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1Educating for the Future since 1922St. Joseph’s Grammar School DonaghmoreScoil IósaefSixth Form Prospectus

2Contents526Welcome from the PrincipalBroad and Balanced Curriculum Our HistoryDevelopment at St Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef OutstandingAcademic AchievmentTransferringto St. Joseph’s612Our Mission and Core Values1630Care and WelfareLearning Support201924Meet our Head Pupils32The Cairde Brogán Foundation 34Teaching and Learning 39

340Digital EducationBroad and Balanced Curriculum Links with Industry and Careers EducationArt, Music and Drama Student Voice 465458Sport 64Extra- Curricular Provision UniformPast Pupil Testimonials 665268Volunteering In Cambodia 42International Links44Nueld ResearchProgramme50

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5WelcomeDear Prospective Sixth Form Students and Parents/Carers,I am delighted that you are interested in nding out more about Sixth Form provision at St. Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore and would like to thank you for your interest in our school. St Joseph’s is a Catholic, co-educational, voluntary grammar school founded in 1922 with a proud history of serving many generations of young people from right across Mid-Ulster. Our Catholic ethos is the cornerstone of all that we do and is inclusive of everyone, irrespective of their faith. We are proud of our reputation for providing excellent pastoral support for each child and we take great delight in accompanying our young people as they develop throughout their time with us. We are renowned for the warm and welcoming environment we oer that provides the very best setting for young people to grow and learn together. We believe in working in partnership with parents and carers so that each child fulls their potential and is able to take their place in the world as a condent, well-rounded individual. Our careers service is attuned to the particular ambitions of our young people, and we are always delighted to follow the careers and successes of our past students wherever in the world they choose to study and work. In 2017 we established the Cairde Brogán Foundation in memory of a former member of sta, Sr Mary Brogán, and this gives our students access to an innovative and pioneering model of careers provision with real world exposure to industry. I would encourage you to read more about our Cairde Brogán Foundation and the unique opportunities this can oer your child. We deliver a wide range of courses and qualications to meet the needs and interests of all learners and our public exam results are outstanding. Data evidences that we remain one of the top performing grammar schools in Mid-Ulster. In 2022 94% of our students achieved 3 A*- C grades at A Level. Likewise, our extra-curricular oer is designed to develop the talents and interests of all our students and ensures that they have opportunities to travel and develop new interests and past times.We are looking forward to the next multimillion-pound investment in the school infrastructure which will begin soon and will ensure your child enjoys the best facilities for learning over the course of their time at St. Joseph’s/Scoil Iósaef.Yours sincerelyfrom the PrincipalPRINCIPALGeraldine Donnelly5

6A history spanning over 100 years6

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10Our Distinctive EthosSt. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef is not just a school for Catholics and offers high quality and inclusive education for all. As a Catholic Grammar School St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef is committed to providing an inclusive education which is respectful of and engages with people of all faiths and none. St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef is not just a school for Catholics and oers high quality and inclusive education for all. We are proud of the culture of acceptance that characterises the ethos of St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef and ensures that diverse identities are recognised, welcomed, respected, and cherished. Everyone is welcome in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef without distinction of any kind, including race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status. At the heart of our ethos is Jesus’ command to love God and neighbour. This command inspires a caring ethos which is characterised by positive and uplifting relationships.

11Everyone is welcome in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef without distinction of any kind, including race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status.11While we enjoy a very strong tradition of academic excellence, we know that young people only achieve their full potential when they feel happy, secure and are invigorated by their school environment. It is central to our mission to ensure that all our students experience success which is recognised, celebrated, and in line with their individual ability. All those working in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef, as teachers, leaders, support sta and governors, seek to recognise and treasure the unique gifts of each individual child and to do all they can to allow these to develop and ourish.We are very much aware of, and deeply indebted to, the rich legacy left behind by our founding Order of Sisters, the Daughters of the Cross. The mantra of the Daughters, to “be kind, be kind, be kind”, shapes relationships across the school and guides us to work to ensure that all members of our community are treated with inherent dignity, equality, and respect.

12Guided by faith. Creating leaders. Shaping the future.Our Vision and MissionOUR VISIONMISSION STATEMENTSt. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef is a progressive community inspired and guided by the example of Jesus Christ. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, valued and cherished for who they are. We dedicate ourselves to inculcating a love of lifelong learning which is underpinned by Catholic values, high expectations and aspiration. We are committed to instilling within our students integrity, compassion and social responsibility, empowering them to act in the service of others.12

