HUNTERHOUSE COLLEGEhunterhousecollege.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/... · 2017. 12. 19. · Tourism and Criminology. KEY STAGE THREE-Art -Drama-English -Geography -History-Home

HUNTERHOUSE COLLEGEUpper Lisburn Road, Finaghy, Belfast, BT10 0LE

Telephone: 028 9061 2293Fax: 028 9062 9790Email: [email protected]: www.hunterhousecollege.org.uk

Principal: Mr A C Gibson MA DipEd PQH (NI)

Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr David McClay

School Classification: Voluntary Grammar Day School for Girls. Cross-community and non-denominational. Founded on theamalgamation of Ashleigh House and Princess Gardensschools in 1987.

Age Range: 11 - 18 years

Enrolment Number: up to 710 girls (100 in Year Eight)

SCHOOL INFORMATION

HUNTERHOUSE COLLEGE02

As the father of two daughters I amvery conscious of how important it isto choose the right school for yourchild. I want my own children to behappy at school, to be valued asindividuals, for their talents andambitions to be encouraged and forthem to be both challenged andsupported in their learning. AsPrincipal of Hunterhouse College, Istrongly believe that these arecharacteristics which lie at the core ofour values and ethos.

At the centre of everything that we dois also our desire to ensure that allstudents are able to access the higheststandards of learning and teaching andthat they are able to progress beyondexpectations.

We are also conscious that education isabout more than qualifications; inaddition it must be about helping todevelop well-rounded young peoplewho will thrive in their lives beyondHunterhouse.

While the prospectus outlines some ofthe key features of the life andorganisation of the school I wouldencourage all families to visit theschool either during our Open Eventsor by arranging a separate visitthrough the school office. Ourstudents are our best advertisementand by experiencing the school at first-hand I am sure that you will see whythis is such a wonderful place to learnand work.

Welcome to our College Prospectus for the academic year2018-19. As a school community we are very proud of thework which we are doing at Hunterhouse College and it ismy pleasure to share some of it with you in the pages whichfollow.

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

Andrew GibsonMA DipEd PQH (NI)

As Sixth Formers, we have witnessedthe continued updating of the schoolfacilities. A number of these, such asthe opening of our Learning ResourceCentre, refurbished careersdepartment, video conferencing suiteand upgrading of ICT provision havehad a direct impact on our learning.

We would encourage any new studentto get involved in the wide range ofschool activities and trips on offer.These give you valuable experiences,are really enjoyable and help you tomake new friends that you will startyour new adventure with. Thesefriendships will grow and last alifetime. There will definitely besomething which suits your interests.

As students of Hunterhouse, we canhonestly say that we have thoroughlyenjoyed our time here and that wehave been given so many opportunitiesto develop new skills and to succeedacademically. Our time atHunterhouse College has shown us thegreat value placed on the furtherdevelopment of each student’spotential and their future.

We look forward to welcoming you toour school.

Hunterhouse College has a caring and welcomingenvironment with excellent pastoral support which alsoprovides you with the highest standard of education. Valuefor the individual is central to school life and isdemonstrated through the school’s aims of commitment,opportunity, respect and excellence.

INTRODUCTION

Nicola Johnston and Sona GeorgeHead Girl and Deputy Head Girl

PROSPECTUS 2018-2019 03

Our examination results are on anupward trend with significant progressbeing made in many key areas. Lastacademic year we celebrated our bestA Level results in over a decade, whilstthis year our GCSE results were thehighest on record. The number ofstudents attaining 7+ A*-B gradesincluding English and Mathematics hasmore than doubled in the last fiveyears.

Most importantly we also know thatwe add value to students’ learning.Students at Hunterhouse continue tooutperform students of similar abilitiesat other schools. Ensuring thatstudents of all abilities make progressbeyond expectations is what we aremost proud of as a school.

But it is not just about examinationresults. Whilst we encourage all of ourgirls to excel academically, success ismuch more than this. It is aboutgiving our students the skills and theattributes that will allow them toflourish in life beyond Hunterhouse.It’s about them having confidence,being aware of their own strengthsand weaknesses as well as knowinghow to improve and progress, beingcreative and innovative in theirthinking and having the skills to learnindependently.

