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MERCY COLLEGEPROSPECTUSMOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVING

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 1A WELCOME FROM OUR PRINCIPALOUR VALUES On behalf of our Trustees, Governors, Sta, and Pupils, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all families considering Mercy College for their child’s post-primary education. Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Mercy College prides itself on providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally. We are a welcoming and inclusive Catholic College catering to students aged 11–19 of all abilities. We are non-selective and co-educational. Our school boasts a rich heritage of over 150 years of Mercy education, founded by the Mercy Sisters.In Mercy College, we are dedicated to educating the holistic child to be an eective member of their community. We motivate each student to reach their fullest potential, foster a caring environment that nutures growth and wellbeing, and instils a deep sense of believing in oneself and others. Through our commitment to these values, we empower students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them to contribute positively to their communities. Our ethos is based our mission statement ‘let us fit them for earth without unfitting them for heaven’ Venerable Catherine McAuley Foundress of the Mercy Order. At Mercy College, our vision revolves around Motivating, Caring and Believing. Learning and teaching are at the heart of everything we do, and we pride ourselves on providing an inclusive and tailored curriculum that meets the needs of all learners and enables them to progress to the next stage of their education. We take immense pride in celebrating our learners’ successes and are dedicated to the holistic development of each pupil. We cater to, and support, their individual needs while also ensuring their aspirations are realised, preparing them for the next stage of their lives. At Mercy College, we recognise and value the unique skills, qualities, and talents of each pupil. We celebrate all forms of success, both inside and outside the classroom. I look forward to welcoming you to Mercy College. To the families who have already placed their trust in us, thank you for your continued confidence and support.M . Moreland | PrincipalM Moreland Motivating Believing Caring

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 2LETTERS FROM OUR HEAD BOY AND HEAD GIRL“My name is Caoimhin Tierney, and I am proud to be Head Boy at Mercy College, Belfast.Choosing Mercy College was one of the best decisions I have made. Over the past seven years, I have received unwavering support and care from both sta and fellow students. This nurturing environment has played a vital role in helping me develop lifelong skills that will support my success beyond school.I am currently studying A-levels in Life and Health Sciences, Digital Technology, and Sports Studies. These subjects are shaping my future and opening exciting opportunities, particularly in the field of digital technology.My time at Mercy College has been instrumental in guiding my career aspirations. I am now focused on pursuing a degree in Digital Technology at university. Alongside my academic journey, I have actively participated in a range of extracurricular activities. I founded and currently run the school’s chess club, have represented the school in various sporting teams, and recently initiated a peer mentoring programme with a Year 8 form class.I have made countless cherished memories during my time at Mercy College, memories that will stay with me long after I leave. I am truly honoured to be appointed Head Boy and proud to represent a school that has empowered me to reach my full potential.”Caoimhin Year 14 PareAleigha My name is Aleigha Arnold, and I am honoured to be Head Girl at Mercy College, Belfast.I’ve been part of the Mercy College family for seven years, and looking back, I’m so thankful I chose this school. It’s been more than just a place to learn - it’s been a place where I’ve grown, been supported, and truly felt at home.Right now, I’m studying Life and Health Science, Health and Social Care, and Business Studies at A-level, all helping me work towards my dream of becoming a midwife. What makes Mercy College so special to me is the constant care and encouragement from our teachers and sta. Their kindness inspired me to become Head Girl. I wanted to give back and be someone others could turn to, just like I’ve had throughout my journey.Mercy College is full of opportunities, not just academically but personally too. I’ve taken part in nursing workshops, first aid training, and university-led sessions that have helped me build confidence and prepare for the future I’m working towards.Being Head Girl is a privilege, and I’m proud to represent a school that truly believes in every student. I wish I could stay in Mercy College forever.“I am incredibly proud of my daughter for becoming Deputy Head Girl. Her seven years at Mercy College have helped her build her confidence tremendously, and I am grateful to her friends and teachers for supporting and believing in her throughout her school journey.”

PAGE 3MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGBELONGING TO THE MERCY COMMUNITY MERCY SCHOOL UNIFORM TRANSITIONBlazer Blazer with School Crestwith School CrestNavy V-Neck Jumper Navy V-Neck Jumper with School Crestwith School CrestBlue Open Neck Blue Open Neck BlouseBlouseNavy SkirtNavy SkirtBlack TightsBlack TightsBlack ShoesBlack ShoesBlazer Blazer with School Crestwith School CrestAll Year 8 Pupils All Year 8 Pupils will be given a will be given a School CoatSchool CoatNavy V-Neck Jumper Navy V-Neck Jumper with School Crestwith School CrestBlue Shirt Blue Shirt with School Tiewith School TieBlack TrousersBlack TrousersBlack ShoesBlack ShoesChanging schools is a major step in your child’s educational pathway and we are very mindful of this. Students joining Mercy College in Year 8 are supported throughout this process. A particular strength of the school is the highly eective partnership with the local primary schools which support pupils’ transition, learning and development. A strategic approach to drive forward the eective learning partnership with the Primary Schools has been a factor in improving teaching and learning. The transition programme ensures that every child will experience the highest possible level of support as they make the transition between primary school and Mercy College. Transition Workshops in Primary SchoolsP6 & P7 Taster Days in Mercy CollegeTransition Meetings with Primary SchoolsYear 8 Team building TripYear 8 Induction ProgrammeOpen Night