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14Our Core Values14

15FaithFaith reminds us that each person in our community is on their own faith journey and at their own individual stage. We seek to ensure that everyone is provided with opportunities to explore their faith and the faith of others in a culture of respect and acceptance.listen and a hand to help no matter how difficult a situation may seem.CommunityCommunity reminds us that we are a family of God. Our Catholic school is inclusive and welcoming of everyone without distinction of any kind.AspirationAspiration reminds us that we have high expectations of everyone in our community and encourage our students to aspire to be the best they can be. We nurture the holistic growth of all and celebrate achievement in its many facets.IntegrityIntegrity reminds us that we must always be truthful and take responsibility for our actions and their consequences. We are called to be honest, consistent and uncompromising when it comes to doing the right thing.ServiceService reminds us of the Gospel command to love God and to love one’s neighbour as oneself. We aim to honour Jesus by loving and serving Him, helping the weakest and most vulnerable members of our society.KindnessKindness reminds us that the mantra of the Sisters, “Be kind, be kind, be kind”, should guide all we think, all we say and all we do. We must work together to ensure that all members of our community are treated with dignity, equality, and respect.HopeGod is our constant source of hope. Everyone faces challenging and difficult times but we must remember that there is always an ear to listen and a hand to help no matter how difficult a situation may seem.15The core values of St. Joseph’s Grammar School/Scoil Iósaef are grounded in the mission of our founding order of Sisters, the Daughters of the Cross. These core values are the cornerstone of everything we do and they should be reected in all aspects of daily life. We believe that, being shaped by these core values, our students leave school ready to live out the mission of the Sisters, to be a light of faith to others and to witness the truth of Christ through service and practical outreach.

16Although the foundation of the school dates back to 1922, there has been much work undertaken in recent years to update and modernise the facilities. In 2017, a new £4 million block, housing our sport and drama facilities, was opened towards the back of the school site as part of the Schools Enhancement Programme, known in short as SEP 1. This programme provided for new state of the art facilities which have since been adopted by the Department as the prototype for several other builds of a similar nature in the region.Since 2017, the school has been granted a further £4 million investment under SEP 2 which will provide the following new facilities in another new block:- Ten additional general classrooms- New canteen facilities- New library facilities- Additional resource roomsThe Department of Education has already commissioned the design and the architectural teams for the SEP 2 Project, and we anticipate that work will begin on site, and at a remove from the main school building, in the latter part of 2023.Alongside the SEP 2 build, the Department has committed to the provision of two additional Irish Medium Classrooms, additional Technology and Manufacturing facilities along with additional car-parking and outdoor recreational spaces for our pupils. All of these will be incorporated into the main works programme along with SEP 2.This is an exciting time for the school as we embark upon a signicant schedule of work which will have an enormous impact on the built and recreational environment for our pupils and sta. Notwithstanding all the new development on site, we are mindful that we also have an iconic heritage building, the Convent as it is fondly known, which stands proud over our Donaghmore village as part of our school estate. Currently, there is a £1 million refurbishment project under way which will restore the beautiful external stonework of this historic building back to its former glory.It is timely that all the planning work for these multi-million pounds investments has been undertaken over the last calendar year, 2022, as this year was the centenary of the foundation of St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef. What better armation of the work and success enjoyed by all at St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef than this substantial investment and enlargement of the school which will be enjoyed by your children and generations more to come in the future. Development at St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef

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19Outstanding Academic Achievment1994% 3 A*- Cat A Level

20We want all our students to grow into happy, condent, and aspirational young people who feel empowered to take up their place in the modern world. Daily life in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef is rmly focussed on the care and welfare of our students. We aim to create a safe and secure learning environment and work hard to ensure that relationships for learning are characterised by mutual respect, openness, and trust. Our pastoral care structures aim to support students to eectively overcome barriers to learning and realise their potential. The eectiveness of the personal development and preventative education curriculums is regularly reviewed to ensure it is exible and responsive to the needs of all students. The pastoral team works collaboratively with outside agencies to support the care and welfare of all students.The pastoral care aims in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef are:- To create and maintain a school culture where students feel safe, valued, known and respected;- To inculcate within students a strong sense of their own dignity, identity and self-esteem, combined with a mutual respect for others;- To proactively support students to develop strategies and change behaviours to maximise mental and physical healthy;- To prepare students to become eective citizens in the local and global community.20Care and Welfare

21Students study a range of topics, including:- Health and the whole person;- Self-concept;- Feelings and emotions;- Morals, values and beliefs;- Managing inuences and making decisions;- Managing change;- Learning about learning;- Relationships and Sex Education (RSE);- Safety and managing risk;- Drug awareness.The personal development and preventative education provision cuts across the curriculum but is also delivered through discrete weekly timetabled lessons which have been planned to ensure progression. 21

22SafeguardingWe work hard to make sure that all our students understand that their concerns will be listened to, and appropriate action taken. St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef has a robust child protection and safeguarding policy which is in line with guidance issued by the Department of Education. The school engages in a regular process of self-evaluation to ensure that policy and procedure relating to child protection and safeguarding is working to protect students.22

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25We have a dedicated Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo), Dr Michelle McCoy, who leads strategically to ensure that any child with an additional need, whether it be educational or medical, is supported and enabled to reach their full potential, academically and holistically.As SENCo, Dr McCoy’s role is: - To actively lead and coordinate our Learning Support provision;- To act as a valuable point of contact for students, parents, teaching sta, non-teaching sta and outside support services in relation to Learning Support for students of our school; - To enable our students to meet their full potential by removing any barriers, or potential barriers, on their learning journey; - To continually monitor and evaluate SEN provision; identifying and promoting best practice. In terms of meeting all needs and more specically, additional needs, here at St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef, we are proud of our dedicated teaching sta. In addition, we have an excellent team of Learning Support Assistants who go above and beyond to support and help nurture the children in their care. Dr McCoy explains that,“It is an honour, not only to have been entrusted with this vital role in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef, but also to work with such a dedicated and progressive staff who never give up and are fully committed to meeting the needs of the students in our school”.You can be assured that the sta in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef will leave no stone unturned to support your child to achieve their full potential. Learning Support25

