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ST LOUISGRAMMAR SCHOOLKILKEEL100 Years of Excellence in EducationPROSPECTUS 2022 - 2023
Co-Educational Grammar SchoolAcademic ExcellenceSporting DistinctionSpecialist school in Computing and TechnologyFamily FocussedSmall and CaringInnovative and CreativeSTEM specialistsSt Louis...Ecellenc EducaioNew School On the 23 June 2020 the Minister of Education announced 9 schools to advance in design under the major capital works programme, at an overall anticipated cost of £156million, £120m of which is anticipated on construction. The Board of Governors and the Trustees of St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel, are delighted that the school was included in that announcement.A Project Steering Group has been established to direct the project through the initial development stage. It is anticipated that the appointment of the Integrated Consultant Team who will take the project through design to completion will be nalised in Spring 2021.This is a very exciting time for all those interested in education in Mourne and the wider region. We are condent that every child will continue to experience success in a state of the art building that will provide cutting edge and modern facilities for current and future generations of pupils.
...excellence in educationDear Parents and Students,Welcome to St Louis Grammar School. We hope that you enjoy reading this prospectus and that it gives you a avour of what life is like in our school.St Louis is an inclusive school for boys and girls, whose aim is to provide opportunities for all students, enabling them to develop their talents and skills so they can realise their full potential, academically, socially and personally.As a family school, we seek to provide a secure and happy environment for all children regardless of gender or ability. As a Catholic school we promote our ethos in a supportive and caring environment. We welcome children who are being brought up in other religious traditions or none and whose parents support our values. This year we celebrate our centenary and look forward to an exciting programme of events to mark the contribution the school has made to education in the Mourne area and wider region. Despite the changes over the years, many visitors still remark on the warm and Welcome to St Louis Grammar School.We hope that you enjoy reading this prospectus and that it gives you a flavour of what life is like in our school.caring atmosphere and the excellent relationships between sta and students. We are committed to providing a high standard of education in all senses of the word for every student. But above all, we strive to create an environment which encourages pupils’ physical, moral and spiritual well-being. We are a learning school where the learning experience is relevant, rewarding, empowering and enjoyable, and where everyone is encouraged to reach their academic and personal potential. The school’s pastoral policy emphasises self-esteem, respect for one another and the development of good interpersonal relationships as the basis for eective learning. St Louis students enjoy the benets of a disciplined, happy environment, conducive to study under the guidance of well-qualied teachers and support sta.Ecellenc EducaioSt Louis Grammar SchoolVoluntary Grammar Denominational Boys and Girls 11-18Enrolment September 2022: 700Approved Admissions Number for 2022: 130Expected Enrolment September 2022: 740Approved Enrolment Number for 2022: 770Chairperson of the Board of Governors: Mr B CunninghamWe are committed to working in partnership with our parents to ensure that high expectations are met in the form of excellent examination results and high quality extra-curricular experiences. We value parents’ support and recognise the importance of their role in the education and development of their children. We provide many opportunities for parental involvement through school Masses, sporting, music and fundraising events. Parents are also actively consulted in the formation and review of school policies.St Louis is a community where the uniqueness of each individual is recognised and where students are prepared to face the world as condent, articulate and mature young adults with all the necessary skills and attributes required to meet the challenges of the 21st century.1
St Louis...In keeping with the spirit of St Louis the ethos of our school is aligned with that of the founding congregation, which through time has brought its own charism that has helped to create the educational philosophy that informs the running of the school. As a Catholic Grammar school we, as leaders, teachers, parents and pupils, are asked to reect on how we live out the St Louis ethos which was Abbé Bautain’s vision. Part of our spiritual growth is to reect on what our roles and responsibilities mean in living out the Gospel message. The St Louis motto ‘Ut Sint Unum’ ‘that they all may be one’ – (John Ch17 v21) calls us to personal wholeness and oneness, to work for peace among neighbours and in the wider community and to support everything that leads to peace in our world. We understand that parental preference for St Louis Grammar School arms a commitment to the school’s Christian ethos and to the Religious Education programme provided here. An essential part of our education is understanding dierent religious beliefs and practices, regardless of one’s own personal belief. The school welcomes pupils from other traditions and parents are encouraged to see the positive benets of their children having the opportunity of learning for themselves through RE and Assemblies. Grounded in the St Louis tradition of education, we see religious faith and practice as an integral part of the whole school experience. All pupils study Religious Education throughout their time in St Louis.The main aim of the Religious Education Programme could not be achieved without considerable emphasis on religious practice during the school year. The Holy Eucharist is central to our faith. At the beginning of the rst term the entire school community gathers for a Welcome Service in school, to give thanks and ask for God’s blessing on the year ahead. Mass is celebrated on many occasions including a Welcome Service for Year 8 pupils and their parents in October to celebrate their ‘new beginning’. Year group assemblies, a Lenten Penitential service, special liturgical services at Christmas and Easter and retreats, play an important part in faith development. At the end of sixth form, Mass is celebrated for Year 14 students and parents.St Louis is a caring school, where students are encouraged to live out their faith by supporting a range 2