Learning is not just limited to students.The desire to continually improve anddevelop as a school is at the centre ofall of our planning. Our teachersreflect on their own practice, learnfrom each other and share bestpractice and resources. By involvingthe school in a range of initiatives andpartnerships with other schools andorganisations we also learn fromothers. Through these links we areable to develop still further the skills ofour teaching staff and, mostimportantly, enrich the learningexperience of our students.

We have also worked hard andinvested in our buildings and resourcesto ensure that we have anenvironment that encourages andstimulates learning. At the heart of this is our LearningResource Centre which houses ourlibrary, over seventy networkedcomputers, breakout classroom andSixth Form Study Area. In this space itis common to see classes of differentages working and learning alongsideeach other.

A LEARNING COMMUNITYWe are very proud of the quality of learning and teaching in our classrooms and we want allof our students to do well and to aspire to academic excellence.


Throughout Key Stage Three (YearsEight to Ten) the curriculum is broadand balanced and students are taughtmainly in form classes but aresubdivided into smaller groups forpractical subjects.

At both GCSE level and Post 16 levelthe College exceeds the requirementsof the Entitlement Framework with anappropriate blend of General andApplied Courses including STEMcourses. In recent years new subjectshave been introduced at both keystages. These have included GCSEChild Development, BTEC Travel andTourism and Criminology.

KEY STAGE THREE- Art - Drama- English - Geography - History- Home Economics- ICT- Languages (French, German,

Spanish)- Learning for Life and Work- Mathematics- Music- Physical Education and Games- Religious Studies- Science (separate Biology,

Chemistry, Physics in Year Ten)- Technology and Design

KEY STAGE FOURCore Subjects (5½ or 4½ GCSEs)- English- Mathematics- Learning for Life and Work- Double Award Science or Single

Award Science- Religious Studies (Short Course

GCSE)- Physical Education and Games (non-

GCSE)

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS (choice of up to a further 4 GCSEs)- Art and Design- Business Studies- Child Development- Digital Technology- Drama- Engineering*- English Literature- Food and Nutrition- French- Further Mathematics- Geography- German- History - Journalism- Music- Occupational Studies - Photography*- Physical Education- Religious Studies- Spanish- Technology and Design* These courses are offered in

collaboration with South EasternRegional College.

POST 16- Applied Health and Social Care*- Art and Design- Biology- Business (BTEC)- Business Studies- Chemistry- Criminology- Design and Technology- Drama and Theatre Studies- English Literature- Film Studies

- French- Further Mathematics- Geography- German- Government and Politics- History- Information Communication Technology- Life and Health Sciences- Mathematics- Music- Nutrition and Food Science- Performing Arts (BTEC)- Physics- Religious Studies- Sociology- Spanish- Sport (BTEC)- Travel and Tourism (BTEC)* This course is offered in collaboration

with Belfast Metropolitan College.

TIMETABLEThe College operates a two-weektimetable with five one-hour lessonseach day. Students will also have atwenty-five minute Form Time periodeach day, during which they will attendassembly twice a week.

8.45 - 9.50 Period 1 (inc. registration)9.50 - 10.15 Form Time or Assembly10.15 - 10.30 Break10.30 - 11.30 Period 211.30 - 12.30 Period 312.30 - 1.20 Lunch1.20 - 2.20 Period 42.20 - 3.20 Period 5

The core aim of the curriculum at Hunterhouse is to enableall students to succeed in their learning. The organisationand delivery of the curriculum is designed to encourageindividual progress through, for instance, the provision ofdifferent pathways, choice and flexibility where appropriateand progression between the key stages.

CURRICULUM


Last September girls joined the Collegefrom over thirty different schools andfrom places as far apart asJordanstown and Moira and Dromaraand Dundrod. So we are used to ournew intake coming from a very widerange of schools, both in terms ofnumbers and geographically.

We have a designated Head of YearEight who works each year with aspecialist team of Form Teachers. Inthis role they have obviously built up awealth of expertise in how to welcomeand settle girls quickly intoHunterhouse. They are fully aware ofthe issues facing new students andhow best to support them. Girls mayarrive knowing only one or two otherpeople but very quickly they are helpedto make new and lasting friendships,not only in their class but across thewhole year group.