26Broad and balanced curriculumAs a high performing grammar school we believe in a culture of high aspiration. The curriculum in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef reects the statutory curricular requirements. It provides students with access to a broad, balanced and exible range of options which are matched well to their needs and interests and provides relevant pathways to appropriate destinations. Our curriculum oers the full range of traditional A Level subjects along with a variety of vocational qualications. Our students continue to enjoy outstanding academic success in all subject areas including English, Science, Mathematics, Languages and the Humanities. Results in external examinations consistently show that our students out-perform the Northern Ireland Grammar Average in many subject areas. Data evidences that we remain one of the top performing grammar schools in Mid-Ulster. The Curriculum Vice Principal has overall leadership responsibility for the curriculum. There is regular review of the curriculum, at all levels, to meet the needs and interests of the current cohort of students and enable them to realise their potential. We work collaboratively with other schools in the Dungannon Area Learning Community (ALC) and the programmes available through the ALC are of high quality and demonstrate commitment to meeting the needs, abilities and aspirations of all students.

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Applied Health and Social CareArt and Design BiologyCambridge Technical BusinessBusiness Studies ChemistryDigital Technology Employability and Professional Development Skills (Level 3 Enrichment qualication studied in addition to A Level subjects) Engineering (BTEC)English LiteratureFrenchGeographyHistoryIrishMathematicsMusicMusic Performance (BTEC)Nutrition and Food SciencePerforming Arts*PhysicsReligious StudiesSociologySports Science and the Active Leisure IndustrySystems Software Development*Technology and DesignTravel and Tourism (BTEC)Post-16 We oer a large range of subjects at Post-16 level. To further enhance our provision, we are part of the Dungannon Area Learning Community.The following subjects are on oer:*Subjects oered as part of the Dungannon Area Learning Community29

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31My name is Thea Lennon and I am a Year 13 student at St. Joseph’s Grammer School Donaghmore. I went to St. Mary’s Primary school Dunnamore before transferring to Dean Maguirc College in Carrickmore for Year 8-12. I absolutely loved my time at Dean Maguirc and did very well in my GCSEs achieving A*-C grades in all of my subjects. I have an ambition to read Law at university in Aberdeen and knew I wanted to continue my studies to A Level. I was unable to study my desired subjected at the Dean and therefore decided to transfer to St. Joseph’s Grammar School where I am currently studying English Literature, Religious Studies and Business Studies. Having visited the Sixth Form Information Afternoon at St. Jospeh’s I knew it oered a wide range of subjects and that it was the right place for me. My favourite subject is Religious Studies because we study Ethics and Philosophy and I nd the modules interesting and enjoyable.St. Joseph’s is genuinely a very welcoming school. There is fantastic support and sta have been there to support me every step of the way. The pupils have a welcoming persona and always make sure there is a friendly face to talk to if needed. The move was easier than I ever could have imagined. Since coming to St. Jospeh’s I have been amazed at the wide range of extra curricular programmes I have been oered to develop my skills and build my condence. I gained a placed on the community link programme which has allowed me to go to Sperrin View Special School in Dungannon one morning a week to work with students with special needs. Next October I will travel to Lake Garda with my new friends on a school trip- something I cannot wait for. I never imagined sailing on Lake Garda, visiting Garda Land or Venice would be part of my school career! The careers support at St. Joseph’s is rst class. There is a wide range of careers workshops and programmes to really open your eyes to the opportunities available. The school has really good links with business and industry and this opens so many doors for us. Recently, we took part in Catalyst’s Generation Innovation programme, where we took part in a design thinking experience solving a real world problem for a real business. This helped me to understand that I am creative and work well collaborating with others. Overall, St Joseph’s Grammer school has been the right choice for me and I am very happy. I am condent that with the help of sta in St. Jospeh’s, I will achieve my ambition of becoming a solicitor. I would absolutely recommend St. Josephs for anyone who is considering moving schools for A levels based on the friendly and warm-hearted people in Donaghmore alone!Good luck is your decision making.Transferring to St. Joseph’s Grammar School for Sixth FormTHEA LENNON 31

3232Meet our Head BoyLIAM CARBERRYMy name is Liam Carberry and Ihave the privilege of being Head Boyof St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef Donaghmore. I look back withfondness and gratitude for my sevenyears spent here. This school hasshaped me into the person I am today.Coming to St. Joseph’s is a familytradition; I am the last of six siblingsto attend the school! All of my siblingshad an outstanding experience at StJoseph’s and that made this schoolthe only choice for me. St Joseph’s is arelatively small school and the closeknit community makes the transition from primary school seamless.The opportunities aorded to meat St. Joseph’s have been endless. Ihave had the chance to sample thesights and sounds of Rome, navigatedicult terrain as part of my Duke ofEdinburgh Award and lm a live Massin RTÉ studios Dublin. Each day at St.Joseph’s brings something new andexciting; from explosive experimentsin Chemistry to perceptive paintingsin Art. The teachers here encouragedme to value all subjects and gave methe opportunity to develop into awell-rounded and grounded individual.My time at St. Joseph’s has been lledwith variety, choice and challenge.I have always been encouraged toaspire to achieve my very best and Ihave been pushed to seek academicexcellence. I have been fully supportedto achieve my dreams and I hope tostudy Medicine next year and pursue acareer as a doctor. I feel very fortunateto have had such dedicated andcompassionate teachers who havenurtured and guided me from themoment I walked through the door.I have been fully supported to achieve my dreams and I hope to study Medicine next year and pursue a career as a doctor.

