Message PROSPECTUS2025/26www.ljhs.co.ukLURGANJUNIOR HIGHSCHOOLC O NTACT US7 Toberhewny Lane Lower, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 8SU028 3832 3243info@lurganjuniorhigh.lurgan.ni.sch.ukwww.ljhs.co.uk
OUR Mission StatementTHE 3 RsWelcometo Lurgan Junior High SchoolEmpowering you to reach your potential; to feel respected,cared for and equalRespect for Self & Others; Responsibility for all your actions;Resilience1
OUR Mission StatementTHE 3 RsWelcometo Lurgan Junior High SchoolEmpowering you to reach your potential; to feel respected,cared for and equalRespect for Self & Others; Responsibility for all your actions;ResilienceThe Lurgan Junior High WayLurgan Junior High School is an inclusive 11-14 non-selective, co-educational school which continually strives to educate and develop its pupils into knowledgeable, confident, kind, and compassionate leaders, equipped with the ability and skills required to embrace all of the challenges that life may bring. As a school with a strong reputation for academic and sporting excellence, we resolutely believe that our girls and boys deserve every possible opportunity to succeed in all areas of their educational lives and fervently wish for them to go out and change the world for the better. Over the course of the last 66 years, our school community has encouraged our young people to value the joy of learning and to become confident and productive individuals, able to make the right decisions and determining to always give of their best. Our core Christian values remain unchanged, and we are unashamedly proud of them - the timeless qualities of humanity, courtesy and empathy for others. In an ever-changing world, we believe that our consistent promotion of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience in all their forms, along with the myriad of high-quality educational opportunities which we afford our pupils, are as relevant to the world today as they were when our school was founded back in 1959. We continue to strive to ensure that our talented pupils make the most of their amazing gifts and give of their best in everything that they do. Our school crest features the famous greyhound Master McGrath owned by Lord Lurgan and has become our school’s mascot, encapsulating as it does, our swiftness to learn whether in the classroom or beyond it and our resultant readiness to lead. In short, the Lurgan Junior High way prepares our pupils to lead from the front so they become the embodiment of our moto “Swift to learn, Ready to lead!”Through a broad and balanced curriculum, we set high expectations and targets for all our pupils, fostering an environment of aspiration, where children are encouraged to pursue their dreams and ambitions, and where success, whether within the classroom or beyond it, is celebrated and honoured. Ever proud of our positive relationships at all levels, we create classroom environments that are conducive to learning and champion the practice of good old-fashioned manners - thus realising our mission statement of ‘empowering our young people to reach their potential; to feel respected, cared for and equal’. At Lurgan Junior High School, our expert, committed staff are there to support your child through every step of their Key Stage 3 educational pathway. I look forward to welcoming you to our school family. J. McCoy, Principal2
3SENIORLeadership TeamMiss OsborneSenior Teacher (Curriculum)YEARHeadsMrs C BlakelyYear 8 Girls’ Year HeadMr M AddleyYear 9 Boys’ Year Head Mr M McGreevyYear 9 Girls’ Year HeadMr J BlackYear 8 Boys’ Year HeadMr J McMahonYear 10 Boys’ Year HeadMr ThompsonVice-Principal (Curriculum)Mr LunnSenior Teacher (Pastoral)Mrs KerrVice-Principal (Pastoral)Mr McCoyPrincipalMrs C PattonYear 10 Girls’ Year Head
4ADMISSIONCriteria1. Pupils transferring from the following contributory primary schools: (50 Points) 2. Pupils transferring from a non-contributory primary school. (30 Points)3. Pupils who have a sibling enrolled at Lurgan Junior High School in the 2024/2025 school year. (20 Points)4. Pupils who have had a sibling previously enrolled in Lurgan Junior High School. (10 Points)5. Pupils for whom Lurgan Junior High School is the closest post-primary school to the child’s permanent home address (measured by OSNI distance measuring tool), expressed non-selective and from a non-contributory primary school. (10 Points)6. Pupils who are the eldest child. (15 Points)7. In the event of equal points due to the weightings for final placing.• Pupils will be selected for admission on the basis of the initial letter of surname (as entered on Birth Certificate) in the order set out below: J N O H B M R L U D A S C Y I P W F Q V K X G T E Z • In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of the surname will be used in alphabetical order.During the admissions procedure when applying the criteria punctual applications will be considered before late applications are considered. The application procedure opens on 28 January 2025 at 12 noon (GMT) and an application submitted by the closing date of 20 February 2025 at 12 noon (GMT) will be treated as a punctual application. An application received after 12 noon (GMT) on 20 February 2025 and up to 4pm on 4 March 2025 will be treated as a late application. Wating List PolicyThe school does not operate a waiting list policy.Duty to Verify The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or verify information on any applicant’s Transfer/Application Form. If the requested evidence is not provided to the Board of Governors by the deadline specified by the Board of Governors, this will result in the withdrawal of an offer of a place. Similarly, if information is supplied which appears to be false or misleading in any material way, the offer of a place will be withdrawn. Admissions Criteria for Transfer between Post-Primary Schools A pupil will be considered for admission provided that:1. The school’s enrolment, as determined by the Department of Education is not exceeded.2. The admission of the pupil would not prejudice the efficient use of the school’s resources.Admissions Criteria for Years 9 and 10 During Years 9 and 10 the following are the criteria to be applied in selecting pupils’ admission:During years 9 and 10 the following are the criteria to be applied in selecting pupils’ admission: a) The school’s enrolment number is not exceeded.b) The admission of the pupil would not prejudice the efficient use of resources in the school.c) Children who, at the time of their application, have a member of the family currently enrolled at the school (Member of the family covers half-brother and sister, together with children who are adopted, or children looked after).d) The pupil will be considered for enrolment providing that their admission ensures that the pupil is placed in the appropriate academic band for their academic ability, after analysis of their ‘standardised’ and other scores.The lodging of an application is interpreted by the Board of Governors as an indication that the parents and the child concerned accept, and are in agreement, with the ethos, philosophy, aims, policies and regulations of the school including any code of conduct or discipline policy of the school. Information in relation to these may be obtained from the school. If the school’s enrolment and admission numbers have not been reached, the school will enrol all the children whose parents wish them to attend. However, if the application for entry to First Form (Year 8) exceeds the admissions number or would cause the school to exceed the total enrolment number, pupils will be admitted by the following criteria, applied according to the weighting as indicated below:• Ballinderry• Ballycarrickmaddy• Bleary• Carrick• Dickson• Donacloney• Drumgor• King’s Park• Lurgan Model• Maghaberry• Maralin• Meadow Bridge• Moira• Rowandale Integrated• Waringstown To ta l To ta l Year Admissions No Application All Admissions Preferences 2022/23 250 248 251 2023/24 250 238 243 2024/25 250 237 248