...faith developmentof charities, local, national and international. Fundraising takes several forms including ticket sales, sponsored fasts, goal shoots, sponsored walks and bag packs. In the past, groups of students and sta have travelled to Rwanda and Romania to work in orphanages bringing with them substantial funds and resources to aid their development. The school also supports the local branch of St Vincent de Paul by providing hampers at Christmas. We have links within the St Louis Network in Ireland and are developing links with St Louis schools worldwide. Each year thousands of pounds are donated to a range of charities including Macmillan Cancer Care, Action MS, SERVE, Trocáire Lenten Appeal, the Hospice, and St Louis Mission work in less economically developed countries.‘The governors and the senior leadership team are embracing the expansion of the school and are fully committed to embedding the school’s vision, ‘Ut sint unum’ (that they may be one) through fostering a welcoming, inclusive and cohesive school community. The pupils who met with the inspectors spoke enthusiastically about the school’s warm, friendly ethos. They appreciate the supportive and helpful sta and value the range of subjects available to them and the opportunities for participating in cultural and sporting activities. The senior pupils have well-formed career aspirations and speak with maturity and condence’. ETI Inspection report 20203
St Louis...St Louis Grammar School is a Catholic community within which both sta and students work in the pursuit of all aspects of spiritual, educational and personal experience. To Achieve this we have the following aims:• To help pupils grow in the Catholic faith and foster moral values and attitudes thereby helping them to become mature, tolerant and committed Christians.• To provide a happy, caring and stimulating learning environment where pupils are helped to:• develop self-awareness, condence, self-esteem and discipline• address dicult issues openly and honestly• develop a sense of personal and social responsibility• To provide a broad, balanced, coherent and relevant curriculum, to enable pupils to acquire a wide range of abilities and interests, knowledge, skills and attitudes. • To establish and develop:• a creative partnership between pupils, parents and teachers• links with primary schools, other schools, external agencies, past pupils and the wider community. • To help pupils understand the world they live in, to make informed decisions about their lives and to prepare them for future responsibilities as contributing members of the community, workers and parents.4
...our visionSt Louis Grammar School continues to be a welcoming school for all children, respecting the rights of all children, respecting the rights of individuals to be themselves, share their learning experience and celebrate diversity. Grammar/Higher Ability EntrySt Louis Grammar operates a grammar/higher ability entry process which enables pupils to access an academic education oering the intellectual rigor required to stretch and challenge higher ability pupils whilst oering the benets of a learning environment that values the gifts, talents and aspirations of all pupils. Pupils are admitted in the same way that they would be to most Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland, i.e. the rst criterion for admission is academic ability based on the GL Entrance Assessment Test. The details are explained in the School’s Admission Policy and Criteria. A total of 52 students out of 130 are selected on the basis of academic ability or 40% of our annual (Stage 2) intake. Parents who wish their child to be considered for the higher band classes and apply via Stage 1 do not need to apply separately on the online transfer form as all applicants will be placed in the appropriate learning paced class, (78 places).All Ability Entry 60% of our annual intake are students who have not engaged in the academic selection process. The details are explained in the School’s Admission Policy and Criteria. (www.stlouis.org.uk).However, due to the current pandemic, the Boards of Governors of the ve Grammar schools in the Newry and Kilkeel Consortium have agreed, in light of these exceptional circumstances and for one furhter year only, that the academic admissions criteria in each of the five schools will be put into abeyance. We recognise that there has been significant disruption to the education of pupils across schools since March 2020, including that of P7 pupils and realise that there continues to be considerable uncertainty with respect to what the educational landscape will look like in the next academic year. As a result, St Louis Grammar, Kilkeel along with the other local Grammar schools have temporarily amended their Admissions Criteria for September 2022 removing the academic element in their current criteria. Aside from some minor amendments the Admissions Criteria for the 2022-23 academic year is largely based on the school’s sub-criteria as published for the 2021-22 intake. The school’s Admissions Criteria will be published by the Education Authority (EA) according to its normal timetable. For reference, the 2022-23 admissions criteria are available on the school’s website and within the prospectus. (www.stlouis.org.uk). St Louis remains committed to its own ethos and academic focus on high quality teaching and learning. Those who would normally apply to be admitted to the school are encouraged to continue to do so. Learning Paced ClassroomsWe operate a system of ‘learning paced’ classes in Year 8 with each class providing a rich, varied and supportive learning environment designed to meet the needs of every pupil. We recognise that pacing the work at the correct level is vital to ensure that all pupils engage with, and enjoy learning, experience success, and grow in confidence and self-esteem. We expect all children within our care to achieve their full potential. 5
St Louis...Pastoral Care permeates all aspects of school life. It is concerned with the personal, spiritual and intellectual development of the whole pupil. It is a positive learning community where pupils feel valued and are encouraged to make a positive contribution to their own development and to the life of the school. Pastoral care is therefore the responsibility of every member of sta and integral to school life. We acknowledge the importance of our pastoral role in the welfare of all young people and through our mission statement and ethos every member of our school community is treated with respect.The pastoral system has a clearly identiable structure within the school in which every sta member has a pastoral role. The responsibility for this dedicated focus is carried by the Tutors, Year Heads, and the Senior Leadership Team. This system ensures that there are clear lines of communication and easily identied roles and responsibilities which bring maximum benet for all pupils. The pastoral programme followed by