in Term 1. You will also meet members of our After-School History Club.We look forward to seeing you on Open Day on level 3 in Hi4 and welcome further queries regarding History in the College. Make sure to say hi to our Medieval knights, ladies and peasants as you meet them around the College! Most of all, enjoy your morning in the College, we are delighted to welcome you to our school!
35INFORMATION BOOKLETTHE HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENTOpen Day Display in Room 1He1 H Healthy Lifestyle.O Organisation: during practical classes you will develop organisation skills.M Management: you will learn how to make the best use of resources – Time, Energy, Money.E Energy Eciency: You will consider the dierent types of energy and how they can be used eciently.E Our aim in the Home Economics Department is to learn through enjoyment. C You will prepare and cook many delicious recipes. Your new skills will impress everyone at home.O Opinions: we will discuss relevant topics and you will be given the opportunity to develop and express your own opinions whilst simultaneously respecting the viewpoints of others.N Nutrition: you will identify the dierent nutrients found in food and learn how they help us grow and stay healthy.O Opportunity: to learn about ourselves, our families and our communities.M Money: you will become a wise consumer knowing how to pay for goods and services using various methods of payment.I Independence: Home Economics is an important subject that will allow you to be more independent as you grow and develop.C Culture: You will have the opportunity to research dierent types of cultures living in our world today.S Safety: you will learn about safety in the home and how to keep our environment safe and hazard free.Students in Year 8 and 10 study Home Economics for 2 periods each week and for 3 periods in Year 9. At GCSE the subject is called Food and Nutrition and at A-Level Nutrition and Food Science. Home Economics is a life relevant subject. It enables the development of knowledge and key skills which students will use in their daily lives. Communication, application of number, information technology, intrapersonal skills, self-evaluation, decision making and problem solving are a few of the skills that are developed in a typical lesson. Past students who have studied Home Economics have gone on to pursue a wide range of degree courses including Dietetics, Environmental Health, Medicine, Accountancy, Business Studies, Physiotherapy, Marketing, Social Work, Law, Nursing, Consumer Studies and Teaching.THE IRISH DEPARTMENT Open Day Display in Room 1Lg5Irish is oered from Year 8 onwards and is studied to AS/A2 Level. Many of our students achieve a high level of uency in our language and as recently as 2013 we had the top placed student in GCSE Irish. We stress the importance of spoken Irish but all aspects of language learning are also catered for: listening, reading, writing and appreciating literature, for example.We endeavour in Roinn na Gaeilge to allow Irish to become a real means of communication for our students and also to infuse in them a love for the culture of the language which is all around us. We give children access to Irish songs and poetry at Christmas and during the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. We have hosted Feis Bhéal Feirste in recent years.
3736Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockIn the Irish Department we believe that Irish is more than simply a school subject: we believe that Irish is an invaluable resource. Irish is not simply for school, Irish is for life! Many of our students take the language outside the walls of the school, attending cultural events and Gaeltacht courses in their free time. We live in the real world like every other subject; however, we know that students need to know that Irish will be of use to them in the world of work.Irish stands alongside all other GCSE, AS and A2 subjects as a matriculation subject for third-level education. It has exactly the same weighting as every other subject demanded as an entrance requirement. A summary glance at any local job section will reveal how frequently Irish is used by government departments here and the Irish-medium education sector is constantly on the lookout for sta for their 79 schools. In terms of qualications of use in the job market today, Irish has never been more desirable anywhere on the island. The myth that Irish is the preserve of the few should be consigned to history. It is a vibrant, accessible and useful tool for life for our young people. At Coláiste Mhuire agus Phádraig we do our utmost to enable them to rediscover this key element of our identity. Local and Global Citizenship KEY STAGE 3LEARNING for Life and Work GCSEOpen Day Display in Room 1Lg2Local and Global Citizenship has been taught in the College as part of the Education Authority pilot since September 2003. It is a vocational subject which aims to help students deal with the challenges of everyday life in Northern Ireland. The Curriculum reects the aims and objectives of the College to promote mutual understanding, awareness, sensitivity and respect for all. In Year 8 students explore Diversity and Inclusion. This involves exploring identity – of the individual; of others in the class; in NI, nationally and globally. Students also investigate stereotyping, sectarianism and racism and look at strategies to overcome these issues. In Year 9 students examine Human Rights and Social Responsibility as well as Equality and Social Justice and in Year 10, Democracy and Participation.GCSE Learning for Life and Work is a compulsory GCSE in the College. It combines the strands of Citizenship, Employability and Personal Development and highlights the importance of playing an active part in society on a local, national and global scale. We seek to enhance our students’ learning experiences through educational visits and workshops from the NI Assembly Education Service, local politicians, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Police Ombudsman. Our GCSE results consistently exceed NI averages and we pride ourselves on the high performance of our students. We look forward to seeing you on Open Day and welcome further queries regarding Citizenship in the College. THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENTOpen Day Display in Room 1Ma2The Mathematics Department at OLSPCK seeks to achieve high standards in the teaching and learning of Mathematics, bringing out the best in all students, irrespective of their ability, and giving them the condence to use their mathematical skills. Studying Mathematics promotes the skills such as logical thinking, problem-solving and working independently. The Mathematics Department aims to enable all students to:• enjoy Mathematics• achieve their highest potential• apply Mathematics in everyday situations• use Mathematics as a language of communication• develop knowledge and understanding of personal nance• develop the ability to reason logically
