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St. Benedict’s College
Prospectus
2021
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Contents:
Principal’s Welcome 2
Our Identity and Aims 4
Year 8 Transition 6
Our Curriculum Offer 8
GCSE - Exam Success 10
Careers Education,
Information and Guidance 10
Pastoral Care 11
Special Educational Needs
and Inclusion 12
Student Leadership
and Student Voice 13
Extra-Curricular Activities 14
Sport 15
Our Partners 16
Voice of a Past Pupil 18
Admissions Criteria 20
Our Primary School Partners 21
School Management Information
on Back Cover
“I really like St. Benedict’s
because everyone has made me
feel very welcome. The teachers
are all very nice and helpful. My
favourite subjects are Maths and
P.E. P.E because I love fitness
and sport and Maths because it
can be challenging and I like
challenges. We get achievement
points and rewards for good
attendance and work.
My sister inspired me to go to
St. Benedict’s and I’m so glad
I did.”
Shauna McCann
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“I wanted to go to St. Benedict’s because my Dad is a teacher there.
My sister goes there and I had lots of friends moving there too.
When I arrived in September I felt happy but nervous. Now that I’ve completed
my first term I feel much better because I have met new people and new teachers.
The teachers are all very nice. My best moment was when I won an award in class.
It made me feel proud.”
Marty Bonnes
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Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,
I am delighted to welcome you to St. Benedict’s College. I hope our
prospectus will give you an insight in to the excellent educational
experience we offer.
St. Benedict’s is a non-selective, all ability, co-educational Catholic
College that welcomes, respects and values all of its students.
We have high standards for all and are committed to the delivery
of academic excellence. This can be seen in our excellent
examination results at GCSE. We provide a broad, balanced and
relevant curriculum which meets the varied needs and aspirations
of our students. Through our curriculum delivery we ensure that all
our students are positively engaged in their learning and are
empowered to reach their full potential. Students are also given
the opportunity to develop, deepen and refine their knowledge,
skills and personal capabilities. As an 11 to 16 provider we ensure
our students are provided with clear curriculum pathways to Post
16 study, training or employment.
We pride ourselves on the excellent Pastoral Care delivered in the
College. Our students are at the centre of everything we do. We have
high expectations and aspirations for all our students and we
challenge, nurture and support our young people to learn and to
achieve.We strive to develop our students’self-esteem and self-belief
through the development of positive and respectful relationships.
Our dedicated, experienced and hardworking staff work tirelessly to
remove any barriers to children’s learning and success.
St. Benedict’s offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities
and enrichment opportunities. All of which aim to discover and
nurture individual student’s talents and abilities. They provide
students with opportunities to build friendships and experience
new things. Students and their parents also benefit from a diverse
and innovative Extended School’s Programme.
Principal’s Welcome
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Like all good schools our best advocates and exponents are our
students. They will assure you that our College is a school where
everyone is included and valued, where standards and
expectations of all are high and where everyone is afforded
opportunities to achieve and enjoy success.
St. Benedict’s College is determined to grow in size and status. As
we do so, we will continue to ensure that every student in our care
is happy, safe and successful. We also remain committed to
delivering high quality Catholic Education to the young people in
our local parishes and community.
I hope you will be encouraged by what you already know about
the College and by what you will learn from the prospectus and
promotional materials that will be released in due course.
Obviously this is a year when traditional open nights can-not
happen but despite this we remain available to you as you make
key decisions for your child. If you have any questions about the
College, who we are and what we do, please do not hesitate to
contact me. I will look forward to hearing from you and to
welcoming you to St. Benedict’s College soon.
Catriona McAteer, Principal
“I couldn't be happier to be part of the Student Leadership Team
in St. Benedict’s. I am so proud to be able to say I am Head
Boy. It is an honour to represent all the students in the school
and to work alongside Mrs McAteer. I believe that St.
Benedict's is a caring school, that wants the best for all its
students. My time at St. Benedict’s has been a great experience.
Teachers have a really positive attitude to everything they do.
