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St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n 2020 Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 1

WELCOME TO ST CIARAN S Dear Primary Seven students parents and carers I thank you for taking the time to get to know St Ciaran s a little better I hope that you will find our prospectus informative in offering you an insight into the life of our school It will give you a flavour of the wonderful opportunities St Ciaran s affords each one of its pupils St Ciaran s is an inclusive all ability Catholic maintained school catering for students from 1118 years of age At present we have 774 pupils and this year we accepted 142 new pupils into our Year 8 cohort We provide a broad and balanced curriculum which meets the needs of all learners As well as securing excellent academic results our students also have opportunities to nurture their gifts and talents in a wide range of extracurricular activities academic and sporting with the emphasis on learning and enjoyment St Ciaran s is a school where pupils in partnership with parents and the community fulfil their potential in all areas of school life We continue to be a beacon for Catholic education through our nurturing caring and inclusive ethos Pupils of all abilities benefit from an educational experience which is inspired by the school s motto Fortis in Fide meaning Strong in Faith Relationships are the key to a successful school and St Ciaran s is recognised for its friendly family atmosphere Our Pastoral system aims to ensure that each student is known and supported not only to progress academically but also to immerse themselves into the life of the school 2 St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n We encourage an atmosphere where our students and their parents and carers are aware that they can talk freely to any member of staff and know that they will be dealt with in a sensitive confidential way Our parents and carers are very important partners in the education experience and we encourage communication between school and home for the benefit of our students We appreciate transferring from primary school can be an anxious time so we have an excellent induction programme in place assisted by our partner primary schools to make the process easier and to address any concerns students might have I very much hope that you will choose to become a member of the St Ciaran s family I wish all the young people transferring from Primary School this year every success in their future studies Yours faithfully Principal Reach high for stars lie hidden in your soul Dream deep for every dream precedes the goal Saint Mother Teresa Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 3

OUR MISSION As a Catholic school community St Ciaran s College provides high quality holistic education for all our pupils so that they can develop their full uniqueness and potential in a climate of mutual respect support challenge and celebration St Ciaran s prepares pupils to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives becoming responsible citizens who will contribute positively to society OUR VISION I really enjoyed singing in the choir and playing in the traditional group at the Year 8 Mass 4 St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n Inclusion Aspiration Growth Success I was nervous on my first day but once I met my teachers and classmates I soon started enjoying every minute at St Ciaran s I know I can turn to teachers for help when I need it Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 5

THE CURRICULUM Key Stage 3 The school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all pupils As a Catholic school Religious Education is central to the pupil s education and is a compulsory subject throughout all years The other time tabled subjects comply with the learning areas as laid down by the N I Curriculum Learning Areas Contributory Subjects Key Stage 3 Years 8 10 The Arts Art and Design Drama Music Environment and Society Geography History English English Mathematics Mathematics Modern Languages French Irish Physical Education Physical Education Science and Technology Science Technology and Design ICT Religious Education Religious Education Learning for Life and Work Personal Development Employability Citizenship Home Economics The older students and teachers look out for the Year 8s There s always someone to talk to and ask for help Key Stage 4 AS A2 Courses Art and Design Biology Chemistry English Literature French Geography History Irish Mathematics Moving Image Arts Music Nutrition and Food Science Physics Religious Education Health and Social Care Single Doube Award Software Systems Development GCSE Core compulsory Subjects English Mathematics Religious Education PE non exam BTEC National Awards BTEC in Applied Science Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business Level 3 National Award in Children s Learning and Development Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport Level 3 Diploma in Sport Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT All pupils study Learning for Life and Work and have classes in Careers Education and Physical Education The following are optional GCSE subjects offered GCSE Optional Subjects 6 St Ciaran s College offers a range of courses for Post 16 students with excellent results over many years Students are offered three or four post 16 subjects Subjects offered include GCE APPLIED COURSES GCSE core subjects are compulsory in Years 11 and 12 Agriculture and Landuse Art Design Business Studies Drama Digital Technology Multimedia Programming Engineering Manufacturing French Further Mathematics Geography History Home Economics Child Development Home Economics Food Post 16 Curriculum Irish Learning for Life and Work Media Studies Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies Moving Image Art Music Physical Education Science Single Double Award Technology and Design Occupational Studies OCN Open College Network Qualifcation St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n I have made lots of new friends since joining St Ciaran s in September I really enjoyed going on the Good Relations trip Students can sample many extra curricular activities such as GAA coaching awards in Gaelic Football and Handball Paired Reading and many career oriented activities ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR POST 16 a Six GCSEs Grades A C including English and or Mathematics b Students must have a record of good attendance good conduct and application to study Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 7