5PUPILAssessmentsPupils at Lurgan JHS are taught in broad banded ability groups. We conduct our own standardised tests in June of the P7 year to help us finalise our class placements. In addition to this, prior to your child coming to our school, we receive nationally standardised data from our local Primary School partners. This includes the results of tests such as: PTE, PTM, CAT4 and/or Levels of Progression in Communication and Using Maths. We use all of the above data to set criteria for the allocation of pupils to specific bands, based on the results for that year’s cohort. Each band will be made up of pupils who match the criteria set by us for that year. The pupils with the highest standardised test results from our assessments, in conjunction with Primary School scores, are then placed in the first, second and third bands accordingly. .Depending on the academic ability of the Year Group, a fourth differentiated band is sometimes necessary. Should this be the case, these children will receive additional interventions to support their learning and will experience a differentiated curriculum. All pupils are encouraged to work to their full potential and are rewarded for their successes through our Positive Behaviour procedures. Our Assessment procedures are regularly reviewed in order to support pupil learning. AssessmentsThroughout the year, a variety of assessments are carried out in all areas of the curriculum• Controlled Assessment;• Homework;• Peer Assessment;• Self-Assessment;• Christmas Examinations;• Summer Examinations. My favourite subject is Art because it gives me lots of freedom and creativity. Megan Dugan My favourite subject is English because my teacher Mrs Carson is so good at what she does! We are also learning helpful techniques to help remember things, like RAMPSO and how to build tension in writing. Katie Garvin
6ReportsReports are issued bi-annually. Assessment combines the continuous monitoring and checking of pupils’ progress throughout the year with a formal examination in the Summer Term. Reports are published for parents to view on the SIMS Parent App. Communication with ParentsParents will have the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress through meetings with subject teachers early in the Spring Term via School Cloud online platform. Parents and Guardians book an appointment online with those teachers that they wish to speak to. Parents will have access to SIMS parent app. The app shares their child’s reports, messages from the school, their child’s timetable and other important information. AttendancePupils with full attendance at school usually make good academic progress. At Lurgan JHS, we encourage you to support our Attendance Policy. On the rare occasions that your child is unable to attend school due to illness, a letter to the Form Teacher is required on the first return date. ** Parents should send an email to attendance@ljhs.co.uk** The Form Teacher will contact parents after the second day of absence. Pupils are rewarded for high levels of attendance. Online platforms such as those mentioned above will contain resources and information which can be used by pupils who have a long-term absence from school. The school believes that it is important for pupils to learn to work independently. Therefore, it is school policy to set homework as and when appropriate. The type of homework set will vary according to the pupil’s age and ability. Homework is any constructive task set to be completed outside of the timetabled day. This will always be recorded in the Homework Planner and on Google Classroom which pupils can access through any mobile device or desktop computer. Other online platforms such as IXL and MyMaths are used by teachers to share resources and tasks with pupils. Many homework tasks will centre on the consolidation of learning through the effective use of subject knowledge organisers and preparation around our Learning to Learn programme. In this way, school ensures that homework is both purposeful and meaningful. Homework Planner/Google Classroom/MyMaths
THECurriculumLinks to Key Stage 2 and 4 Lurgan JHS is a Key Stage 3 only, all ability school, catering for pupils from age 11 to 14. We welcome applications for up to 250 pupils each year, from a wide range of local Primary Schools. No test scores are required for admission, as can be seen from our admission criteria highlighted earlier in this propectus. In Term 3, we meet with colleagues from the Primary Schools to share information about prospective pupils. Prospective parents and pupils are also invited to meet Lurgan JHS staff in June each year, to ease the transition from Key Stage 2. Almost all our leavers are admitted to one of two Key Stage 4 specialist schools, Lurgan College and Craigavon Senior High School. We enjoy excellent links with these and other Key Stage 3 and 4 schools in the local area, through regular meetings and joint professional development opportunities. Lurgan College and Craigavon Senior High School arrange several events in Term 3 for pupils and parents of our Year 10 pupils to make their transition to a new school a seamless one. Meetings with personnel from the senior schools in May and June also allow us to share academic and pastoral information which can allow our pupils to be appropriately placed and supported in their new schools. Provision for Learning Lurgan Junior High School aims to give its pupils a broad, balanced, and relevant education. We seek to offer equal opportunities to all pupils and to ensure that pupils’ learning is purposeful, useful, and rewarding. The school week is divided into 40 periods, with 35 being 40 minutes long and lunch periods of 35 minutes. Pupils are divided into four broad bands of developed ability based on Primary School data and our own baseline data. Within these bands, pupils are placed in Form Classes and they are taught in this arrangement for non-practical subjects. In Year 10, the three Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are taught separately, each for two periods a week. Pupils learn two languages, French (Years 8-10) and Spanish (Years 9&10) and have a discrete period of ICT in each year, as well as a period of Drama in Years 8&9. Pupils follow a course in Learning for Life and Work comprising elements of Personal Development education in Year 8. In Year 9, pupils continue with one period per week of Employability. In Year 10, pupils follow a course in Citizenship. Since 2023-24, we have also offered specialised provision for children with autism within our school through our Social Communication Class. To ensure we provide