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PROSPECTUS 2023 ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL www stcolmshigh org
Principal s Welcome St Colm s is a vibrant learning community where our young people are provided with a whole range of opportunities to help them develop their skills and academic profile to better prepare them for the world of work and as contributors to society Our goal is to enable each pupil to achieve their full potential in a caring safe and supportive environment Pastoral Care As a Catholic School we are distinctive for our emphasis placed on caring for all members of our community pupils parents teaching non teaching staff and Governors We seek to build a network of supportive relationships at all levels based on mutual trust and respect Our Aims St Colm s is a family and community school where pupils are supported through life experiences and learning to ensure that each individual is valued and respected Our young people have access to high quality education and benefit from the committed and highly professional team of teaching and non teaching staff who share a genuine interest in their development Through our strong partnership with staff pupils and parents we are able to help students thrive and to live by our motto we do our best to be the best that we can be We want our pupils to be happy and to flourish in every aspect of their educational journey We are passionate about our pupils and we are committed to ensuring they have a rich and successful experience while at St Colm s I hope that this prospectus gives you a flavour of life at our school and we look forward to welcoming you in the near future Mr Adrian Walsh Principal Mission Statement St Colm s seeks to develop a Catholic School community which is well ordered and within which both staff and pupils can work co operatively and in mutual respect in the pursuit of all aspects of spiritual educational and personal excellence z To provide a happy sensitive positive and secure environment and so encourage effective learning z To foster respect for the nature and dignity of each person and an appreciation of self worth St Colm s was extremely proud to be recently awarded School of Sanctuary status in 2019 by ensuring that the school is a place of safety where everyone is welcomed and included and where all cultures are valued equally Ursula Mackel coordinator stated We believe that St Colm s has always provided sanctuary for those students in our care encouraging us to celebrate and value diversity z To promote co operative efforts to establish full support for pupils by maximising participation by parents parish partner primaries and external support agencies z To recognise and reward achievements of all pupils in both the academic and nonacademic fields z To enhance life social and study skills thus preparing our pupils for the opportunities and responsibilities within school and beyond z To utilise a variety of teaching strategies which 2 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 Pastoral Care Principal s Welcome ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL are responsive to the different needs abilities and aspirations of all pupils z To enhance personal and social development through planned curricular and extra curricular activities which give pupils experiences outside their local environment Pastoral Teams Students are supported and guided from their first day in St Colm s with a strong and dedicated pastoral team The Head of Year Group and their team of form tutors will be the first point of contact for our young people They will remain with them through all of their school experiences developing a very special bond which will stay with them beyond their school years 3
School Uniform Years 8 12 Girls z Pale Blue Shirt School Tie z Navy Jumper with School Badge z Navy Box Pleat Skirt z Navy Tights z Plain Black Leather Shoes z Navy Blazer with School Badge 4 Boys z Pale Blue Shirt School Tie z Navy Jumper with School Badge z Black Trousers z Plain Dark Socks z Plain Black Leather Shoes z Navy Blazer with School Badge School Uniform Sixth Form PE Uniform Order online from Playr fit com Items available in school colours z Sweatshirt z Tee shirt z Half zip z Skinny track bottoms z Leggings Girls z Navy White Striped Blouse z Navy Sixth Form Jumper z Navy Box Pleat Skirt z Navy Tights z Plain Black Leather Shoes z Navy Blazer with School Badge Boys z White Shirt 6th Form Tie z Navy Sixth Form Jumper z Black Trousers z Plain Dark Socks z Plain Black Leather Shoes z Navy Blazer with School Badge School Uniform Sixth Form School Uniform Years 8 12 ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL z Shorts and socks Tel 028 9030 1118 9 www stcolmshigh org 5
