St Dominic's Grammar School : simplebooklet.com

2CCéad mílefáilteI am delighted that you have taken the time to get to know ourschool and on behalf of the governors, staff and students I warmlywelcome you to St. Dominic’s Grammar School. Choosing theright school for your child at this stage in their education is a veryimportant decision. Be assured that in St. Dominic’s we will carefor, nurture and support your child to achieve their full potentialand fulfil their hopes and dreams. My hope is that every St.Dominic’s pupil that enters the doors of this beautiful school willenjoy their learning, seize the opportunities afforded to them,flourish, thrive and leave us as happy, confident and competentyoung people. We strive, as outlined in our vision, to unlock ourindividual and collective potential and to be prepared to meet thechallenges and opportunities of the 21st Century whilst reflectingour strong Dominican Ethos.St. Dominic’s was established by the Dominican Sisters, Cabra in1870. Our school has a rich tradition and a long and well-respected history. Whilst the school building has changedover the years, the values and ethos imbued by the visionarysisters, all those years ago, remain strong within our schoolcommunity. The students are encouraged to work hard,identify their gifts and talents, and to build on them, all inthe spirit of truth. Our pupils achieve highly, and this is akey priority coupled with the development of character,honesty, goodness and kindness. Our school is a Catholic School that promotes Christian Values.We are rich in diversity and welcome students from all faithtraditions and none. We are committed to providingeducational opportunities that enable students to grow anddevelop into mature young adults who will confidently taketheir place within society and make a positive contribution toWelcome

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3the Common Good. Many of our past pupils are influentialleaders shaping our society on a local and global level. The cornerstones of our school are the staff, community andparents/guardians who in the triangulation of relationships worktogether to create an educational journey that brings aboutacademic success, improved life experiences and employmentopportunities. I am privileged to be Principal of St. Dominic’s wherethere is such a supportive, dedicated and highly motivated staff whoare determined to provide a meaningful and purposeful educationfor your child. There exists within St. Dominic’s a wealth ofexpertise and a rich tradition that promotes that special relationshipthat is so essential for real learning and success to happen.We are delighted to offer students the full range of educationalchoice through the Entitlement Framework in a vibrant learningand teaching community that is situated at the heart of the FallsRoad. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities that includean oratory, numerous ICT suites, drama theatre, library,gymnasium, sports-hall, specialist classrooms, laboratories, art andmedia studios, design and technology workshops, music tutorialrooms as well as dedicated study centres for Post 16 students.We also provide a rich and varied extracurricular programmewhich allows our students to develop beyond the classroom. Weare very proud of our student’s achievements in all areas ofschool life and beyond. Hopefully, through the information in this prospectus and yourvisit to our school on Open Day you will get a feel for the truespirit, ethos and culture of excellence that makes St. Dominic’ssuch an exciting and vibrant place to learn and succeed. Orla O’Neill (Principal)

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OOurAimsTo bring our students to a full understanding of our Catholic faithand to promote Christian values and attitudes in all membersthroughout the school communityTo awaken in students a sense of their dignity and self-worth andto promote self-confidenceTo promote the physical, emotional and mental well-being of allour students and staffTo create warm, caring and positive relationships between allmembers of the school community and to inculcate in allmembers of the community respect for, and sensitivity to, thedignity, feelings, and rights of othersTo promote the values of good citizenship throughout the schoolcommunityTo build an effective partnership between parents, students, staffand the Board of Governors and to work together to fulfil theschool’s visionTo be a learning community for the development of allTo optimise the opportunities for our pupils through links withthe wider communityTo ensure that our students and staff are prepared effectively forthe changing world in the 21st centuryTo ensure that our students have access to a wide range oflearning opportunitiesTo develop a culture of high achievement among all pupils withevery pupil reaching their full potential 5