a high-quality education to all pupils, we have brought this provision within our innovative and sector-leading Positive Impact Centre (PIC), together with our Learning Support teacher and Newcomers Coordinator. Knowledge Rich Curriculum for Pupils We launched an exciting new knowledge-rich curriculum and a ‘Learning to Learn’ programme to our year 8 pupils in September 2023 and our teaching staff attend regular training delivered by the Curriculum Team, focusing on the role of ongoing retrieval practice activities in embedding long-term subject knowledge. According to the June ETi report “The year 8 pupils who spoke to the inspectors reported that they find the ‘Learning to Learn’ programme very helpful in supporting them to develop strategies to build on their knowledge and they particularly enjoy retrieval quizzes.” As a school, we use online tools such as IXL as a resource to maintain high standards of literacy and numeracy, alongside the use of bespoke weekly literacy and numeracy resources for Form Class Time. A report by ETi of their June 2024 inspection reported that “Teacher professional learning is a high priority for the school. There has been a significant investment of time and resources to develop a common approach to learning and teaching, underpinned by a shared understanding of research- informed pedagogy. The emphasis on metacognition, including well-implemented strategies on themes such as retrieval practice, has improved the pupils’ levels of independent learning and has resulted in a common and consistent approach to learning and teaching and important improvements in the pupils’ learning experiences and outcomes.”Outcomes for pupils Since 2018-19 we have used a personalised method of measuring pupil attainment at Key Stage 3. This involves target setting across academic subjects. Each Year 8 pupil is given individual targets for each subject which were derived from their scores from CAT4 Standardised Testing which show their current developed ability levels. These targets allow pupils, teachers, and parents to understand the various levels which should be expected of them in each subject area. 7 What I have enjoyed the most is the afterschool football. I have made a lot of new friends and it is really active, enjoyable and competitive. Thank you, Mr Guy, Mr Lunn and Mr McMahon. Oskar Calik
THECurriculumAt two points in the year, our pupils complete examinations designed to assess their current attainment against these targets. Following this, parents receive a report which shows how well the pupil performed in each subject, relative to their own target. A ‘traffic light’ style colour coding system makes this easy to understand. Lurgan College select a cohort of over 100 of our Year 10 pupils, using their own Rank Order list. This list is based on the results from Lurgan JHS examinations in March/April of Year 10, together with the results from end of Year 9 examinations. The results are split 30% from Year 9 and 70% from Year 10. Pupils admitted to other schools such as Craigavon Senior High School will be able to use their reports to ensure they can access an appropriate range of qualifications. In January, parents are afforded the opportunity to book meetings with subject teachers using the School Cloud video call system. These meetings are designed to reflect on pupil progress in Term 1 and on outcomes from the report issued following Term 1 examinations. Further face to face meetings take place with parents of pupils identified as likely to have been at the greatest level of under-achievement in these examinations. These meetings, led by Form Teachers, involve identifying the issues leading to under-achievement and putting interventions in place to make improvements. Both the Head of Maths and English, along with our Supported Learning Coordinator, use standardised test data and regression analysis data to identify pupils who need support to improve their standards of numeracy and literacy. These pupils are then removed from some normal lessons to be given a block of time in small group or one-to-one support, focused on their identified need. Following re-testing, they may return to their usual timetable. Communication At Lurgan JHS, a central feature of our core curriculum is the development of Communication skills. Through our high-quality approaches to pedagogy, our young people’s abilities in Reading, Writing and Talking & Listening are developed and optimised. Student surveys and Assessment data have shown that our teaching approaches have developed pupils’ confidence in oracy and therefore, have expedited success in oral comprehension and extended written responses. A clear focus on discussion and argumentation has also been established to enable our pupils to develop their Talking & Listening skills further. This has been created to prepare our pupils for the requirements at GCSE, as well as developing their communication skills and confidence. Using Maths Recognising that success in English and Maths is the gateway across the curriculum, Using Maths is one of the core curriculum skills that our pupils are given the opportunity to develop through every subject. During form class, our pupils are provided with the time and opportunity to participate in puzzles and challenges to improve and consolidate their mathematical knowledge. Those individual pupils who excel in Using Maths are entered into ‘UKMT Maths Challenge’ and are provided with the opportunity to compete with their peers across the UK. We also celebrate Maths Week with a whole school quiz, lunch time puzzles and daily challenges posted on Facebook. Using ICT As computers are used every day in industry and we rely on technology more than ever in our everyday lives, we understand the value of teaching children how to use ICT correctly. Throughout Key Stage 3, ICT is utilised as a platform to allow pupils to demonstrate increasing independence and using this vehicle, pupils are continually encouraged to think critically about their work. Pupils are upskilled on the use of Google Classroom to enhance their learning and become more independent learners. During Key Stage 3 we aim to ensure that every pupil is afforded the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to become informed and responsible users of ICT. Religious Education Religious Education is an academic subject which aims to deliver the core syllabus of the Revised NI Curriculum in a relevant and challenging way, to develop personal understanding and moral character, and to enhance spiritual and ethical awareness. It promotes the school ethos of Christianity from a Bible-based foundation, is non-denominational and is inclusive of all pupils irrespective of religious faith or none. RE provides pupils with the opportunity to learn about and discuss a variety of religious beliefs, practices, and values, and to develop the skill of critical thinking by evaluation of moral and challenging questions. Lessons are varied, include current topics and issues and provide opportunity for pupils to reflect on faith, develop values and opinions and the understanding of different cultures in our modern society. RE is an integral part of our school ethos as we seek to develop the whole child, with a spiritual and moral compass. Mr McCoy introducing our Knowledge Organisers.