They have taught me to believe in myself and that I can do
whatever I want if I put my mind to it and work hard. Younger
ones might ask what are the best subjects in school, I would tell
them that all the subjects are fun and that they will have a great
experience in all of their classrooms. When it came to making
my GCSE choices, I chose Construction, I.T and Double Award
Science. I’m so glad I did as the teachers are exceptionally
helpful and understanding. I hope to do well in my GCSEs and
to move on to the NRC to study Motor Vehicle Studies as
I would like to be a mechanic.
I love my school and I know anyone who chooses to come to it
will love it too..”
Michael McLaverty - Head Boy
“I won’t like secondary school”, my words, the words that made
me fear the future. You see, little did I know that transferring to
St. Benedict’s College would change my whole
perspective and outlook on life. Little did I know the genuine
happiness that I would experience from the moment I set foot in
this school. You might be wondering, what’s so different about
St. Benedict’s? Well, I have the answer. St. Benedict’s doesn’t
strive for perfection or try to create walking, talking robots but
as a school it strives to create happy, safe and successful
students.
Over the past five years at this school, I have come to
understand many things including responsibility and the
importance of commitment and hard work. Being here has
taught me resilience and given me the determination I need to
succeed. I participated in the StudentCouncil, it played a
massive part in building my self-confidence. My experiences in
school gave me the confidence to apply for and secure the
position of Head Girl, the highlight of my school career to date.
The support from all the teachers over the years has been
immense and I genuinely don’t know what I would have done
without school at times. We can’t forget our Principal, Mrs
McAteer, who goes above and beyond to care for and support
every single one of the students within her school. I will forever
be grateful for the help and support I have received
from all the staff over the years. It is something I will always
remember.
By coming to this school, you’ll soon understand the
importance of positivity, experience true happiness and be sure
of success!”
Katie Robinson - Head Girl
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Our Core Values
Staff and students in St. Benedict’s College will:
Respect themselves, others, their school and their
community
Demonstrate kindness, empathy and concern for others
Be inclusive and tolerant of other religions, cultures and
traditions
Be honest and truthful
Be charitable and giving and demonstrate a commitment
to service and social justice.
Our Aims
To deliver excellence for all
To ensure all our students are happy, safe and successful
To ensure all our students are challenged and supported
to be the best that they can be
To empower all our students to achieve their personal
potential
To ensure all our students’achievements are celebrated
To ensure all our students are included, valued and
respected and that religious and cultural differences are
celebrated within the school community
To develop our students’ understanding of their Catholic
faith and to promote Christian values and attitudes
within the school community
To awaken in our students a sense of their own dignity
and self worth and to promote their self confidence
To promote student health and well being and develop
student resilience
To provide enrichment and extra curricular opportunities
to enrich student experience
To support our students to become independent and
life-long learners
To prepare our students to meet the challenges of a
changing world in the 21st century
To work in partnership with parents, parish and
community
To develop a culture of accountability, responsibility, self
evaluation and self improvement.
Our Identity
College History
St. Benedict’s College was founded by the Down and Connor
Diocesan Trustees in 2006, through the amalgamation of St Olcan’s
High School and St. Malachy’s High School. St. Benedict’s College is
a well-established and successful 11-16 Catholic, all ability,
co-educational college that mainly serves families from the parishes
of Antrim, Duneane and Randalstown.
College Crest
The Cross represents the High Cross of St.
Olcan, associated with Cranfield and the
former patron of St. Olcan’s High School;
The Bell represents the monastic life of St.
Malachy, the former patron of St. Malachy’s
High School, and St. Benedict, our patron.
The Book represents the Bible, the Word
of God, and a symbol of Learning.
The design which encloses the three symbols is deeply rooted in
Celtic Tradition and represents the Trinity and Eternity.
College Motto
Our motto is Guigh agus Foghlaim - Pray and Learn. The motto of
St. Benedict was‘Orare et Labore’-‘To Work and to Pray’. This was adapted
to create the school motto ‘Guigh agus foghlaim’- ‘Pray and Learn’, to
reflect our Catholic ethos, our aims and our Irish identity.
For students in St. Benedict’s their ‘Work’ is ‘to Pray and Learn’.
College Mission Statement
St. Benedict’s College is a Catholic, all ability inclusive school
committed to delivering excellence for all. Together with home and
community, we strive to enable our students to be happy, safe and
successful.