St Colm s Welcome our New Year 8 We maintain excellent links with our partner primary schools to ensure a smooth transition for our new year 8 pupils We start building relationships and an essential understanding of the needs of our young people before they leave their primary classroom This is managed through meetings with key staff in each primary school meetings with parents induction mornings for our new pupils and our summer school which is a huge hit with our young people All of this along with effective online testing in Literacy and Numeracy allows us to immediately identify the individual needs of each child and put education plans in place Year 8 Summer School Year 8 St Colm s Welcomeour New Year 8 ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL Every student joining St Colm s in year 8 has the opportunity to join the rest of their year group for a week of fun filled outings and team building activities forging new friendships and building confidence There are many opportunities to build literacy and numeracy levels through interactive and practical sessions as well as enjoying sport creative arts and drama Thanks for making this transition from primary school to secondary school more relaxed and enjoyable for my son Parent The summer school has benefitted my daughter no end This has enabled her to gain some familiarity with her new environment staff and peers she is less anxious and cannot wait to join in September Parent Attending the summer school has made me more confident because I know most of the people I m going in to school with in September Pupil You would love to come to St Colm s The teachers are very kind and helpful and everyone in the school helps out a lot I am proud to be a St Colm s pupil Caycee Year 8 I made a lot of friends during the summer school Pupil My favourite activity in school was doing art and cooking because we made paninis pizza and rice crispy buns and cake Pupil All of the trips were my favourite swimming cinema Black Mountain Walk and the zoo Pupil You should definitely consider going to St Colm s Don t worry if you don t know anyone we have a summer scheme where you will meet lots of new friends Jazmin Year 8 6 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 www stcolmshigh org 7
Literacy Numeracy The English department ensures that every young person has the opportunity to realise their potential and that every pupil is developed into an effective and confident communicator both orally and in written form We also place a great deal of importance in nurturing a love of reading in each pupil and in ensuring that reading skills are enhanced and developed The Maths department use active learning strategies to ensure that all students consolidate their skills and have the opportunity to progress with confidence Problem solving is developed in class and celebrated with enjoyable and challenging activities that all students can access Rising stars also have the opportunity to participate in the UK wide Maths Trust Challenge Our students of all levels and abilities excel in our accelerated maths programme which ensures that they experience success grow in confidence and become selfmotivated learners St Colm s English Department is lucky to house a fantastic Reading Room This is a beautiful space with an informal relaxed and chilled out vibe where our young people can curl up with a book and lose themselves in the world that their favourite author has created Numeracy Literacy ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL St Colm s is a happy school The teachers are always smiling Tamia Year 8 8 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 www stcolmshigh org 9
Support Sensory Room Our very experienced support teams ensure that individual needs are identified and supported with the right interventions St Colm s are delighted to have opened a specially designed Sensory Room to offer a calm safe and welcoming space for those young people with autism and for those who have additional and sensory needs This is a fully equipped space that will support students with emotional regulation Withdrawal support for literacy and numeracy offers targeted intervention for small groups to ensure that their confidence grows along with the skills that they need to better access their learning in class In class support ensures that students receive the adjustments and accommodations necessary to allow pupils to make progress and have a positive and enjoyable learning experience alongside their peers Here at St Colm s we are always looking for ways to support the needs of all of our young people and this sensory room will go some way towards doing that Our young people deserve the best and at St Colm s we always strive to give them just that Ursula Mackel senior teacher Our Social and Communication Centre provides the right mix of nurture and engagement for our students that have difficulty with the transition into post primary school Students avail of intensive support with their literacy and numeracy with a broad mix of learning activities They also enjoy a range of practical subjects and manage a very successful integration into our mainstream 10 Come to St Colm s it is really fun I enjoyed meeting teachers and getting books on the first day The teachers are really nice I like the way the teachers greet you at the door in St Colm s Curtis Year 8 Anna Year 8 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 Sensory Room Support ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL www stcolmshigh org 11
