Return to flip book view
St Benedict s College PROSPECTUS 2025
Contents A WELCOME FROM SENIOR LEADERSHIP 02 OUR IDENTITY 04 OUR AIMS 06 OUR CORE VALUES 08 BECOMING A HAPPY SAFE 10 AND SUCCESSFUL LEARNER IN ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE CURRICULUM LEARNING 14 WELLBEING 16 STUDENT LEADERSHIP STUDENT VOICE 18 HEAD GIRL HEAD BOY 20 SPORT EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITES 22 YEAR 8 PUPIL VOICE 26 COMMUNITY PARTNERS 28 YEAR 8 ADMISSIONS CRITERIA 30 OUR LEARNING SUPPORT CO ORDINATOR 32 OUR MISSION FOR LEARNING SUPPORT 33 OUR SUPPORT PACKAGE 34 CELEBRATING DIVERSITY 36 School Management Information Acting Principal Mr Stephen Keown Acting Chairperson of the Board of Governors Mrs Frances Doole School Type Catholic Maintained Secondary School Age Range 11 16 years Approved Enrolment 500 Year 8 Admissions Number 100 1
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Welcome to St Benedict s College 2
A WELCOME FROM SENIOR LEADERSHIP We are delighted to welcome pupils and parents to our warm caring friendly inclusive school Here in St Benedict s College our pupils are nurtured supported challenged and encouraged to be the best that they can be and that is why our pupils continue to achieve so well in their examinations and in other areas of school life In our school we focus on our children feeling happy in their learning environment A happy child will succeed in all their endeavours and we are proud of our pupils exceptional achievements in the classroom and beyond Our school is a small Post Primary School with a huge community spirit Our pupils feel like they belong here from the moment they start with us from when they first arrive in their new school uniforms eager to learn and ready for a new adventure as they become part of our family Pupils are introduced to a variety of exciting subjects delivered by enthusiastic caring and supportive staff In St Benedict s College we take the time to get to know each child so that we can best support them throughout their Post Primary journey We are extremely proud of our college s sporting tradition and of pupil achievements in extracurricular areas and encourage our young people to embrace every opportunity offered to them at the college Our pupils greatly benefit from the fabulous relationships they have with their teachers peers and the larger St Benedict s family This we believe is key to our success We get to know our pupils well and take an interest in their aspirations and ambitions We recognise and reward their successes and support them in overcoming their individual challenges Each child s progress is carefully monitored and we communicate regularly with parents to support further attainment Our Pathways into Key Stage 4 offer a breadth of subjects which enable all pupils to meet their potential and to progress to Post 16 study training or the world of work Our intake extends beyond Randalstown with pupils travelling from Antrim Toome Moneynick Cargin Moneyglass Staffordstown and Creggan We really are only a hop skip and jump away So why not come and visit our amazing school There s a warm welcome awaiting you in St Bendedict s College Randalstown St Benedict s College Senior Leadership Team 3
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS 4 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 coeducational 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 is a symbol of Learning The design which encloses the three symbols the Triskele 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
OUR IDENTITY 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 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 5
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS A Nuturing School at the Heart of the Community 6
OUR AIMS 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 c o m m u n i t y 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 selfconfidence 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 lifelong 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 c o m m u n i t y To develop a culture of accountability responsibility self evaluation and selfimprovement 7
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Our Core Values Staff and students in St Benedict s College will Respect ourselves others our school and our community Demonstrate kindness empathy and concern for others 8
Be inclusive and tolerant of other religions cultures and traditions OUR CORE VALUES Be honest and truthful Be charitable and giving and demonstrate a commitment to service and social justice 9
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Becoming a Happy Safe and Successful Learner in St Benedict s College TRANSITION ARRANGEMENTS We recognise that the move from Primary to Post Primary school is a big move and one that can be difficult and stressful for both students and parents As a college we strive to ensure that all our students are happy safe and successful from their arrival in Year 8 to their departure in Year 12 We have a dedicated and experienced Year 8 Team who advise guide and support our youngest students to ensure that their transition to us is a positive happy and stress free experience 10