College Prayer – St. Benedict’s Prayer
O Gracious and Holy Father,
give us wisdom to perceive you,
intelligence to understand you,
diligence to seek you,
patience to wait for you,
eyes to behold you,
a heart to meditate on you,
and a life to proclaim you;
through the power of the
Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen
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“I really like St. Benedict’s because the teachers are all really nice.
The atmosphere is calm and it's a really good place to learn.”
Marie Nizio
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To ease the process of transition:
In June our Head of Year 8 and Special Educational Needs Co-
ordinator (SENCo) visit our feeder primary schools. They meet
P7 teachers who provide us with a profile of our transferring
students.
Year 8 students and their parents are invited to an Induction
Meeting with a member of our Year 8 Pastoral Team. This
meeting is an opportunity for pastoral and academic
information to be shared. Students with additional needs are
invited to meet the SENCo.
A Welcome Pack, containing key information about the
school, is provided to students and parents at this meeting.
CAT4D Testing is completed to ensure accurate and
appropriate class placements, it is consolidated by Progress
Tests in English and Maths.
An Induction Day is held at the end of August to enable new
students to meet and get to know their Form Tutors as well as
the layout of the school and daily routines.
An Induction Programme is developed and delivered to all
Year 8 students in August/September.
Our Year 8 Pastoral Team
remain constant and are
highly skilled and
experienced in dealing
with the challenges
of transition.
Upon arrival:
Year 12 Mentors are assigned to each Year 8 Form Class to
provide important peer support. Bus prefects also provide
reassurance.
Year 9 class guides are in place for the first fortnight of the
school year.
Year 8s have an early lunch and are allowed on the bus first for
the month of Sepmteber.
Year 8s enjoy break and lunch in their own designated
recreational area.
The Morning Club, supervised by support staff, operates in the
Library from 8.30am daily.
The Homework Club, supervised by teaching and support staff,
is available Monday to Thursday until 4.30pm.
The School Counsellor is available to Year 8 students who
require support.
We have a zero tolerance policy towards bullying
Year 8 Transition
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St. Benedict’s is committed to ensuring that all of our students are happy, safe and successful from their arrival in the College in Year 8
to their departure in Year 12. We recognise the need to effectively guide and support our youngest students as they make the transition
from primary to post primary school to ensure that the transition process is a positive experience for all.
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The first year is a busy and exciting time for Year 8 students.
Activities they may be involved in include:
Year 8 Mass of Welcome
School Ramble
Little Minds/Mental Health Workshop
Young Enterprise Workshop
Shared Education - LLW Programme
Christmas Pantomime
Year 8 Retreat (Clonard)
Rewards Trips – Bowling, Cinema, Portrush
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“When I arrived in
September I felt nervous
and curious about my new
school, friends, teachers
and subjects. Now that
I’ve completed my first
term I feel happy. I feel like I’ve been here
forever because I’ve become close to all my
friends and teachers. The best moment in
the first term was finding out that I was
voted Class Captain. This has given me
more confidence in myself. It was great to be
asked to represent the year group and to
read at the Year 8 Mass of Welcome.”
Conan O’Boyle
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Our Curriculum Offer
ETI INSPECTION REPORT – NOV 2018
“Pupils spoke positively about the academic and pastoral support they receive. They are
highly appreciative of the work of the teachers who help them achieve their targets.”
• Home Economics
• I.C.T
• Numeracy
• Literacy
• Performance Arts
• Technology and Design
• Personal Development
• Learning for Life and Work
• Physical Education
Key Stage 3
Our Key Stage 3 Curriculum is designed to provide opportunities for all students to reach their full potential. We
provide a broad and balanced curriculum to cater for the academic, creative, sporting and personal development of
all students.