the pupils addresses relevant personal, social and academic matters. Through our Pastoral Structures and Counselling Service we oer a supportive environment to pupils. The Personal Development Programme allows pupils to explore key issues within their personal development including Self Concepts, Self Esteem, Health and Well-being, Relationships and Personal Safety. We recognise that pupils benet from having a particular teacher to whom they may turn, so pupils are divided into tutor groups of approximately 20-25 pupils. The Tutor plays a pivotal role in helping pupils to integrate into the St Louis community to gain a strong sense of belonging, where high standards of honesty, behaviour and application to work are encouraged and respected. Dialogue between Tutor and pupil is an important part of this process and helps the young person to take responsibility for his/her own learning. An Education for Love programme is delivered throughout the school. Outside agencies provide support for the programme in Years 11, 12 and 13. Relevant topics are introduced in tutor period gradually over the seven years and the content is appropriate to the developmental stage of each year group. We value the support given by a range of external support agencies in promoting Pastoral Care within the school. We also ensure that such agencies adhere to the values and ethos of our school.We acknowledge that parents are prime educators of their children and that it is only when an actively supportive partnership is developed between home and school that the child’s true potential will be realised. Consequently, we aim to maintain full, extensive and creative communication between the school and home.St Louis Grammar School is a community built on a foundation of Christian values of care and respect for the individual.6
...we careYear 8 A Virtual Open Day for prospective Year 8 children and their parents is available on the school website: http://www.stlouis.org.uk. Any parent who would like more information about the school, should telephone the school to arrange an appointment. We understand the emotional and intellectual challenge that the transition from Primary to Grammar school poses for our Year 8 pupils, so a comprehensive induction programme is organised to address this. Those whose applications are successful will be invited to St Louis, with their parent(s)/guardian(s) on an afternoon during June when the new pupils will meet with their new friends, pupils currently in Year 8 and their Year Head. This meeting will begin the induction process before they start the school in September. The Year Head is usually a parent’s rst point of contact if there is a concern. The Year Head will normally remain with the Year Group as they progress through the school. Year 8 students have a study skills day during which they have a variety of dierent workshops, talks and activities, all aimed at improving the pupils’ understanding of how to learn and work successfully. To complement these activities, we have developed the use of Google Classroom so pupils and parents can access some of the on-line learning materials and resources that are being used in class. In order to develop the diverse talents of our students, teaching classes are normally banded in groups of similar ability. We have high expectations of all students and procedures are kept under constant review with the aim of enabling everyone to develop his or her full potential. The school website has a parent’s section that gives guidance on how to support students with the demands of new subjects, organise books and personal equipment and to adjust to dierent types of homework. It also contains subject-specic resources, pastoral resources and guidelines necessary to help your child make a smooth transition from primary school and settle in quickly to their new and exciting environment.Parent-Teacher consultation afternoons are organised for each year group. During this meeting parents will have the opportunity to discuss progress and application to work. In addition, parents receive a twice-yearly progress report. We value a genuine dialogue with parents which is not restricted to formal meetings but is ongoing and informal and encourage parents to contact the school at any time to discuss their child’s progress or welfare.Child ProtectionSt. Louis Grammar school is committed to the care, welfare and safety of all its pupils. The purpose of our Safeguarding procedures is to protect our students by ensuring that everyone who works in the school has clear guidance on the procedures to be followed where abuse or neglect of a child is suspected or disclosed. Sta are alert to possibility of bullying occurring and will take immediate steps to stop it happening, to protect and reassure the victim and to change the behaviour of the bully. Sta will foster in our pupils’ self-esteem and a sense of their rights and their responsibilities to others. St Louis operates a Safeguarding policy in line with the Department of Education guidelines. Copies are given to parents of all new students or are available on request from the school oce. The teacher in charge of Safeguarding is Miss King (Head of Junior School). In her absence Mr Martin, (Principal), Mr Brown (Head of Middle School) and Mr McGlue (Head of Senior School), are the Deputy Child Protection ocers who can be contacted. School Welfare OcerThe school employs a full time school Welfare Ocer. The Welfare Ocer is available to assess children who have taken ill in school, if necessary. The Welfare Ocer may treat minor injuries that have occurred on the school property. She may administer simple medication, obtaining parental consent where appropriate. There may also be children in school with additional medical needs and who have been assessed and provided with a care plan. The School Welfare Ocer will liaise with parents and external agencies in implementing the guidance and procedures of care plans. The Welfare Ocer is also involved in promoting health-related policies including Drug Awareness, Relationships and Sexuality Education. Counselling Service St Louis oers all students access to a counsellor from Familyworks. Students may self-refer to the service or be referred by a parent/guardian or teacher. 7