37INFORMATION BOOKLETAt Key Stage 3, our students study topics across the three main areas of Maths: Number & Algebra, Handling Data and Geometry & Measures. These topics are taught using a range of teaching strategies including individual work, group work and eective questioning. We aim to ensure our students are suitably challenged and motivated to continue the study of Mathematics at a higher level.In Year 8, students study topics such as fractions, decimals, solving equations, averages and measuring angles. In Year 9, students will build on this knowledge to tackle more complex problems in these areas as well as being introduced to new concepts such as circles and inequalities. In Year 10, students are introduced to many GCSE topics such as Pythagoras’ Theorem, cumulative frequency curves and quadratic equations.At GCSE, we oer 2 routes depending on the mathematical ability of each individual student:• Students with a greater air for Mathematics take their GCSE Mathematics examinations at the end of Year 11 and their GCSE Further Mathematics examinations at the end of Year 12.• Other students complete their GCSE Mathematics over a two-year period of study; with one assessment unit examined at the end of Year 11 and a second examination taken at the end of Year 12.The Mathematics Department oers two A-Levels – Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Further Mathematics aims to stretch the most able mathematicians in the year group and is suitable for students with a particular aptitude in the subject.MOVING IMAGE ARTSIn today’s digital age, where visual storytelling has become an integral part of our lives, the art of lmmaking has gained immense popularity. In NI, the lm and TV industry are both booming with a need for local professional talent. Recognising the need to nurture young talent and provide them with the necessary skills, our school is thrilled to introduce the latest addition to our A-level subjects - Moving Image Arts. This captivating course allows students to delve into the history of lm, exploring topics such as The Golden Hollywood Age, Alfred Hitchcock and German Expressionism. Students also have an exciting opportunity to bring their creative visions to life through creating their very own lms that they write, plan, direct and shoot themselves. They can pick live-action or animation as their focus; we have supported students using both methods successfully. FacilitiesWe are very lucky to have secured funding for a state-of-the-art Mac suite, equipped with 10 Mac computers. We also have 8 Canon DSLRs, a three-point lighting system, gimbals, tripods and more. This cutting-edge technology allows students to explore their creativity and visual storytelling.Extra-curricularWe believe in enriching the learning experience beyond the classroom. Our students attended a screening of the superb “An Cailín Ciúin” with Dr Carlin in The Strand Arts Centre last year. Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce an upcoming Film and Cinematography Workshop hosted by the renowned Nerve Centre. This workshop promises to be an invaluable experience, oering insights from industry experts and providing hands-on training to rene the skills of our students. Additionally, our lm enthusiasts can participate in our KS3 and KS4 Film Clubs, where members discuss the art of lm and cinematography. These clubs provide a space for like-minded students to share their passion, fostering a sense of community among our aspiring lmmakers. We encourage our students to avail of the free educational opportunities, workshops, and work experience made available by NI Screen Academies and Screenworks Into Film. Several of our students have attended these courses and found them incredibly benecial. THE MUSIC DEPARTMENTOpen Day Displays in Rooms 3Mu2, 3Mu3 and Band RoomOur Lady and St Patrick’s College introduces students to an exciting world of music through three core areas: Listening, Composing and Performing. Students will listen to and perform a plethora of musical genres and it is
3938Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knockhoped that students will share their own musical tastes with their peers and teachers.Regardless of whether you have played an instrument or not, you will have the opportunity to play a variety of instruments, including keyboard and various other classroom instruments, giving performances throughout the year.Year 8, 9 and 10 students have a double period each week (1 hour) in which they work through a booklet guiding them through the core areas using various tasks and approaches to enhance learning. In Year 10, students will focus on contemporary music, music for special occasions and improvisation.GCSEThe College oers GCSE Music as a regular two-year and fast-track option. The fast-track course is taken during senior lunchtime and completed in one year. This option is only available to the most capable students and eligibility for admission will be assessed by the Head of Department and/or audition. The regular two-year option for GCSE Music is also available to all students.AS/A2We follow the CCEA syllabus to prepare our students for Higher Education. Many of the A-Level students are amongst the top level performers in Northern Ireland. Instrumental LessonsIndividual and small group tuition is available in the College. We endeavour to cater for all students and have some of the most outstanding peripatetic tutors available. Lessons are available in most orchestral instruments (strings, woodwind, brass