BECOMING A HAPPY SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL LEARNER IN ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE Before you arrive Primary School Visits 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 Enrolment Meetings June 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 Welcome Day June Year 8 students are given the opportunity to revisit the school meet the Year 8 team and begin the process of making new friends We complete CAT4 Testing to ensure accurate and appropriate class placements Progress Tests in English and Maths are also used in this process When you arrive Fun Day August All Year 8s are invited to participate in a range of interactive fun activities designed to allow them to get to know other Year 8 students and the school building and grounds Induction Day August The Year 8 Induction Day sees only Year 8s on site They get to know their Form Tutors as well as the layout of the school and daily routines Induction Programme August September An Induction Programme is developed and delivered to all Year 8 students by the Year 8 Pastoral Team who remain constant and are highly skilled and experienced in dealing with the challenges of transition Support in September 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 Year 8s enjoy break and lunch in their own designated recreational area 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 11
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS 12
Pastoral Support in Year 8 We believe that a student needs to feel happy and safe in school if they are to succeed there 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 Year 8s are looked after by The Year 8 Pastoral Team a team of Form Tutors who are led by the Head of Year 8 who is supported by the Key Stage 3 Manager This Team is highly experienced as they remain constant The Assistant Principal advises and supports the Year 8 Team and deals with any Safeguarding and Child Protection issues that may arise in her role as Designated Teacher for Child Protection The Learning Support Co ordinator works in partnership with the Learning Support Team teachers and parents to ensure that students with additional educational needs are enabled to make a positive and successful start in their new school The School Counsellor is available to Year 8 students who are having difficulty and require support Form Tutors deliver our Personal Development Programme in a timetabled class delivered weekly The programme addresses issues such as bullying drugs and alcohol e safety road safety and relationships and sexuality in an age appropriate manner A variety of speakers and external agencies support us in the delivery of the programme by addressing assemblies and facilitating student workshops We have a zero tolerance policy towards bullying Staff Voice I have been Head of Year 8 for six years and I love my job My main role is to support and guide you and to make sure you settle into our school as quickly and easily as possible The Year 8 Team and I organise lots of fun activities for your induction to help you recognise all the new faces that you will see and to make sure you feel comfortable navigating the school I monitor attendance punctuality achievement and behaviour and look after the welfare of everyone in Year 8 I will try to resolve any worries or issues that you may have in your transition from primary to secondary school to make sure that you are happy safe and successful in St Benedict s Ms Lisa Woods Head of Year 8 13
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Curriculum Learning KEY STAGE 3 Our Key Stage 3 Curriculum is designed to provide opportunities for all students to reach their full potential Across Key Stage 3 and in Year 8 all students study Art Design Drama English French Geography History Home Economics IT Irish Learning for Life Work Mathematics Music PE Religious Education Science and Technology Design Year 8 students are assessed regularly during the school year and receive a Progress Update at Christmas and a full written report in June following end of year examinations All parents are invited to the College for a Parent Teacher Meeting in Term 2 and individual progress meetings can be arranged on request Curriculum opportunities in Year 8 are enhanced by the Shared Education Programme GCSE Performance Statistics 2023 2024 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 For GCSE all pupils study the core subjects of English Mathematics Science and Religious Studies GCSE Subjects can then be chosen from Art Design Business Communication Systems Child Development Construction Double Award Science Drama English Literature Geography History Irish Learning for Life Work Media Studies Music Single Award Science Statistics Sport Technology Design The Princes Trust Achieve Programme and a variety of Occupational Studies and OCN Level 2 certificates are also offered 87 achieved 5 or more GCSE grades at A C 49 60 achieved 5 A C grades including GCSE English and Maths 38 out of 63 students achieved 7 or more A C grades 14