3333Meet our Head GirlROCHELLA MCCALLANMy name is Rochella McCallan and I am the current Head Girl in St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef, Donaghmore. I rmly believe that I would not be the person I am today if I had not come to St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef. Not only have I had the encouragement and support to thrive academically but also extra curricularly. There is an extra curricular activity to suit everyone in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef. I have been an active member of the Ladies’ GAA teams and had the opportunity to travel and experience other cultures with my classmates. In Year 10 I travelled to Rome and had the most amazing experience- we even enjoyed an audience with the Pope! One of the main reasons I choose St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef was because when I attended the open night in 2016 I could feel something unique about the school. St. Joseph’s has a nurturing and caring atmosph / Scoil Iósaef ere that I just didn’t sense anywhere else. The sta care about the students in our school and the relationships between the students and sta are friendly and supportive. During the pandemic it was very clear that the teachers cared; the constant contact between school and home is something that I know friends in other schools didn’t experience! I have achieved outstanding results in my GCSE and AS Levels and the constant support and encouragement of teachers has allowed me to have the condence to apply for Medical School. I have been supported every step of the way and will always be grateful to St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef. As you decide on the next chapter of your life, I can assure you that if you choose St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef, you will love your secondary school experience and be given the condence and skills to reach for your dreams.Good luck!

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35The Cairde Brogán Foundation was established in November 2017 in memory of a former member of sta, Sr Mary Brogán. By promoting high level collaboration with employers, innovation hubs, and other education providers, The Foundation creates tangible, career related opportunities to empower our students to be ready to take up their place in a rapidly changing world. “The Cairde Brogán Foundation gives our students the opportunities, experiences, and skills for the world of work that will set them apart from others.” The Cairde Brogán Foundation seeks to harness the skills and experience of our patrons to oer pioneering careers support to our students, including: - Career mentoring;- Work placement opportunities;- Job coaching;- Interview skills training;- Internships;- Higher apprenticeship opportunities;- Professional referrals and endorsements;- Scholarships for further study;- Scholarships for sport and the arts;- Entrepreneurial guidance and training;- Fundraising to support the work of the Foundation;- Opportunities to work shadow leaders in their eld.Cairde Brogán FoundationPRINCIPALGeraldine Donnelly35

36The Sr Mary Brogán Academic ScholarshipIn October 2021, The Cairde Brogán Foundation launched ‘The Sr Mary Brogán Academic Scholarships’. Principal, Mrs G. Donnelly, explained that the scholarships are a “practical expression of the legacy of Sr Mary Brogán who revelled in the successes of our students long after they left St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef”. The Sr Mary Brogán Academic Scholarship provides nancial support to high achieving past students of St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef. In the 2022-2023 academic year, scholarships were oered to four past students to support the payment of undergraduate or postgraduate degree tuition fees. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the scholarships oered one past pupil nancial assistance to the value of £4,350 and three past students nancial assistance to the value of £500 towards their tuition fees. As part of the scholarship programme these past students return to St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef to deliver a range of programmes related to the personal and professional development of the current student body.

37The 2021-2022 Sr Mary Brogán scholars are: NICOLE KEENANPADRAIG QUINNCATHY HARTEKATIE HUGHES37

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39As part of our partnership with the University of Oxford, our teachers have presented their research at conferences to educationalists from across the UK and Ireland.At St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef we are committed to being fully involved with educational research and evidence-based practice to ensure that we remain at the forefront of global developments in teaching and learning. We are passionate about teaching and learning and want our students to have the very best school experience possible. St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef proactively builds links with universities and other external stakeholders to engage our students and sta in research and dialogue around pedagogy and other education initiatives.Since 2017, St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef has secured four funded research scholarships from the University of Oxford to allow our sta to carry out pioneering educational research to improve the learning experiences of students within St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef and further aeld. As part of our partnership with the University of Oxford, our teachers have presented their home grown educational research in Donaghmore at conferences to educationalists from across the UK and Ireland. As a result of the pioneering educational research developed here at St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef schools from across the UK and Ireland have invited our teachers to deliver professional development sessions to their sta, showcasing that the teaching, learning and educational provision here at St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef truly is world class. Innovation in Teaching and Learning