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On April 2 1870, Dr Dorrian wrote from Rome to the Prioress of Falls Road:“My dear child……….The news of your arrival in Belfast is a great comfort to me. I wish, without delay, to welcome you and the sisters of St. Dominicwho accompany you and to pray every blessing upon your labours in your new home. The North is said to be cold, but you will find the heart genial and warm in the people.” St. Dominic’s was founded by the Dominican Order in 1870 at theinvitation of the Most Reverend Dr. Dorrian, Bishop of Down and Connor.It was originally named St. Mary’s Dominican Convent. When it openedon April 25 1870, there were four pupils enrolled. The Boarding Schoolopened on April 29 with one pupil. The Study Hall Block was built in1897. The school has grown significantly over the years with the additionof the St. Margaret’s Wing and the erection in the 1960s of St. Thomas’sBuilding.The school has been at the forefront of education in Belfast since 1870and continues to grow in strength providing first class education for girlsfrom the Belfast and Greater Belfast area. It remains under the trusteeshipof the Dominican Order. Mrs Anne O’Neill was the school’s first layprincipal and she led the school effectively between 2001 and 2007 whenshe took over from Sr. Lucina Montague OP. Mrs Carol McCann then tookover and led the school successfully until January 2022 when our currentPrincipal Mrs Orla O’Neill then became Principal.We are proud of our long tradition of excellence and of our many famouspast pupils who continue to play leading roles in society.In 2008, the school celebrated the opening of the St. ThomasAquinas Building and the refurbishment of the originalschool buildings began. The current facilities enable staff todeliver a curriculum which prepares our students for life inthe 21st Century. We now have state-of-the-art facilitiesand specialist rooms for all subjects. Outdoor facilitiesinclude a multi-purpose pitch, tennis courts andrecreation areas. St. Dominic’s is committed to constant review andupdating of our facilities while also preserving ourdistinctive character and sense of history. We areproud of the school’s place and contribution toBelfast and the communities we serve.7Advertisement for Dominican ConventIrish News August 1896“The course of studies comprises allthe subjects of a Catholic LadyʼsEducation. Pupils are prepared forthe Royal University, Intermediate,Royal Academy of Music,Incorporated Society of Musicians,Civil Service and other PublicExaminations, but Ladies not enteringfor these receive equal attention….”

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8Key Stage 3 Beginning the Journey Year 8 TransitionTo ease the process of transition for primary school: we visit feeder primary schools and meet teachers and pupils, we invite pupils and teachers from our feeder primary schoolsto school events;establish curricular links with local primary schools;create an Induction programme to match the needs of newpupils.Year 8 pupils and their parents meet with our staff in early Juneto share information about specific individual needs. Pupils withadditional needs meet the SENCo. The school provides information about:early days in St. Dominic’s;the opportunity to enrol in an activity-based summer camp;our Summer Maths Engagement Day for pupils and parents.Two Induction days are held at the end of August to enable newpupils to meet and get to know their tutors and prefects as wellas the procedures and layout of the school.On Induction Day 2, parents are invited to attend a number ofinformation sessions and to join staff and prefects for a barbequeat which parents have the opportunity to meet staff and prefectsin an informal setting.The first term is busy and exciting for Year 8 pupils. Activities include:Halloween Fancy Dress;Christmas movie eveniing;Talks and workshops eg: Transition, Mental Health and Wellbeing;Christmas Pantomime;Outdoor Pursuits Trip.Throughout Year 8 at St. Dominic’s, pupils are supported byClass Prefects, their Tutor and Year Head.• •••• •••••••Transition

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9Key Stage 4Individual transition meetings are also held with students andtheir parents at the beginning of Year 11.At these meetings, the following topics are discussed:Target grades for GCSE;Planning and work ethic;Expectations;Meeting deadlines for coursework;Dates for controlled assessment and modular exams;GCSE grades required for specific university courses;Dates for assessments and reporting to parents.Each student is given a booklet compiled by subject teachers onstudy techniques for specific subjects.This is followed by workshops on:Study skills;Building resilience.Key Stage 5A mixture of individual and group meetings are held for studentsand their parents as they progress to Year 13.Topics which are addressed include:Time management;Expectations and work ethic;AS and A2 modular and non-modular systems;Grade entries for university courses;Individual target grades for A Level.Transition and in particular to Key Stages 3 and 4 is supported bya number of careers and subject information events.• •••••••••••••OOnwardsandUpwardsIn St. Dominic’s, we are committed to developing well-rounded , well-educated ,confident young women in a happy, welcoming, supportive environment. Weunderstand the need to effectively guide and support pupils as they make the transitionfrom primary to post-primary (Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3), Year 10 to Year 11 ( KeyStage 3 to Key Stage 4) and Year 12 to Year 13 ( Key Stage 4 to Key Stage 5).