and percussion) alongside voice, guitar, piano and traditional instruments.Extra-Curricular ActivitiesThe Department oers an array of after-school and lunchtime activities for students. We encourage students to get involved as we believe that these activities develop a range of skills including inter and intrapersonal skills, working as a team, social skills, developing their musical gift in solo and group contexts, and of course they allow students to mix with other students both within and outside of their year group. These activities include:Mixed String Ensemble – Oers Junior players a peer mentor to enhance performance and group skills. Conducted by: Mrs C McCannyJunior Choir – The Junior Choir is a seventy strong choir for students in Years 8, 9 and 10. They play a signicant role in school concerts throughout the year, as well as competing in various festivals and visiting hospitals to bring hope to the sick and those in need. Conducted by: Miss S McErlaneJunior Orchestra – The orchestra practises one afternoon each week after school and gives instrumental players an opportunity to contribute to a larger group of musicians in preparation for the two main school concerts. Conducted by: Mrs M MageeTraditional Group – The Traditional Group meets once a week during lunchtime. Musicians will have the chance to learn a diverse range of traditional pieces which are performed at many events throughout the school year and, of course, these pieces will be performed from memory! Conducted by: Mr N McCleanSenior Orchestra – This orchestra meets once a week after school and promises to be good fun and satisfying as students rehearse more complex works in preparation for school events and concerts. Conducted by: Mrs C McCannySenior Choir – Students enjoy learning a variety of songs including sacred, contemporary pop, jazz, etc. Conducted by: Mrs Clare McCannyGirls’ Choir – The girls’ choir is a small chamber choir for girls in the Senior and Upper School who are taking voice lessons. The girls rehearse once a week and work on more intricate repertoire from a variety of genres. Conducted by: Miss S McErlaneBand Mentor – Junior bands are coached by more experienced Tutors and sta to perform in the Trócaire Concert in early spring.Guitar Ensemble – All students receiving guitar lessons enjoy a group performance session. Samba Group - All students receiving drum kit lessons (and some who don’t) practise weekly and perform at many events throughout the year. Led: by Mr J GillenOther activities oered within the school are: Wind Quintet, String Quartet, Barbershop Quartets and Flute Ensemble. The College music sta are very keen to accommodate other ensembles, as and when deemed appropriate.
39INFORMATION BOOKLETTHE PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENTOpen Day Display in the Sports HallWhat is the purpose of Physical Education?Participation in Physical Education enables young people to learn through movement so that they develop, extend and rene their skills in a range of movement situations. Physical Education should also help young people to develop positive attitudes towards taking part in physical activities and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Active, enjoyable and challenging learning experiences in this subject help to develop:• positive attitudes to and enjoyment of physical activity; • an awareness of the positive impact of physical activity upon health and well-being; • positive relationships, sportsmanship, fair play and respect for diering abilities. Where does PE t into the revised Northern Ireland Curriculum?Physical Education is a compulsory subject in Key Stages 3-4 (Years 8-12). The goal is to develop students as individuals, contributors to society, the economy and the environment through the development of knowledge, understanding and skills in PE.What activities do we do in Year 8?Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, European handball, Football, Gaelic football, Gymnastics, Hurling, Rugby, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Camogie, Dance, Hockey, Netball, Rounders and Tennis. How many times do you get PE each week?All Year 8, 9 and 10 students have a 90 minute (triple) period of PE once a week.Year 11 and 12 students have a 60 minute (double) period of PE each week.How many PE teachers are there?We have ve full-time and part-time specialist teachers of physical education. We also have a PE technician employed to assist the department.What facilities do you have for PE? We have a fully equipped gymnasium plus a multi-purpose hall which we can split with a partition or join to form one large hall. We use this hall for junior netball, as well as for badminton, table-tennis, unihoc, zumba, dance, keep-t and others.We also have a tness suite; within this suite we have cardio machines, various xed resistance machines and free weights. This facility is used primarily by curriculum and exam PE classes, however, Upper School students are permitted to use it with permission from PE sta. Outside FacilitiesWe have a new, full size grass Gaelic games pitch, four 2G synthetic tennis courts/hockey surface, an outside enclosed basketball court and a ood-lit 3G synthetic soccer pitch. We also have two outdoor table tennis tables.What sports does the College participate in?In Year 8, we are involved in a large number of inter school sports. OLSPCK oers a wide range of activities open to all new students. Both boys and girls can represent the College in Association Football, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Cross Country, Gaelic Football, Golf, Hurling, Rugby, Swimming and more. This wide range of activities is made possible only by the large number of fully committed volunteer teachers who lead, coach and develop these teams. THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENTOpen Day Display in Room 3Re1The Religious Education Key Stage 3 programme at Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock is designed to introduce you to many new and exciting learning experiences. You will begin to follow our bespoke Programme of Study based around the diocesan ‘Fully Alive’ curriculum.Year 8 commences with you exploring the concept of community, leading into the life of the Parish.