In Key Stage 3 all students study:
• English
• Science
• Mathematics
• Religious Studies
• French
• Irish
• Geography
• History
• Art
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• Media Studies
• First Certificate in Information & Creative Technology
• First Award in Physical Education
• First Award in Performing Arts
• Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme
• Occupational Studies Bench Joinery
• Occupational Studies Childcare
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Occupational Studies Food
• OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication
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OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number
• OCN NI Level 2 Certificate – ICT
• OCN NI Level 2 Certificate – Religious Studies
• OCN NI Level 2 Certificate – Science
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OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Personal Success and Well-Being
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 the curriculum is designed to meet the needs, abilities and aspirations of all our students. We offer a wide range of
academic and vocational subjects so students can choose to study subjects that best fit their educational needs. Students studying
GCSE or equivalent subjects are provided with pathways that lead to success at GCSE and progression to Post-16 study, training
or employment.
In Key Stage 4 students study:
• English Language
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Religious Education
• Science - Single Award
• Science - Double Award
• Art and Design
• Construction
• Geography
• Statistics
• History
• Home Economics/Food
• Child Development
• Learning for Life and Work
• Irish
Our curriculum offer ensures that all students are positively engaged in their learning and are empowered
to reach their full potential while developing, deepening and refining their knowledge, skills and personal capabilities.
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Careers Education, Information and Guidance is at the heart of
the curriculum in St. Benedict’s College.
Students are guided to make well informed and positive choices
regarding their education and future careers. In our College
students are encouraged to build upon their existing skills and
to understand the wide range of transferrable skills required for
employment. Labour Market Information is a key focus in
Careers Education and Skills in Demand are used to highlight
skills shortages and areas for employment growth.
All students at Key Stage 3 receive careers guidance as part of
the Employability strand of Learning for Life and Work. At Key
Stage 4 all students receive timetabled careers lessons to ensure
that they are well prepared for their Post 16 Pathways
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Our students have access to
A range of software packages and web based careers
resources.
Careers advice and guidance from a Careers Advisor in Year
10 and one to one interviews in Year 12 with follow up
sessions if required.
Careers Advisors are made available to students and parents
at Year 10 and 12 Parents’Meetings.
All Year 11’s participate in a one week work related learning
programme.
Year 12 students have the opportunity to experience an
Interview Skills Day. This involves completing application
forms, aptitude tests and engaging in one on one
interviews with business advisors.
Key Stage 3 and 4 students participate in Young Enterprise
workshops throughout the year.
Key Stage 4 students attend Careers Fairs, Open Days and
benefit from attendance at a variety of presentations from
Post 16 providers with which the College has maintained
excellent links.
Careers Education,
Information and
Guidance
(CEIAG)-
Planning for the future
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5 A* - C
82%
5 A* - C
68%
including English and Maths
GCSE -
Performance
Statistics 2019-20
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“In September 2021 my 8th child will be starting
St. Benedict’s. I had no hesitation in making this
decision as all my children have attended the school
and have been happy and content there. Any issues
are always dealt with immediately and without hassle,
from the great office staff to whatever teacher is
involved. Every query was always sorted out without
any hesitation. The children were always encouraged
to work hard in all their subjects but were also given
the chance to shine in all the sports they enjoyed as
well as afterschool activities like the school play. My
older children have all left the school with an
excellent work ethic which has
been a great advantage to
them in their chosen careers
and in their life after school.”
Mrs Paula Hughes,
mother of Calum Hughes, 8G
Mount Saint Michael’s
Primary School
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Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care permeates all aspects of school life in St. Benedict’s
College where the care and welfare of all students is of paramount
importance. Fundamental to our pastoral approach is the promotion
of a caring ethos and family atmosphere and the development of
positive and respectful relationships throughout the school
community.
Our aim is to develop students spiritually, academically, emotionally,
culturally, and socially and to produce well rounded and well
equipped young people, who have the skills to meet the challenges
of the 21st century world.
The Pastoral Care Team
The Pastoral Team is made up of Form Tutors and Heads of Year who
are led by the Pastoral Co-ordinator. The Form Tutor interacts with
students in their form class on a daily basis. They monitor their
attendance, behaviour, academic progress and endeavour to ensure
their well-being. The Head of Year liaises with Form Tutors to facilitate
tracking academic progress, pastoral concerns and disciplinary
issues. In addition to leading the Pastoral CareTeam, the Pastoral Care
Co-Ordinator has responsibility for Safeguarding and Child
Protection and liaises with parents and external agencies.
The Pastoral Team work together to provide a network of support for
all of our students and maintain close links with parents and home.