Top 3 Performing Liam Shannon Gabriele Students 2023 2024 Mc Closkey McNeilly 6A 2B 1C 3A 5B 1C Bulkaite 1A 2A 3B 3C Our school has performed above the Northern Ireland Average CAREERS EDUCATION INFORMATION GUIDANCE 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 develop their skills and to recognise 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 Ewan Mc Grath Attending St Patrick s College Maghera studying BTEC Engineering BTEC Applied Sciences Saint Benedict s College has been such a positive experience in my school life I have made friends for life and my learning was conducted in such a positive environment Mrs McCann was my favourite and she helped and guided me through There were several sporting achievements that are vivid memories The most special was winning the Noone Cup two years in a row These achievements have taught me the importance of working as part of a team I have carried this through in my new school where it is important to keep trying and never give up I would strongly recommend St Benedict s College to any P7 pupils as it will provide you with pathways to further education the strongest friends and the happiest of memories Liam Mc Closkey Attending St Louis Grammar School Ballymena studying Health and Social Care Digital Technology Engineering and Business My time at St Benedict s was an enjoyable experience as it helped me become a better person St Benedict s has supported me so I could think about and prepare further for my future this is thanks to the great assistance and support from my teachers I have wonderful memories of all classes with my friends and teachers there s a real sense of community in St Benedict s I d recommend St Benedict s to Primary 7 students as I can say for absolute certainty that they will make lasting memories with the people they will meet In addition it s also certain that the teachers and staff will help their students to do and be their best just as they helped me I am very grateful for the education received at St Benedict s Shea Mc Cann Attending St Mary s Grammar School Magherafelt studying Health and Social Care Religion and BTEC Sport St Benedict s has shaped my character and made me the person I am today I had an enjoyable and happy time during my five years there I am grateful for the many friendships I developed during my time there and know that they are people that I will remain in contact for life St Benedict s broadened my mind and helped me make informed decisions about my future It developed me to have a good work ethic and a desire to achieve I felt heard and supported which helped me excel and achieve a place in St Mary s Grammar School where I always wanted to go when I left St Benedict s mainly to play Macrory football I loved the caring environment in St Benedict s where teachers know you on a personal level and genuinely care One of my greatest memories is winning two Ulster Medals in the Noone Cup 15
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Wellbeing We are delighted that we have been designated a Take Five School in recognition of the work we do in promoting positive mental health Take Five Student Champions have been appointed and are helping drive the Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme across the school Each month we have a whole school focus on one of the 5 Steps to Wellbeing and actively promote it across the College through assemblies and follow up activities At the end of each half term we celebrate Wellbeing Friday We suspend the teaching timetable for the afternoon to allow students and staff to come together to engage in a variety of activities all designed to make everyone feel positive about school and life 16
WELLBEING 17
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Student Leadership Students are given leadership opportunities throughout their school career YEARS 8 10 In Key Stage 3 students can be appointed as the Class Prefect for their form class YEAR 11 We have Take 5 Student Champions in Year 11 who are working in partnership with our own staff to design and drive our whole school health and well being programme YEAR 12 In Year 12 students are given the chance to become members of the prestigious Student Leadership Team and to take on the role of Year 8 Mentor Prefect 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 Two Year 12 Prefects are linked to each year group including Year 8 They undertake a supervisory role at break and lunch and are available to provide advice guidance and support to their peers The Student Leadership Team further support Year 8s in their role as Reading Buddies 18
STUDENT LEADERSHIP STUDENT VOICE 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 Student Voice Surveys are completed on an annual basis and Student Focus Groups are regularly used Student comments allow us to evaluate our practice and provision and to identify areas for improvement and development 19
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Head Girl Mavourneen Mulholland I feel honoured to be chosen as a leader in this school At all times I strive to lead by example support younger students and endeavour to inspire others to get involved in all aspects of life at St Benedict s so they too can fulfil their full potential and be a happy safe and successful learner Head Boy Noyel Saji Having the opportunity to serve as the Head Boy for St Benedict s college is a great honour for me I hope to foster an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to express themselves I am motivated to ensure that all students are treated with respect and dignity as I was when I walked through the doors of St Benedict s college 20
