HCC Updated Prospectus 19/20 : simplebooklet.com

Holy Cross College, Strabane Tel. 028 7188 0315 Email: info@holycrosscollege.strabane.ni.sch.uk Web: www.holycrosscollege.co.uk PROSPECTUS 2019-2020 Page 1 Introduction/Senior Management Team ..................................................... Page 2 Student Comments ...................................................................................... Page 3 Mission Statement: Excellence in Education ............................................... Page 4 Mission Statement: Formation in the Catholic Faith ................................... Page 5 Mission Statement: Care for All ................................................................... Page 6 Admissions Criteria ...................................................................................... Page 7 The College in Pictures ................................................................................. Page 8 The College in Pictures/College Trips ........................................................... Page 9 Curriculum ........................................................................................ Pages 10 & 11 Policy Documents ....................................................................................... Page 11 Results – Summer 2018.............................................................................. Page 12 Pastoral Care/Child Protection................................................................... Page 13 Positive Behaviour/Outstanding Achievement .......................................... Page 14 College Uniform ......................................................................................... Page 15 Who Will I Meet? ............................................................................. Pages 16 & 17 CONTENTS Website and Social Media If you would like more information about our school, including staffing, school policies and curriculum, as well as events that are happening in the school, you can find them : • On the school website www.holycrosscollege.co.uk • By downloading our app on your smartphone or tablet – go to Google Play or the App Store and search for Holy Cross College. This will allow you to receive notifications about everything that is happening in the school. We are also on Facebook and Twitter.

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Holy Cross College, Strabane Tel. 028 7188 0315 Email: info@holycrosscollege.strabane.ni.sch.uk Web: www.holycrosscollege.co.uk PROSPECTUS 2019-2020 Page 2 Holy Cross College extends a warm welcome to all prospective students and their parents for our Year 08 entry in September 2019. The experience and enthusiasm of our teachers and support staff will ensure that our college aims (below) are achievable: • Excellence in Education • Formation in the Catholic Faith • Care for All We believe that the greatest and most enduring gift that we can offer our students is that of education. All of our work is focused on attaining the best possible educational outcomes for the young people we teach. Currently, we have an enrolment of 1583 students, making Holy Cross College one of the largest post-primary schools in N. Ireland. The college offers a full Entitlement Framework of subjects to students with up to 18 subjects at Key Stage 3, over 20 subjects at Key Stage 4, and almost 30 post-16 subjects. A wide range of exciting extra-curricular activities and clubs are available in the college for all age groups. The college is particularly strong in music, drama and sport. Our pastoral system reflects the caring ethos of the college. We aim to ensure a safe environment for all our students. We strive to ensure that each person feels valued and so reaches their full potential academically, emotionally, spiritually and physically. This is achieved through the work of all staff. Holy Cross College is a modern twenty first century school designed to offer the very best in education in the years ahead. Mrs Clare Bradley Principal, Holy Cross College INTRODUCTION / SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM Senior Management Team Back (L-R): Mrs S Quinn, Mr M McCauley, Mrs P Devine, Mr L Boyle, Mrs N Gallagher, Mr A McAlary, Mrs E Carlin Front (L-R): Mrs H Fitzgerald, Mr M Early (Vice-Principal) Mrs C Bradley (Principal), Mr C Johnston (Vice-Principal), Mrs S Monaghan