The College works in partnership with a variety of statutory and
voluntary support agencies to deal with personal or social issues that
students and families present with. Students can avail of one to one
support from an ICSS Counsellor. We are delighted that EA Youth
Services are also on site. They deliver the Learning Together
Programme and provide needs led small group support at Key Stage
3 and are currently co delivering a Level 2 OCN Certificate in Personal
Success and Well Being to two targeted groups of Key Stage 4
students. The Pastoral Co-ordinator organises School Based Care
Team meetings three times a year to ensure the needs of the most
vulnerable are met.
Rewards System
We expect all of our students to have excellent attendance, a high
standard of behaviour and a strong work ethic. We actively promote
these through our positive reward system. Our students are regularly
recognised and rewarded for progress and achievement in these
areas.
Personal Development Programme
Our Personal Development Programme is delivered by our Form
Tutors in a timetabled class delivered weekly. It is designed to ensure
that our students grow in confidence, resilience and independence
of thought. The programme addresses issues such as bullying, drugs
and alcohol, e-safety, relationships and sexuality and road safety in an
age appropriate manner. A variety of speakers and outside agencies
support us in the delivery of the programme by addressing
assemblies and facilitating student workshops. We are delighted that
this year we have been designated a Take Five School in recognition
of our work in promoting positive mental health. Take Five Student
Champions have been appointed and are helping drive the Mental
Health and Well-Being Programme across the school.
ETI INSPECTION REPORT – NOV 2018
“In discussions with the inspectors,
the pupils reported that they felt
safe and are aware of what to do
if they have concerns about their safety
or welfare.”
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Special Educational Needs
and Inclusion
Special Needs
The College is committed to knowing and meeting the individual
needs of all of its students. We are determined that all are fully
included in the life of the school and have access to the whole
curriculum and all facilities.
All students with additional needs are challenged and supported to
achieve their potential. We have a great team of learning support
assistants and behaviour support assistants who support students
with specific learning difficulties. They provide support to children
on a one to one basis and/or in small groups and are led by our
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.
On entry to the College students’ skills are assessed through
standardised testing. Information from primary schools and parents
is also gathered. The data collated is used to build up pupil profiles
which are shared with all staff. Differentiation in the classroom to
meet individual student needs is actively promoted. If a student has
a statement of special educational needs, this information and
arrangements to address the child’s needs is communicated to all
staff by the SENCO. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Individual
Behaviour Plans (IBPs) are developed as required and are monitored
and evaluated by staff, students and parents on an ongoing basis.
We have a School Intervention Team, which is led by the SENCO.
Using data, they identify low and underachievers and put in place
targeted intervention programmes for underperforming students.
In addition, the school liaises with a variety of external support
agencies to assist students who require academic, emotional or
physical support beyond that provided by staff in school.
Inclusion
The College prides itself on being an inclusive school. Pupils from
any cultural or faith background are welcomed, respected and
valued equally by both students and staff. A staff member has been
employed 1 day per week, to provide targeted support to
Newcomer children and their families. The Intercultural Education
Service has facilitated whole staff training on how to effectively
support Newcomer and Syrian children in the classroom. School
communications are translated into all home languages. In 2020
GCSE Arabic was delivered successfully by the Languages
Department to a student in Year 12.
“Seeing Ciaran visibly relax at an Open Night made
me realise instinctively that St. Benedict’s was going
to be the right school for him. He has additional
needs but the support put in place from the beginning
was great. Thanks to Ciaran's teachers and classroom
assistant, his personality is developing. He is turning
into a happy, confident, less stressed young man who
genuinely enjoys going to school. I would highly
recommend St. Benedict’s for your child”
Mrs Clare Hoey, mother of Ciaran Hoey 8G
St Joseph’s Primary School
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Student Leadership
and Student Voice
Student Leadership
Students are given leadership opportunities throughout their
school career.
In Key Stage 3 students can be appointed as class prefects or
library mentors. InYear 12 students are given the chance to take on
the prestigious role of Prefect, Mentor or Head Boy/Head Girl. Year
12 Mentors actively support Year 8 at the point of transition,
attending morning registrations and assemblies with their
assigned tutor groups.They are also actively involved as Leaders in
the Shared Education Programme delivered to Year 8 students.