9
10Shared Education Lurgan JHS is proud to be involved in a shared education partnership with St. Ronan’s College, Lurgan and Brownlow College, Craigavon. The vision for our partnership is to provide opportunities for our pupils to learn together at the same time as celebrating our own identities, developing mutual respect and dispositions to become positive contributors to our society. Our projects often involve the Art, History, Drama, English and Music Departments. In addition, local organisations like Brownlow House, Ulster Rugby, Glenavon FB Academy and Ulster GAA have been involved in helping us deliver our workshops and projects. In March 2024, our cross-community Gaelic team won the Cuchulainn Cup in Northern Ireland. It has been great to be able to participate in Shared Education projects between our schools as they help bring a positive dimension to learning within Lurgan JHS. Right: Cross-community sport, London, 2023At LJHS I have made lots of new friends that will last me a lifetime.Megan Dugan
11THEPupils’ VoiceOur Student Council is made up of pupils from within each year group as well as our Head Boy, Head Girl and their Deputies. They meet regularly in our Conference Room. At Lurgan JHS, we recognise the value and importance of our young people playing an active role in making our school a better place. The Pupils’ Voice representatives ensure that our school responds to the needs and views of the pupils whom they represent and at the same time, helps to develop pupils’ abilities to articulate their views and express their opinions. Pastoral Care Pastoral Care is at the centre of our school’s ethos and reflects our Christian values. We seek to provide a welcoming, safe, caring and supportive environment where each pupil is valued, included and respected as an individual and is encouraged to reach their full ambitions both inside and outside the classroom. We recognise that positive emotional health and well-being are vital to learning. To this end, we have many people in our school community who willingly help and support our young people during their time with us. These include: • School Prefects;• Members of The Pupils’ Voice, our Student Council;• Form Teacher;• Year Head;• Senior Teachers;• Vice-Principals;• Principal;• School Counsellor;• Reach Connect worker;• Reach Mentors;• Classroom Assistants & Technicians;• Receptionist;• Administrative Staff;• Building Supervisors;• Lunchtime Supervisors;• Canteen Staff. 11
12Your Pastoral Care One of the key people in school is the Form Teacher. In most cases, pupils will have the same Form Teacher for all three years at Lurgan JHS. This means the Form Teachers will get to know pupils well and will look out for them in school in order to make sure that they are settled, happy and giving of their best. If any child has a concern, they can talk to their Form Teacher. Another key adult is the Year Head. There are two Year Heads for each year group - one for girls and one for boys. They support pupils and, along with the Form Teachers, help ensure pupils are achieving academically, socially and emotionally. Sometimes, pupils may feel they need extra support and our School Counsellor is available at least one day each week. Parents can request this for their child or pupils can speak to their Form Teacher/Year Head/Vice-Principal and request counselling themselves. ‘Reach Mentoring’ and ‘Aspire’ We enjoy an excellent partnership with the Reach Mentoring Team working with school in a mentoring capacity. Currently, they mentor approximately 25 pupils each week on Tuesday mornings. In addition, we also have a Reach Connect worker in school every day whose role is to support pupils pastorally and academically on a 1:1 or small group basis to engage in their learning. A local charity, Reach Mentoring is largely made up of youth workers and volunteers. Its motto is ‘Unleashing potential’ and we are very thankful for their compassion and vision to draw alongside our young people. They are an integral and invaluable part of our Pastoral Care programme. As well as mentoring, they are also involved in delivering part of our Personal Development curriculum. This has proved to be of immense benefit to pupils and staff in the transition between Key Stages. We are also grateful for our partnership with ‘Aspire’, a local initiative which exists to help pupils by providing support, resources and free tuition. The Aspire team works with a group of our pupils across all three year groups one afternoon per week after school. 12I was quite worried about getting lost in the school, but I have learnt that the school isn’t as big as it looks. I was always able to rely on great friends and teachersnot to get lost. The food is very good at lunch too! Emily 2024-25 Head Boy/Head Girl and Deputies2024-25 School and Class Prefects Resilience
13Celebrating SuccessAt LJHS we love to celebrate the efforts, successes and achievements of pupils and staff. We have our own Facebook page as well as regular Reward Assemblies where we celebrate pupil achievements and distribute awards. These successes translate into points which also go towards a pupil’s House.Each pupil and staff member is placed into one of our four Houses - Carrick, Dunluce, Gosford and Shane - and this encourages healthy competition throughout the year both in the classroom and through other events organised by departments and our School Council.Pupils can win achievement points for themselves and their House for excellent effort, progress and engagement in lessons as well as for a positive attitude, punctuality, full attendance, tidy uniform and being helpful and kind. Conduct points then translate into rewards such as: a postcard home to parents, Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Certificates and corresponding reward events such as special breakfast, pizza lunch, disco, for positive contributions to school life and academic success.Opportunities for ResponsibilityAs a Key Stage 3 school, our students have to assume roles of responsibility which would not be available to them at this age in an 11-18 school - School Prefect, Head Girl/ Boy and Deputy Head Girl/ Boy, Chairperson and Secretary of the Student Council, School Librarian & House Captains & Vice-Captains and House Prefects. This helps develop important leadership skills as well as building self-esteem and confidence. It has regularly been commented on that our pupils are confident and mature beyond their years.Within each Form Class, there are Form Prefects, elected by pupils and staff, and from each of the three year groups, pupils are elected to represent his or her peers on the School Council.Child ProtectionOur Safeguarding Team, Mrs Kerr (Pastoral Vice-Principal and Designated Teacher), Mr Lunn (Senior Teacher [Pastoral] and Deputy Designated Teacher), Mr. McCoy (Principal and Deputy Designated Teacher), Mr Thompson (Curriculum Vice-Principal and Deputy Designated Teacher), Miss Osborne (Senior Teacher [Curriculum] and Deputy Designated Teacher) ensures that pupils know what to do if they encounter physical, social or emotional harm and all staff are trained to support them.Positive Mental Health & Well-beingAt