4040“Our status as an Apple Regional Training Centre is another important development in our commitment to deliver high quality staff training that makes a real difference to the children in the classroom. I am delighted too that we will be able to facilitate educators from both within our own school and from within the wider local area.” Digital EducationMR D TENNYSONIt is our vision to be a sector-leading provider of innovative digital education. As part of our approach to education, our aim is to equip students with the skills and abilities to achieve their full potential in a digital 21st century environment. St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef is one of a small number of post-primary schools in Ireland to be designated as an Apple Regional Training Centre (RTC).Being selected as an Apple RTC highlights our commitment to facilitating training for teachers to develop skills and build condence to use Apple technology in the classroom. Domhnach Mór Apple RTC is a bilingual training centre and will deliver a range of courses in both Irish and English. 40

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42International LinksWe are committed to offering our students the very best global opportunities and are constantly seeking to develop new global partnerships to enhance the overall educational experience offered in St. Joseph’s/ Scoil Iósaef.We have a range of well-established and embedded links to encourage our students to have an international outlook. In recent years our students have had the opportunity to travel to a wide range of places around the world: Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, England, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Poland, South Africa, Switzerland. 42

43Global Build CambodiaSince 2016, St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef has partnered with Habitat for Humanity in Cambodia. Our students have the opportunity to travel to Cambodia to help support some of the 2.5 million people who live below the poverty line as Cambodia emerges from decades of conict and inequality. Change Makers Programme As part of our partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Ireland we run the Change Makers Programme. Change Makers is a shared education and citizenship programme that oers our students the opportunity to explore social justice and active citizenship. Supporting the Daughters of the Cross missionary work in South America and AsiaIn 2019, we established a new charitable foundation to support the Daughters of the Cross Missions in Asia and South America. It is our aim that in the coming years students and sta will travel to a school founded by the Daughters of the Cross far up in the Himalayas, facing Kanchenjunga, to carry out missionary work.French Language Exchange ProgrammeWe have an established link with our sister school in Liège, Belgium where our students have the opportunity to take part in a French exchange programme. 43

44Volunteering in CambodiaBeing a student in St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef, Donaghmore literally opened up a world of opportunity for me. I know that I was oered opportunities that simply aren’t available in most other schools, and for that I am eternally grateful. At the end of Year 13 I travelled to Cambodia to volunteer as part of the Habitat for Humanity Global Village programme. How many people can say they went to Cambodia on a school trip?! St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef taught us to think big and aspire to achieve great things and this is another example of that! I can still remember the feeling when we nally arrived in Siem Reap. None of us had ever been in Asia before and we were lled with nervous excitement. Our eyes were immediately opened and our horizons broadened.The work was tough and the temperatures were high. Most of us had never worked on a building site before and it truly was a baptism of re. Despite the tough conditions we had a clear goal in mind- we wanted to complete two houses before we left Cambodia- and we succeeded. Working with the locals was a life lesson in itself and oered us an opportunity to reect on how fortunate we are but also how little we value what we have. In addition to working hard, we spent a few days as tourists. We visited the Killing Fields and learned about the years of brutality many Cambodians faced by the Khmer Rouge under the leadership of Pol Pot. We travelled to Pnomh Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and visited Angkor Wat where we witnessed the most spectacular sunrise and had our packed lunches stolen by monkeys!I arrived home from Cambodia with a newfound condence, an understanding of the importance of working together, and an appreciation for all we have. I will be forever grateful to St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef for such an amazing experience. PAST PUPILBeth Murray

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46Careers Education Information and Guidance (CEIAG)St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef, Donaghmore is committed to being at the forefront of innovation and we work hard to foster high quality and meaningful links with industry to ensure that our students achieve the very best opportunities on offer.Careers Education Information and Guidance (CEIAG)Careers education is an integral part of the curriculum at St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef and has a vital role in guiding our young people towards a place of employment in the future. In the rst three years, careers education is delivered through Education for Employability lessons and in Year 10 this assists the students with making informed subject choices for Key Stage 4 study. Our Year 10 students also receive detailed careers information from their subject teachers and Head of Departments as well as attending a Year 10 options evening where parents and students receive detailed presentations from the Head of Careers, Mr P Corrigan, and Head of Curriculum, Mrs O McCourt. Our school curriculum team liaise closely with the careers department and are determined to ensure a learning pathway which maximises both the learner’s potential and their career options. In Year 12 all students 46

47have careers lessons which seeks to inform them of the various training, work and study options available to them at 16 years of age. Year 12 students also undertake valuable work experience which helps to increase their knowledge of specic jobs and work places. Year 12 students also take part in an A-level subject choice afternoon and mini careers fayre where they are able to engage with subject teachers, A-level students and businesses to help inform their choice for progression at Post-16. Each year group avails of a dedicated careers workshop delivered by Young Enterprise N.I. where they engage in a range of interactive activities to explore a theme relating to the world of work. Our careers ocer, Nuala Madden, has a very important role in school delivering individual tailored advice to our students at important transition points like Year 10, Year 12 and Year 14. The school is a member of the Dungannon Area Learning Community where careers sta meet regularly to develop resources and skills to enhance the teaching of careers in their schools.Generation Innovation Work Experience ProgrammeAs part of our partnership with Catalyst NI and other leading industry gures all of our Year 13 students complete the Generation Innovation work experience programme. Generation Innovation is an innovative approach that reimagines traditional work experience and energises the imaginations and aspirations of our students by increasing their knowledge of 21st-century skills and awareness of future careers in innovation. Students receive Design Thinking training and learn how to work as part of a team. 47