St Louis... ...a learning schoolOur Philosophy of Education is based on the view that education must endeavour to develop the whole person. The curriculum and life of the school is therefore imbued with the values of the Gospel so that children may become mature Christian adults.We recognise that it is not enough to inspire pupils to high ideals unless they are given the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills to bring these to fullment in the real world. The curriculum in St Louis Grammar School has been organised to provide a broad, balanced, relevant and coherent experience for each pupil. At the end of Key Stage 3, students will select a pathway which will determine the number of GCSEs they study and for some subjects, the level, for example higher or intermediate. Key Stage 3 In Year 8, 9 and 10 students study the following subjects: Art and Design, Computing & ICT, Drama, English, French, Geography, History, Home Economics, Irish, Learning for Life and Work (Citizenship, Employability, Careers, Personal Development), Mathematics, Music, Physical Education & Games, Religious Education, Science, Spanish (Y10), Technology.Key Stage 4At this stage pupils pursue GCSE or Level 2 Applied Courses. In Years 11 and 12 students study up to 10 GCSEs including a common core of subjects comprising English, Religious Studies, PE (non exam) and Mathematics. Some students study English Literature and Further Mathematics. Students are then enabled to select other GCSE courses from a varied menu of General and Applied GCSEs and equivalents which include:Art & Design, BTEC Business Studies, Business Studies, Child Development, Construction, Digital Technologies (Multi Media or Programming strand), Double Award Science, Drama, BTEC Engineering, English Literature, Food and Nutrition Science, French, Further Maths, Geography, History, Irish, Motor Vehicle Studies, Moving Image, Music, Applied IT, Learning for Life and Work, Occupational Studies, PE, Single Award Science, Spanish, Technology and Design, Travel and Tourism. All students in Key Stage 4 follow a programme in Citizenship and Employability.“A range of intervention strategies for improving GCSE English performance have been introduced at key stages 3 and 4, including pupil mentoring and a well co-ordinated evaluation of the pupils’ written work across subject departments. Consequently, attainment by the pupils in GCSE English at grades A* to B has been rising steadily over the last four years, and has been above the Northern Ireland average for the last two years”. ETI Inspection report March 2017 8
...preparation for lifeSt Louis...Sixth Form (A Level / BTEC) The majority of our students continue their academic or vocational studies into the Sixth Form. This is a time of academic rigour, independent learning and preparation for life. It is also a time when leadership qualities are emphasised and developed. Students hold various posts of responsibility within the school and act as role models for younger pupils. St Louis oers 30 subjects at both GCSE and at Post-16 level and continues to increase its vocational provision. Part of our strategy to provide additional courses (both academic and vocational) involves working in partnership with the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community (ALC). Through collaboration with our local schools and the Southern Regional College we oer a wide range of subjects which will cater for the needs and interests of all our pupils.Area Learning CommunitySt Louis Grammar School is one of 14 schools active in the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community. Sixth Form (A Level / BTEC)The following subjects are oered at Post-16: Accounts, Applied Business Studies, Art and Design, BTEC ICT, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computing, BTEC Construction, Design and Technology, BTEC Engineering , English, French, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Health and Social Care, Irish, Mathematics, Moving Image Arts, Music, Nutrition and Food Science, Performing Arts, PE Studies, Physics, Religion, Sociology, and Spanish.Each student is expected to take up to 4 of the above subjects in Year 13, and then may proceed to Year 14 with 3 or 4 subjects. Some students may study 3 subjects in Year 13.All Sixth Form students attend Careers classes each week. In addition, students attend enrichment modules in: First Aid, Outdoor Activities, Religious Education, Employability, Presentation Skills and Physical Fitness. These options may change from year to year.9
St Louis......embracing new technologiesSt Louis Grammar School are proud to announce that we now use the SIMS Parent App for Android and iOS devices which can be downloaded by parents. This allows parents to access pupil reports, attendance and behaviour. Parents can also update their contact details through the App. 10
...participation is keySt Louis...11
St Louis... ...participation is key12
...something extraSt Louis...We are condent that there is something for everyone to join in with and enjoy and that participation and social interaction is what really matters.The primary aim of the PE programme is to oer a wide but balanced range of physical activities which will stimulate enjoyment, create a sense of achievement, increase condence and foster a positive attitude to exercise, thus promoting a healthy lifestyle for adult life. Our students participate successfully in sporting life, with a very large number taking part in sporting activities outside normal lesson time. There is a wide range of activities on oer including athletics, camogie, cross-country, Gaelic football (boys and girls), golf, netball, soccer, tennis, volleyball and swimming. Internal competitions in some sports are held annually and the school organises and hosts annual primary school competitions in Gaelic football and netball. As well as participating in internal competitions, netball teams play in the Newry and Mourne League at various levels and teams have reached the nal or semi-nal in all these competitions in recent years. There has also been great success in Gaelic football including MacRory and MacLarnon cup nal appearances as well as success in All-Ireland Colleges’ competitions. Students past and present continue to achieve tremendous success at local, national and international level in a range of sports including Gaelic football, Camogie, Australian Rules football, golf and rugby.The school has a long tradition of music and drama. As well as regular musical lessons, students are able to take part in further musical study, where they learn to play a wide variety of musical instruments taught by a team of specialist musicians. Lessons are oered in brass, strings, voice, woodwind, guitar and piano. The senior and junior choir and the traditional group oer further opportunities for pupils to develop their musical talents. Students also perform at assemblies, Masses, concerts and musicals. Pupils have the opportunity to perform in a variety of plays and the annual Drama Festival. Year 8 has weekly drama classes, while GCSE Drama is a popular option. All our shows have been a major success and students get the opportunity to participate in at least three school shows during their time in St Louis. High levels of success have been achieved by pupils both individually in competitions at local feiseanna and in the annual Schools Irish Drama Festival. Each year a concert of music, drama, song, poetry and fashion is staged to bring together the talents developed throughout the year. Public Speaking continues to develop throughout the school with students across the Key Stages participating in various competitions. 13