LJHS, we actively promote looking after our mental health and emotional well-being. This takes place through explicitly taught lessons in Personal Development and other subjects, regular assemblies, through our wealth of extra-curricular activities on offer, with something to suit everyone, and our Positive Mental Health & Well-Being days, which are held at the end of each half term and term and enjoyed by both pupils and staff. These days are spent with Form Teachers and are a great opportunity for building positive relationships. Each day involves a carousel of three different activities/events, examples of which are danceathons, karaoke, ‘The Masked Singer’, our staff Christmas panto, House table quizzes, beetle drives, ‘silly’ games, and an ‘End of Term Show-Show’. NewcomersOur school is committed to supporting, developing and promoting equality, inclusion and diversity in all of its practices and activities. We embrace a fully inclusive culture and ethos, free from discrimination and based upon Christian values of dignity, courtesy and respect. LJHS has embraced newcomer pupils and has provided a caring and welcoming learning space for them to gain confidence and competence as well as assisting in the acquisition of language to enable and empower them to succeed in their studies. Staff within the department offer a combination of one-to-one and in-class support to all Newcomer pupils in our Positive Impact Centre.Special Educational NeedsLurgan Junior High School has an excellent reputation for meeting the needs of pupils with a wide variety of Special Educational Needs. The SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators), along with Classroom Assistants, ensure provision is made for pupils whether it is through arranging exam concessions, or one-to-one support.Our SEN department liaises with feeder primary schools to make provision for pupils with SEN who are transferring from Key Stage 2, and also with the senior schools to ensure a smooth transition to Key Stage 4. Pupils on the SEN register have IEPs (Individual Educational Plans) with individual targets that are reviewed twice a year. Pupils not on the register, but requiring additional support, are also identified through standardised testing, teacher observations and parental concerns. Our SENCO meets with parents to discuss a plan and to place the pupil on the register with an IEP in order to monitor progress and provide appropriate support.Some pupils may be on the Medical Register with a Pupil Passport, outlining their needs and reasonable adjustments where applicable.Responsibility
14Mrs A Lindsay, Principal of esteemed feeder school Carrick Primary School, cutting the ribbon at the official opening of our ‘Positive Impact Centre.’Our Positive Impact CentreSeptember 2023 saw the official opening of our Positive Impact Centre which houses our intervention programmes for pupils who have additional educational needs. This comprises:• the Special Educational Needs Department for those pupils who significant difficulties in learning compared to their peers;• a co-ordinated, structured programme of literacy and numeracy support for individuals and small groups;• a systematic support programme for all Newcomer pupils, featuring bespoke 1:1 intervention with our English as an Additional Language teachers and/or in-class support from our specialist-trained Newcomer Classroom Assistant;• a Social Communication Class (SCC) designed specifically to provide Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools for children with a Statement of Educational Need for Autism;• a structured Nurture provision for pupils with social, behavioural and/or emotional well-being needs;• a subject extension programme for Gifted and Talented pupils who display particular flair and high levels of aptitude.‘The PIC’, as it is affectionately known, is a safe space where pupils with these additional needs are academically and pastorally supported and challenged to become the best possible versions of themselves. Our expert, trained staff lead all aspects of ‘The PIC’ to ensure that there is a ‘joined-up’ approach and wraparound care for children, as well as strong liaison with relevant subject teachers and pastoral staff in the mainstream setting. This means that, often, a multi-faceted approach is adopted, to guarantee that our pupils receive a holistic educational experience. Further information on the specifics of our ‘PIC’ can be obtained from the Curriculum Team via email at curriculum@ljhs.co.uk.
THE ENRICHEDCurriculumAt Lurgan JHS we offer a wide variety of after-school clubs and societies where all students are welcome!A selection of these after-school options includes:• Art Club • Athletics• Book Club• Choir• Chess/Games Club• Cookery Club• Drama• Hockey• Scripture Union• Netball• Boys’ Football• Orchestra• Maths / English SupportPupils are also given the opportunity to attend seminars provided by the Young Enterprise Scheme, the Department of Employment and Learning and STEM initiatives organised by the Careers Department. Individual departments also strive to provide subject-specific Careers’ Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) either through classroom teaching or by organising guests or events. 15
16Craigavon Area Learning CommunityLurgan JHS is part of Craigavon Area Learning Community (CALC), which was established in 2010 and is made up of Post-Primary Schools, the local Further and Higher Education College and educational partners, working with the EA and funded by the Department of Education. It brings together all the Post-Primary educational bodies in the Craigavon area with the aim of improving educational provision for pupils aged 11-19. Curriculum planning in all schools is now guided by the statutory requirements of the Entitlement Framework. Through a combination of joint meetings between staff in different schools, pupils being taught in other schools and increased sharing of information and ideas, the ALC aims to increase and improve existing collaboration within the local education community and offer pupils greater choice and flexibility, particularly at GCSE and A Level, as well as affording them great exposure to high quality learning and teaching experiences through a cross-fertilisation of ideas between professionals. Craigavon Area Learning Community is also helping to develop links within local communities by improving and deepening relationships between schools and their pupils and by reaching out to local business leaders to find out how schools can work with them to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the modern economy.Drama and MusicDrama and Music play an integral part of life in Lurgan Junior High School. With singing, dancing and acting, pupils learn to develop a plethora of important skills and develop their own personal skills and talents. In June 2023, Lurgan Junior High School performed Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’. Spreading across three days, the pupils performed a total of seven performances, which were truly successful and showcased the talent that lies within the school walls.ABBA 80’s Night Drama AmbassadorsMatida