HEAD GIRL HEAD BOY 21
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Sport Extra curricular Activites EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 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 personal 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 Extra curricular activities available to our students include Alpha Programme Art Club Credit Union Art Competition Breakfast Club Choir Coding Club Cookery Club Drama Club Eco Club Gaeltacht Hip Hop Dance Club Homework Club Lego Club Library Club Minecraft Club Rotary Youth Leadership Programme STEM Club Supported Study Yr 11 and Yr 12 and 3D Printing Club 22
SPORT EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SPORT Physical Education is compulsory for all students at Key Stage 3 and 4 and is available as a GCSE option It encourages students to engage in sporting activities to improve their physical fitness and to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing All sporting activities are designed to enhance our students communication teamwork and leadership skills while developing self discipline self confidence and resilience Sports available to our students include Athletics Badminton Basketball Camogie Cross Country Dance Gaelic Football Girls and Boys Gymnastics Hurling Netball Soccer Swimming Table Tennis Volleyball and Rugby 2024 Achievements in Gaelic Games Our Boys and Girls Gaelic Teams as well as our Camogie and Hurling Teams have a proud tradition of success In 2024 our U16 Girls Gaelic won The Foyle Cup in the Ulster Competition for the first time U14 Camogie team retained the Lily Spence Shield second year in a row U16 Hurlers won the Noone Cup for the second consecutive year 3rd Year Hurlers made it to the QF of the Danaan Cup Year 8 Boys Gaelic Team won the Antrim Shield Dylan McLarnon received a Year 12 All star award for Hurling Shea McCann was a finalist in the Year 12 All star awards for Gaelic We are proud of our continued partnership with our local GAA Clubs Erin s Own Cargin Kickham s Creggan St Ergnat s Moneyglass Tir na Nog Randalstown and St Comgall s Antrim 23
24
25
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Pupil Voice Max Young Past Pupil of St Joseph s PS Antrim My time at St Benedict s is going really well I ve made some new friends and I m really enjoying all the different subjects like Technology and Design and Home Economics which we didn t really get to do at primary school I ve also been encouraged by the teachers to do my best They are all very nice and have helped me settle in In St Benedict s I ve been made to feel welcome and safe We are starting our swimming lessons soon and I can t wait Iarfhlaith McCann Past Pupil of St Oliver Plunkett s PS Toomebridge My first day at St Benedict s I was really nervous but after my first week I had settled in really well and am much more confident What I have really enjoyed so far is PE and the PE teachers who are all so nice It has been brilliant as I have got to play in lots of tournaments and am a member of the Hurling and Football teams PE is great because it helps me keep fit and strong and I get to participate with all my friends Aoife McAuley Past Pupil of Mount St Michaels PS Randalstown My favourite thing about St Benedict s so far was meeting all my friends on the first day What was really comforting is the school is not too big though it is big compared to my primary school My favourite subjects are Art and Maths I was really nervous on my first day now I ve settled into school a bit more I m much happier and so glad I came here Katie McBrien Past Pupil of Mount St Michaels PS Randalstown I remember my first day really well I was upset and to be honest a little scared However after a couple of days I felt right at home The teachers are very nice My favourite subject so far in St Benedict s is probably Art It is fun and not very tricky Now that I ve been in the school for a few weeks I feel more confident and happier I have lots of friends and I know my way around the school Desza Kelly Past Pupil of St Joseph s PS Antrim I have really enjoyed St Benedict s so far I have met so many lovely new friends My favourite subjects are P E and Art I really like moving from room to room subject to subject so we don t stay in the same seat all the time On the 1st day I felt nervous but very excited I thought I wouldn t know anyone but I did I feel very happy and safe and I am really pleased that I chose to go to St Benedict s as everyone is here to help us I really like St Benedict s 26
YEAR 8 PUPIL VOICE 27