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11MusicWe have a strong musical tradition which greatly enhancesthe pupils’ learning experiences. They have the opportunityto participate in a wide range of musical activities throughoutthe year, including playing and singing at the school’sliturgies, the annual Christmas Carol Service and SpringConcert and the biennial musical. The Choir have performedin numerous prestigious venues including the Royal AlbertHall in London, the Waterfront in Belfast, the NationalConcert Hall in Dublin, the Irish and British Embassies inRome in addition to the Irish College in Rome. The Choir hassung at other prestigious venues including the City Hall, theHarbour Commissioner’s Office and the University of Ulster.They have also performed with the celebrated Belfast singer,Mr Brian Kennedy for President Mary McAleese and withPeter Corry and the Ulster Operatic Society at the ChristmasMusical Extravaganza at the Ulster Transport Museum.Past Productions2000 Celebration of Dominican Education (Waterfront Concert Hall)2001 The Wizard of Oz2002 The Causasian Chalk Circle2003 Cinderella & The Visit2004 The Canterbury Tales2005 Aladdin & The Good Woman of Szechwan2006 The Threepenny Opera2008 A Night at the Musicals2010 The Wizard of Oz2012 Annie2014 Oliver2016 Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat2018 Westside Story2022 Beauty and the BeastDramaSt. Dominic’s Drama Department is renowned for thebreadth of enrichment activities provided for our studentswhich include: The annual Choral Speaking Competition;The annual Shakespearean Festival;The biennial musical;Trips to the theatre including trips to the West End and Broadway;Drama Club;Drumalis Scriptwriting Weekend;National Theatre Connections Competition.As well as encouraging all pupils to strive for their bestin academic subjects, we provide our pupils with anall-round education by offering a rich and varied extra-curricular programme.Pupils are encouraged to share in the extra-curricularlife of the school to further develop self-confidence,self-esteem and resilience as well as numerouspersonal and interpersonal skills.Participating in the many school clubs and activitiesprovides pupils with the opportunity to learnteamwork and leadership skills, whilst having fun.Extra-Curricular•••••••

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13SportWe recognize the importance of physical activity inpromoting both physical and mental well-being and areconstantly seeking to enhance the sporting opportunitiesfor our pupils.Pupils can avail of a wide range of activities including:••••••••••••••AthleticsNetballBasketballGaelic FootballCamogieFitness trainingRugbyHandballSoccerVolleyballWater PoloDanceLacrosseTag RugbyOther Extra-CurricularActivities Include:•••••••••••••••••••••••••••African DrummingCoding Club Seasonal Cookery ClubAn Cumann GaelachDrama ClubSpanish ClubHabitat for HumanityHomework ClubMaths ClubMock Bar TrialRosary ClubPolitics in Action Science ClubTechnology ClubArt ClubChoirCreative Writing ClubCumann CeoilFrench ClubEco ClubHistory ClubTechnology ClubMagistrates Mock TrialMusic (GCSE)OrchestraPublic SpeakingYoung Enterprise

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Building leadership capacity is central to the school’s work. Our pupils are encouraged to seek out and seize opportunities forpersonal development and to reach beyond their comfort zone. Our Senior Student Leadership programme ensures that pupilshave the opportunity to demonstrate leadership through working with younger pupils. Many senior pupils also act as SubjectMentors and in this capacity, they provide invaluable additional support for pupils who are struggling in specific subject areas. We aim at building resilient, resourceful, responsible, reasoning and reflective young adults. Pupils are given additionalopportunities beyond the school day to develop these attributes.These include the Friends Forever Programme, the Rotary International Award, the Albert Schweitzer Leadership for Lifeprogramme, the Rank Foundation Scholarship and the Belfast City Council Inspire Leadership programme. These programmes giveour pupils the opportunity to travel to various parts of Ireland and the UK as well as globally to the US. Our pupils form friendshipswith young people from all over the world, get involved in innovative, character building activities and learn skills that help themdevelop as young leaders. 16LLeadership