Lurgan JHS pupils are fortunate to have access to two full size, floodlit, synthetic pitches for hockey and football which serve both the school and wider community. The school also has two grass rugby pitches, 4 gymnasia, 4 tennis courts and an all-weather athletics track. The PE department aims to:• Foster a positive attitude towards physical activity along with developing the physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of pupils;• Contribute to the development of pupil confidence and self-esteem;• Promote enjoyment and achievement through meaningful participation in physical activity through both curricular and extra-curricular programmes;• Contribute to the whole school ethos by providing the opportunities to participate in organised events such as Inter-House Competitions.We offer a wide range of after school sports’ clubs where students of all abilities are welcome. These include: It is our aim in Lurgan JHS to provide sporting opportunities for as many young people as possible. Our school fields numerous teams over the 3 different age groups and caters for a wide range of abilities. Currently, over 200 pupils attend school practices weekly and pupils have opportunities to play against other schools in various competitions. To witness pupils enjoying sport and reaching their sporting potential always provides much encouragement to the teachers and volunteer coaches in school. RugbyRugby is offered as an extra-curricular activity to all three-year groups in Lurgan JHS with practices running after school and on some mornings. Year 8, 9 and 10 boys play in the High Schools’ Cup competitions at U12 and U14 level and also the High Schools Sevens Shield, competing with schools throughout Ulster. There are also friendly fixtures against local schools and also ‘Blitz’ Tournaments organised by the Ulster Branch throughout the season to keep players of all abilities involved. LJHS has previously won the U12 High Schools’ Cup in 1999, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2023 and 2024.SPORT17• Rugby;• Football;• Cross-Country;• Cricket;• Volleyball;• Hockey;• Netball;• Tennis.Many pupils have been selected to play to both Ulster and NI levels in a variety of sports including Hockey, Rugby, Football and Athletics.Winners 2023Winners 2024
18LJHS has previously won the U14 High Schools’ Cup in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2024.LJHS won the inaugural U14 High Schools’ Sevens Tournament in 2024.Cross-country Year 8, 9 and 10 boys’ compete in the District Cross Country Championships. In 2024, the Mini Boys’ team of Theo Martin (4th), Mark Cromie, Matthew McClure, Cody Greszta, David Borc, Alex Fitzsimmons, Jacob Ormerod and Riley Topping won team Silver Medals in the District Championships and qualified for the Ulster Schools’ Finals at Mallusk. The Minor Boys’ race saw Tom Kerr finish a creditable 5th and qualify as an individual for the Ulster Schools’ Championships. The Junior Boys’ team of Austen Gault (2nd), Sam Green (5th), Tyler Black (6th), Michael Emerson (8th), Jacob Neill, Josiah Ormerod, Alfie Givan and Andrew Dowdeswell won team Gold Medals in the District Championships and qualified for the Ulster Schools’ Finals at Mallusk where the team would finish a creditable 4th in Ulster. I love moving between classrooms, it is such a different environment than primary school. My favourite subjects are TD and Music because you get to express yourself and in History I love learning about the pastJulia Glendinning
19GOLD:Mini Boys’ 100m, Mini Boys’ 800m, Mark Cromie Mini Boys’ 4x100m Relay Mark Cromie,, Will Uprichard, Theo Martin, Jacob Hetherington Minor Boys’ High Jump Josh Bingham, Tom Kerr, Luke Wells, Archie Doogan, Minor Boys’ 4x100m Relay Josh Bingham Minor Boys’ Long Jump Ross Beattie Junior Boys’ Long Jump Patryk Jedrol Junior Boys’ High Jump Charlie McBrideJunior Boys’ Shot Putt James MatthewsJunior Boys’ Discus Alfie GivanJunior Boys’ Javelin Oscar BlackJunior Boys’ 1500m Tyler Black SILVER:Mini Boys’ Long Jump Will Uprichard Junior Boys’ Discus Oscar Black, Charlie McBride, Lewis Irwin, Michael Emerson Junior Boys’ 4 X 100m Relay Austen Gault Junior Boys’ 800m Austen Gault BRONZE:Mini Boys’ Long Jump Theo Martin Mini Boys’ High Jump Corey Shivers Mini Boys’ Shot Putt Bobby GardinerMinor Boys’ Long Jump Micah McMullanMinor Boys’ Shot Putt Archie DooganJunior Boys’ 200m Michael EmersonJunior Boys’ 1500m Jacob NeillJunior Boys’ Long Jump Charlie McBrideJunior Boys’ High Jump Austen Gault Junior Boys’ Javelin Danielius Vitkus Ulster Schools’ Athletics Championships The boys’ athletics team collected a further two individual medals at the Ulster Schools’ Championships at The Mary Peter’s Track with Charlie McBride winning Bronze in the Junior Boys’ Long Jump and Ross Beattie collecting Bronze in the Minor Boys’ Long Jump. The Mini Boys’ Relay Team of Jacob Hetherington, Will Uprichard, Theo Martin and Mark Cromie also won Bronze Medals. Boys’ Football Football is offered as an extra-curricular activity to all three year groups in Lurgan JHS. Over 100 boys attend practices regularly after school each week. Year 8, 9 and 10 teams compete and have been very successful each year in the Northern Ireland Cup, Mid-Ulster Cup and Mid-Ulster League. We have even competed recently in the British and Irish Schools Competition after qualifying for it via a Northern Ireland Cup Win in 2023. Each year group also has a B team that competes in the small schools or B League in Mid-Ulster Competitions. Recent successes include: Athletics District Athletics Championships The Year 8,9 and 10 boys’ Athletics teams recently collected an impressive 12 Gold, 4 Silver and 10 Bronze medals at the District Athletics Championships at Clones and Antrim Forum:2023/24 Season U14 Football Team (Captained by Michael Emerson) U14 Mid-Ulster League Champions U14 Mid-Ulster Cup Champions 4th place finish in British and Irish Schools Competition in Cardiff, Wales U13 Football Team (Captained by Bailey Magee) U13 Mid-Ulster Cup Champions U13 Northern Ireland Cup Semi-Finalists U13B Football Team (Captained by Jack McGrath) U13B Mid-Ulster League Champions 2022/23 Season U14 Football Team (Captained by Charlie Gault) U14 Mid-Ulster League Champions U14 Mid-Ulster Cup Champions U14 Northern Ireland Cup Runners Up U13 Football Team (Captained by Austen Gault and Sam Green) U13 Northern Ireland Cup Champions U13 Mid-Ulster Cup Champions U13 Mid-Ulster League Champions U12 Football Team (Captained by Bailey Magee) U12 Mid-Ulster Cup Champions 2021/22 Season U14 Football Team (Captained by Cooper Irwin) U14 Mid-Ulster League Joint Champions U14 Mid-Ulster Cup Champions U14 Northern Ireland Cup Semi-FinalistsU13 Football Team (Captained by Charlie Gault) U13 Northern Ireland Cup Runners Up U13 Mid-Ulster League ChampionU12 Football Team (Captained by Austen Gault and Sam Green) U12 Mid-Ulster Cup Champions U12 Mi-Ulster League Joint Champions U12 Northern Ireland Cup Runners Up