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Community Partners PA R E N T S We believe that 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 always accessible to parents and operate an open door policy We communicate with them on an ongoing basis through the ParentApp phone calls texts and letters Parents are kept up to date with school news through the ParentApp our school website Facebook and Twitter pages We invite parents into school on lots of occasions to attend Induction Meetings Parents Meetings SEN and Careers Information Evenings Parent Workshops and a variety of celebratory events We have an energetic PTA Parent Teacher Association who actively support us in our fundraising endeavours things like our monthly Half the Pot draw and annual events such as our Christmas Fayre and Christmas Raffle COMMUNITY LINKS We pride ourselves on being a school at the heart of its community We are an active member of the Moving Forward Together Partnership within the Antrim Newtownabbey Borough Council It sees 21 nursery primary and post primary schools working collaboratively to meet the varied needs of all their students We are members of two Area Learning Communities Antrim Area Learning Community and Ballymena Area Learning Community Our membership allows us to develop meaningful links with all the Post Primary Schools in both localities which greatly supports students transition to Post16 study in a variety of partner schools We have been actively involved in the Shared Education Project since its inception Our Shared Education Partnership sees our Year 8s work together with students from Antrim Grammar School and Parkhall Integrated College We are honoured to be Tidy Randalstown s Educational Partner and are grateful to them for all the fantastic opportunities they have created for the members of our School Eco Club Not every school gets to work with such a vibrant committed and talented team of volunteers a team who have with the help of our young gardeners created the Elevation Garden at the Viaduct and secured both Ulster and Britain in Bloom titles for Randalstown CHARITY Charity is at the heart of the ethos of the College and we support both Trocaire and St Vincent de Paul s annual campaigns Other charities are also close to our hearts Autism NI Cash for Kids Children s Cancer Centre Concern and Mc Millan 28
COMMUNITY PARTNERS Eimhear Craig Past Pupil of St Oliver Plunkett s PS Toomebridge What I have really enjoyed most about the school is that I ve made loads of new friends and the teachers are so so nice My favourite subjects so far are English Drama and History On the first day of school I felt excited and nervous at the same time I don t know why I was nervous because it has all been great 29
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Year 8 Admissions Criteria The Board of Governors of St Benedict s College has determined that the following criteria shall be applied in the event of the number of children applying for places in Year 8 in September being greater than the Admission Number in the order set 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 based on supporting evidence provided by Parents and or Statutory Agencies as having special circumstances e g medical social or security factors In the event of over subscription children will be selected based on application of the following criteria which will be applied in the order set out until the final place has been allocated 1 Applicants who are entitled to Free School Meals FSME Priority to be given so that the proportion of such children admitted is not less than the proportion of first preference FSME applications received within the total number of first preference applications received entitled to Free School Meals will mean applicants who are listed on the Education Authority register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has submitted their post primary Transfer Application or at any date up to and including the final date for parents to communicate FSME to the Education Authority as specified in the separate annual Circular Open Enrolment in Nursery Primary and Post Primary Schools Timetables The calculation of this proportion will be based on first preference applications received by the post primary school on or before insert final date for post primary schools to advise the Education Authority of pupils selected and those not selected at first preference stage as specified in the separate annual Circular Open Enrolment in Nursery Primary and Post Primary Schools Timetables 30
YEAR 8 ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Maya Gomula Past Pupil of St Brigid s PS Ballymena Everyone at St Benedict s makes you feel welcome At the start of the year I was scared because I thought that I wouldn t make any friends But now I m scared no longer and I have lots of friends My confidence has improved so much As well as my new friends my teachers will do everything they can to help and are only too happy to do so My favourite subjects so far are Art English Home Economics and Science I m so glad to be at St Benedict s 2 Applicants living in the parishes of Antrim Duneane and Randalstown not listed in any order of preference 3 Applicants who have a sibling currently attending the school This information must be clearly stated on the application form 4 Applicants attending Creggan Millquarter Moneynick Mount St Michael s St Comgall s St Joseph s and St Oliver Plunkett Primary Schools not listed in any order of preference ADMISSIONS TO YEAR 8 THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR Parents who wish to have their child considered for Admission in the event of a place arising after 1 September 2024 should write to the principal clearly stating this The above criteria will be applied to these applications only in the event of such a vacancy arising Applicants should note that they may be required to produce documents verifying information pertinent to the Schools Admission Criteria 31