THE SCHOOL DAY There are lots of great activities and clubs at St Ciaran s which take place at breaktime and lunchtime I ve joined the netball team and really enjoy it Assembly Registration 9 15am 9 30am Morning Lessons 1 3 9 30am 11 00am Break 11 00am 11 20am Lessons 4 6 10 50am 12 50am Junior Lunch 7 12 50am 1 30pm Senior Lunch 8 1 30pm 2 10pm Afternoon Lessons 9 11 2 10pm 3 40pm UNIFORM GIRLS UNIFORM Compulsory for all years Turquoise Blouse Kingfisher Blue Skirt Silver Grey Fine Knit V neck Trutex Jumper School Tie clip on Black Shoes Black Blazer with School Crest Grey Socks Black Tights in Winter School Scarf optional BOYS UNIFORM Compulsory for all years Grey Shirt Black Trousers Black Fine Knit V neck Trutex Jumper School Tie clip on Black Shoes Black Blazer with School Crest School Scarf optional P E UNIFORM BOYS AND GIRLS St Ciaran s PE Jersey St Ciaran s Navy Shorts Navy Socks Trainers non marking sole All PE Kit is available to purchase from Begley s Dungannon 8 St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n STUDENT COUNCIL St Ciaran s Student Council is the Voice of the student body It is made up of a group of students who meet monthly to discuss issues brought to them by students and also by staff the Senior Leadership Team and by our Principal The overall aim is to make improvements that will impact positively for students in St Ciaran s College The Student Council involves students from all year groups who have been elected by their form class to represent them at meetings The Council is a way of providing our students with a voice and it gives them an opportunity to express their views put forward ideas for potential changes to the school and discuss issues or questions raised by the student community The Student Council helps students develop in many ways such as Gaining confidence to speak out in front of others Gaining friends in different year groups Feeling a part of the school community Learning to be responsible citizens of our school community Feeling that their views are important and appreciated Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 9

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Faith if not accompanied by good works is dead James 2 17 The main focus of the RE department is to bring young people closer to God and each other working in partnership with homes and parishes In St Ciaran s faith is nurtured through a challenging academic curriculum and developed through our involvement in a wide range of outreach programmes Giving young people the confidence and vocabulary to speak openly and publicly about their faith is an important element of the RE programme In recent years St Ciaran s won the Knights of St Columbanus All Ireland Public Speaking competition This year our pupils are preparing for the Knights competition as well as the Concern debate and the Youth Philanthropy Initiative all of which challenges them to speak publicly on issues connected to their faith In 2019 we were privileged to have fifteen pupils travel to Zambia to meet Fr PJ Gormley and experience the culture and lifestyle of the people living in the compound of Mulenga For many pupils this was the highlight of their seven years in St Ciaran s PASTORAL CARE Detailed policy available on request Pastoral Care is concerned with the well being of all students and is the responsibility of all staff within our school Don t be afraid of starting at St Ciaran s time flies when you re having fun I can t believe it s January already St Ciaran s is like a second home 10 St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n Our Pastoral system Actively supports the aims of the school Contributes to the personal social and emotional development of each individual through Personal Development class and throughout the curriculum Delivers the Personal Development Programme in line with our ethos and values Acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of all Each pupil has a Form Teacher who provides guidance and support to their form class monitors progress and encourages success As well as teaching form teachers meet with their form classes on a regular basis and with individuals when the need arises Form Teachers in each year group are led by a Year Head who coordinates the work of the Year Group and becomes involved where particular student issues give cause for concern These areas are regularly monitored by the Pastoral Team in addition to daily monitoring by subject teachers St Ciaran s College stresses the importance of full attendance regular homework and hard work Good links between home and school are vital to ensure that our students achieve their full potential The pastoral team encourages parents carers to contact them with their concerns and to arrange a time to meet that suits everyone We are supported by Family Works Counselling Service provided by the Department of Education who come into the school on a Tuesday from 9 30am to 3 30pm They aim to listen to and support our young people in a caring and confidential way Parents carers should feel secure in the knowledge that we will always consult them and keep them informed when a young person is in need of help Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 11