Primary Links We maintain close links with all of our partner primary schools to ensure the highest standards of continuity and progression in learning across Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 z Sharing good practice across the phases z Improving levels of literacy numeracy and ICT z Building on previous skills and achievements z Promoting self confidence and self esteem z Building positive and productive relationships z Breaking through barriers Well established links within the community Building relationships within the community is a privilege for our young people and is highly regarded by all involved This year our choir brought Christmas cheer to the residents of Milesian Manor in Magherafelt with their performance of carols and traditional music Well established links with Saints Youth Club and Youth Initiative ensures that the positive environments that we foster are enjoyed in all aspects of the lives of our young people Workforce and Hair Academy offer our students a real world experience alongside their studies to build a broader profile and essential experience for their future career pathways Our links with external agencies enable us to signpost support for families in the community Well established links within the community Primary Links ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL z Colin Neighbourhood Partnership z Footprints Women s Centre z Family Works Counselling z Samaritans My new school is great My favourite subject is science and I have made lots of new friends Conor Year 8 12 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 13
Creative Schools St Colm s Pupils Launch Anthology Reflecting on Life in Lockdown The creative schools initiative provides opportunities for our young people to build their artistic and creative skills to communicate collaborate stimulate their imaginations be inventive and to harness their curiosity St Colm s have been involved in the programme since 2017 providing opportunities to reinforce the impact of creativity on our young people s learning development and well being St Colm s High School in Belfast hosted a special event on Wednesday 10th November to celebrate the launch of a new poetry and photographic anthology created by pupils entitled The Times That Shape Us The poems composed by the young people reflect their time in lockdown and how this period affected their mental health Pupils also produced a collection of photographs which depict snapshots of what mattered to them during this pivotal point in their history 14 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 Thank God for the Outdoors Outdoors is a wonderful place where Covid no longer has a face Underneath the waterfalls Trees as tall as skyscrapers Sunflowers in the meadow waving a cheery hello Indoors all is quiet as we wait wait wait Dangerous thoughts exit my mind as soon as I am in the sunshine Everyone hold their breath as we hope for this awful time to pass A poem by Reece Blaney It has been wonderful to watch the self confidence and self esteem of our young people grow as they enjoy new experiences through engagement with the arts and the opportunity to meet a variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures It has been inspirational to witness how they channelled their experiences of the pandemic and lockdown into poetry photography and music There is no doubt about the immense benefits of this programme for our young people Adrian Walsh principal It has been a privilege to work with this group of young people on The Creative School Partnership Programme The disruption of the educational journey of our students and their subsequent return to some sort of normality gave us the impetus to pursue our ambition of the publication of an anthology of their work in poetry and photography The fact that they have lived through what will be known as a significant point in history enthused and encouraged them to share their experiences and we are delighted with the finished project Ursula Mackel Senior Teacher and Creative Schools Coordinator St Colm s Pupils Launch Anthology Reflecting on Life in Lockdown Creative Schools ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL 15
16 Rewarding Learning Recognising and rewarding the efforts and achievements of our pupils is a regular event in St Colm s Tel 028 9030 1118 9 Celebration of Achievement Our Celebration of Achievement is one of the biggest events in the school year We are immensely proud of our students and we firmly believe in rewarding and celebrating their successes in every aspect of school life Every September pupils are joined by parents teachers governors and invited guests from education and industry to honour our young people for their tremendous efforts www stcolmshigh org Celebration of Achievement Rewarding Learning ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL 17
Curriculum St Colm s offers the Revised Northern Ireland Curriculum which aims to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible choices throughout their lives We believe in creating a supportive learning environment by ensuring that the contribution of all pupils is valued and that pupils feel cared for and respected Key Stage Three z Art z Drama z Music z Physical Education z Home Economics z Personal Development z English z Mathematics Key Stage Four z Maths z Single Award Science z LLW Prince s Trust z Personal Development z Geography z PE z Religious Education Optional z Art Design z History z Irish z I C T z Spanish z Science z Technology z Learning for Life and Work z Drama z Engineering and Engineering Services z Geography z History z Hospitality z ICT z Irish z Photography z Music Technology z Religious Education z Business Services z Spanish z Business Studies z Triple Award Sports z Child Development Studies z Design Creativity z Technology z Double Award Science Courses on offer in St Colm s Sixth Form or in collaboration with other schools to Advanced Level z Human Biology Key Stage Four Subject Offer Core z English Post Sixteen z Environmental Action z English Literature z Law z Health Social Care z Moving Images z Travel and Tourism z Engineering SERC z Art and Design z CACHE z Digital Technology z Media Studies z Child Care z Religious Education z Government Politics z Sports Coaching z Performing Arts z Health Life Sciences z Finance z History z Hospitality 18 Curriculum Curriculum ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL www stcolmshigh org LALC As a key stakeholder in Education and Training in Lisburn St Colm s is an active participant in the Lisburn Area Learning Community sharing good practice and experience and promoting and meeting the needs of our learners through consultation and collaboration 19