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Pupil ExperiencesHere three students write about their experiences in some ofmany Leadership programmes / projects which are offered in theschool:Send My Friend“Send My Friend To School is a campaign that brings togetheryoung people from schools all across the UK to fight for everychild’s right to a quality education. As part of Send My Friend,my fellow campaign champion Ellie and I travelled to theHouses of Parliament in London and the Labour PartyConference in Liverpool, along with a group of othercampaigners that I had never met before, from all different partsof the UK. Together we took part in various social actionprojects, including photo stunts, question panels and lobbyingvarious MPs in the hopes of making change. Send My Friend ToSchool has empowered me with the knowledge that anyone canmake a difference in the world, and has provided me with thetools to do so. I have forged so many new friendships and metpeople from all around the world that I never would have got thechance to meet without the campaign. I got the chance to meetand talk to the Cuban Ambassador to the United Kingdom whileat the Labour Party Conference, and I also had the pleasure ofmeeting fellow education campaigners from Ghana via a Zoomcall . The experience really has changed my life for the better,and I look forward to remaining a part of the expanding Send MyFriend to School community, both here in Northern Ireland, andworldwide.”Lucy – Year 11Friends ForeverFriends Forever is a programme that brings together groups ofyoung people from the entire island of Ireland, in the hopes ofbuilding peace and a better future. As part of Friends Forever, Itravelled to New Hampshire with a group of people I had nevermet before, from different backgrounds than my own and wetook part in various social action projects during our time theresuch as volunteering with homeless shelters, delivering speechesto rotary groups on topics we are passionate about and pushingourselves to new heights by climbing Mount Monadnock.Friends Forever has empowered me with the knowledge thatanyone can make a difference in the world and has providedme with the tools to do so. I have made life-long friends throughparticipating in this experience, and we continue with our socialaction work both individually and as a team since returninghome. The experience really has changed my life for the better,and I look forward to remaining a part of the expanding FriendsForever community, both here in Ireland, and worldwide.Rebecca - Year 13Rank Foundation St. Dominic’s is delighted to have been invited to join the RankFoundation Leadership Fellowship Programme.“I am only at the beginning of my Rank Leadership journey andI have already been granted with experiences I can continue tolook back on with fondness. I was asked to attend a LeadershipDay in London at the start of the school year where I got tocollaboratively work with other scholars in a day filled withicebreakers, discussions and more interestingly; movie-makingbased on global issues (with the privilege of a professional filmcrew teaching their skill sets to us). Having been the only scholarfrom outside of England, Scotland and Wales, granted me thissense of independence knowing I have an opportunity to fulfilwithin my own community here in Belfast. Additionally, we stayin contact over Zoom to discuss the wide scope of what‘leadership’ entails and what we can make of that. Along withthe generous £3,500 towards 3 years of university tuition fees, Iwill be able to volunteer my help in two community actionplacements within the summers following sixth form. This can belocated anywhere in the UK and target any disadvantagedgroups. I am beyond excited to finally put my ambitions intoaction by taking full advantage of what The Rank Foundation hasto offer me.”Nadia – Year 1317

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18ICTG.C.H.Q. Cyberfirst Girls Competition for year 9 pupilsCyberfirst Competitions / Workshops for year 10 pupilsTalks from BringItOnResearch & work experience opportunities with QUB andlarge computing companies such as Kanios and Liberty ITfor KS4 & 5 students IrishPoetry Gael Linn Annual QuizAbair Public SpeakingFeis Bhéal FeirsteGaeltacht ResidentialGaeltacht Summer coursesScienceBiology, Physics and Chemistry OlympiadsSalters Junior Chemistry CompetitionSchlumberger Bursary for PhysicsQUB Physics CompetitionMiSAC Annual CompetitionRSC Schools’ Analyst CompetitionBiology ChallengeReelLIFE Science CompetitionRSB BioArtAttack CompetitionBT Young Scientist EnglishBook groupsStudent NewsletterMock Bar competitionTrips to the theatreTTo the classroom and beyond•••••••••••••••••••••••Across the curriculum, there are many opportunities for pupils’ learning to be supported and their learning experiences to be enriched.There is an after-school homework club and numerous revision and booster classes that take place throughout the whole year. Manyof the after-school activities and school trips add a special dimension to the learning experience and enhance pupils’ motivation andenjoyment. We believe that the multiplicity of activities, events, competitions and projects that we have to offer, make St. Dominic’sa learning community in the fullest sense. Here is a list of some of the enrichment activities that take place in our school:

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19TechnologyYear 10 Technology Club - Year 10 club provided everyThursday after schoolSeasonal Technology Club - Various workshops aimed atYear 8/9 throughout the yearArtTexaco Art CompetitionRUA and True Colours Art Exhibitions Intaglio Printing workshops with Robert Peters and variousLocal Artist WorkshopsFrenchY10 Francofest Competition Trips to Donegal for Y10 Intensive weekend course Trips to Paris and Euro DisneyAnthéa Bell prize for young translators. NICILT summer challenge. SpanishY10 Hispanofest CompetitionIntensive Spanish course in Seville Trips to Donegal for Y9 and 10 Intensive weekend courses Spanish Club. Business StudiesNI Business Challenge for Schools Annual Competition inconjunction with Queen’s Management School, BDONorthern Ireland and Henderson Group.MathsQUB Annual Maths CompetitionBelfast Higher Education ConsortiumMathematics OlympiadUKMT Junior, Intermediate and Senior CompetitionsMaths in the Real World Photography CompetitionWorld Maths Day CompetitionsMaths Week Ireland CompetitionsSentinus Engineering Research and Development Team ChallengeCross-curricular theatre and cinema tripsSenior Maths Mentors for KS3Year 8 Numeracy DayPsychologyBook lending ClubSociologyQUB A-Level Sociology conference••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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HistoryTrips to DublinJunior History ClubWorking with Holocaust Education Trust to hear survivortestimony and learn lessons from the HolocaustParticipation in Lessons From Auschwitz ProgrammeGovernment & PoliticsStudy Visit to StormontParticipation in Politics in ActionTowards a Better Understanding Leadership Award DramaWeekend script-writing Trips to local theatresTrips to Broadway & West End Workshops with theatre practitionersLighting and sound workshopsShakespeare Festival Q&A sessions with actors and directorsPhysical EducationYear 13 and 14 P.E. students have a range of opportunitiesto take on leadership roles throughout their course and areexpected to plan and deliver 6 coaching sessions toyounger pupils at the school Attend outdoor pursuits activities- mountain biking androck-climbing Organise Sports Events- Orienteering/sports days. All KS3 and 4 pupils complete CPR training Awareness sessions- Wheelchair Gaelic football (deliveredby Ulster GAA) Opportunities to coach at extra-curricular clubs Early morning training sessions- Gaelic football Senior pupils have access to the fitness suite during freeperiods- for well-being Peer mentoring- sharing of best practice across thedepartment- pupil led Participation in trials for a range of sports. MediaFilm clubSt. Dominic's Film festivalFilm competitionsCinema visitsShakespeare festival trailer competitionMusicJunior, Senior and Chamber ChoirsSenior OrchestraJunior StringsWind BandJunior and Senior Cumann Ceoil GroupsUkulele GroupBoomwhacker Group Biennial Senior Choir trips to European destinations;Cologne 2023, Rome 2018, Prague 2016. Trips to Ulster Orchestra concerts in The Ulster Hall. GSOTM Belfast Schools Traditional Music Competition(Winners 2022)Ballymena and Holywood Music FestivalsInter-Community School Choir Gala Competition (FISCA)BBC Radio Ulster School Choir of the Year BBC Radio Ulster School Soloist of the YearAnnual Spring Concert in St. Anne's Cathedral/Ulster HallJunior ConcertChristmas Carol Service PPU Carol Service and November Mass of RemembranceWhole School Mass for Opening of School YearYear 14 Leavers' Mass and Year 8 MassTrócaire 'Hope Springs Eternal' Concert with The Priests and Margaret Keys Christmas by Candlelight with Belfast Pops OrchestraCandelight Christmas at Clonard with Karl McGuckinCity of Belfast School of Music Christmas Concert Belfast Harbour Commission Events ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••20

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GeographyFieldwork - KS3 outdoor learning and fieldworkexperiences, GCSE river study & AS sand dune studyTrips abroad – Italy including Rome, Capri, Vesuvius Eco/Geo Club - wildflower planting, litter picking, beachcleans, working with Belfast Hills Trust, willow making,pond dipping, sunflower planting, bee preservation, GreenSchools Global Citizenship Marine Preservation workshop,Junk Kouture competition, Department of InfrastructureConference on Sustainable Transport, conference on climatechange & sustainability, making sustainable Christmaspresents, upcyclingEco Schools Green Flag AwardCarlingford Adventure Centre annual trip Send My Friend to School campaign including 2 studentsselected as UK Campaign ChampionsOxfam campaigns Trocaire The Right Focus competition & documentary winnersCOP27 Simulation event UK Polar Network - Antarctica competitionGeographical Association lectures (in association with QUB)As part of the Eco Club Eco Committee: Work with BelfastHills Partnership, Beach clean ups and Environmentalawareness projectsReligionDay retreats at Clonard for year 8, 9 and 10, led by theyouth ministry teamLove For Life workshops offered to year 9, 11 and 12Enrolment of year 13 pupils in the Down and ConnorCephas Programme - an accredited courseWeekly Oratory Prayers in the oratoryPromotion of period dignity Trócaire game changers competitionHolocaust Memorial Day competitionSt Columbanus art/ essay competition"Switch off Fortnight" - year 9 environmental awareness /tackling climate change.Organisation of Hampers for various charitableorganisations eg. Springfield charitable associationToy appeal for local charities every ChristmasOtherGreen Flag Award - St. Dominic's awarded 2022Oxfam Climate Justice Send My Friend programmeTrocaire The Right Focus competition winnersTrocaire workshop The Right FocusRotary Club - Friends Forever International programmeYoung citizens Mock Magistrates CompetitionHabitat for Humanity – links with other Schools.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••21