4140Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockYou will experience the life stories of many interesting characters in the Bible. You will gain an opportunity to become experts on stories from either the Old or New Testament, in record time! You go on to explore the world of Jesus, looking in particular at the Jewish background followed by work on the parables, the disciples of Jesus and much more.In Year 8, the emphasis is very much on active learning and reection. Discussion, analysis and critical thinking form an important part of your classroom activity. A signicant part of your work will be your Journal (RE notebook) which is used to record your work as well as giving you the opportunity to reect on your experiences and progress. The Journal is also used as a spiritual diary to record your own thoughts and prayers. Each chapter of your Journal is decorated by you as a reection of the theme of the work being studied.There is also ample opportunity for budding actors and actresses to develop their talents with the performance of role-plays based on Biblical characters and their stories. For all students, the development of key skills such as communication, working with others, evaluation and empathy is of paramount importance. One of the highlights of Religious Education in the Junior School is the opportunity to take part in an annual retreat in the College Oratory. Not only are we blessed with fantastic facilities, but we also have the great fortune of having Sister Marie Doyle to lead in-house retreats. This gives you an opportunity to ‘get away from it all’ and to get to know one another better. The Student Mentor Programme also works closely with the Religious Education programme, when once a week you will meet with Year 13 students who will further add to your learning experience in an active and engaging manner. As well as learning about the Christian faith, you will also explore many other world faiths including Judaism, Hinduism and Islam. You will ask big questions about life’s purpose and meaning and explore ethics and morals in modern society. We very much look forward to welcoming you at our Open Day. THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENTOpen Day Displays in Rooms 2S2, 2S5 and 2S10Primary 7, you are very welcome to the Science Department! The Science Department has eleven laboratories and one theory classroom. There are fteen Science teachers and three technicians. You will get a chance to meet many of them today. You will nd interactive displays for all three Science subjects: Chemistry in 2S2; Physics in 2S5; and Biology in 2S10. Take time to look at the experiments, talk to our students and even have a go yourself! Samples of Year 8 work will also be available for you to have a look at.We hope you enjoy your visit to Science and get answers to any questions you may have. Year 8 ScienceIn Year 8, you will have ve periods of Science per week. We guarantee you will enjoy Science - that’s what our Year 8 students this year tell us! From the start of the course you will participate in a wide range of practical activities with a ‘hands on’ or interactive approach. By the end of the rst term, you will know how to use a Bunsen burner safely and complete a number of chemical reactions. You will even have carried out a complete scientic investigation. You will then cover a range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics and, at the end of every unit, you will have a chance to evaluate how you got on and tell us what you think!Practical Work When you are doing experiments you will work in groups of 2-4 students. You will be encouraged to work together cooperatively and to apply your thinking skills to the problem. You will learn how to record your results accurately and manage all kinds of information. You will practise presenting your ndings in a variety of ways, including oral work, poster work, using ICT, as well as the traditional written presentation. Success in ScienceYour progress will be monitored throughout the year and feedback will be given to you and your parents regularly. You will be assessed via homework, question and answer sessions, practical tests, oral presentations and written tests. You will get the opportunity to participate in Science competitions and take part in Science themed events during STEAM week each March.Years 9 and 10 In Year 9, you will have four periods of Science per week. In Year 10, you will have six periods per week, a double period for each Science subject. The Year 10 Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses will give you chance to consider your options for GCSE and help you decide which Science subjects to study in Year 11 and maybe even A-Level.Enjoy your visit and remember, if you have any further questions about Science in the College, please ask one of the sta in the laboratories who will be more than happy to help.