20Representative Honours Lurgan JHS also has a proud tradition of players being selected to represent their district, county and country. Most notable names in recent times are Bailey Magee and Austen Gault who have both represented Northern Ireland. Dozens more of our players have represented Co. Armagh and Mid-Ulster Schools FA in prestigious tournaments. VolleyballVolleyball is also offered as an extra-curricular activity in the summer term with teams from Years 8, 9 and 10 entered in the N. Ireland Schools’ tournament at South Lakes Leisure Centre. The Year 8 Boys’ Volleyball team of Cody Greszta (Capt), Theo Martin, Olly Gardiner and Alex Fitzsimmons defeated teams from Campbell College, Tandragee JHS and Lurgan JHS en route to winning Silver Medals in the N. Ireland Schools’ Cup at South Lakes Leisure Centre - the final would see the team lose narrowly 11-8 to Killicomaine JHS.The Year 9 Volleyball teams would both reached the semi-final stage of the main tournament but lost out to Campbell College and Tandragee JHS. The Year 10 Boys’ Team of Patryk Jedrol (Capt), Austen Gault, Alfie Givan and Seth Martin would win all 5 of their games in the qualifying stages against teams from Larne Grammar, Killicomaine JHS, Campbell College and Tandragee JHS before defeating LJHS ‘C’ in the quarter finals and Dalriada in the Semi-final. In the final the boys would defeat Tandragee JHS 25-21 to be crowned N. Ireland Champions.Cricket Cricket is offered as an extra-curricular activity to all three year groups in Lurgan JHS. Between 30 and 40 boys and girls attend practices regularly after school each week during term 3, in partnership with Lurgan Cricket Club and Northern Cricket Union coaches who assist our own school coaches. Two teams compete each year in Northern Ireland Competitions and local friendly games. Our U14 team play in the Derriaghy Cup and the U12 team compete for the Wesley Ferris Cup, a competition that we last won in 2018. Penny Speer led the team in 2024 and were narrowly defeated in the final by Lisneal College. My favourite subject is History because I find it fun to think about the past and talk about it. I like LJHS more than primary school because there are more subjects to learn..Angie Novak
21NetballNetball is offered an extra-curricular activity to all three-year groups in Lurgan JHS. Our Year 8 girls learn skills, develop game play and have the opportunity to play in tournaments against other local schools. Year 9 and 10 girls play in the local ‘Vista’ League and Cup competitions. Our most talented teams are given the opportunity to play at a higher level in the NI League - Area 6 and in the NI Cup. U14 Vista Cup and League Winners U13 Girls Netball Team
22 22Girls’ Football TeamMrs Patton takes our girls Year 8, 9 and 10 football practice along with Phil McKinley from Lurgan Town Football club. We have over fifty girls sign up for football this year. The girls take part in the U12 and U14 Mid Ulster School Cup and League with the Year 8 last year winning the Electric Ireland Cup and the U14 finishing silver medalists . Girls’ HockeyHockey is offered as an extra-curricular activity to all three-year groups in Lurgan JHS. Year 8, 9 and 10 girls play in the Mid-Ulster League and Cup competitions and we also enter the NI Junior Cup Competition and Stevenson Bowl Competition, competing with schools from across NI. 22U13 Bann Trophy Winners
23Year 9 Girls Cross-Country Team - Silver Medalists District Cross Country Medalists Year 10 Medalists for Volleyball Cross-CountryYear 8, 9 and 10 girls’ competed in the District Cross Country Championships at The Gordon Playing Fields Lurgan. The year 8 girls team won a team silver medal with Maddie Magee, Mia Gault, and Lucy Wilson finishing 6th, 8th and 9th to help secure the silver medal. Our year 9 girls team also won silver, with Lydia Neill winning an individual bronze and Emilee White finishing 10th and Kacey Dillon finishing 23rd to secure the silver medal. The Year 10 girls finished 4th, with Cadence Hamilton winning the race and a Gold medal. 17 girls qualified for the Ulster Championships. VolleyballVolleyball was offered as an extra-curricular activity and there is a keen interest both in class and after school. The coaching sessions are a huge success with over thirty girls from Years 8, 9 and 10 staying every Wednesday after school. The Club training is taken by Craigavon Aztecs coach, Paul McIIwaine. We enter three Year 8 teams, three Year 9 teams and four year 10 teams in an interschool Volleyball tournament at the South Lakes Leisure centre in April. All girls play lots of matches to help develop their skills and our Year 10 girls won Bronze in the Cup and Silver in the Plate and Trophy. Cadence Hamilton Gold Medalist District Cross Country
24Year 8 Relay Gold Medalists Year 8 Gold and Silver Long Jump Medalists Year 10 Gold and Silver Shot Putt Medalists District Athletics Championship & Ulster Athletic Championships 2024We had 30 medals awarded to the girls’ at the District Athletics Championships. District Athletics Championships YEAR 8- MINI GIRLS 100m Sophie Bushe-Silver and Lucy Wilson-Bronze Relay Lucy Wilson, Maddie Magee, Noura Faila, Sophia Bushe-Gold Long Jump Ruby Addis Gold and Sophia Bushe-SilverShot Putt Lucy Wilson-Gold 800m Maddie Magee-Silver YEAR 9-MINOR GIRLS 100m Kacey Dillon-Silver Long Jump Kacey Dillon-Silver and Emily Silva Shaw-BronzeHigh Jump Kara Houston-Gold Relay Kacey Dillon, Emilee White, Clare Bailey, Lucy Brown-GoldYEAR 10-JUNIOR GIRLS 100m Abi Fitzsimmons-Gold and Camryn Wilson-Bronze 200m Millie Dowds- SilverRelay Daisy Stokes, Camryn Wilson, Millie Dowds and Abi Fitzsimmons GoldHigh Jump Daisy Stokes Gold and Olivia Heasley-Bronze Long Jump Daisy Stokes-BronzeShot Putt Camryn Wilson-Gold and Eve Adair-Silver ULSTER ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Shot Putt Junior Girls Camryn Wilson-Gold Eve Adair-Bronze Shot Putt Lucy Wilson-Mini Girls Year 10 Relay Gold Medalists
A SCHOOL AT THE Heart of the CommunityLurgan JHS is a school which plays a pivotal role in the life of its local community. We enjoy close links with our local churches, the Youth Service, the PSNI, our partner Primary Schools, Harrison Nursery and Glenavon Football Club. The Neighbourhood Police are often visitors to Lurgan JHS and they support us in our Personal Development Programme by providing information to both pupils and parents on the importance of online safety and other key issues. For a number of years, Glenavon Football Club Academy has made use of the school’s pitches in the evening and the Senior Team now has use of our pitches for evening training. We continue to benefit from the wide variety of coaching given to our young people through Lurgan Town Football Club, Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club and Waringstown Cricket Club. We welcome their contribution and participation in developing a community that services and benefits everyone. Under the excellent leadership of the PE Department, we continue to realise our vision for Lurgan JHS as a centre of Sporting Excellence. 25I was so nervous about making friends at LJHS but everyone is so nice and welcoming.Anna Kakuru
My favourite subject is Drama because I get to play fun games. I love afterschool girls football. I enjoy moving to each class and have made new friends.Amelia Little26