Over the first couple of days newstudents spend a lot of time with theirForm Teacher who can make sure thatall girls know everything they need toknow about their new school.

One of the main differences betweenPrimary and Post-Primary school is, ofcourse, the fact that students will haveseveral subjects each day and movebetween rooms and teachers. Asstudents are in contact with so manydifferent teachers it is important thatthey know where to go if they needany help.

At Hunterhouse we make sure thatnew students don’t feel like justanother face in the crowd.

We also have a team of PeerSupporters, Year Fourteen girls whohave been trained for this importantrole and are assigned to each formclass with the specific responsibility oflooking after their group in that firstimportant term and beyond, providinggirls with another member of theschool community to talk to and onewho can provide a differentperspective.

We are conscious of the value ofdeveloping strong relationships withparents new to the school and

throughout this important first term arange of events is organised. Theseinclude our Year Eight Welcome Eventon the first day of term, the Welcometo Redwood evening in October andthe Progress Meeting in December.

The new Year Eight students also havea residential based at the Folk Museumat Cultra in October which, whilsthaving an important educationaloutcome, is also about developingfriendships and bonding as a widergroup. It is one of those events which,even in the Sixth Form, girls still talkabout as being a real highlight of theirtime at Hunterhouse.

Changing schools is, of course, a major undertaking and we are very mindful of this fact.Students joining Hunterhouse in Year Eight are supported right through this important process.

SETTLING IN


What facilities are on offer?We have a wide range of facilities suchas the sports hall, tennis and netballcourts, fitness suite, Redwoodrestaurant, Learning Resource Centre,art and design studios and numerouscomputer suites.

What extra-curricular activities can I do? There are many clubs including a largerange of sports clubs, Drama Club,Scripture Union, orchestra and choir, avariety of music groups and Art Club.

Are there any school trips? Year Eight students have an annualresidential trip to Cultra. Later youmight go on the ski trip, a hockey andnetball tour or a language exchangetrip. There are also many other subject-based day trips.

Is it hard to get used to the dailyroutine?It may take a few weeks to get used tohaving five classes per day but then itbecomes easier as you learn yourtimetable.

What languages will I learn?In your first year you study French,German and Spanish. Then in YearNine you choose two of these to studyfor the next two years.

At what time does school begin andend?First period is at 8.45 am and schoolends at 3.20 pm.

How will I find my way around theschool in the first few weeks?On the first day you will be taken on atour of the school, given a map andeach form class is allocated a PeerMentor. This is a Sixth Former who willhelp you settle into life at Hunterhouse.Other students will also point you in theright direction if you get lost.

What subjects will I take?Maths, Science, English, Drama,Languages, PE, Home Economics, Music,History, RS, Geography, Art, Technology,Learning for Life and Work and ICT.

Will I have to bring money everyday - how will I pay for lunch?At Hunterhouse College we use afingerprint system. You can top uponline or at a revaluator machine to payfor any food you buy.

How much money per week will Ineed for lunch?Food in Redwood restaurant is veryreasonable, with a “Meal Deal” costing£2.80.

Is there a good selection of food atbreak and lunch?Redwood Restaurant provides anexcellent range of healthy snacks andlunches. There are different foods eachday, so you will never get bored withthe choice. We have both asandwich/salad bar and a hot food barso you are guaranteed to findsomething to suit your taste.

What colour hair accessories am Iallowed to wear?At Hunterhouse we prefer hairaccessories to be blue, red, black orwhite and not too extravagant so thatour uniform looks smart at all times.

Will I have to wear a tie?Between Halloween and Eastereveryone must wear a shirt and tie.From Easter to Halloween you have theoption of wearing a short-sleeved open-necked blouse.

How long are the classes? Howmany classes are there each day?At Hunterhouse we have a slightlydifferent timetable structure than mostother schools; we have five hour-longclasses per day.

How many teachers will I have inmy first year?You will have approximately fourteensubject teachers in Year Eight, one foreach subject.

Will I have a locker?Yes, all girls are assigned a locker inYear Eight which is big enough to keepa lot of books and other equipment.