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 4FAITH AND COMMUNITY Mercy College is a caring, inclusive school serving a number of local parish communities. We are committed to the holistic development of the child and believe that personal relationships and a strong home school partnership help establish a motivated community of learners with confidence which stems from self belief, a catholic conviction and personal success. As a Catholic school, we welcome and celebrate pupils of other faith traditions, in line with our Mercy ethos. Pupils of other faith traditions are made to feel at home in Mercy. “Transitioning from primary to secondary school can be such an anxious time for students and parents or carers. After attending an open evening at Mercy College, we knew instantly that this school was the right place for our daughter. The school has an outstanding nurturing environment, caring teachers, support sta and has a very individualised approach to each child’s learning and development. The pastoral care provided is exceptional, fostering a sense of community spirit and inclusivity. We are very proud that our daughter is part of the Mercy family. Year 10 Pare

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 5MERCY COLLEGE LEARNING PATHWAY KS3KS4KS5JUNIOR SCHOOLYears 8, 9 and 10SENIOR SCHOOLYears 11 and 12POST 16Years 13 and 14GCSE MathsGCSE EnglishGCSE Single Award ScienceGCSE Double Award ScienceOCN L2 Science GCSE HistoryGCSE Art GCSE Drama GCSE IrishGCSE SpanishGCSE English LiteratureMathsEnglishScienceArtDramaGeographyA Level MathsA Level English LiteratureA Level HistoryA Level Government and PoliticsA Level Life and Health ScienceA Level Health and Social CareA Level ReligionA Level SociologyA Level BiologyHistoryIrishITGCSE Learning for Life and Workor L2 equivalentGCSE Child Development or Occupational Studies Child DevelopmentGCSE Hospitality or Occupational StudiesGSCE Government and PoliticsGCSE Music or OCN equivalent GCSE Health and Social Care or OCN equivalentGCSE Business Studies or OCN equivalentGCSE Business and Communication SystemsDigital Technology or OCN equivalent

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 6BTEC L3 ArtBTEC L3 Travel and TourismBTEC L3 ConstructionBTEC L3 HospitalityBTEC L3 Sports StudiesBTEC L3 Extended Diploma Sports Coaching (LLS)CACHE L3 Extended Diploma CTEC L3 BusinessCTEC L3 ICTMusicReligionScienceSpanishPhysical Education Home EconomicsLearning for Life and WorkTechnologyLeisure PEHospitalityBTEC L2 Travel and TourismPrince’s Trust Certificate L2BTEC Sports Studies or Sports Occupational StudiesOccupational Studies TechnologyOccupational Studies EngineeringGCSE Learning for Life and Workor L2 equivalentGCSE Child Development or Occupational Studies Child DevelopmentGCSE Hospitality or Occupational StudiesGSCE Government and PoliticsGCSE Music or OCN equivalent GCSE Health and Social Care or OCN equivalentGCSE Business Studies or OCN equivalentGCSE Business and Communication SystemsDigital Technology or OCN equivalent

“At Mercy College, we motivate, care and believe.”MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 7“At Mercy College, we motivate, care and believe.”“We inspire every child to aim high,support each other with kindness andbelieve in themselves and their future.Together, we create a school wheremotivation drives success, care shapescharacter and belief transforms lives.”

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 8“Mercy College has helped meto believe in myself and I’ve learnt never to give up on myself or my aspirations, because I can achieve anything I put my mind to.”

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 9MOTIVATING CELEBRATING SUCCESS AT MERCY COLLEGESuccess is a term that means dierent things to dierent people. At Mercy College, we recognize and celebrate that our pupils are all dierent and have unique talents and achieve success in a variety of ways. Pupils are at the centre of everything we do in Mercy College and we work hard to provide opportunities for pupils to reach their potential both inside and outside the classroom.

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 10MOTIVATING CELEBRATING SUCCESS AT MERCY COLLEGESuccess is a term that means dierent things to dierent people. At Mercy College, we recognize and celebrate that our pupils are all dierent and have unique talents and achieve success in a variety of ways. Pupils are at the centre of everything we do in Mercy College and we work hard to provide opportunities for pupils to reach their potential both inside and outside the classroom.