St Louis.....meeting the needs of all pupilsStretching the more able Educationally gifted children are encouraged to go beyond the demands of the school curriculum. Specic strategies include:• Providing extension activities in class and use of blended and e-learning resources• Encouraging independent research as part of homework and/or projects • Providing reading materials beyond the connes of the specication• Encouraging participation in external events such as debating, STEM competitions, public speaking, quizzes and engaging with 3rd level institutions for example, participation in research projects or summer schools• Choosing specic exam modules to ensure high achievement for the most able• Enabling students to sit examinations such as GCSEs early • Promoting Oxbridge entrance• Promoting Nueld Bursaries• Lloyds/QUB and Widening Participation • Providing CEIAG and Work Experience opportunities both locally and nationally to broaden perspectives and aspirations• Provide opportunities to work with local business and industry for example Rockwell Collins and Fujitsu. Learning Support Department Each pupil’s progress is closely monitored and additional support is oered to students in Years 8-14 who have particular needs so that they can achieve their full potential. While problems relating to work or study will be dealt with through extra help from the class teacher, it is recognised that some pupils need extra support. The Learning Support Department provides the framework for the whole school to assume responsibility for inclusion matters. In keeping with the Code of Practice for Northern Ireland, the Department ensures that students with additional learning needs make appropriate progress, full their potential and are included as full participants in the academic, pastoral and social life of the school. With eective communication from both the child’s previous school and their parents, coupled with appropriate and timely assessments carried out by the school, pupils who need extra support are quickly identied and supported. When a pupil has a statement of special educational needs, this information and the arrangements to address their needs is communicated to all sta with whom the pupil has contact. Some of the programmes and interventions we oer are listed opposite. Dyslexia/SpLD/Literacy Support:• Lexia Literacy Programme• Engage Programme • Accelerated Reader • Reading Partnership • Handwriting Programme • Use of Read/Write Technology • Bring your own device to school policy • Coloured overlay reading rulers • Coloured exercise books• Reading pens Numeracy Support:• Engage programme • Maths booster GroupsASD/ADHD/ADD Support:• Sensory Motor Group (OT Sessions)• Social Skills Group • Sensory space/quiet room• Time out card• Movement breaks‘The progress of each pupil is monitored regularly across the subject areas and interventions are put in place, as and when, appropriate’.ETI Inspection report 2020 Careers Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance plays an increasingly important part in the curriculum as pupils move through the school and decisions become more complex. The main aims of the programme are:• To raise pupils’ self-awareness of how their skills and qualities, interests and ambitions relate to their future education and employment opportunities• To provide pupils with a range of experiences and opportunities to develop essential employability skills.• To increase pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the working world and raise their awareness of Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) and employment opportunities locally and globally.• To develop in pupils the Career Planning skills essential for making informed, realistic career decisions linked to their 14
...participation is keySt Louis...We oer a wide range of extra-curricular activities that contribute to a creative and dynamic educational process. Students are encouraged to participate in these activities which complement the statutory curriculum, so that they can broaden their learning experiences and grow and develop into responsible and eective citizens of the 21st century. • Junior Book Club• School e-magazine• School e-newsletter• Maths club• Junior & Senior Choirs• Mini Enterprise• Debating & Public Speaking• Various Ensembles• Student Council• Traditional Music Group• Junior Writer’s Club• Technology Club• St Louis Network School trips are an important part of the educational experience. Pupils attended language courses in Donegal Gaeltacht, and trips to France are regular occurrences. There is an annual soccer trip and a ski and Music trip to London every two years. • Drama• Film Club• Golf• Cross Country• Netball• Gaelic Football• Camogie• Soccer• Swimming• Athletics• Environmental Club• Quiz team• Fund raising• SENTINUS Engineering Scheme• SENTINUS IT R&D• Ladies Football• Microbit Explorers• Minecraft Club• Lego Club• French Film Club• Global Passport Awards • Cumann Gaelachcapabilities, interests and aspirations.The Careers Department works in partnership with outside agencies so as to provide impartial, comprehensive guidance which will help our students make informed career choices and eectively manage key transition decisions at pivotal times in their lives.The Careers Department is committed to promoting links with industry and highlighting the role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and their potential importance within the Northern Ireland economy. The Student Council is a forum through which the students make a valid contribution towards enhancing their learning environment whilst at St Louis. The aim of the council is to provide the pupils with a forum in which their views can be expressed and “Meticulous, eective work has been undertaken to develop and further embed careers education across the curriculum, as exemplied by the clear increase in subject-focussed careers lessons and talks and a careers convention involving employers and subject departments. The school is proactive in keeping the pupils abreast of labour market trends and developing strong relationships with local and regional employers”.ETI Inspection report March 2017 15