48My name is Patrick O’Donnell and I am currently studying Maths, Physics Digital Technology and Business Studies for A Level. At St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef I have been supported to be creative and empowered to be an entrepreneur. I have had the opportunity to work with Catalyst NI to gain an insight into the world of work and gain a range of softer skills demanded by employers. I took part in Catalyst’s Generation Innovation programme where I worked collaboratively for a full week to develop a proof-of-concept idea about how we could “inspire people to become prosumers of renewable energy”. My team had the opportunity to present a best t solution to the entire board of Power NI. Presenting to the board of such a big company, while daunting, was really rewarding and vastly improved my self-condence. I know that this experience has given me a real insight into the world of work and equipped me with key transferrable skills moving forward. Being given the opportunity to take part in Generation Innovation was only the start of my journey with Catalyst. Next, I secured a place on the Student Invent Programme where I worked with the team at Catalyst to develop a proof- of-concept idea on how a video/live-streaming platform could be developed to give insight to those interested in various professions. I pitched my proof of concept idea to a panel of ve judges and have never been more nervous in my life! Despite the nerves my presentation was well received and I was successful in gaining a place in the nal ve contestants. While I didn’t secure the top place I was the only school aged Student Invent: Catalyst NI48

49PUPILPatrick O’Donnell pupil who made it to the nal and I am so proud that I competed competitively with undergraduate and post graduate students! Working with Catalyst has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I know that the opportunities oered to me at St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef made this possible. Our school has developed strong links with Catalyst and I am really excited for the Year 13 students who will begin their journey with Catalyst in March. I wish I could do it all again and I know the links I have made will support me as I move forward in my career. 49

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51In addition to providing high quality teaching and learning and ensuring that I can achieve my very best in examinations, St. Joseph’s has supported me to develop a wide range of employability related skills. At St. Joseph’s there is a real focus on the softer skills needed for success in life after school and we are encouraged to exploit all opportunities to network and gain hands on real world experience in industry. One such example is being given the opportunity to complete a Nueld Research Programme placement at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in astrophysics in July 2022. My project title was “Mapping the Densest Carbon Monoxide Clouds in the Southern Galactic Plane”. To complete this, I spent two weeks on site, in the new QUB Bell Building along with another student comparing four datasets and creating catalogues of our ndings, under the supervision of a nal year QUB PhD student. At the end of the placement, I created a nal report and poster which I presented at the Long Gallery in Stormont.I applied to NRP to gain experience and be able to boost my UCAS personal statement. I found my placement to be a major factor in my statement as experience within physics can be hard to gain. It is also benecial for knowing more about a possible career in each STEM area.From taking part in the placement, I was aorded the opportunity to meet real Physicists, PhD students and other people my own age. In the coming months I may even be credited for my work in a scientic paper published by my project supervisor. I’m glad I applied as it helped me understand what a job as a physicist would entail, (which was my main goal) and has helped me to decide that while I aim for a career involving physics and maths, this is not a career that I personally wish to pursue.Nufeld Research Programme 51EIMEAR SCULLION

52Uniform52All students must have:School BlazerSchool PulloverWhite shirt/blouseSchool clip-on tie (Senior Boys Striped Tie)Checked skirt - worn below the kneeBottle green tightsBlack trousers – the hem of the trousers should sit neatly on the top of the shoes, not skinny trousersBlack socksAll pupils must wear black leather shoes; canvas type shoes are not permittedPE UniformAvailable from Begley’s Sports School JerseySchool ShortsSchool SocksOptional for both Boys’ and Girls’St. Joseph’s Grammar eece lined jacket is not compulsory but recommended if your child walks to school or has to wait at a bus stop. No other eece/jacket is permitted. School scarf onlyAll hairstyles must conform to the school rules ie: no excessive styles or unnatural hair colouringsA single piercing may be in the lobe of the ear onlySt Joseph’s Grammar School/Scoil Iósaef pupils are ambassadors for the school and are therefore required to observe strictly the school regulations with regard to school uniform and to take pride in their uniform. Please see below details for Sixth Form school uniform requirements for September 2023. If skirts or trousers are purchased and are shorter than the regulation length the pupil will be asked to change it. Uniform once purchased should not be adjusted. Uniform items can be obtained from Kelly’s Drapery, Dungannon and Mc Girr’s, and No.5, Coalisland. The stockists have been informed of the school’s uniform requirements.

