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ST. COLUMBANUS' COLLEGE

Prospectus 2025

A School for the Whole Community

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Dear Parent/Guardian,

I am delighted to welcome you and your child to our St Columbanus’ family.  Rest assured, we will support you both in the transition from primary school to ensure your child settles into their new ‘home from home’ with us.

We are dedicated to our students: to their education, their welfare and their happiness, as ETI have identified, twice, in our previous inspections by awarding our school ‘outstanding’ status.  

This status acknowledges our commitment to pastoral care and academic excellence, underpinned by our strong faith ethos.

Our results at GCSE continue to excel.   We continue to adapt our A’level curriculum to enable the number of our students going on to university and further education to, again, exceed the NI average.

Most importantly, we are first and foremost, a happy school, a safe environment and a warm community.

As I say to our students and staff, “My door is always open!”  

I look forward to getting to know your child personally and I value the privilege of taking them through this next special part of their journey in education.

Warmest wishes

Mrs M Flynn

  

Welcome from

Our Principal

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Page 6: College History

Page 8-9: Learning and Teaching

Page 12-13: The Teachers and Staff

Page 14-15: Pastoral Care

Page 16: SEN Provision

Pages 18-23: The Curriculum

Page 24: GCSE and A’Level Results

Page 25: Admissions & Entry Requirements

Page 26-27: Careers Provision

Page 30-33: After School Clubs

Page 37: The House System

Page 38:  Student Council

Page 40-41: Welcome from Our Head Prefects

CONTENTS

At St Columbanus' College, we strive to ensure that all students reach their full potential.

St Columbanus' College is a well-established and successful co-educational Catholic College, which serves Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee, Holywood, Newtownards and Comber. The foundation stone for St Columbanus' College Secondary Intermediate School, as it was formely known, was laid by Bishop Daniel Mageean on the Feast of the Assumption, 15 August 1959. 

In the last thirty years the College's intake has changed significantly. In addition to students from our maintained schools, we welcome students from many controlled schools in North Down. We are proud that our school attracts people of all religious denominations and is a community where diverse beliefs and cultures fuse together to form a vibrant College where the academic, pastoral and spiritual growth of our students are valued equally. We are pleased that our College is a place where we can make a positive contribution to the spiritual development of each student.

Prayer plays a central part in College life.

St Columbanus is the patron saint of our College. From an early age his mission was to follow the teachings of Jesus and to bring this message to others. He spent time in Fermanagh, Bangor, France and Italy. Our College motto "Lex Dei in Corde Meo" means the "Law of God is in my Heart." Daily in our College and home lives we are asked to show God's love to others through our words and actions.

College History

The College was built to serve the parishes of Bangor, Holywood and Newtownards and opened within a week of the feast of St Columbanus on 29th November 1960. A wide curriculum was offered with an emphasis on the teaching of vocational and technical skills. Many students left at the age of fifteen to take up employment while a small CSE class remained to study for external examinations. The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a significant growth in enrolment, which required a major extension to the original building. In the modern era the College continues to go from strength to strength evolving to best meet the needs of our young people.

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"I love being a student at St Columbanus' College as it provides me with experiences I wouldn't find anywhere else. I am supported and uplifted by the staff of the College, who have consistently provided me with a quality education and core life skills I will carry with me for years to come." 

-Year 14 student, Aidan, from St Comgall's P.S. 

10 Inspiring students to create original art. Every Child Enga

ged in Learning

"I enjoy attending St Columbanus' College as it provides the opportunity to develop friendships, which helps balance out stress during the exam season. The teachers help us with our confidence for our final exams."

- Year 14 student, Mikey, from Kilmaine P.S.

At St Columbanus' College we use innovative approaches to engage all learners.

It is our belief that happy and content children working in a climate of cooperation and high expectation will achieve their full potential.

From the minute you start at St Columbanus’ College, you will be cared for by staff in a close-knit, caring environment, with student services and support focused on the individual needs of our children.

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Dedicated Teacher

"I came from St Malachy's P.S and I was nervous to go to secondary school but I have settled in so well here with new friends. The teachers are always so nice and positive."

-Year 8 student, Ollie

 

"Everyone is so welcoming and helpful when you first come to St Columbanus' College.  The school is just the right size and has very supportive teachers and classroom assistants."