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Our Learning Support Co ordinator Our Learning Support Department continues to grow as every year more and more parents are entrusting us to meet the individual needs of their children confident that all students in our college are given every opportunity to thrive Welcome My name is Keira Armstrong and it is my privilege to work with and care for all the pupils with additional needs at St Benedict s College Every day I feel so lucky and blessed to lead a dynamic and caring team of Learning Support Assistants and coordinate a committed hard working teaching staff who nurture and support every child to reach their true potential We understand that transitioning from Primary School to Post Primary can be exceptionally daunting for both parents and young people so a lot of care goes into making the transition as smooth as possible To meet the needs of young people we have several resources and strategies in place which have proven to be effective for all our children with additional needs To assist you in making the important decision on which school to select for your child we wanted to illustrate what support your child can expect when they join the St Benedict s family through the voices of the children themselves and the professional team who work with them If you require clarification or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me Yours in partnership Keira Armstrong Learning Support Co ordinator Excellence in education is when we do everything we can to make sure they become everything that they can 32
Our Mission for Learning Support LEARNING SUPPORT EQUALITY AND INCLUSION MEANINGFUL PROGRESS POSITIVE R E L AT I O N S H I P S OPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE THEIR VOICE HEARD WARMTH RESPECT AND NURTURE EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL SUPPORT ROLES OF RESPONSIBILIY Empowerment The Learning Support Team at St Benedict s College in partnership with home strives to promote excellence in Special Educational Needs We have one simple goal to EMPOWER our young people and support them in developing the skills and qualities needed to enjoy success It is our mission for all learners to feel included respected and valued while they are in school and to leave us ready to become happy and thriving contributors to society 33
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Our Support Package for Children with Additional Needs PERSONAL LEARNING PLANS PRIVATE SCHOOL TOURS 34 PUPIL PASSPORTS SMALLER CLASS SIZES M U LT I S E N S O R Y ROOM BUDDY SYSTEM
OUR SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS YEAR 12 STUDENT LEADERSHIP MENTORS VISUAL TIMETABLES PE UNIFORM CONCESSION ON DESIGNATED DAYS SENSORY TOOLKITS EARLY CANTEEN PA S S SUPERVISED LIBRARY SPACE AT BREAK AND LUNCH REDUCED T I M E TA B L E S ASSIGNED LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT TO EACH YEAR 8 CLASS IN TERM ONE 35
ST BENEDICT S COLLEGE 2025 PROSPECTUS Every Child deserves a Champion an adult who will never give up on them who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be Rita Pierson 36
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY Celebrating Diversity Here at St Benedict s we have a rich and diverse school population We provide a warm and welcoming environment where all students are welcomed accepted and valued We work hard to meet the pastoral curricular and linguistic needs of all newcomer EAL students When students arrive to our school we assess each student s English language proficiency using the Common European Framework of Reference for Language CEFR Extra literacy support classes are provided on a small group basis and students will be given the opportunity to take GCSE exams in their home language where possible To ensure that our written and spoken communication with families is effective interpreters and translated letters are used Interpreters can be arranged throughout the year for Parent Teacher meetings Support from the charity Barnardo s helps with school enrolment and assimilation into school life St Benedict s places high importance on embracing the cultural identities of each student It is our job to ensure that students can see their language culture and identity reflected in the classroom and the wider school Opportunities for promoting and celebrating diversity include Having multi lingual signs and displays throughout the school Making accommodations across all areas of the curriculum Providing targeted extra curricular activities Organising special assemblies and celebrations e g European Day of Languages and Schools Speak Arabic Event Having a designated area for private prayer Provision of Halal and Vegan foods in the school canteen Miss Megan Hutchinson Newcomer Support Teacher 37
St Benedict s College 5 Craigstown Rd Randalstown Antrim BT41 2AF 028 9447 2411 info stbenedicts randalstown ni sch uk www stbenedictscollege co uk