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55In St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef, we understand the value of participating in the creative arts. With global employers crying out for graduates with skills that meet the needs of the 21st-century economy – from innovation to critical thinking and adaptability – we consciously place a high value on creativity and are constantly looking for exciting and engaging ways to nurture these skills in our students. In St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef we believe that the arts can act as a key, unlocking many of the skills that inspire children to engage with their studies and love learning. Skills, which can, therefore, support academic success.Art, music and drama are a vital and enriching part of education at St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef. They allow the students to develop alternative approaches and strategies for problem-solving and thinking. Even if students do not follow on to a creative career, they take with them the ability and skills to think dierently and numerous studies have shown that employers value individuals with fresh viewpoints who can nd alternative means to solutionsDramaIn 2016 our state of the art drama suite was opened as part of a £4 million capital investment project meaning that our students learn in a rst class facility with the most up to date technology. Students at Key Stage 3 have Drama once per week. The focus of Key Stage 3 Drama is William Shakespeare’s quote “All the World’s a Stage”. Our Drama Department believe that all students should have the opportunity to express themselves. In Year 8, we focus on basic dramatic skills such as facial expression and body language. The Year 9 curriculum focusses on William Shakespeare, as well as analysing and creating short movies with our Green Screen. We also look at analysing script and building character proles in Year 10. Our after school drama club is very popular. In October 2022 we held a sell-out performance of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.Art, Music and Drama

56Art and DesignThe quality of our students’ artwork is outstanding, so much so that our students’ GCSE and A Level portfolios are regularly showcased at the annual Northern Ireland ‘True Colours’ exhibition. Individual students have been placed 1st overall in NI at both GCSE and A Level in recent years. Our students enjoy workshops provided by visiting artists and craftspeople who provide insights into their speciality and show our students how to perfect their skills. The study of Art takes our students beyond the classroom. There are annual visits to local art galleries and a trip is currently being planned to Barcelona to view the artworks and architecture on display.MusicThe Music Department plays an active role in the life of St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef, not only providing an excellent base knowledge of Music to all students but giving the opportunity to excel in musical development and performance outside the classroom. Along with providing music for all school events our choir and instrumental groups have performed with Peter Corry, Liam Lawton, Malachi Cush and for the Lady Mary Peter’s Foundation. The rich history of music in our school has developed into a vibrant and dynamic expression of talent and ability recognised far beyond the connes of St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef.56

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59“As a parent and a former governor I have watched sport go from strength to strength in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef. The school is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. I have seen rst-hand that St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef now produces some of the best and up-coming talent in Tyrone GAA. You just had to look at the make-up of the Tyrone Minor nalist panel in the summer to see the calibre of sport in the school”. Sport is an integral part of life in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef and it is constantly evolving. We are justiably proud of the progress our many teams have made working their way up through the various grades, for example in Ulster Colleges football. We have a rich tradition of sporting success in St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef and in recent years this has gone from strength to strength. Over the last years the school has seen some signicant achievements on the sporting front. Principal, Mrs Geraldine Donnelly, speaking alongside Feargal Logan, joint-manager of the Tyrone Senior team, referred to St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef as a “incubator for Tyrone GAA talent”. Our new state of the art sports building is augmented by access to the local GFC pitches and our students are able to benet from specialist GAA coaching in their after school training sessions. We understand that sport is to be enjoyed by all, not just in the competitive sense, but also because of the health and well-being benets it brings. We encourage our students to nd the sport they love, be that swimming, cross country, netball, handball, basketball or gymnastics. Ultimately we aim to ensure our students enjoy a healthy mind in a healthy body.Sport59FEARGAL LOGAN

60MacLarnon Cup Champions 202360

61MacLarnon Cup Champions 202361

62Sports Competitions Sports competitions that are our students are entered for include:BOYS’ GAELIC FOOTBALL Senior Maclarnon Cup Years 11 / 12 Raerty Cup Years 10 / 11 Treanor CupYears 9 / 10 Loch an Nuir cupYears 8 / 9 Corn Colmcille Year 8 Oisin McGrath ShieldHURLING Year 10 Tyrone Schools Development League Rell cup years 9 / 10Years 8 / 9 Mallon cupCAMOGIE Ulster Schools Post Primary Senior League Ulster Schools Post Primary Under 14 League LADIES’ GAELIC FOOTBALL Senior Ladies’ Ulster Schools Under 19 LeagueUlster Schools Under 16 Schools League Ulster Schools Under 14 Schools LeagueYear 8 Ulster Schools Development BlitzATHLETICS District Schools Athletics ChampionshipsUlster School MS Athletics ChampionshipsCROSS COUNTRY District Schools ChampionshipsUlster Schools Cross Country ChampionshipsNETBALL Year 8 Area Netball BlitzYear 9 Area Netball Blitz BASKETBALL Year 8 Ulster Schools BlitzSWIMMINGUlster Grammar Schools Championships

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6565Student VoiceThe aim of the School Council in St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef is to encourage all students to play an active, conscious, democratic role to improve their school community. St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef School Council is a forum for enabling students to oer opinions and advice on a broad range of subjects. Students are elected to represent their year group and attend meetings with other year group representatives at various times through the school year. OUR SCHOOL…OUR VOICEThe Student Council acts as the voice of the students, helping to put forward ideas, raise issues of concern and bring about change. Council members are regularly consulted on relevant school policies and have their opportunity to have a say in the matters that ultimately impact them. Recent initiatives that students on our council have been the driving force behind include updating our uniform at Sixth Form and the introduction of a wider range of healthy food alternatives in our canteen.There is no doubt that being a School Council member has a lasting impact on the lives of our students, equipping them with a skillset to help them navigate through life. It helps develop their leadership qualities, communication and listening skills and working as part of a team to drive positive change. 65