Year 12 Mentors and Prefects have a supervisory role at break and
lunch and are available to provide advice, guidance and support to
our Year 8 children. Students in Year 12 have been trained as Anti
Bullying Ambassadors through the Diana Awards. They have
addressed Year 8 assemblies and have been actively involved in
developing and delivering a peer led anti bullying campaign
across the school. Our Senior Prefects further support Year 8s in
their role as Reading Buddies.
Student Voice
In St. Benedict’s College we recognise the importance of Student
Voice. We are fully committed to ensuring that our students are
given a voice and that their voice is heard and valued. We have an
active Student Council with elected representatives from all year
groups. The Council meets with the Principal regularly to update
her on student concerns and to share their views on whole school
issues. Student Voice Surveys are completed on an annual basis.
Student returns allow us to evaluate our practice and provision
and to identify areas for improvement and development.
ETI INSPECTION REPORT – NOV 2018
“The senior pupils take on leadership roles and
responsibilities which develop their personal,
social and employability skills; many of them
benefit from opportunities to mentor and support
the younger pupils”
ETI INSPECTION REPORT – NOV 2018
“The pupils who met with inspectors were articulate
and confident. They are very proud of their school and
spoke with enthusiasm about their learning”
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We are fully committed to the holistic development of all students. We deliver an
extensive range of extra-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities, all
designed to develop our students’skills, talents and capabilities. Clubs and Societies
facilitated by our dedicated staff are offered before school, during lunchtime and after
school. They offer our students opportunities to experience new things and to build new
friendships. The ECO Club are very active and have forged strong community links through the
Tidy Randalstown initiative. Our students and their parents also benefit from a diverse and
innovative Extended School’s Programme.
Extra curricular activities available to our students include:
School Trips
Our students’ learning experiences are
enriched through a variety of school trips
including Aid Trips to Romania, History
Trips to Krakow and Ski Trips.
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Annual School Ramble
Eco Club
Coding Club
Homework Club
Traditional Music Group
School Choir
Band Club
School Show
Uplift Performing Arts
Programme
STEM Club
T&D Craft Club
Art Club
Credit Union Art
Competition
Pottery Class
(pupil and parent)
Feis na nGleann
Gaeltacht
Breakfast Club
Cookery Club
(pupil and parent)
Library Club
Games Club
Book Club
Accelerated Reader
Literacy/Numeracy Clubs
Rotary Youth Leadership
Programme
Alpha Programme
Young Enterprise
Extra-Curricular Activities
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“When I started St. Benedict’s I felt
scared but excited at the same time.
Now that I’ve completed my first term I feel more
comfortable and settled. My favourite subject is H.E
because I love to cook and want to
become a chef. I really like St. Benedict’s
because the Principal and teachers are
very nice, I have good friends and I like
my subjects. It’s a big change from
primary school but an exciting change.”
Callum McGrogan
ETI INSPECTION REPORT – NOV 2018
“The pupils spoke very
positively about the enrichment
activities from which they
benefit and the additional
learning experiences which
develop their skills and interests”
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Physical Education is compulsory for all students at Key Stage 3
and 4 and is available as a GCSE option. It aims to encourage
students to engage in sporting activities to improve their
physical fitness and to maintain positive mental health and well-
being. In a society where obesity levels are on the rise and
lifestyles are becoming more sedentary, the PE Department
strives to instil in our students a commitment to exercise and
healthy living. All sporting activities are designed to enhance
our students’ communication, teamwork and leadership skills
while developing self-discipline, confidence and resilience.
Sports available to our students include:
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Camogie
Rounders
Athletics
Netball
Basketball
Dance
Gymnastics
Badminton
Volleyball
Boxing
Girls Gaelic
Football
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Sport
Cross Country
Hurling
Boys Gaelic Football
Soccer
Table Tennis
Swimming
Indoor Games
Rugby
Fitness Club
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Parents
Parents are the prime educators of their children so we work hard to
develop and sustain positive and respectful partnerships between
school and home. We are accessible to parents at all times and
operate an open door policy. We communicate with parents on an
ongoing basis through phone calls, texts, letters and flyers. Parents
are invited to school to attend Induction Meetings, Parents’Meetings,
SEN Information Evenings, Careers Events and Parent Workshops.