St Louis...Leavers DestinationsThe university, college and employment destinations of the 2021 leavers reects the unique interests, abilities, talents and aspirations of each individual St Louis student.18 students have accepted places at Queen’s University Belfast within STEM disciplines such as Pharmacy, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Science, Environmental Management, Accounting,Psychology & Nursing. The Arts & Humanities eld is well represented with undergraduate study in Law,Sociology, Criminology, Music, English and Politics. Other students chose to study PPE and those withpassion for innovative structural design and built environment chose to study Architecture. 35 students will attend the University of Ulster with degrees related to the construction sector such asBuilding Surveying, Construction Management, Architectural Technology, Architecture and QuantitySurveying proving popular. Mechatronic Engineering and Bio-medical Engineering also featured withcreative courses such as Screen Production, Music and Sound Production and Animation oering a caveat into a future career in creative media/lm. Interest and academic successes in Food Science and Nutritiongave rise to degree places awarded in Environmental Health and Consumer Management & FoodInnovation. Criminology proved a popular degree option as did degrees in Business and Marketing. Nursing is a hugely competitive degree with a rigorous interview selection process and applicants to nursing were successful in securing places at Ulster University, Liverpool John Moore’s University and QUB. One student embarks on a degree in Occupational Therapy at UU. Two students will study BA Liberal Arts at St Marys University College Belfast with a view to a PGCE inprimary education. Students heading to other regions of the UK will commence degree courses in; Sport and Exercise Science atLoughborough, Archaeology and Ancient Civilisations at Durham, Physics at UCL, London, with seven students electing to pursue degree studies across the disciplines of Nursing, Psychology, International Relations, Urban Planning and Marketing in Liverpool.Five students are taking a GAP year and reapplying for 2022, whilst two other students are holding deferred places for automatic 2022 entry. We celebrate the contribution and accomplishments of the entire cohort of leavers. We recognise and paytribute to the determination, perseverance, resilience, and maturity of our students who achievedtremendous success in the most challenging of times. To our former students, we wish good health, safepassage, and continued success as they take the next step on their career path.16
...leavers destinations 2021Degree Course DestinationLevel 8 Hons Degree Veterinary Nursing DKITBSc Hons Archaeology and Ancient Civilisations Durham UniversityBSC Honbs Adult NursingBSC Hons PsychologyLiverpool John Moores UniversityBSc Hons Marketing with a year in industryBSc Hons Urban PlanningBSc Hons International Relations and PoliticsUniversity of LiverpoolBsc Hons Sport and Exervise Science with a placement year Loughborough UniversityBsc Hons Physics University of College London (UCL)BA Hons Liberal Arts St Mary’s University College BelfastLLB Hons LawBMus Hons MusicBSc Hons AccountingBSc Hons Biomedical ScienceBSc Hons Criminology and SociologyBSc Hons SociologyBSc Hons Children’s and Young People’s Nursing (Feb Intake)BSc Hons Adult NursingBSc Hons English and PoliticsBA Hons HistoryBSc Hons PsychologyMA Hons Degree in Liberal ArtsMPharm PharmacyBSc Hons Environmental Management with Professional StudiesBSc Hons ArchitectureBA Hons Politics, Philosophy and EconomicsMEng Electrical and Electronic EngineeringQueen’s University BelfastBSc Hons Architectural EngineeringBSc Hons Accounting PathwaysBSc Hons Building SurveyingBSc Hons Computer ScienceBEng Hons Computing TechnologiesBSc Hons Construction and Engineering ManagementBA Hons EnglishBSc Hons Environmental Health with Professional PracticeBSc Hons Finance and Investment ManagementBA Hons Irish with MusicLLB Hons LawBEng Hons Mechanical EngineeringBSc Hons Adult NursingBA Hons Screen ProductionBEng & MEng Hons Mechanical Engineering BSc Hons Occupational TherapyBSc Hons PhysiotherapyBSc Hons Speech and Language TherapyBSc Hons Quantity Surveying and Commercial ManagementUlster UniversityHigher Level Apprenticeship in Accounting with Boyle Group & SRCHigher Level Apprenticeship in Computing Engineering – First Derivatives, Newry & SRCSourthern Regional College17
St Louis...Student CouncilThe St Louis School Council is designed so that all students are eectively members of the Council. It has a three-tier structure in that all students initially meet at tutor group level before forwarding their ideas to a Year Group Council. During the Year Group phase students will establish items to be included on the agenda for the full School Council meeting of which there are four scheduled throughout the academic year. Two representatives, on a rotational basis, will attend the full School Council meeting to represent the views of their peers. The full School Council meetings are convened in the school library during which the Principal and/or Vice Principal are present. Members are encouraged to put forward their ideas to other members of the Council with the condence that they have a forum in which their views are both respected and valued. The School Council is designed GCSE Results by Department 2021Subject Entrants % A*-A %B %C* %CArt & Design 12 58 33 8Applied IT 13 100Business Studies 24 38 38 13 4Child Development 27 44 22 22 7Construction 6 83 17Digital Technology 29 41 34 3 10Double Award Science 58 29 38 21 17Drama 7 15 72 15Engineering 11 45 27 18English Language 103 37 21 17 16English Literature 49 51 20 18 6Enterprise and Marketing 18 6 22 28Food and Nutrition 15 40 13 13 27French 8 38 12 38Further Maths 7 57 29Geography 33 67 18 6 9History 47 53 17 11 11Irish 13 62 8 23 8Learning for Life and Work 10 50 20Mathematics 101 25 31 30 7Moving Image Arts 15 60 13 27Music 11 82 18Occupational Studies 13 23 31 31Occupdation Studies HE 16 88 6 6Religious Studies 89 52 25 10 12RE OCN 11 100Single Award Science 45 29 7 24 27Spanish 18 33 33 17 17Sports / PE Studies 14 43 36 21Travel and Tourism 11 10 45 27Technology 39 64 18 5 5to enhance communication in two directions. As such, council members must create an analysis of the nature of debates and relay key points back to the student body via assemblies. Members have been involved in a variety of activities working in partnership with the Senior Leadership and Management Team and outside agencies. They perform an essential role of being the ‘Student Voice’ feedback on teaching and learning experiences, developing school policy and other initiatives. Shared EducationSt Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel is the only school to have been awarded Specialist Status in Technology and Computing in N. Ireland. Since 2009, Shared Education continues to be a very successful feature of the Specialist Status initiative and the school works closely with Kilkeel High School to oer joint subjects at A Level as part of 18