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Holy Cross College, Strabane Tel. 028 7188 0315 Email: info@holycrosscollege.strabane.ni.sch.uk Web: www.holycrosscollege.co.uk PROSPECTUS 2019-2020 Page 3 Ethan Corry, Head Boy Holy Cross College is a fantastic school with excellent staff and pupils alike, who make each new pupil feel so welcomed and included, thus providing each pupil with a wide variety of opportunities and challenges. This school has facilities and subjects that can relate to everyone and their respective talents, whether it is art, music, sport or anything else, so I can guarantee all you P7s who I am sure are excited about coming to Holy Cross, it will not disappoint! Immediately after choosing Holy Cross, you will see why this school has such a respected and positive reputation in the local community and nationwide. With some of the best facilities I’ve experienced, from a very modern, clean canteen to numerous sporting fields and gymnasiums. In my seven years at the school, I have taken every opportunity to learn and develop many skills which will be crucial for when I go to university next year to study Finance. Being appointed as Head Boy by my teachers and peers, in my final year at Holy Cross, has been a true honour. The school and staff have prepared me for this role throughout the years, by expanding and developing my confidence, communication skills and leadership in the classroom and through extra-curricular activities. I really do believe that the years I have spent at Holy Cross College have been the best years of my life and I guarantee it will be the same for you. You will make memories that will last a life time and lifelong friendships you never imagined you would, just as I, and many others, have. When it comes to the time that I will have to leave this amazing school, I will be so proud to say that I was a pupil and a Head Boy of such a breath-taking school, Holy Cross College. Niamh Murphy, Head Girl At Holy Cross College, we pride ourselves in the school ethos and the environment we have created for both our students and staff. For all ambitious P.7 pupils, I assure you Holy Cross College is the right decision for you. Holy Cross College is filled with opportunity both academically and in extracurricular activity. Our school is well known for success in every aspect of student life and is recognised for our excellent staff to student ratio. This means that there is always a member of staff around to help you and offer you support. Although you may be worried about the size of the building, the college caters for each and every pupil as an individual. Holy Cross College has some of the best facilities I have seen, ranging from a spotless canteen to the many wonderful and well-maintained sports pitches; an art department which is second to none and of course our well-equipped music and drama department in which we have our own lecture theatre, a recording studio and multiple music practice rooms. The transition from primary to secondary school can leave you feeling very mixed emotions. I remember being apprehensive, scared and excited; just like everyone else. However, as soon as you enter our school there will be both staff and older students to immediately help you to feel at ease and comfortable in Holy Cross College. Whilst attending this school I have grasped every opportunity available and have participated in many of the extracurricular activities Holy Cross has to offer. I have been a member of the junior and senior school choir, the school orchestra, and as a result of being a part of the school’s sports teams, I met my closest friends, gained leadership and communication skills, but primarily for me, I grew in confidence. My next step in life is to study Medicine at university. This is a very demanding and daunting task to take on, yet with the encouragement and guidance from staff, Holy Cross College has given me the self-belief to aim high and be the best I could possibly be. Believe me when I say that the years you spend at Holy Cross College will be the best years of your life as you will make lasting memories and lifelong friendships just as I, and many others have. When I leave here, I will be proud to say I was both a pupil and Head Girl of such a spectacular school. Gerry Brown 8CK Holy Cross College is an extremely welcoming place where you are very well looked after. Before I came to Holy Cross I was worried that I wouldn’t know how to find my way about, as it is such a big school. However, the peer mentors bring you to all your classes for the first few weeks, and after that you don’t even have to think about it. I was also wondering how I would manage the homework I would have to do for all the new subjects, but not every teacher gives homework for every class, and you have plenty of time to complete your homework. Some of my favourite subjects are Art, Science, Music and ICT. I am in the Junior choir and brass band, and this is a great way to make new friends. There are also lots of other opportunities, like instrumental lessons, homework club and lots of sports clubs. I have only been here for a while, but I am enjoying every minute of being in Holy Cross College, and I hope that you will feel that way too. Katie McIntosh 8CK Holy Cross is a wonderful school. When I left Primary school to go to Holy Cross College it did feel strange to have left a primary school that was such a big part of who I am, but I am really enjoying the new subjects that were not available in primary school and all my new teachers are really friendly. My favourite subject so far is Art. I enjoy it so much that when we get homework it feels like something I would do in my own free time. I also really enjoy English because it offers a window of escape into a different reality of my own creation. There are great rewards for working hard and behaving well in Holy Cross. We have a merit system where you get prizes and also you get to go on trips to places such as the cinema. Holy Cross also has a friendship club which, if you are picked, is an opportunity to meet people from other form classes who aren’t in any of your classes and as an added bonus there is a trip at the end of the year to Foyle Arena in Derry. I have already made lots of new friends here and I’m sure you will too. I hope you decide to come to Holy Cross College as I’m sure your experience will be as good as mine has been so far. STUDENT COMMENTS