66Extra-Curricular ProvisionWe believe students learn as much, if not more, outside the classroom as they do inside it. Our extra-curricular provision is designed to build resilience, improve self-discipline, and develop the skills required to work as part of a team.MUSICChoir Orchestra Traditional Group String GroupCLUBSDrama Club Maths Puzzle ClubChess Club Debating ClubPublic Speaking Club Arts and Craft ClubFilm Club Cookery Club Eco-Committee Table Tennis Club Coding Club ICT Club Cumann Gaelach Liturgy Sacred Space Science ClubHorticulture Club Engineering ClubWater SportsLINK-UP GROUPS Sperrinview Special School DungannonSt Patrick’s P.S. Donaghmore St. Joseph’s P.S. GalballyDonaghmore County P.SEdendork P.S., St Mary’s LisbouyGaelscoil/Naíscoil Aodha RuaCOMPETITIONSIrish Language CompetitionsAshbourne Shield Rotary Club Competition Quizzes Environmental Youth Speak

67Irish Drama Competitions Mathematiques Sans Frontieres University of Leeds Maths ChallengeGeo ChallengeOTHER Charity Fundraising Literacy Mentoring Numeracy Mentoring Credit Union Daughters of the Cross AwardMuiredach Cross AwardJohn Paul II Award Habitat for Humanity International Build, CambodiaHabitat for Humanity Change makers ProgrammeDaughters of the Cross Public Speaking Competition Knights of Columbanus Public Speaking CompetitionGuitar for beginners Minecraft ClubTae agus PléGeography Clinic Mock Magistrates Mindfulness/mediation Pioneer groupGardening ClubMarvel ClubGael ZoneYogaDaily MileRunning/Cross Country 67

6868My advice to primary seven pupils…St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef is a school that genuinely cares about you, make every effort to feel part of the school community, seize every opportunity your teachers give you and most importantly… enjoy it - there are many good laughs to be had!I started St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore in September 2014, after having attended my local primary school in Edendork. I remember on my rst day, not knowing too many people but that feeling didn’t last too long; friends I made on the rst day are still among my best friends. Past Pupil TestimonialThe opportunities available to me were countless. Studying languages was encouraged at St Joseph’s and in year 9 I had the opportunity to travel to France which was an amazing experience. We had many laughs and enjoyed a taste of French culture and language and this trip prepared me for studying French at GCSE. My love of Irish language and culture was greatly nurtured and I went to the Gaeltacht each summer, initially to Loch an Iúir and then Teileann. I can highly recommend a summer course in the Gaeltacht! School oered me opportunities to enter a wide range of Irish language competitions, many of which awarded scholarships for summer courses. School also organised a trip to the Aran Islands, Galway during which we were encouraged to use the language we were learning. One of my proudest achievements was being awarded the European Union Young Translators Award in my nal year.A massive part of my school life was sport, and I took every opportunity to engage in team sports. I played Gaelic and hurling locally since a young age and

6969was delighted to have the opportunity to develop further my sporting skills at St Joseph’s. I was proud to captain our 9 team to win the Irish News Cup and to represent our school in the Mc Larnon Cup at senior level. I participated in many other sports including soccer and won the NI Small Schools Cup twice. I represented St Joseph’s in athletics, hurling and cross country. Now, playing Gaelic football at senior club and university level, I look back and am grateful for the opportunities school oered me. The sporting facilities in St Joseph’s are second to none and the encouragement and nurturing you receive is top level.Another fantastic opportunity that made a dierence to me and is a lasting memory of my school days, was taking part in our Community-Link programme in year 13. I was linked with my old primary school, Edendork, and worked with pupils from primary 3 and 4, helping them to develop their numeracy skills. It was a privilege to go back to my primary school and to experience school life from the other side of the desk. I remember when I was in primary 4, the ‘big’ pupils coming in from Donaghmore to work with us; I always wanted to do the same and am thankful that St Joseph’s made this happen for me. Being part of community-link developed skills of communication, commitment and organisation that I continue to use at university today For my AS and A Levels I studied Irish, Maths, Geography and Biology and I am currently studying Actuarial Science JAMES FEARONPAST PUPILand Risk management in Queen’s University Belfast. I am in my second year of study and have successfully secured a placement in Dublin with an international company for my third year of study. My course demands rigour, resilience and real commitment, skills and aptitudes which were developed through my experiences and interactions in St Joseph’s. I have very fond memories of all my teachers, they genuinely cared about me and did everything possible to make me become the best version of myself. As importantly, the teachers were good craic, we had many good laughs in class. My teachers taught me always to see opportunity in every challenge, for example, during COVID and remote learning my teachers went above and beyond and showed me how to learn in new ways. The hours invested by my teachers were phenomenal, they taught me to the highest level, the enthusiasm they showed during dicult times and the feedback they gave me, drove me on to excel academically.I can wholeheartedly say that my seven years spent at St Joseph’s Grammar School, Scoil Iósaef, Donaghmore have helped me become the person I am today. I am proud of my past and will continue to endeavour to be the best version of myself.69

70In Hoc Signo VincesIn This Sign Thou Shalt Conquer