-Year 8 student, Sadie from St Comgall's P.S. 

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“You are supported by your teachers, Form Teacher and Head of Year who are happy to help you if you have any problems." 

-Year 11 student, Matthew, from Towerview P.S. 

Every Child a

Happy Child

"The staff are all friendly and easy to talk to, as well as the students. The school makes everyone feel valued and included."

- Year 11 student, Sidnee, St Finian's P.S.

"The main thing that I love about St Columbanus' College is the support system provided by all of the teachers, making every student feel welcome and always there to help with any worries."

 

-Year 14 student, Monica, from St Comgall's P.S.

Key Staff

Senior Leadership Team

Mrs Flynn - Principal

Mr Mitchell - Vice Principal

Dr Doherty - Assistant Principal 

Miss McMahon - Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Mr Sweeney- Assistant Principal Pastoral/Academic

Senior Improvement Team

Mr Burrows

Ms Canavan

Mrs van Houten

Mrs Doyle

Mrs Williamson

                                                

Heads of Year

Mr Anderson

Mrs Fegan

Mr Keyes

Mr Majury

Mrs McGuiggan

Miss McKinty

Mrs Phoenix

Mrs Sheridan

Your child will have a designated form teacher as their 'go-to' adult for help.

16 Every Child a Valued Child

We are an inclusive College, and our work in Special Educational Needs follows our strong ethos: that every young person is valued and cared for. The Learning Support Department at St Columbanus' College provides a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment. We cater to students who need support by focusing on improving literacy and numeracy.

Every teacher in our College is a teacher of Special Educational Needs. The SEN Department works closely with outside agencies to seek and provide the best support for the young people in our care, such as the Autism Advisory Service and Sensory Service. Upon entry to the College, students' skills are assessed using standardised testing. Individual Education Plans are developed where appropriate to enable students to meet their full potential. Individualised target setting and inclusive strategies are employed for short-term and ongoing intervention to help close the gap for pupils who require extra support.

Key Staff

Assistant Principal for Pastoral Care/SEN Manager-    Miss McMahon

SENCo/Learning Support Coordinator & Head of Senior School- Mrs Williamson

Assistant SENCo/Assistant Learning Support Coordinator- Mr Burton

Learning Support Teachers- Mrs Schofield and                Mrs Adams

“St Columbanus' College is very inclusive and helps pupils in need. I love it here because the staff and older students are super supportive and kind. Break and lunch time is also amazing." 

-Year 8 student, Bella, from Bloomfield P.S.

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English | Mathematics | Science | French | Art & Design | Drama | Employability | Spanish | Geography | History | Home Economics | ICT | Citizenship | Music | Personal & Social Development | Religious Education | Technology & Design | Physical Education 

Key Stage 3 Curriculum (Years 8-10) A Curricul

um for All

Core GCSEs

English Language | Mathematics | Religious Education (GCSE & vocational accreditation) | ICT (GCSE & vocational accreditation) |  Physical Education | Careers 

 

GCSE Options

Achieve Award | Art & Design | Business Studies | Child Development | Construction | Drama | English Literature | French | Food & Nutrition | Further Maths| Geography | History| Moving Image Arts | Music | Occupational Studies: Business Services, Construction, Design and Creativity, Engineering and Engineering Services, Environment and Society & Technology and Innovation

OCN in Personal Success and Well-Being | Public Services | Single Award Science | Double Award Science | Spanish | Sport Science | Statistics | Technology & Design | Travel and Tourism

GCSE Options

“I think that all subjects are fun but I love practical classes like Technology & Design, Art, Home Economics and Science."

-Year 8 student, Rhia, from St Malachy's P.S.

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Business | Art & Design | Moving Image Arts | Religious Education | Environmental Technology | Geography | History | Mathematics | Science (Life and Health Sciences)

Health and Social Care | BTEC Uniformed Protective Services | BTEC Sport | BTEC Applied Science | BTEC ICT | Travel and Tourism | OCN Employability and Professional Skills

St Columbanus’ College works closely and successfully with its partner schools to accommodate the A’Level choices of its students. Separate arrangements for A’Levels are always dependent upon timetabling compatibility and staffing in all schools. Choices may vary from year to year according to the needs of the pupils.

Following successful completion of GCSEs students can make an application to enter the College Sixth Form to study A'Levels and other Level 3 qualifications. The A'Level curriculum is reviewed annually.