41INFORMATION BOOKLETTHE SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENTOpen Day Display in Room 3SoSociology is the study of the development, structure and functioning of human society. The course is also designed to assist in developing a range of essential skills that will prove invaluable in today’s working environment. For instance, you will be taught to interpret, apply and evaluate various sociological perspectives and make informed and responsible judgements based on this knowledge and understanding. Part of the appeal of studying Sociology is that it is a contemporary subject. Sociologists study a wide range of topics, for example, Class, Gender, Race, Family, Education, Research Methods, Crime, Religion and Social Inequality.The WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee) specication is studied and it is a modular course. Assessment will involve external examinations and will include structured essay questions. The Specication consists of Four Units:AS Unit 1: Acquiring Culture • 15% of A-Level qualication (37.5% of AS qualication• Written Examination: 1 Hour 15 Minutes • 60 MarksTopics studied include the socialisation of culture, family forms and diversity, demographic change and its inuence on the structure of families in England and Wales, relationships within the family and theoretical perspectives on the family and households. AS Unit 2: Understanding Society and Methods of Sociological Enquiry• 25% of A-Level qualication 62.5% of AS qualication• Written Examination: 2 Hours• 90 MarksTopics studied include methodological approaches to social research, examples of contemporary social research, the role and function of education, patterns and trends of educational attainment with reference to social groups, contemporary social policy with regard to education, the inuence of external and internal factors on attainment and theoretical perspectives on the role of education. A2 Unit 3: Power and Control• 25% of A-Level qualication• Written Examination: 2 Hours• 70 MarksTopics studied include patterns of crime and deviance with reference to social groups, how crime rates are measured, crime and deviance as social constructs, the role of the media, the relationship between social policy and crime and theories and explanations of crime and deviance. AS Unit 4: Applied Methods of Sociological Enquiry and Social Inequality • 35% of A-Level qualication• Written Examination: 2 Hours 15 Minutes• 100 MarksSection A of this unit focuses on the processes of research design and on the application of knowledge and understanding of methods of sociological enquiry previously studied in AS unit 2. Section B focuses on the theme of Social Inequality. Topics include evidence and examples of areas of inequality related to social class, gender, ethnicity and age in contemporary society with reference to Wales and theoretical explanations for inequality.
4342Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockTHE SPANISH DEPARTMENTSpanish tapas in Room 1Lg3 ¡Qué aproveche!You can start to study Spanish from your rst year in the College. You will be given a choice of four modern languages: French, German, Irish and Spanish, and you will be asked to choose two of these. In the Spanish Department, teachers place a lot of emphasis on speaking the language and, even at the end of your rst term, you will be amazed at just how much Spanish you will have learned. In class you will be involved in a wide range of activities: role-plays, songs, interactive activities, researching life in Spanish speaking countries, watching videos and games. All of these will enable you to develop condence in the spoken and written word and to become aware of a whole new culture and lifestyle. (You must be prepared to enter into the spirit of Spanish in a lively and enthusiastic way!) We hope you decide to choose Spanish and look forward to wishing you “Bienvenido” (welcome) in the future!Meanwhile, BUENA SUERTE (Good Luck).¡Hasta pronto!Departamento de español.THE TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN DEPARTMENTOpen Day Displays in Rooms 2Sy1, 2Mf3, 2Pl3 and FoyerTechnology and Design is part of the minimum requirement for every student at Key Stage 3. It is based upon the laws and principles of science and utilises these to solve real-life problems. Our course addresses the Revised Northern Ireland Curriculum and provides relevant active learning opportunities to acquire and develop the Cross-curricular Skills and Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities. In Year 8 Technology, you will have a double and a single class on your timetable each week. Much of your knowledge and learning is gained through practical based activities in a manufacturing room during the double class and backed up with theory in the single class.Following guidance on safety, you are very quickly introduced to a range of manufacturing techniques and have the opportunity to become familiar with and use various processes and equipment. These include the use of hand tools, pedestal drill, band facer, polisher and plastics oven. This product is a key ring designed to hold your locker key and to give you training and experience on all the machines in Technology.