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23Key Stage 3 Curriculum:Art and DesignComputer ProgrammingDramaEnglishFrenchGeographyGaeilgeHistoryHome EconomicsInformation CommunicationTechnologyIrishLearning for Life and WorkMathematicsMusicPhysical EducationReligious StudiesScienceSpanishTechnology and Design•••••••••••••••••••Underpinning all aspects of our academic provision is ourstrong commitment to meeting the needs, aspirations,abilities and the talents of all of our pupils. We are a self-evaluating school and as part of this self-reflection, weevaluate our curriculum offering to ensure that we meet theneeds of our students. Our school vision states that we wantall of our pupils to be happy and successful in St.Dominic’s, and as such, our curriculum planning ensuresthat we offer a range of subjects and pathways which allowour students to be successful and to prepare them for lifeafter St. Dominic’s in an increasingly competitiveenvironment.Pupils learn most effectively when their learning is relevantand stimulating and when there is a positive and happylearning environment, characterised by qualityrelationships at all levels. In St. Dominic’s, we are confidentthat there is a positive learning environment and this hasbeen evidenced by the very positive feedback we receiveregularly from both parents and our pupils when we auditour current provision. All of our staff are fully committedto providing the best possible experience for all of ourstudents. They use a variety of strategies, new technologiesand novel approaches to motivate and stimulate learning,focus on how pupils learn, and provide appropriate supportto ensure that all of our pupils achieve their full potential.Our current subject offerings in each Key Stage are listed.GaeilgeCuirtear ranganna Gaeilge ar leith ar fáil do dhaltaí athagann ó bhunscoileanna lán-Ghaeilge. Déanann siadGCSE Irish i mbliain a deich agus GCSE Gaeilge i mliaina dódhéag. Bliain i ndiaidh bliana, tagann scaifte daltaíchuig Ardscoil Naomh Doiminic ó bhunscoileannaéagsúla ar fud na cathrach.

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Key Stage 5 Curriculum:ArtBiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryEnglish LiteratureFrenchFinancial Studies (Diploma)Further Maths (To AS level only)GeographyGovernment and PoliticsHealth and Social CareHistoryICTIrishMathsMedia StudiesMusicPhysicsPsychologyReligious StudiesSociologySpanishSports StudiesTechnology and DesignTheatre Studies•••••••••••••••••••••••••Assessment and ReportingAssessment and feedback to pupils lies at the heart of pupilprogress. Pupils are continuously assessed throughout theyear at all Key Stages. In Years 8-10, they have one set offormal exams in the summer term, however regular reportsinform pupils and parents about progress throughout theacademic year. Year 11 and 12 pupils sit many externalmodule examinations in summer terms and hence theirformal internal exams take place in the middle of the year.Pupil achievement is closely monitored by teachers and therelevant pastoral and curricular teams, ensuring that eachchild is encouraged and supported to overcome anychallenges they may face. Parents receive regular writtenreports and additionally have an annual opportunity to meeteach subject teacher. St. Dominic’s firmly believe that therelationship between pupil, parents and school isfundamental to the success of each girl.27