We ve done so much since September The positive energy in the school is great The school is really welcoming and feels like one big family CODE OF CONDUCT St Ciaran s strives at all times to maintain a harmonious atmosphere and so expects respect for self respect for others courtesy and good manners respect for school property commitment to consistent hard work a high standard of dress punctuality and attendance While recognising the importance of rules and regulations St Ciaran s places great emphasis on rewards and providing opportunities for students to take personal responsibility for their own behaviour and learning HEALTH EDUCATION St Ciaran s College is a Health Promoting School We encourage our students to make healthy food and lifestyle choices which play a crucial role in the development of all pupils We believe that all students should be encouraged to eat a healthy balanced diet and therefore the food we provide is nutritious varied and appealing for pupils All food served complies with current guidelines for healthy eating and our whole school Food Policy complies with current guidelines for healthy eating All staff are aware of pupils with food allergies Nuts or nut products are not used or served anywhere in the school and parents have been asked not to use foods which contain nuts when sending packed lunches Cashless Canteen The canteen operates a cashless system and students can add funds in the morning when they come into school The menu is varied and complies with our healthy eating policy Year 8 students in St Ciaran s have their own dining room DRUGS EDUCATION St Ciaran s College is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of all members of the college The protection of all college members will be achieved through the general ethos of the college through an effective pastoral care programme and a comprehensive Drugs Education Programme By working in partnership with parents and outside agencies we have a vital preventative role to play combatting the misuse of drugs by young people 12 St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n E SAFETY St Ciaran s College is committed to the protection of pupils online Pupils are educated on the safe use of the internet and social media through the Personal Development Programme for each year group We also invite experts in e safety to present guidance and advice to pupils and parents carers in an attempt to promote safe internet use among all pupils We participate in activities for Safer Internet Day each year and have a range of pupils from all year groups fully trained as Be Strong Online Ambasssadors to promote safe use of digital technologies and campaign about online issues that are most relevant to our school population All online information available in St Ciaran s is monitored by the C2k internet filtering system SAFEGUARDING CHILD PROTECTION St Ciaran s College accepts and adheres to the principles of Child Protection as outlined in DENI Safeguarding Child Protection In School Guidance 2019 The school provides a safe and caring environment which allows students to feel safe and secure The school has designated teachers who will deal with all issues raised by individual students parents and outside agencies St Ciaran s is a terrific school with lots of support for Year 8s There are also lots of opportunities to try new and exciting things like experiments in Science Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 13

LEARNING SUPPORT Transition from Primary School to Secondary School can be a worrying time for Primary 7s but there is no need to worry At St Ciaran s College we offer an integrated model of Learning Support so students can experience all aspects of school life Classes are smaller so students will be given all the help they need When Primary 7s come to St Ciaran s College they will be provided with expert support from all staff They will be assisted by an experienced team who will help them settle in and support them throughout the year If they need extra help with reading spelling or maths they can join our daily Spelling Club Reading Partnership ICT Club and Tables Club St Ciaran s is a big school and at first it was easy to get lost There was always some one there to show the way to class Students are encouraged to make enquiries about any other support they need Pupils are also offered the opportunity to join the Learning Support Student Voice committee Classroom Assistants have been trained on how to use assistive technology such as iPads to support pupils with literacy difficulties Pupils can access this support during identified times S L S In September 2017 Mr Lavery and Mrs McMahon along with the help of support staff were delighted to set up and open the S las room which aims to provide nurturing provision for all pupils who experience barriers to learning due to identified social emotional or behavioural difficulties SEBD The name S l s means solace tranquillity comfort and relief THE SIX PRINCIPLES OF NURTURE Children s learning is understood developmentally The Nurture room offers a safe base Nurture is important for the development of self esteem Language is understood as a vital means of communication All behaviour is communication Transitions are significant in the lives of children The S l s room is managed by specifically trained staff with dedicated assistance from support staff S l s is similar to a home environment including a comfortable and relaxing living area a work area kitchen area and recreational area It provides pupils with a safe environment promoting positive behaviour positive thinking relationship building skills social skills self esteem and self confidence It is designed to cater for individuals and small groups Identified pupils engage in individual programmes and group activities depending on their needs Pupils can access support in the S l s room at any time during the school day It reflects our school motto which is Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 14 St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 15