Key Stage 5 A' Level Options A'Level 

Curriculum

Additional A’Level provision is offered to our students through the Bangor Learning Partnership/North Down and Ards Learning Community and in partnership with SERC.

The Choice of A’Levels on offer to St Columbanus’ College students from the North Down and Ards Learning Community is wide-ranging. This selection of subjects varies annually and the list below illustrates some of those A’Levels which may be made available to our students.

An exemplar of NDALC choices: 

Applied Science | Chemistry | Childcare | Drama | Engineering | English 

French | Hospitality | Law | Music | Performance Arts | Physics | Psychology 

Spanish | Sport Science | BTEC Engineering   

Our Results

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Applications & Admissions Criteria

In the event of the College being oversubscribed at a particular criterion, preference will be given in the following order of priority:

1. Pupils who at the time of application are siblings of present pupils enrolled in the College.

2. Pupils who are the only child in the family or who are the eldest eligible child to apply to Mainstream Post Primary School. (Eldest eligible means that at the commencement of Year 8 the pupil will be the eldest child in the family attending Post Primary School)

3. Final placement will be determined on distance by foot from home to College as measured using maps.google.co.uk

4. Where two or more distances are identical, an additional tie breaker will be used. A tie breaker will be used using a lottery draw involving the remaining applicants.

The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or verify information on the Transfer Form. 

The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines set by the school can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Application.

1. Pupils from the following Catholic Maintained Feeder Primary Schools, St Comgall's Bangor, St Malachy's Bangor, St Finian's Newtownards, St Patrick's Holywood, St Mary's Portaferry, St Mary's Kircubbin and St Patrick's Ballygalget. 

2. Pupils from any other Catholic Maintained Primary School in Northern Ireland. 

3. All other pupils transferring to Post-Primary Education.

Waiting List Policy 

The College maintains a Waiting List for applicants in all year groups.

When a place becomes available in Year 8 this will immediately be filled by the pupil who is top of the waiting list for that year group as determined through applications of our normal admissions criteria for Year 8. 

In Years 9 to 12 available places will be filled according to the College’s published “Criteria for transfer between schools (Years 9 - 12) which can be accessed on our College website.

APPLICATIONS

2022 - 156

2023 - 171

2024 - 127

ADMISSIONS

2022 - 135

2023- 125

2024 - 125

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Careers Education, Advice, Information and Guidance (CEIAG) at St Columbanus' College has an effective taught programme which focuses on developing our students' understanding of the world of work and fostering opportunities to practise employability skills. They benefit from the initiative, "Careers Across the Curriculum", when departments showcase career opportunities within their specific area through access to outside speakers, past pupils and representatives from local businesses and training providers. Together with organised events such as Careers and Apprenticeship Fairs, students are enabled to make effective, informed and impartial careers-related decisions. 

A Path for 

Every Child 

"St Columbanus' College has offered many ways to find out information about different career pathways. The College holds a Careers Fair which allows us to discover more about public and private sector jobs. It was fascinating to hear about what each role entails and the different options for me to consider in the future."

-Year 14 student, Jenni, from Donaghadee Primary School

"I like St Columbanus' College because the teachers are very kind and super supportive. They made us feel comfortable at the start of the year with a treasure hunt and Year 8 disco. Teachers make sure that you aren't struggling and make learning fun."- Year 8 student, Laoise, from St Comgall's P.S.

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Every Player  

At St Columbanus’ College, the school day does not finish at the last bell!  We encourage our students to get involved in extracurricular activities. 

Throughout the year the PE department runs Inter-House competitions in a range of different activities, such as football and netball, and hosts fundraising activities such as Fitness Freddy Day.

After School Sports

 Athletics 

Basketball

Badminton

Cross Country

Gaelic Football*

Gymnastics

Hurling

Netball

Soccer*

Rugby*

Volleyball

*Boys and girls

St. Columbanus' Senior Traditional Group: 2022,2023 and 2024 winners of the Holywood Music Festival (Advanced Category)

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St. Columbanus' Junior Traditional Group: 2024 winners of the Holywood Music Festival (Beginner Category)

After School Music

College Choir

Senior Traditional Group

Junior Traditional Group

Wind Ensemble

Vocal Group

Seisiún Group

Musical 

Maestros 

Or maybe you'd prefer...