43INFORMATION BOOKLETNext, you will have the opportunity to solder some electronic components as you incorporate a circuit into a Christmas card project. Your third activity will be the manufacture of a motor propelled vehicle incorporating another electronic circuit where you will gain experience working with metal and associated manufacturing techniques. There are opportunities for designing and personalising the body of the vehicle and we are always most impressed by the creativity of our Year 8 students.At all times you will be encouraged to strive for excellence and adopt safeworking practices in the manufacturing environment. The attached planningrooms provide clean space for work during manufacturing processes.Interspersed with the manufacturing activities are opportunities to use the systems rooms which contain a suite of computers and peripherals including printers, scanners and a digital camera. Here you will use a wide range of software to word process, design and simulate electronic circuits, observe mechanical systems in action, design and draw using CAD - computer aided drawing packages. Teachers will use the multi-media projector, digital processing visualiser and interactive whiteboard to help deliver the course. Homeworks are set regularly and you are always encouraged to present these using drawings and annotation to develop your communication skills.By the end of Key Stage 3, you will also have experienced other manufacturing equipment, including PCB manufacturing facilities, vacuum former, blow moulding, plastic dip coating, manual milling machine, lathe, CNC mill/router with lathe attachment, laser cutter, 3D scanner and 3D printer.The subject is also oered at GCSE, AS and A2. The emphasis continues to be on product design and manufacture, and students will be involved in the design and manufacture of their own products. Students are oered experience in the following areas: Electronics, Mechanisms, Pneumatics, Graphic Communication and ICT, including Computer Control and Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CADCAM). Students manufacture with a range of materials, which include wood, metal and plastics. Engineering is also delivered as a GCSE subject.In total, we have 3 manufacturing rooms, 3 planning rooms, 2 systems rooms, associated storage areas and an exhibition area, all equipped to a high standard. Today in Technology you can visit and observe:Systems 1 Students using a range of software and CAD Exemplary work – GCSE folders and practical outcomes Manufacturing 3 Years 8 - 10 demonstrating hand tools and some equipment e.g. marking out, ling, band-facing, wet and drying, line bending, soldering Key Stage 3 folders and practical outcomes CNC mill/router in operation Planning 3 Exemplary work – AS/A2 folders and practical outcomes Laser cutter and 3D printer in operationFoyer/ExhibitionArea GCSE and AS/A2 practical outcomes
4544Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockClubs, Societies and Extra-Curricular ActivitiesSeptember 2022 October 2022 November 2022• 07/09/22: Year 13 and year 14 Spanish students visit QFT.• 08/09/22: Opening Mass for School.• 15/09/22: Year 14 UCAS Information Evening.• 19/09/2022 and 20/9/22: Year 12 Geography students trip for data collection. • 21/09/2022 and 23/9/22• Years 11 and 13: Study• skills presentation – half day workshop.• 28/09/22: Dementia Awareness Training SVP students.• 27/09/22: Year 10 Quiz in College Hall to celebrate European Week of Languages.• 28/09/22: YEAR 9 Financial Workshop by Danske Bank• 29/09/22: Year 14 Presentation of various Universities in College Hall.• 29/09/22: Year 8 Mass of Welcome for Year 8 students and their parents/guardians. • 30/09/22 - 2/10/22: Year 9 Trip to Delphi.• 30/09/22: Year 9 French Breakfast in Dining Hall to celebrate European Week of Languages.• 30/09/22: Year 13 and Year 14 Economic students attend talk by the Chief Economist Bank of England.• 03/10/22: Year 9 Young Enterprise event.• 21/10/22 – 24/10/22: Year 14 Geography trip to Iceland• 04/10/22: Year 14 Senior UKMT Challenge.• 04/10/22: QUB Sentinus Young Innovators Competition 2022.• 04/10/22: Anti-bullying mentors training.• 05/10/22: Years 13 and 14 Virtual work experience for those applying to Medicine organised by Belfast Trust.• 06/10/22 and 07/10/22: Years 12 and 14: Aware workshop on mental health.• 07/10/22: Years 8-10 Sponsored Walk for St Bernadette’s Children Centre in Peru.• 10/10/22 -12/10/22: Nexus Workshop on Consent• 13/10/22: Year 11 to 14 Drama students Bruiser Theatre Company bringing the play ‘Teethers’ to OLSPCK.• 14/10/22: Year 13 YMCA talk on Staying Safe on a Night out.• 17/10/22 – 25/10/22: French students come on residential to OLSPCK and student homes.• 18/10/22: Year 9 Financial Workshop.• 20/10/22: Year 9 Explore Enterprise programme in College Hall.• 21/10/22: Year 10 Visiting QUB for a Maths Week Ireland event in the Bobbly Seagull Workshop• 24/10/22: Year 11 and 14 Love for Life.• 26/10/22 – 30/10/22: Years 12-14 Trip to Rome x RE.27/10/22: Years 8-14 Non Uniform Day in aid of Month of Missions for Pakistan humanitarian crisis. • Year 14 students attended one-day Retreat in the Oratory.• 26/10/22 – 30/10/22: Years 12-14 Trip to Rome x RE.• 27/10/22: Years 8-14 Non Uniform Day in aid of Month of Missions for Pakistan humanitarian crisis. • Year 14 students attended one-day Retreat in the Oratory.• 03/11/22: Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre for students going on ski trip in Feb 2023.• 05/11/22: 10 x Year 12 boys from rugby development travel to Dublin Avia x Ireland V South Africa.• 08/11/22 and 9/11/22 Year 8 Translink Safety Bus.• 10/11/22 and 11/11/22: Year 10 Anti-Bullying Workshops.• 10/11/22: Year 13 and 14 Art students attend the RUA• 14/11/22: Year 8 students, Year 8 Mentors/Anti-Bullying Mentors participated in ‘Odd Socks Day’. • 14/11/22: Year 13 Geography eldwork to Murlough Sand Dune system.• 16/11/22: Year 13 students attend British Council’s COP27 Climate Negotiation Simulation Event held at Belfast City Hall.• 17/11/22: Year 13 INTO Film Festival – Learn about the Cinematography of Storytelling.• 23/11/22: Year 11 Chemistry at work event at QUB.• 30/11/22: Year 9 Young Enterprise event.• Prayer Service in the month of November to remember our beloved deceased families, sta, students and friends.