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Pastoral Care in St. Dominic’sIn St. Dominic’s Pastoral Care permeates all aspects of schoollife and all members of staff take responsibility for the careand welfare of our students. St. Dominic’s provides a holisticeducation which combines academic excellence with thedevelopment of the whole person. Our aim is to developstudents spiritually, academically, morally, emotionally,culturally and socially so that they are well-developed andwell-equipped to face the many challenges of the 21stcentury. Fundamental to our pastoral approach is thepromotion of a caring ethos and good quality relationshipsthroughout the entire school community.The Pastoral Care StructureThe Class Tutor has daily contact with the student and monitorsprogress, behaviour and well-being.The Year Head has overall responsibility for one year group.The Head of School has an overall responsibility for one or twoyear groups, supporting the Year Head in their role.The Vice - Principal co-ordinates the Pastoral Care System.The Prefects serve as role models, act as mentors and provide anadditional channel of communication between students and staff. The PSHE ProgrammePSHE is Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education.The PSHE programme has been designed to ensure that ourstudents grow in their self-esteem, resilience, confidence andindependence of thought. Our PSHE programme placespersonal development and the acquisition of personal,learning and thinking skills at the heart of the curriculum.There is a dedicated 30 minute PSHE class once a week aswell as immersion days when students are taken off timetablefor retreats, Love for Life workshops (which focus on sexeducation and healthy relationships) and workshops onresilience. Speakers and outside agencies also deliverworkshops and talks to all year groups on important issuessuch as safe social networking, wellbeing and good mentalhealth, road safety, study skills, relationships, drugs andalcohol education. 29

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Mentoring in St. Dominic’sOur Tutors and Year Heads are given time to provide academic andpastoral mentoring to students in their classes throughout the year.All our KS3 and 4 classes are assigned at least two Year 14prefects. The Year 8 prefects work very closely with their tutorgroups throughout the year. At the beginning of Term 1, theyattend registration with their assigned classes, lead PHSE lessonsand assemblies, focusing on issues or challenges that areparticular to Year 8. The senior students are also given theopportunity to mentor younger students. All Year 8 students aresupported by their mentors to facilitate their transition tosecondary school. This also provides all our Year 14 students witha leadership role working with young people to develop theirsocial and interpersonal skills.Additional Educational NeedsEvery child has the right to achieve their full potential and herein St. Dominic’s, we provide the necessary support for everyindividual’s needs. The school SENCo and Assistant SENCo leada team of dedicated learning support assistants and together withall staff in the school they enhance the learning of every child inthe school. When necessary, additional literacy and numeracysupport is provided by teachers as well as access arrangements forpublic exams.We have a state-of-the-art building with modern facilities whichinclude lifts, ramp access, disability-access facilities and a medicalroom. Other facilities include a Hub area where pupils withadditional needs can meet and relax in a quiet, comfortable area.Student VoiceAt St. Dominic’s we believe that having an effective studentvoice is an integral part of school life. We recognise howimportant our students are to the whole school communityand ethos and we therefore take every opportunity to ensurethat our students are not only given a voice but are heard.The opportunities we have for student voice are wideningand the contribution of student voice to whole schoolimprovement is invaluable.Through Student Voice discussions and evaluativequestionnaires, students are asked to evaluate schoolfacilities, the quality of whole school provision, including atermly evaluation of the Pastoral Care programme and thequality of learning and teaching. Their views enable us toevaluate our practice and identify areas for improvement.31

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sCEIAGCareers education, information, advice and guidance is a keyaspect of school life in St. Dominic’s. All pupils in Years 8, 9and 10 receive careers lessons as part of the employabilityaspect of Learning for Life and Work. All Year 10 students alsoreceive guidance on Options at GCSE and are fully supportedin their choices. All pupils in Years 11 and 12 have a timetabledcareers period once a week. Pupils in Year 13 and 14 havetimetabled sessions led by a dedicated careers team whoprovide individual advice and guidance on the process ofapplying to universities and on interview preparation andvarious aptitude tests. All pupils in Year 12 have an individualinterview with the School Careers Officers from theDepartment of Employment and Learning. All Year 14 pupilshave access to an individual interview with our Head of Careers, Mr Owen Murray. Pupils across all years are encouraged to avail of opportunitiesfor personal development beyond the school day. The emphasisof the entire CEIAG programme is centred on helping our pupilsto make informed choices at all transition stages. Every subjectdepartment in the school contributes to careers advice.Speakers from universities are invited to address pupils andparents on current entrance requirements for a multiplicity ofsubjects. Pupils have access to a wide range of careers materialand in particular through a resource called Unifrog. They havethe opportunity to attend careers events both inside and outsideschool. The school also organizes events to support pupilspreparing for interviews related to Third Degree Education andbeyond. Work experience/shadowing forms part of our Year 13programme and pupils also have the opportunity to attendspecialist Open Days for a wide variety of courses and careerareas as well as visiting Open Days at our local universities.Pupils who wish to apply to the Oxbridge universities are giventhe opportunity to participate in a Higher Education + projectwhich has been initiated by Corpus Christi College, Cambridgeand subsequently to participate in summer school programmesin either Cambridge or Oxford.In keeping with our commitment to provide students withoutstanding careers guidance and tailored support at eachtransition stage, St. Dominic’s uses Unifrog, an award-winning,online careers platform. All students in Years 8-14 have accessto this excellent website.The Unifrog platform is designed to support learners inmaking the most informed decisions about their futuresand has a range of tools that are suitable for all yeargroups. Each student has their own personal account thatprovides a wide range of information related to theirinterests and aspirations.Speakers for Schools offer Virtual Work Experienceprogrammes (VWEX), which are free to use and allows ourpupils to access work experience opportunities anywherein NI or indeed the UK. Speakers for Schools also offerweekly broadcast schedules for every career area as wellas inspirational talks which subject teachers can draw on.Overall, students at St. Dominic’s are very well informedabout their career options and job prospects as theyprepare to leave school.Mary McAleeseFormer Presidentof Ireland33