SPORT IN ST CIARAN S Sporting activities are central to life at St Ciaran s All students are expected to take part in Physical Education classes one hour per week and there are many opportunities for our students to take part in our sporting extra curricular activities I m looking forward to the cross country competition soon We ve been training in PE for it There are a wide range of sports on offer and lots of sport activities after school Our students benefit greatly from our excellent sports facilities which include Sports Hall Gymnasium Fitness Suite 3G Pitch Tennis Netball Courts Basketball Court Handball Courts Students have the opportunity to participate in the following sports throughout their years in St Ciaran s Athletics Badminton Basketball Boxercise Cross country Gaelic Football Netball Gymnastics Soccer Minor Games Dance Rounders Table Tennis Tennis Volleyball Rugby Handball Students participate in team games such as Gaelic football netball soccer basketball handball and in individual sports In recent years our school has enjoyed success at local County and All Ireland level INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY St Ciaran s College recognises the importance of developing ICT skills not only through the curriculum on offer but also through extra curricular activities We have state of the art ICT facilities which are constantly being updated and extended Each classroom is equipped with at least two computers and has an interactive whiteboard or data projector We have five large ICT suites in addition to rooms comprising up to date Apple Mac technology iPads are also available in the Learning Support Department Furthermore we have video conferencing equipment and G Suite for Education comprising Google Drive and Google Classroom is used extensively throughout the school MUSIC IN ST CIARAN S St Ciaran s College has a thriving Music Department and students in all years have the opportunity to be involved in music in a variety of ways Opportunities for all students to come together and perform are provided and instrumental tuition is available Lessons in Piano Guitar Drums and Voice are available from private tutors who visit the school and the EA Music Service offers lessons for Brass Woodwind and String instruments In addition to Junior and Senior Choirs and the Traditional Group there are other musical ensembles that perform at a wide range of events both local and beyond In October 2017 the school s senior choir travelled to Rome and performed in the Vatican s St Peter s Basilica The school enjoys an excellent reputation for musical productions Past shows have included Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Blood Brothers Hairspray Made in Dagenham and most recently we presented the West End hit musical Legally Blonde 16 St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 17

CAREERS EDUCATION INFORMATION ADVICE AND GUIDANCE The College CEIAG and employability programmes are an important element in the school s curriculum The careers team provides a high quality programme which is relevant up to date and gives impartial career information to everyone The careers team along with all staff take a great interest in their students to ensure that they develop the personal qualities skills knowledge understanding and attitudes needed to give them a strong foundation for the world of work in a rapidly changing economic environment There is lots of careers information available to all students via computer networks in school specialist software and the internet EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Literacy Club Social Club Coding Club Film Club French Club Sports Training Numeracy Club ICT Access Maths Club Science Club Drama Club Choir The school has strong links with local industry commerce the professions all the Higher and Further Education establishments and the Local Area Learning Community Career Teams Advisers from the Northern Ireland Career Service assist in making appropriate career decision and choices which are informed and considered Each year the Careers Department and subject departments arrange visits to industries universities and colleges and there are lots of visiting speakers from various professions Students get the opportunity to participate in planned and appropriate experiences in the world of work to increase learning motivation and to develop their employability skills and give relevance to the learning programme The highlight so far was watching our school show Legally Blonde in December It was fantastic 18 St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 19