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Holy Cross College, Strabane Tel. 028 7188 0315 Email: info@holycrosscollege.strabane.ni.sch.uk Web: www.holycrosscollege.co.uk PROSPECTUS 2019-2020 Page 7 ADMISSIONS CRITERIA 2019 The Board of Governors has determined that, in the event of the number of applicants being greater than the admissions number for the school, the following method will be used to select pupils for admission. Applicants domiciled in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission will be considered before all other applicants. 1 Applicants who are entitled to Free School Meals* (FSME): Priority to be given so that the proportion of such children admitted is not less than the proportion of first preference FSME applications received within the total number of first preference applications received.** * “entitled to Free Schools Meals” will mean applicants who are listed on the Education Authority register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent/guardian has signed their post-primary Transfer Form, or at any date up to and including Wednesday, 1 May 2019 at 4.00 pm. ** The calculation of this proportion will be on the basis of first preference applications received by the post-primary school on or before Wednesday 13 March 2019. 2 Applicants who normally reside in the following Parishes: Camus, Mourne, Leckpatrick, Sion Mills, Urney, Donemana, Newtownstewart, Castlederg. 3 Applicants who have a sibling or legally adopted sibling presently enrolled in Holy Cross College or who will be enrolled in the coming year. 4 Applicants from other Parishes who are presently resident in Northern Ireland. 5 Applicants from other Parishes. In the event that the school would exceed its permitted admission number by accepting all applicants qualifying for selection using the final criterion so required, then selection for all places remaining in this category will be on the basis of initial letter of the surname (as appears on the birth certificate), in the order set out below: A M O’ D Y E G H V Mac Q P I U F Mc C N T R X B L O S W K Z J The order was determined by a random selection of letters, witnessed by the Board of Governors. In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of the surnames will be used in alphabetical order. In the event of 2 identical surnames, the alphabetical order of the initials of the forename will be used. In the event of over-subscription in the last criterion that can be applied, selection for available places will be on the basis of proximity of home to school as the crow flies with priority for those closest to the school. If a place(s) becomes available after Saturday 1 September 2019 and there are more applicants than places then decisions will be made on the application of the Year 8 Admissions Criteria to those pupils seeking admission at the time the place(s) becomes available. NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS AND ADMISSIONS Year Admissions No. Total Applications All Preferences Total Admissions 2016/2017 300 279 279 2017/2018 300 267 266 2018/2019 300 255 255 ADMISSIONS CRITERIA POLICIES

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Holy Cross College, Strabane Tel. 028 7188 0315 Email: info@holycrosscollege.strabane.ni.sch.uk Web: www.holycrosscollege.co.uk PROSPECTUS 2019-2020 Page 10 The Aims of the Curriculum The curriculum on offer at Holy Cross College will be broad, balanced and coherent, reflecting the priorities of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. The needs, aptitudes, abilities and aspirations of all pupils will be addressed in flexible and efficient arrangements. Key Stage 3 (Years 08, 09 & 10) Subjects The curriculum is arranged in Learning Areas: 1. Religious Education 2. Learning for Life and Work (Citizenship, PSHE, Home Economics, Employability) 3. English 4. Mathematics 5. Science and Technology (Science, Technology and Design) 6. ICT 7. Environment and Society (History, Geography) 8. The Arts (Art, Music, Drama) 9. Modern Languages (French, Irish, Spanish) 10. Physical Education It is expected that pupils will experience learning from each of the areas to the optimum of their ability and aptitude. Assessment for Learning The assessment process in Key Stage 3 will be both formative and summative, and will draw on a wide range of techniques to inform teachers, parents and pupils of their progress Transition from Primary School Holy Cross College offers a very exciting "Induction Programme" for Year 08 students. This starts with Open Day on the 19th of January when we welcome our prospective new students. The programme continues in the summer term when our Induction Team will visit the local primary schools to meet our new students. In June, we will have activities to welcome our new Year 08 students (2019-2020). All pupils will sit standardised tests in NUMERACY and LITERACY. The results of these, plus information provided by the primary school, will be used to place the pupil into the most appropriate class for his/her ability. We have in place a streamed system where there are three pathways (as outlined on page 11). Movement between the bands will be possible throughout Key Stage Three (Years 08-10) and Key Stage Four (Years 11-12). Pupils in receipt of a Statement of Special Educational Needs will be provided for in the most suitable class/band for his/her particular needs. In September, the focus will be on 'settling in' and we will have a Team Building Programme for all Year 08 students. CURRICULUM First day at Holy Cross College September 2018