Art Club

Coding Games Club

Cookery Club

Drama Club

Film Club

Public Speaking

Tabletop Games Club

Senior Media Team

The Music Department is a vibrant place to be at lunchtime and after school.

Tuition is available in a range of musical instruments: guitar, drums, piano,vocal, clarinet, saxophone and Traditional (tin whistle, bodhrán).

The College Choir and Traditional Groups are a popular choice for many of our pupils. The pupils perform at Prize Giving and Open Days and at various other College functions and services throughout the year and a significant number of external events in the community.

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Trip to Barcelona 

Learning outside of 

Annual History trip to Bangor Library to view pupils' work on display for Holocaust Memorial Day.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Duke of Edinburgh Award

 the classroom

Annual ski trip to Austria

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Formed in Faith 

Our Mission Statement

Achieving success in a happy and hardworking atmosphere where each individual matures in a supportive Christian environment.

Our faith values form the basis of our strong ethos which welcomes all and protects the dignity of all.

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A House and a Home 

"Having a House system in place allows pupils to interact with teachers differently, whilst also allowing teachers to get to know pupils as they move through the years. This helps strengthen relationships between students and teachers, fostering a shared interest in achieving a goal or completing an activity.

Often House activities include fun challenges that pit one House group against another, with pupils and teachers involved. The emphasis is on healthy competition and fair play, and it can be a great opportunity for your child to learn about 'winning' and 'losing' in a safe and supportive environment. They'll also learn the importance of participating and trying, and working as part of a team. Pupils have the opportunity to compete in monthly competitions representing their House to gain valued House points across a wide range of departments and skill sets. Key Stage 4 pupils also have the opportunity to apply for the role of House Captain which builds their confidence and develops leadership skills.

House groups within schools provide a sense of continuity throughout children's time to counteract their separation into year groups. They will often look back fondly on activities they participated in for their House and remember it for years to come."

- From 'The Benefits of a House System'

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Every Child has a Voice

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Each class nominates a school councillor to speak for them and their interests on school matters.

A meeting of the SVP Youth Team

  Self-respect, mutual respect, honesty, integrity and the willingness to work for the benefit of others are central tenets of our work. The Christian values we profess as a Faith Based school are evident in our ethos and practice and the 

principles/values flow through every aspect of school life. 

Mental Health Ambassdors

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My name is Ciaran and I am proud to be appointed the Head Boy of St Columbanus' College. I previously attended St Comgall's P.S. I was initially a little anxious about attending a new school. However, this was quickly alleviated due to the friendship groups I formed and the support from all the teachers. The school is a community environment which made me feel so welcomed and supported. 

From Year 8-14, I joined many extra-curricular activities including the school Traditional Group, rugby and St Vincent de Paul. I have represented the school which has helped me develop my leadership and team work skills. I have also attended various festivals for music and community activities. The school has very dedicated staff that always offer you guidance. The school has a big emphasis on respect, integrity and inclusivity which I carry out in my role as Head Boy. 

I will always ensure I uphold standards and commit to being a role model. This school has a strong sense of community and support, which I love. 

I have made lifelong friendships in school and I want you to have the best experience in St Columbanus' College as I can truly say, you will feel valued, supported and will love it. 

A few words of welcome 

from our Head Prefects

My name is Abigail and I am immensely proud to be Head Girl of St Columbanus' College. 

I joined the College in 2018 from St Comgall's Primary School. Initially, I was nervous and excited about starting a new school. However, I soon became very comfortable as I developed many friendships and became very at ease with my teachers and members of staff. 

The school also provides many extra-curricular activities and I have been a part of the school Traditional Group since I was in year 8. This gave me the opportunity to meet new people and represent the College at many different events, such as the Holywood Festival. Through this I have gained many skills such as team work, leadership and communication. 

St Columbanus' College is a big community as everyone is valued, supported and encouraged to be the best version of themselves. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the College and I encourage you to embrace and cherish every moment!

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Supporting your child's mental health and well-being

Olympic Gold Medalist, Rhys McClenaghan, visited our senior mental health and well-being day to share his story and inspire our young people.

St Columbanus' College,

Ballymaconnell Road, 

Bangor, 

BT20 5pU 

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visit our website at https://stcolumbanus.org.uk