...academic excellencethe “Kilkeel: A Shared Town Through Education” project.This project enables pupils to experience Shared Education through the study of Engineering, and Health and Social Care, and the Certicate of Personal Eectiveness at Post-16.The project expanded further in 2014 to incorporate Music Technology, in 2015-2016 Moving Image and Psychology were added and 2019-20 Performing Arts were also added. This has allowed the pupils in the area to take advantage of the full Entitlement Framework requirements for schools to oer at least 27 subjects at A Level. A total of six subjects are now oered through the partnership and since starting the partnership over 1000 students have been involved in shared classes. Well over 2000 hours of shared classes have been taught with every Post-16 pupil now getting the choice to study a Shared Education subject. Over 20 sta are now involved across the two schools in Shared Education.Subject Entrants % A*-A %B %C* %CArt & Design 12 58 33 8Applied IT 13 100Business Studies 24 38 38 13 4Child Development 27 44 22 22 7Construction 6 83 17Digital Technology 29 41 34 3 10Double Award Science 58 29 38 21 17Drama 7 15 72 15Engineering 11 45 27 18English Language 103 37 21 17 16English Literature 49 51 20 18 6Enterprise and Marketing 18 6 22 28Food and Nutrition 15 40 13 13 27French 8 38 12 38Further Maths 7 57 29Geography 33 67 18 6 9History 47 53 17 11 11Irish 13 62 8 23 8Learning for Life and Work 10 50 20Mathematics 101 25 31 30 7Moving Image Arts 15 60 13 27Music 11 82 18Occupational Studies 13 23 31 31Occupdation Studies HE 16 88 6 6Religious Studies 89 52 25 10 12RE OCN 11 100Single Award Science 45 29 7 24 27Spanish 18 33 33 17 17Sports / PE Studies 14 43 36 21Travel and Tourism 11 10 45 27Technology 39 64 18 5 5Subject Entrants %A* %A %B %CAccounts 4 25 50 25Art 6 17 50 17 17Biology 11 9 64 28Applied Business 5 20 80Business Studies 9 22 22 11 44Chemistry 5 60 40Construction 13 92 8Design and Technology 22 14 55 27 4English Literature 9 33 33 11 22Engineering 17 100Geography 15 13 27 33 20Health and Social Care 11 55 36 9History 2 100Applied ICT 21 95 5Mathematics 6 33 33 17 17Moving Image 1 100Music 5 20 60 20Music Technology 6 83 17Nutrition and Food 10 10 30 30 20Physics 5 40 60Politics 6 50 50Psychology 9 44 33 11RE 13 15 38 46Sociology 5 60 40Sports Studies 10 60 30GCE A Level and Post-16 Results by Department 2021na = not availableThe project has also allowed a number of adult classes to take place in both schools and as part of a three year plan the schools will continue to oer further opportunities for pupils, sta, and the local community to engage in Shared Education. 19
St Louis...The School DayJunior School9am Registration9.10 Period 19.55 Period 210.40 Break and Assemblies11.00 Period 311.45 Period 412.30 lunch1.05pm Period 6 1.50 Period 72.35 Period 83.20 school nishesSenior School9am Registration9.10 Period 19.55 Period 210.40 Break and Assemblies11.00 Period 311.45 Period 412.30 Period 5 1.15pm lunch 1.50 Period 72.35 Period 83.20 school nishesBells will ring at 10.50 for mid break 1.05 for end of rst lunch and 1.15 pm for beginning of second lunch. School MealsThe school currently oers a cafeteria service where pupils select items on a self-service basis. Breakfast is available in the morning and snacks are available at break time and lunch time. As health-promoting school, we encourage pupils to follow a healthy diet.We continue to promote healthy eating in school through the implementation of initiatives and schemes to promote healthy eating for pupils.AttendanceAttendance is a vital factor in academic achievement. The school places great importance on attendance and punctuality. It is the legal responsibility of parents to ensure their children’s attendance is as high as possible and that they arrive on time – before 9. 00am. If a student is ill a parent should phone the school on the rst day of absence and a letter explaining the student’s absence must be given to the student’s form tutor on the rst day of return to school. Students who become ill during the school day will be sent to the school welfare ocer. If it is necessary for a student to go home, the school will make direct contact with the parent/guardian to make the necessary arrangements. The welfare ocer will also inform the Year Head. No student may go home without following this procedure and without obtaining permission from a relevant member of sta. Medical appointments should be arranged outside school hours when it is possible to do so. Family holidays should not be taken during school time. These absences place students at an educational disadvantage. Given the requirements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, time may not permit the teacher to cover the missed classwork in detail. Positive BehaviourSt Louis provides an environment in which personal and academic development is encouraged and rewarded.The school expects that all pupils show high standards of behaviour at all times and recognises four operating principles upon which the code is based:• It is expected that pupils act with courtesy, consideration and respect towards one another.• Pupils must co-operate fully to enable eective teaching and learning to take place.• Pupils must behave in a manner so as to ensure the safety of people and property at school.• Pupils must be mindful of their image and appearance and that of the school and its environment.Most breaches of discipline are dealt with by referral within the Pastoral System. When a serious breach of discipline occurs, parents will automatically be contacted and the appropriate sanction will be put in place. In very serious instances the School reserves the right to exclude pupils. Concerns about a pupil’s safety should be reported to the Designated Child Protection Teacher. We are extremely proud of our students who are caring, thoughtful, kind and take seriously their role as ambassadors for the school. On admission, each pupil is given a copy of the Positive Behaviour Policy. School rules are clearly stated in this, and also in the Student Planner.20