Through our Extended School Programme we offer Parent/Child
cookery and pottery classes. As valued stakeholders we invite parents
to comment on and evaluate our provision through discussions and
the completion of evaluative questionnaires. In 2017 we established
a new PTA, Friends of St. Benedict’s.
Moving Forward Together
We are proud to be a member of the Moving Forward Together
Partnership within the Antrim/Newtownabbey Borough Council.
It sees twenty one nursery, primary and post primary schools
working together collaboratively. Our school choir has sung with
the MFT choir who perform in a variety of concerts annually. Our
staff have engaged in cross sector working parties which have
focused on sharing good practice and resources in the areas of
SEN, Literacy and Numeracy and have also received training on
promoting Positive Mental Health through the partnership. Our
parents have been offered the opportunity to attend ASD support
workshops. We value highly MFT as it is a key vehicle for important
collaborative work with ourselves and students and staff in our key
feeder primary schools.
Our Partners
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Shared Education
St. Benedict’s College has been actively involved in the Shared
Education Signature Project since its inception in 2016. Our Shared
Education Partnership sees us work collaboratively with Antrim
Grammar School and Parkhall Integrated College. All KS3 pupils in
the College have had the opportunity to participate in joint LLW
lessons co-developed and co-delivered by teachers from all three
schools in the partnership. The schools established a Joint Student
Council in 2017 and members of our School Council are actively
involved in it. In May 2018 our students and staff visited
Westminster with the Joint Council. We are fully committed to
Shared Education as it allows our students to learn more about
other cultures and religions and challenges them to welcome,
include, respect and value everyone. Our staff have benefited too
from their participation in a joint staff development programme
delivered across the Shared Education Partnership.
Post 16 Pathways
St. Benedict’s College is currently an 11 to 16 College. As such we
are fully aware of the need to have clear pathways in place for
our students post 16. We have developed strong links with local
businesses and employers, the Northern Regional College and of
course our partner post primary schools within the wider family
of Catholic Schools in the area.
“The teachers in St. Benedict’s are amazing. They not only
give students excellent academic support but they also
provide great pastoral care. All of them would readily take
time out of their day to help a student in need. Even-though
my Year 12 came to an abrupt end, due to COVID, I believe
that my teachers did all they could to prepare me for the
jump to A level, which I greatly appreciate.
I'll never forget my years at St. Benedict’s and I'll always be
grateful for them as they have helped make me into the
person I am today.”
Ellie Johnston, Former Head Girl.
Now Year 13 - Slemish Integrated College
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“St. Benedict’s College is a really good school. When I arrived in September
I was nervous but happy to be starting a new adventure. I love going into
school every day. I feel relaxed when I am there. I have made new friends
and I enjoy learning new things. My favourite subjects are Science and
Performing Arts because I really enjoy them. A highlight for me was when
I became Pupil of the Month in September. It made me feel really proud of
myself. The teachers have been very supportive during lock down.”
Ciaran Hoey
Voice of
a Past Pupil
When leaving primary school and starting the next chapter of my
education naturally I was nervous and apprehensive about the new
challenges that lay ahead. However, it didn't take long for all these
fears and worries to pass. I still remember my first day in school and
joining all my new class mates. Soon the worries and fears subsided
and excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead took over.
The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of St. Benedict’s
complemented by its caring, interested and always helpful staff
allowed for a smooth transition from primary to post primary. Once
settled and the years passed on I was given many opportunities to
excel and grow as an individual. For me, the vast opportunity of extra-
curricular activities in the form of sports allowed me to gain many
skills such as team work, time management and leadership that I use
today in my job as a Deputy Ward Sister on a busy inpatient ward in
the Cancer Centre at the Belfast City Hospital.
During my time at St. Benedict’s, I always felt safe, supported and
listened to. The staff gave me the confidence, knowledge and skills to
pursue my pathway to post-16 education and then onto university
which ultimately allowed me to be where I am today.