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Holy Cross College, Strabane Tel. 028 7188 0315 Email: info@holycrosscollege.strabane.ni.sch.uk Web: www.holycrosscollege.co.uk PROSPECTUS 2019-2020 Page 11 Learning Support The Learning Support Department in Holy Cross is committed to supporting all pupils to reach their full potential. Learning Support contributes to the development of a "can do" attitude by motivating and supporting pupils' individual needs. There is a comprehensive programme of identification and support for pupils with additional needs. Current provision includes: after-school Literacy and Numeracy club, peer mentoring, in-school Literacy and Numeracy, small group withdrawal, specialist ICT programmes, support from specialist staff and external agencies. Guidance and Careers At Holy Cross College the Guidance Team provides support for pupils across a range of areas. We provide Careers Education and advice throughout the school, most particularly at times of transition. We support pupils in their choice of subjects and as they move on to other institutions and into employment. In addition, we provide support for pupils who may be experiencing personal difficulties of a social and/or emotional nature. This support is provided by qualified teachers within the school and by working closely with outside agencies and professionals. Religious Education “A Catholic school with a Catholic ethos” All pupils will study Religious Education to enhance their spiritual journey, as well as contributing to their educational experience. The formation of the pupils in the Catholic Faith will be a feature of the College, in partnership with the parishes, priests and families of all our pupils. Subjects on offer at Key Stage 4 and Post-16: At Key Stage 4 pupils will follow one of three pathways, combining a mixture of academic, applied and/or vocational courses. Key Stage 4 subjects Art and Design, Business and Communication Studies, Drama, English, English Literature, French, Further Maths, Geography, Health and Social Care, History, Home Economics, ICT, Irish, Journalism, Learning for Life and Work, Mathematics, Media Studies, Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies, Moving Image Arts, Music, Religious Studies, Science Double Award/Single Award, Spanish, Sports Studies, Technology and Design. A range of BTEC courses 'in-house', and a range of vocational/occupational studies courses linked with Omagh College and NW College (Strabane Campus) are available. Post-16 students will have a choice of academic, applied and vocational courses. Post-16 subjects Applied Science, Art, Biology, Business Studies, Business Studies Applied, Chemistry, Child Care (National Award), Children’s Play Learning and Development, Construction (National Award), Drama and Theatre Studies, Engineering (National Award), English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, Government and Politics, Health & Social Care, History, ICT, ICT Applied, Irish, Journalism, Leisure Studies, Mathematics, Media Studies, Moving Image Arts, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Education, Spanish, Design and Technology. Extra-Curricular Activities Holy Cross College offers a wide range of after-school activities catering for the diverse interests and talents of students. These include soccer and gaelic (girls and boys), hurling, cross-country, netball, athletics, cricket, golf, basketball, drama, music (junior choir, strings, drums, brass, homework club, science club, film club etc. POLICIES All updated policy documents are available on the college’s web site and in the college app. CURRICULUM / POLICIES POLICIES