...a foundation for the futureHomework Regular homework is a valuable aspect of the learning process. It reinforces and extends classroom learning encouraging pupils to think, work and learn independently. The duration and frequency of the homework set will vary according to the year group and frequency of class. The precise amount of time spent on homework is much less important than the quality of tasks set and the way they are planned to support learning. In the rst year homework should take forty minutes to one hour each night. This increases to one and a half hours per night in the third year and two to three hours in the senior school. Parents are asked to contact the school if the amount of homework set appears to be either too much or too little for the student concerned. Students carry a homework planner for the recording of homework. Two-way communication between teachers and parents using the Student Planner is encouraged and parents are expected to sign the planner each week. A homework policy is in operation which set out clearly the roles of students, sta and parents with regard to homework. Copies are available on request. School UniformSt Louis students wear their uniform with pride. The uniform helps pupils identify with the school and assists in creating a sense of community. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to provide the uniform as required. Accepting a place at the school implies support for the school’s policy on uniform. The importance of pupils presenting themselves well cannot be over emphasised. It is compulsory for students to wear the school uniform at all times during school hours, travelling to and from school, during examinations and when representing the school including ocial school functions. Parents will appreciate that the general public make judgements about a school on the basis of how the pupils look and behave while wearing the school uniform. Please note the Education Authority operate a scheme for the assistance of parents whose circumstances make it dicult to provide the uniform prescribed by the school for their children.The History of St LouisAs a Catholic Grammar School we have as our patron St Louis IX, King of France, known also as the “Most Christian King”. He was born to wealth and power in 1214. When he was only 12 his father, King Louis VIII died, and Louis IX was crowned King. At that time, his mother Queen Blanche of Castile, was declared regent and remained an important inuence in his life.Yet, despite his wealth and auence, St Louis led an exemplary life, spending long hours in prayer, fasting and penance. Louis was a great lover of justice and he was renowned for his charity. He was very generous to the poor and underprivileged, and regularly brought the poor to his palace where he served them himself. “The peace and blessings of the realm come to us through the poor,” he would say.Louis is often described as “one of the greatest of all French Kings” and was considered by his family, friends, French nobles, and religious men and women to be a deeply pious and honourable man. He took a special interest in charitable institutions, regarding his kingly duties as part of his Christian vocation. St Louis died near Tunis, 25 August 1270. His canonisation to the sainthood was proclaimed in 1297 by Pope Boniface VIII.In 1842 the Congregation of the Sisters of St Louis was founded in France by Abbé Louis Bautain. He was a philosopher, teacher and Priest. His great concern was to provide a Christian education for the young, and for this purpose he founded a society of priests, and later a society of sisters, all of whom became involved in some aspect of education. Bautain’s vision was of ‘a world healed and transformed by the saving wisdom of Christianity’. His constant theme was unity and the search for truth, and his guiding words were of the prayer of Jesus to his Father: ‘that they all may be one’ - the St Louis motto ‘Ut Sint Unum’. The rst St Louis Sisters came to Ireland in 1859 and set up a school in Monaghan town. Other schools were opened in Middletown (1875), Carrickmacross (1888), Kilkeel (1921) and Ballymena (1924). The St Louis sisters also set up schools in Belfast, Dundalk and Dublin. Now in 2021, the Sisters of St Louis are in the process of transferring ownership and trusteeship of St Louis schools in the North of Ireland to the St MacNissi’s Educational Trust of the Down and Connor Diocese. With fewer Sisters involved in educational leadership and the Irish Region of 21
St Louis...the Sisters of St Louis direct role in education in decline, now is the right time to make this change. The Sisters of St Louis are committed to Catholic education and are proud of their contribution to the education mission of the Church in Kilkeel, Ballymena and throughout Ireland over the past 160 years. The St MacNissi’s Educational Trust was established in 2004 to bring together into a single body, the trusteeship of the many Catholic schools established by and associated with the parishes and Diocese of Down and Connor, (currently 160 schools.) Its purpose is to hold in trust these schools for the Catholic community and to preserve and develop the family of Catholic schools within the Diocese, at the service of the local community and wider society. The transfer in trusteeship does not have any impact on the education provided by St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel, nor will it have any bearing on the day to day running of the school.Access to Documents & InformationCopies of relevant documents, policies and other information, which may be inspected or obtained by parents or other members of the public, will be available from the school on request, in accordance with the Education (School Information and Prospectuses) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 and also the Freedom of Information Act (2000). (Please note that a fee will be levied for photocopying and postage). Appointments to talk to one of the Senior Teachers, Vice-principal or Principal can be made through the Main Oce.Charging and Remission PolicyThe School’s policy on Charging and Remission is in accordance with Article 131 of The Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 and Regulations as subsequently made by DENI. There are no tuition or capitation fees. However, parents are asked to contribute towards the educational needs of the students which cannot be met out of Department of Education funding through a Voluntary Contribution of £60.00 per child or a Maximum £150 per family. The policy of St Louis Grammar School is to keep the cost of optional extra activities to a minimum.Admissions PolicyFor admission into Year 8 2022/23, St Louis Grammar School will operate a 3 stage application process. A full copy of our admissions policy is enclosed and also available from the EA ‘A Guide for Parents’.The information in this prospectus is correct at time of publication but may be subject to change.French TripStudent Leadership Team 2021-22Student Leadership Team 2021-2222
...a foundation for the futureStudent Leadership Team 2021-22Student Leadership Team 2021-2223
ST LOUIS GRAMMAR SCHOOL151 Newry Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4EUT: 028 4176 2747 F: 028 4176 5694E: info@stlouisgrammar.kilkeel.ni.sch.uk Web: www.stlouis.org.ukFacebook: www.facebook.com/stlouisgrammarschoolPrincipal: Mr. Kevin Martin B.Ed., PGCE, ME.d., PQH(NI)“Give the young all your care and aection, and try to touch their hearts by the interest you show in them. Keep them, as it were under the shadow of your wing, but never push or constrain them morally.”Abbé Louis Bautain.