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 11In Mercy College, our vision revolves around Motivating, Caring and Believing. In order to support our learners, we have excellent pastoral provision which provides a network of support, enhanced by external agencies to aid our pupils to overcome any barriers they may face. We pride ourselves on the relationships we have with our pupils and their families and recognise that the home school partnership is key to success. Our pastoral team, made up of form teachers and year leaders treat all pupils with care and respect to ensure that they feel safe and happy in school. A Senior Teacher is assigned to each year group and meets regularly with the Year Leader to monitor both academic and pastoral progress. We are an inclusive school that treats each pupil as an individual and caters to their needs and aspirations to enable them to make progress. Numeracy SupportRestorative PracticeNurtureSupportCounsellingYEHALiteracy SupportSensory RoomNewcomerSupportSta WellbeingCARINGMercy College sta are highly skilled and experienced in addressing the needs of all learners and provide dierentiated support at all times. We successfully meet the needs of all learners including those with additional learning needs and the gifted and talented through our personalised learning approach.

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 12LORICAs part of our continued drive to acknowledge and broaden our students’ attributes and skills sets, pupils at all key stages have been working on the PiXL LORIC programme through a series of tasks and activities during form period. PiXL LORIC enables students to systematically enhance their skills.LORIC focuses on 5 key attributes: Leadership, Organisation, Resilience, Initiative and Communication. These attributes have been especially chosen for their formative qualities in character development as well as their desirability by employers.They are also essential life skills which are not necessarily taught as part of the curriculum.SEN ProvisionOutside AgenciesPupil WellbeingWellbeing Ambassadors Positive RelationshipsShared Education Senior Prefect TeamTransition SupportPositive Behaviour PolicyCARINGMercy College sta are highly skilled and experienced in addressing the needs of all learners and provide dierentiated support at all times. We successfully meet the needs of all learners including those with additional learning needs and the gifted and talented through our personalised learning approach.

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 13CEIAGCareer’s Education is an integral part of each pupil’s learning experience in Mercy College. Parent’s and pupils are oered guidance which is bespoke to the pupil’s individual ability, aspirations and interests. Transition stages are very important, and we support pupils to make decisions about their future which are both informed and appropriate. We work closely with the Department for the Economy’s Careers Service. A Career’s Advisor oers personal career planning interviews for Year 12 and F6 pupils. We also provide support and guidance to parents by having dedicated careers support at Annual Reviews, parent’s evening and options events. We want to ensure that all of our pupils have work experience before they make choices for Post 16. We actively promote links with local industry, Further Education and Higher Education establishments. “Success in school begins with showing up.Your attendance shapes your academic journey. Education is the passport to the future, and attendance is the stamp that gets you there.Pg 13• Replace image Pg13 top right with image 34• Include images attached to email in place of fire service image• Bottom image – replace with image 85• Quote to remain the same Pg 13• Replace image Pg13 top right with image 34• Include images attached to email in place of fire service image• Bottom image – replace with image 85• Quote to remain the same BELIEVINGWe believe that attendance to school is imperative to successful outcomes and improved life chances. In Mercy College, we are committed to supporting our pupils to achieve their hopes and dreams and ensuring they reach their potential.

MOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVINGPAGE 14A MESSAGE FROM OUR FORMER STUDENT Daneille McClurkinCompleted her studies at Mercy College in June 2021Degree Course: BEd Post Primary Religious Studies degree (First class Honours) My name is Danielle McClurkin, and I am a proud former pupil and current teacher at Mercy College Belfast. Upon leaving Mercy in June 2021, I went on to enrol in Stranmillis University College, where I undertook a degree in Post-Primary Religious Education studies for four years. It was during those years that I deepened not only my academic knowledge but also my belief in the importance of education to inspire, guide, and shape young people’s lives.This school has always been more than just a place of learning, it’s where my passion for teaching was born. As a student here, I was surrounded by teachers who inspired me, encouraged me, and showed me how powerful education could be. They didn’t just teach lessons; they instilled confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a belief in myself that I’ve carried ever since. Now, walking the same corridors as a teacher, I feel incredibly proud to give back to the community that shaped me. Every day reminds me why I chose this path: to help young people discover their potential, just as my teachers once helped me. In my role here, I have the privilege of teaching Religious Education while also supporting pupils in their personal growth, helping them to build confidence, resilience, and respect for themselves and others. Every lesson is about more than subject knowledge, it’s about sparking curiosity, encouraging open-mindedness, and preparing students for the wider world. Mercy will always hold a special place in my heart, because it is where my journey began and where it continues today.“Even though I wasn’t sure at times; my teachers never gave up on me. They saw something in me I couldn’t see yet.Now, I believe in myself because they believed in me first.Year 12 PupilBELIEVINGWe believe that attendance to school is imperative to successful outcomes and improved life chances. In Mercy College, we are committed to supporting our pupils to achieve their hopes and dreams and ensuring they reach their potential.

Address : Mercy College, Bilston Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT14 7QR Phone : 028 90 391 769Email : info@mercycollege.belfast.ni.sch.uk Web : www.mercycollegebelfast.comtwitter.com/mercycollegeni facebook.com/mercycollegebelfastMOTIVATING • CARING • BELIEVING