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Relationships are key to success In St. Dominic’s, we firmly believe in the necessity ofbuilding strong relationships between the school and parentsand see this as key to the school’s effectiveness. Beyond themany events which include Parents’ Meetings, Induction andCareers events, concerts and school shows, the followingcontribute to developing a strong partnership between theschool and our parentsParent LinkOur Parents’ Association, Parent Link further enhances therelationship between the school and parents.The main focusof the organisation is to ensure that parents have theopportunity to be fully engaged in their children’s educationand to provide effective communication channels betweenhome and school. This group is an invaluable soundingboard for the school and acts in an advisory way on manyaspects of school life including policy development. Activities led by Parent Link include annual parent-staff tripsand events to support school fund-raising for our manycharities. Partnerships with ParentsAs valued stakeholders of the school, our parents are alsoactively encouraged to share their expertise and views on thequality of school provision. Through meetings, discussions andevaluative questionnaires, we invite parents to evaluate schoolpolicies, the effectiveness of leadership and managementwithin the school, the learning and teaching and extra-curricular opportunities provided for their daughters. Parentsare also invited to attend support meetings as needed.Parent WorkshopsWe invite parents to Parent Workshops/Talks during theschool year.These are designed to support parents and pupils with allaspects of their childs’ education and life both within andoutside the classroom. The workshops address the areas of importance in relationto equipping our pupils for life in the twenty-first century andinclude study skills, appropriate use of social media, positiverelationships, building resilience/confidence and mentalhealth and well-being.We also offer parent/student themed cookery classes inadvance of Christmas.Community Outreach and FundraisingSt. Dominic’s promotes and celebrates communityoutreach. The school runs 5 structured volunteeringprogrammes; the Dirt is Good programme (Year 8), theDiana Award Ambassador programme (Years 12/13) andthe Peer Coaching programme (Year 13) led by the school’svolunteer coordinator while the Eco-club and Send myFriend to School campaigns are run by Mrs McCartan andMrs Dickson respectively. In addition to the structuredprogrammes, we provide flexible volunteering initiativesincluding the Pioneer and Giving Nation awards for Years8-10 and the Impact awards for Year 11-14. Pupils areencouraged to apply for volunteer leadership roles and assuch we currently have teams of pupils serving on theBelfast City Youth Council, the Translink Youth Forum, theNICCY Youth Forum and four pupils are serving as #iWillYouth Ambassadors representing Northern Ireland. Theschool also supports pupils undertaking the Pope John Paul II Award.In 2021/22 St. Dominic’s won a series of nationalvolunteering awards including the Circle of Life Award, TheQueens’ Award for voluntary service and the PlatinumChampions Award. Two pupils were national champions(at Key Stage 3 and Key stage 4) at the Get Set forCommunity Action awards and the schools Eco club wassuccessfully nominated for the BBC Regenerators’ ‘Hall ofFame’. In terms of fundraising, St. Dominic’s is fully committed toraising funds for local charities and students givegenerously to the various charities through a wide range offundraising activities. At Christmas, Year 14 lead theShoebox Appeal while all classes prepare a Christmashamper and buy gifts for the St. Vincent de Paul Appeal withteachers also getting involved by taking part in the annualTeacher “talent” show! At Easter, each class takes on afundraising activity to raise money for Trócaire and differentyear groups focus on fundraising for a charity of theirchoice such as Action cancer, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and CLICSargent. At. St. Dominic’s we firmly believe in theimportance of helping others and reaching out to those inneed.35

St Dominic's Grammar School

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