Music Peripatetic Lessons Clubs We offer free lessons in Guitar acoustic and electric Drums Tin Whistle Irish Traditional Flute and Bodhr n where the pupils are encouraged to take graded exams Our Music Department is a fun vibrant and bustling learning area for our pupils We have a state of the art department which includes a Mac Suite Recording Studio DJ room and a large well equipped Music Classroom Music Music ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL St Colm s is a very good secondary school I m always looking forward to going in Cora Year 9 20 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 21
Preventative Curriculum We have a responsibility to keep our young people safe and to protect them from harm in every aspect of their lives Our preventative curriculum provides pupils with information advice and guidance regarding safety and boundaries empowering them to be strong and in control of their body and feelings The programme is delivered through Form Time Personal Development and a range of guest speakers and external agencies who visit the school throughout the year Extended Schools Clubs and Activities St Colm s Extended Schools is as vibrant as ever with a range of activities for pupils each week along with Enhanced Workshops for pupils staff and parents alike All activities are free of charge z ICT Gaming Club z Eco Council z Art and Photo Club z Cookery Club z Music Lessons z Sports Club Extended Schools Clubs and Activities Preventative Curriculum ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL Our Eco Council promotes an awareness of the importance of our environment engaging in projects both within school and the wider Colin community The students consider innovative ways to Reduce Reuse and Recycle All activities encourage the students to be creative and to work as a team in a fun and safe environment 22 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 www stcolmshigh org 23
Sports Coaching In order to promote healthy minds and bodies students are provided with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sporting activities We have a well equipped sports hall assembly hall all weather surfaces and two outdoor table tennis tables We also have access to the Brooke Leisure Centre and all its facilities to offer a comprehensive programme through our PE curriculum Pupils can also avail of a number of activities at break and lunch time or even join an after school team St Colm s has partnered with the Football Management Company to offer a triple award advanced level in Sport This course offers students the opportunity to follow a career pathway into a range of occupations within the sporting industry Coaching Sports ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL Go to St Colm s because the teachers are lovely and caring Jessica Year 9 24 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 www stcolmshigh org 25
26 St Colm s Sports Teams St Colm s Sports Teams St Colm s Sports Teams ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL The boys and girls of St Colm s have taken pride in representing their school in a range of sports and enjoyed the success of their hard work Tel 028 9030 1118 9 www stcolmshigh org 27
Careers Careers Careers ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL Right from Year 8 through to Year 14 our students follow a fresh relevant and engaging employability programme ensuring that they are well prepared to cope with the world of work z Meet employers z Visit a workplace z Experience work of your choice z Have a mock interview z Develop an understanding of your own interests potential and realistic prospects z Develop the broad skills needed for your future career success and flexibility 28 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 www stcolmshigh org 29
Charity Drives Alumni We wish all of our past pupils the very best in whatever career pathway they have chosen and hope they won t be strangers Thanks to the generosity of our pupils parents and staff we have raised over 10 000 for charities to include Children s Hospice Cancer Fund for Children Tiny Life and CRY Cardiac Risk in the Young James McGonnell Financial Services Operations Analyst James Tennyson Professional Boxer Jennifer Kettle Child Development Lecturer Lauren Heenan Wedding and Events Coordinator Leeann Hall SEN Classroom Assistant Matthew Prendergast Electrician Dr Susan Lagdon Psychology Lecturer Thomas Johnston Paediatric Anaesthetic Nurse Tony Coulter Chartered Accountant Alumni Charity Drives ST COLM S HIGH SCHOOL A great big thank you to all pupils parents and staff from Head of Pastoral Care Henry Campbell and current Year 8 pupils By helping others we help ourselves 30 Tel 028 9030 1118 9 www stcolmshigh org 31
Remembering our Patron Saint St Colm born 1500 years ago in Donegal A Prayer for St Colm Be O Lord a guiding star above me a smooth path below me a kindly shepherd behind me and a bright flame before me today tonight and forever Amen Design Print by www colinthedesigner com Born 7th Dec 521 AD Died 9th June 597 AD