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Holy Cross College, Strabane Email: info@holycrosscollege.strabane.ni.sch.uk Web: www.holycrosscollege.co.uk PROSPECTUS 2019-2020 Page 13 Pastoral Care Holy Cross College is committed to providing a secure, stable and well-ordered environment based on traditional values and genuine care and concern for individuals. Although Holy Cross may seem a large school to many parents, it will be organised in such a way that every child is known individually. We will work hard to make sure that the individual needs of each child are identified and met, both academically and pastorally as a member of the college community. It is our aim that at their new college children will feel happy and secure. When a pupil joins Year 08 the first person he or she will work closely with is the Form Tutor. The Form Tutor will be the first point of contact for parents if worries arise or when information on your child's progress or welfare is required. The Form Tutors are supported by Year Heads, Heads of School and Vice Principals. From Year 08 to 14, Holy Cross will provide the support, which will allow all its students to fulfil their own potential. Within this whole school vision we will have internal structures that will promote academic achievement, individual growth and healthy competition as well as ensuring that all students feel safe within the school environment. Child Protection Procedures One of the college aims is “Care for All.” Every child has the fundamental right to be safe from harm and to have proper care given to their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is the duty of all members of staff to protect children from physical, emotional or sexual abuse, and from neglect. Any concerns a parent may have will be taken seriously and dealt with in a professional manner. How a Parent Can Make a Complaint Holy Cross College Safeguarding Team Principal ................................................................. Mrs Clare Bradley Designated Teachers for Child Protection ................... Mr C Johnston, VP (KS3) Mr M. Early, VP (KS4, Post-16) Chairperson, the Board of Governors ......................... Mr John Dudgeon Designated Governor for Child Protection ........... Mrs M. Cunningham PASTORAL CARE / CHILD PROTECTION I have a concern about my child’s safety I can talk to the class/form teacher or Head of Year If I am still concerned, I can talk to the appropriate designated teacher for Child Protection: Mr Johnston (KS3) Mr Early (KS4, Post-16) If I am still concerned, I can talk to the Principal, Mrs Bradley If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the Chairperson of Board of Governors: Mr John Dudgeon At any time I can talk to a social worker at the Gateway Team (Western Trust), Tel. 028 71314090, or the PSNI at the Child Protection Unit, Tel. 08456008000

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Holy Cross College, Strabane Tel. 028 7188 0315 Email: info@holycrosscollege.strabane.ni.sch.uk Web: www.holycrosscollege.co.uk PROSPECTUS 2019-2020 Page 14 Promoting Positive Behaviour Holy Cross College aims to promote and reward positive behaviour for all students. A “Reward System” is in place for Years 08-10 whereby merit stickers are collected in the Student Planner. 25 = Bronze Award 50 = Silver Award 75 = Gold Award 100 = Platinum Award All awards bear the Holy Cross College name and logo. Examples: pen, pencil case, ruler/calculator, wallet, key-ring, USB, cinema pass Awards are distributed throughout the academic year. Outstanding Achievement Award The “Outstanding Achievement Award” in Holy Cross College has been introduced to students for excellence and participation in, and dedication to, extra-curricular activities. The award is a certificate and a lapel badge worn by the awardees. It is presented at prize-giving ceremonies. The award is open to all students. Students for the award: • will have demonstrated excellence in an area of extra-curricular activity e.g. in sport, performing arts, community work or other acceptable activity; • will have been involved in the activity over a period of time not less than a school term; • will have shown reliability, determination and a will to succeed; • will have achieved recognition at national/international level or, in exceptional cases, at local level; • will have enhanced their own status in the school; • will have enhanced the status of the school in the community. Letters of Commendation Letters of Commendation are sent out at the end of Term One to those students in Key Stages Three and Four who have shown commitment to the academic challenges, adhered to the rules and embodied the ethos of Holy Cross College. Right: Sample page from “Student Planner.” POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR / OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT Adamh Patton received an Outstanding Achievement award in recognition of selection to the N. Ireland elite soccer squad.

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Holy Cross College, Strabane Tel. 028 7188 0315 Email: info@holycrosscollege.strabane.ni.sch.uk Web: www.holycrosscollege.co.uk PROSPECTUS 2019-2020 Page 15 The College Uniform For all: Black blazer with college crest White shirt Black and gold tie with broad stripe Black flat heeled laced or slip-on shoes - trainers or boots are NOT allowed Grey jumper with crest (optional) Durable schoolbag Plain outside jacket for travelling in cold weather (optional). [Coloured “hoodies” or sweatshirts are NOT permissible] College scarf (optional) Boys: Grey trousers Dark socks Girls: Grey knee-length skirt with inverted pleats, or plain grey trousers Black tights Uniform Suppliers: Mark James Menswear Railway Rd., Strabane. J. Kemps Main St., Newtownstewart PE Uniform Black/Gold unisex top with school crest (available from O'Neill's) Trainers. Jewellery Small stud or sleeper ear-rings only Watch One silver or gold ring Facial jewellery is NOT permitted and will be confiscated Jewellery is not permitted in practical subjects Make-up and nail varnish are not allowed (students will be asked to remove same) ANY ITEM OF CLOTHING/JEWELLERY WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE CONFISCATED AND A PARENT MAY COLLECT. COLLEGE UNIFORM

HCC Updated Prospectus 19/20

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