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE Performance in Examinations 2014 2019 2014 15 Achieving 5 GCSEs at Grades A to C or equivalent Achieving 2 A Levels at Grades A to E 2015 16 2016 17 2017 18 2018 19 School N I Average School N I Average School N I Average School N I Average School N I Average 83 72 94 73 87 74 96 80 80 Pending 100 98 1 100 66 99 59 98 98 100 Pending 3G Pitch with Floodlights Tennis Courts Three Court Sports Hall Gymnasium Handball Walls Fitness Suite Changing Rooms Lecture Theatre Activity Rooms For more information or to book visit our website www stciaransballygawley org Telephone 028 8556 8640 Attendance Rate Total attendance rate for school year 2018 2019 was 93 8 Further information on all our policies can be found on our website St Ciaran s College Football is sponsored by Tyrone Fabrication 20 St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 21

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA 2020 The following admission criteria will be applied by the Board of Governors of St Ciaran s College to Primary 7 students applying for admission in September 2020 In the event of over subscription in the case of the first or subsequent criteria the next criteria will be applied in order 1 Resident in the parish of Aghaloo Aughavea Aughentaine Beragh Clogher Errigal Ciaran Eskra Killeeshil PRIMARY SCHOOL LINKS PROGRAMMES DUTY TO VERIFY Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or verify information on any Transfer Form The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines set by the school can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant s Transfer Form 2 Applicants for whom a sibling is currently attending 3 Children who attend St Joseph s Primary School APPLICATIONS ADMISSIONS TO YEAR 8 4 Children who are not a resident of a contributory parish but who attend Blessed Patrick O Loughran Castlecaulfield Derrylatinee P S Drumduff P S Roan P S Roscavey P S St Brigid s P S Altamuskin St Joseph s P S Caledon St Joseph s P S Galbally St Lawrence s P S Fintona St Macartan s P S Clogher St Malachy s P S Glencull St Mary s P S Aughnacloy St Mary s P S Ballygawley St Mary s P S Cabragh St Mary s P S Fivemiletown St Oliver Plunkett P S Beragh St Patrick s P S Aughadarragh St Patrick s P S Donaghmore St Patrick s P S Eskra 5 The eldest of the family 6 Child of a staff member 7 Age The eldest applicants established by date of 2015 16 2016 17 2017 18 2018 19 2019 2020 Admission Number 125 125 125 125 125 Total Applications All Preferances 101 131 130 133 140 Total Admissions 101 131 130 131 134 Galbally birth as entered on a birth certificate When considering which children should be selected for admission the Board of Governors will only take into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer CRITERIA FOR TRANSFER BETWEEN SCHOOLS In the event of St Ciaran s falling below the total enrolment number attributed to it by The Department of Education Northern Ireland i e being undersubscribed transfer of students from another secondary grammar school into St Ciaran s College Ballygawley during Year 8 or into other years i e Years 9 10 11 12 13 14 may be possible In such an event the Board of Governors has determined that the criteria set out below will apply if there are two or more suitable applicants for a place 1 Resident in the parish of Aghaloo Beragh Errigal Ciaran Clogher Eskra Killeeshil Aughavea Aughentaine 2 Applicants for whom a sibling is currently attending 3 Children who attend St Joseph s Primary School Galbally 4 Children who are not a resident of a contributory parish but who attend the Primary Schools listed above 5 The eldest child of the family 6 Child of a staff member 7 Age The eldest applicants established by date of birth as entered on a birth certificate Form Parents should therefore ensure that all information Candidates must provide sufficient information at the time of pertaining to their child and relevant to the school s application to allow the admissions criteria to be fairly applied admissions criteria is stated on the Transfer Form or attached They must also indicate acceptance of all school rules and to it including whether the child attends a contributory regulations Incorrect information may lead to the withdrawal of primary school and which parish they belong to an offer of a place 22 St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n When I went to the taster day and open night I loved St Ciaran s Including Everyone Inspiring All to Succeed 23

St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n Principal Mr Paul Lavery Chairperson Mrs Deirdre McSorley 15 Tullybryan Road Ballygawley County Tyrone BT70 2LY Tel 028 8556 8640 Fax 028 8556 8660 Email info stciarans ballygawley ni sch uk Website www stciaransballygawley org 24 FOLLOW US ON u LIKE US ON f St Ciaran s College Col iste Naomh Ciar n