45INFORMATION BOOKLETDecember 2022 January 2023 February 2023• 06/12/22: Year 10 Coding activity for Sentinus.• 07/12/22: Christmas Bake-O for Year 10 students.• 08/12/22: Senior School Awards.• 08/12/22: Whole school Mass - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.• 08/12/22: Music students Marie Curie Concert.• 19/12/22: Years 9-14 Kainos speaker with Q+A• College Hall SVP hampers were collected from all tutor groups.• 1,160 Christmas dinners were provided by sta in the Dining Hall.• Final of the Upper School Christmas Jumper Competition.• Year 8-14 Christmas concerts.• 18/01/23 – 25/01/23: Christian Unity Week was marked with Stephen Moore and the community of local churches taking assembly and Q&A sessions.• 26/01/23: Year 13 View live stream of The Crucible part of AS set text at QFT.• 27/01/23: Year 10 Eye for Education (Darren Nixon).• 31/01/23: Year 9 Risky behaviour talk from Jenny in YMCA.• 31/01/23: Year 10 meet potential employers and attend Creative Industries Workshop by Screen NI.• Students go to La Roche-Sur-Yon• 25/01/23: Years 13 and 14 Golden Thread Gallery - Art Classes do a class a week for 6 weeks.• 01/02/23: Year 12 UKMT Intermediate Challenge.• 02/02/23: Years 10 and 11 Shared Education Day with visiting schools. • Two parts - Year 10 Part with additional event for • Year 11 ref the Holocaust • 02/02/23: Year 8 Auditions and workshop with NYCNI.• 04/02/23: Year 9 Final of the Cyberrst Girls’ competition in Belfast.• 05/02/23: Year 12 Hillwalking day in the Mourne Mountains as part of a practice expedition for the Silver Duke of Edinburgh.• 06/02/23: Year 14 Lecture delivered by Kirstin Lemon from the Geological Society NI.• 10/02/23 -13/02/23: Years 11-14 Geography trip to Iceland.• 11/02/23-18/02/23: Pinzolo Italy Ski trip.• 13/02/23 – 15/02/23: Years 11 and 12 History trip to Berlin.• 20/02/23: Year 13 EYPUK NI Regional Forum Belfast City Hall. • 22/02/23: Year 10 Spanish speaking competition led by NICILT at QUB.• 23/02/23: Year 11 Ulster Project Meeting.• 24/02/23: Year 13 New Driver NI talk.• 24/02/23: Years 8-14 Fundraiser for Turkey and Syria - bucket collection.