I have fond memories and look back on my time at school with great
joy. As well as gaining the education to build my foundation I had
many opportunities, ski trips, days out such as the College Ramble and
the trip to Romania to name a few. To this day I still remember and am
grateful to the teachers who supported me and helped me to become
the person I am today.
Gemma Laverty
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“Now that I’ve completed my first term
I’m looking forward to what’s ahead…”
Brogain McGuckien
“I wanted to go to St.
Benedict’s College because my
sister and brother went there
and I knew it was a really
good school. It’s been great
because I like all my teachers,
I have made a lot of new friends and
I have learned lots of new things.
The best moment so far was when
I met Lucy and Kate!”
Daisy May Robinson
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Admissions Criteria
for Entry into Year 8
The Board of Governors of St. Benedict’s College has
determined that, in the event of over-subscription, children will
be selected on the basis of application of the following
admissions criteria which will be applied in the order of priority
set out below.
Within each criterion priority will firstly be given to children
normally resident in Northern Ireland and then to those
children regarded by the Board of Governors, on the basis of
supporting evidence provided by parents and/or statutory
agencies, as having special circumstances e.g. medical, social or
security factors.
Children living in the parishes of Antrim, Duneane and
Randalstown, not listed in any order of preference.
Children attending: Creggan, Millquarter, Moneynick,
Mount St. Michael’s, St. Comgall’s, St. Joseph’s, St. MacNissis'
and St. Oliver Plunkett’s Primary Schools, not listed in any
order of preference.
Children who are first children or who have brothers/sisters,
half-brothers/half-sisters, presently enrolled in the school.
Children whose parent/guardian is presently a permanent
member of the school teaching/ancillary/auxiliary staff (or
who have been appointed to take up imminent
employment in the school).
This information must be stated on the green Transfer Form.
Children whose parent/guardian, brother/sister, half-
brother/half-sister are past pupils and are residing listed in (1).
Dates of attendance and other names (if appropriate) should
be stated on the green Transfer Form.
Children whose parent/guardian, brother/sister, half-
brother/half-sister are past pupils.
Dates of attendance and other names (if appropriate) should
be stated on the green Transfer Form.
In the event of places being available after the application of
the above criteria, final selection will be made on the basis of
preference being given to the older pupil.
Admissions to Year 8 after 1st September 2021
Parents who wish to have their child considered for admission
in the event of a place arising after 1 September 2021 should
write to the Principal clearly stating this. In the event of such a
vacancy arising the above criteria will be applied to these
applications only.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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Our Primary School Partners
We believe that the excellent relationships we nurture and the links that we have with
our local primary schools are key to the smooth and stress free transition of Year 8
students to us. We have established a Reaching Out Programme which sees us deliver a
series of scheduled activities to P6 and P7 pupils, in our school and in theirs. All are
designed to give primary pupils an opportunity to meet members of the St. Benedict’s
Team and to experience what is on offer in the College. It is very important to us that
students and parents know that when they leave their primary school we will do all that
we can to ensure that they are happy, safe and successful in St. Benedict’s.
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“Choosing a post primary school for Jude, was one of the hardest decisions we have had to make.
Upon attending St. Benedict's Open Night back in January 2020, my choice was made easy. Listening
to the Principal, a parent, past and current pupils, I was very impressed. Meeting the teachers and
touring the school, gave me the same warm fuzzy feeling I had with Jude's primary school. This past
year has been challenging for everyone, however St. Benedict's have surpassed themselves with the
support and care they have shown towards Jude. They have become part of our extended family”
Mrs Clare McCready, mother of Jude Mc Cready, 8H
St. Joseph’s Primary School
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ST. BENEDICT’S COLLEGE
5 Craigstown Road, Randalstown BT41 2AF
Tel: 028 9447 2411 Fax: 028 9447 3372
E-Mail: info@stbenedicts.randalstown.ni.sch.uk
Web: www.stbenedictscollege.co.uk
School Management
Information
Principal: Mrs Catriona Mc Ateer
Chairman of the
Board of Governors:
Very Rev Fr Forsythe, PP
School Type: Catholic Maintained Secondary School
Age Range: 11-16 years
Approved Enrolment: 500
Year 8 Admissions Number: 100
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St Benedict's College Prospectus 2021
St Benedict's College
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