27SCHOOLTripsAt Lurgan Junior High School trips are regarded as a powerful and positive teaching tool that helps to enhance the social, personal, cognitive and emotional development of our pupils. School trips provide unique opportunities for learning by seeing and doing. The extra stimulation in a new environment can be beneficial to teaching life skills and improving independence.HistoryIn recent years the History Department has organised trips to the WW1 battlefields such as the Somme, the sites for the D-Day landings and London. Students have visited a range of historical places which include the Ulster Tower, Thiepval Memorial, the Menin Gate, the beaches of Normandy, Pegasus Bridge, the Palace of Westminster and HMS Belfast. A trip to the WW1 battlefields at the Somme is planned for June 2024 with the next school trip scheduled for June 2026. 27
Ski Trip 2025 Currently a ski trip is being planned for Spring 2025. Year 10 Annual Trip - Emerald ParkIn the last week of June our Year 10s enjoyed a day trip to Emerald Park, formerly Tayto Park in County Meath. This was a recognition of their hard work and effort throughout Year 10 and to mark the end of their time at Lurgan Junior High School. The itinerary for the day included an unlimited pass to all rides at the park. 28
2929
30LURGANYo u t h A n n exLurgan Youth Annexe is an Education Authority Youth Service provision situated at Lurgan Junior High School. The Youth Annexe is managed by Andrew Barr (Centre-based Youth worker) who has responsibility for daily operations and management of the Centre. Part-time staff and volunteers assist in the planning and facilitation of programmes for children and young people aged between 8-25 years old. The ‘Annexe’ provides a safe environment for young people to develop positive and meaningful relationships and receive support from a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Recently, the ‘Annexe’ has undergone a major refurbishment. This has created a fantastic environment to support children and young peoples’ personal and social development. Our vision is to “inspire, challenge and support children and young people to be the best that they can be”. The opportunities provided by staff and volunteers aim to increase opportunities which build strong and meaningful relationships promoting respect, responsibility and resilience. Additionally, Lurgan Youth Annexe is fully focused on Community Relations across the town. The participation of young people and staff in various cross-community initiatives has helped to develop shared spaces and peace-building opportunities. We actively promote leadership development and have witnessed the progression of many young people through the volunteering opportunities that have been made available to them. There is a wide variety of training opportunities available through the EA Youth Service which enable young leaders to develop the relevant knowledge and skills which will support them in their roles. Other areas of work facilitated by the EA Youth Service include: the ‘Learning Together Programme’ which is available to pupils’ at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. At Key Stage 4, the ‘Learning Together Programme’ offers an OCN Level 2 Certificate in Personal Success and Well-being. The informal methodologies and focused group work facilitated by youth workers and teachers engage pupils in an innovative way, facilitating the completion of a GCSE equivalent qualification. The annual Summer Scheme, which takes place at the beginning of July, provides young people with a range of fun activities which promote and encourage learning through participation. Some recent summer interventions focused on supporting pupils’ movement from primary to post-primary education. The pupils’ participation in the ‘New Beginnings’ project encouraged them to develop new relationships and explore some of the changes they may face in a new school setting. Additional projects facilitated at the ‘Annexe’ include: Outdoor Pursuits, Community Relations and Cultural Identity, Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Education, Summer Schemes/Summer Intervention, Dance/Drama, Arts and Crafts projects, detached/outreach work and residential experiences. We also engage our children and young people in education projects with the PSNI to promote community safety and to raise awareness of Internet Safety. Youth Annexe programme The Lurgan Youth Annexe confirms times for each club on an Annual basis. Junior Youth Club (Yr4-Yr7) TBC Intermediate/Seniors Youth Club (Yr8+) TBC Intermediate/Senior Project Night (Yr8+)TBCAbove dates and times may change due to staff meetings and training workshops. Dates for the Summer Schemes and Summer Interventions will be published on the Youth Annexe Facebook page at the beginning of the Spring term 2025.
31GIRLS’UniformGirls’ Uniform (compulsory as per list)Blazer Navy with maroon trim and school badgeSkirt Grey with 2 front pleats (maroon, navy and white plaid)Blouse WhiteTie School colours with three ‘R’s badgeSocks Grey with 2 maroon bandsTights Navy (these will be compulsory on return from Halloween break until end of Term 2)Sweater Grey, V-necked (optional)Shoes Black leather, flat heeled, black lacesCoat Navy outdoor coatGirls’ Physical Education UniformPE Top White T-shirt with maroon trim and school crestSkort MaroonSocks MaroonTrainers Laced with non-marking solesLJHS Track Bottoms Navy (optional) LJHS Hoody Navy (optional) MOUTH/SHIN GUARDS (COMPULSORY)Hoodies and tracksuit bottoms are optional (When teams are selected).A DETAILED VERSION OF OUR UNIFORM REGULATIONS is communicated to parents prior to the child’s commencement in September. In addition, uniform guidelines can be viewed in the Year 8 Section of our website www.ljhs.co.uk TEAM PLAYERS can wear school tracksuits (with crest) to matches.Girls’ Uniform SupplierSD Kells, LurganMaxwells of LurganGirls’ PE SupplierThe Gordon Group, LurganOnline Orders: www.thegordongroup.co.uk
32
33BOYS’UniformBoys’ Uniform (compulsory as per list)Blazer Navy with maroon trim and school badgeTrousers Charcoal grey trousersShirt WhiteTie School colours with three ‘R’s badgeSocks Grey or black in colourSweater Grey, V-necked (optional)Shoes Black leatherCoat Navy outdoor coatBoys’ Physical Education UniformINDOOR & OUTDOORShorts Navy Socks White ankle socks (indoor) Trainers Laced with non-marking soles PE T-shirt Navy with school crest Socks Navy Canterbury Socks (Football/Rugby)MOUTH/SHIN GUARDS/FOOTBALL BOOTS/RUGBY BOOTS (COMPULSORY)Hoodies and tracksuit bottoms are optional (When teams are selected).A DETAILED VERSION OF OUR UNIFORM REGULATIONS is communicated to parents prior to the child’s commencement in September. In addition, uniform guidelines can be viewed in the Year 8 Section of our website www.ljhs.co.uk TEAM PLAYERS can wear school tracksuits (with crest) to matches.Boys’ Uniform SupplierSD Kells, LurganBoys’ PE SupplierDonaghy’s of Banbridge
34
35PROSPECTUS2022/23www.ljhs.co.ukLURGANJUNIOR HIGHSCHOOLC O NTACT US7 Toberhewny Lane Lower, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 8SU028 3832 3243info@lurganjuniorhigh.lurgan.ni.sch.ukwww.ljhs.co.uk51579 LJHS Prosp Proof 7