4746Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockMarch 2023 April 2023 June 2023• 01/03/22: Students from St Patricks’s, Holywood, St Ita’s for a Digital Mentor Day at the College.• 01/03/23: Year 13 Students visit the Seamus Heaney HomePlace.• 01/03/23 and 08/03/23: Year 11 Artist R Peters worked with students on Printmaking.• 02/03/23: Years 8-14 Trocaire speaker• 02/03/22: Year 8 World Book Day was celebrated.• 23/03/22: Year 13 Careers event Generation Innovation.• 23/03/23: Years 11-14 Opera House - The Ocean at the End of the Lane.• 30/03/23: Year 8 Mentor plays performed on stage.• 14/03/23: St Patrick’s Day Mass was celebrated online to honour one of our College patrons.• Sr Marie (College Chaplain) arranged Retreats for all Year 8 and 10 students in March/April.• 03/04/23: Year 9 Into lm screen event.• 03/04/23: SVP Copelands a celebration in Donaghadee.• 05/04/23: Years 8 -14 Trocaire Concert.• 17/04/23 – 21/4/23: Years 8 – 10 Travelling Book Fair.• 27/04/23: The UKMT Junior Maths Competition took place, involving Year 8 and 9 students.• 28/04/23: Year 8 Learn Spark Study Skills Course.• 07/04/23: The College’s Annual Spring Concert.• Years 8-11 Sports Days and Tournaments.• 05/06/22: Years 8-11 Inter-class Golf Tournament for all aspiring golfers.• 05/06/23: Year 8 and 9 cultural trip to France.• 02/06/23: Year 9 India Chapman Webb visiting from Opera NI to provide chorus singing workshop.• 08/06/23: Year 10 Tour around Parliament Buildings.• 09/06/23: Year 10 Young Enterprise - Learn to Earn.• 13/06/23: Year 10 Shared Education trip to Lagan College• 20/06/23: Year 11 (HE) Trip to Mourne Seafood Cookery School.• 20/06/23: Years 10 and 11 SHAHRP presentation on the dangers of vaping.• 27/06/23: Year 8 Frank Wilson Soccer Tournament.• 01/06/22: Art exhibition in the College showcasing the work of our Year 13 and Year 14 Art students.• 28/06/22: Year 8 OLSPELL, the annual spelling contest, took place.• 28/06/23-30/6/23: Year 12 Qualifying expedition for DoE• 24/06/23: 90 students departed for a one-week stay in the Irish College.May 2023• 04/05/23: The Year 14 Leavers’ Mass for students, parents and sta.• Year 14 ‘Fun Day’ in the College on 05/05/22.• 05/05/22: A Mass for Year 12 students and parents.• 03/05/23 -11/05/23: Year 8 students visited the Belfast Synagogue on the Somerton Road.• 12/05/23: 10:1 Trip to the Omniplex Cinema Dundonald (Prize for being the biggest fundraiser).• 30/05/23-31/05/23: Flight School with P7 students in OLSPCK.
47INFORMATION BOOKLET
4948Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, KnockCollege Sporting Achievements Competitions 2022 – 2023Association FootballYear 14 Boys Belfast Cup Group StagesYear 13 Boys Translink Cup Winners Senior Girls Electric Ireland Senior Cup Group StagesYear 12 Boys Belfast District Cup WinnersYear 10 Boys Belfast and NI Cup Semi FinalistsYear 11 Boys Belfast District Cup Group StagesYear 8 Boys Belfast District Cup WinnersYear 8 Girls Electric Ireland Cup Semi Fianalists AthleticsIntermediate boys (Year 12) Conor Adair Silver District 100m + 400m and Bronze 400m at Ulsters Inter Girls (Year 11) Isa McCarronDown Cross Country Champion + Runner up 800m at Ulsters Junior Girls (Year 10) Katie Keown Ulster 1500m ChampionJunior Girls (Year 10) Emer McKeeDown, Ulster & Irish Cross Country Champion + Ulster 3000m and 1500mYear 9 Girls Olivia McCuskerDown and Ulster Cross Country ChampionBasketballU19 Boys Northern Ireland ‘B’ Winners U16 Boys Northern Ireland ‘B’ WinnersU14 Boys Ulster Semi FinalYear 8 Boys Ulster Blitz Group StagesU19 Girls All Ireland ‘A’ Group StagesU16 Girls All Ireland ‘A’ Group StagesU15 Girls All Ireland ‘A’ WinnersCamogieSenior Camogie (Year 14) Ulster Championships ‘B’ Group StagesJunior Camogie (Year 12) Ulster Championships ‘B’ Semi FinalistsU14 Camogie (Year 10) Ulster Championships ‘B’ Semi nalistsYear 8 Ulster Championship (12 a-side) Runners UpSporting Achievements
49INFORMATION BOOKLETGaelic FootballYear 14 Boys MacLarnon Cup Group StagesYear 12 Boys Raerty Cup Quarter FinalistsYear 11 Boys Treanor Cup Group StagesYear 10 Boys Loch An Iúir Shield WinnersYear 9 Boys Brock Cup WinnersU20 Girls (Year 14) Ulster Cup ‘A’ Group StagesU16 Girls (Year 12) Ulster Cup ‘A’ Semi-FinalistsU14 Girls (Year 10) Ulster Cup ‘A’ Semi-FinalistsHurlingYear 14 Mageean Cup Group StagesYear 12 Forresters Cup Runners UpYear 11 Leonard Cup Group StagesYear 10 Gallagher Cup Group StagesYear 9 McGreevey Cup Group StagesYear 8 Antrim Cup Group StagesNetballMinor Northern Ireland Premier League Group StagesJunior Northern Ireland Premier League Group StagesIntermediate Northern Ireland Premier League Group StagesSenior Northern Ireland Premier League NI League Winners Rugby Senior Boys Schools Cup Group StagesGolfJunior and Senior Boys Ulster and All Ireland Competed but no placingSenior Girls N/A N/A
50Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knockwww.knock.co.uk