What musical instruments will Ihave the opportunity to learn toplay?Music is very important atHunterhouse. We offer teaching acrossa wide range of instruments such aspiano, voice, flute, violin, clarinet,saxophone, oboe, trumpet, guitar,drums and cello.

Are there opportunities to doDrama and Music?Yes, definitely! Each year we have aschool production which involves girlsfrom Years Eight to Fourteen in actingand singing roles. We also have aDrama Club which preparesperformances for various school events.There are many opportunities to getinvolved in music by taking instrumentallessons, choir, orchestra or joining oneof our many instrumental groups.

Will I be able to go home or out ofschool at lunchtime?No, girls are not allowed to go home orout of school at lunch time in theinterest of their own safety.

How will I travel to and fromschool?How you travel to and from school willprobably depend on how far away youlive from Hunterhouse and whetheryour parents will give you a lift. It iseasy to take a bus or train as there arestops very close to the school.

Will I find the subjects difficult?You may find the subjects hard at thestart as they may be very different fromwhat you have been taught in primaryschool. You will soon find subjects a loteasier once you have become moresettled in school.

Are the teachers strict?Teachers are not necessarily strict butthey are firm to ensure that work isdone. They are also very friendly andwill try and make classes as interestingand fun as possible.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


“The confidence and self-belief that our daughter hasgained since startingHunterhouse College isphenomenal. The standardof teaching and studentmentoring is fantastic. It hasbeen a joy to watch ourdaughter transform from shyand insecure to capable andself-assured in such a shorttime.”

Parents of Year 8 student

“My daughter joinedHunterhouse College as a Year13 student. I can’t believehow quickly she settled in.She has already made lots ofnew friends, joined the Choirand Orchestra, and has evenstarted taking music lessonsagain! Thanks Hunterhouse,for making this transition sosmooth. We really appreciateit.”

Parent of Year 13 student

“My daughter had highexpectations of Hunterhouselong before we’d even got towrite it on ‘the form’, the worrywas that it couldn’t possibly liveup to them. Had I known backin P6 of the care Hunterhousetakes of their students and thestrategies they use to helpthem settle and bond I wouldhave had much less worryduring the transfer period. Ithas met those highexpectations and greatlyexceeded them. We havesuccessfully made that movesmoothly, with no dilemmasand with a bubbly, confidentgirl coming home eachevening. Homeworks are nota chore and her independenceis remarkable. What a greatstart to a new school.”


Our daughter started Year 8 at Hunterhouse College in September2016. We have been extremely impressed by the way in which thestaff have supported her during the difficult transition from primaryto post primary education. There is a very strong sense of communityat Hunterhouse with parents being encouraged to become part ofthe school family. We are confident that with the learningexperiences on offer and the excellent pastoral care provided, ourdaughter will have every opportunity to achieve her full potential.


“Transferring my daughterinto Year 9 was the bestdecision we have made.Pastoral care and learningsupport are second to none.A happy, smiling girl cominghome from school is a joy tosee.”


“Hunterhouse College hasprovided a warm, friendly andcaring learning environmentfor our daughter and we havebeen delighted with theprogress she has made bothacademically and socially. Shereally enjoys each day atschool and is encouraged bythe teaching staff both in classand in the extra-curricularactivities of her choice.”


“As well as being an excellentschool for our daughtersacademically, the pastoral carethroughout the years has beenoutstanding. We know thatthe dedicated teaching andsupport they have receivedthroughout their years atHunterhouse College hasgiven them a firm foundationfor their futures.”

Parents of Year 13 and Year14 students

WHAT DO OUR PARENTS SAY ABOUT US?

“Our daughter started Year 8 in September and we have been veryimpressed with all efforts made to integrate the new girls into schoollife. From the letters written to them during their induction day byoutgoing Year 8 students, staff giving up their time after school toensure they all get on the right bus and the residential trip to Cultra,it’s the small things that really matter and our daughter couldn’t behappier - well done Hunterhouse!”



“As a new parent toHunterhouse this year I havebeen very impressed with theadditional help that has beengiven to my daughter. Inparticular, the ClassroomAssistants have been a greatsupport and nothing seems tobe too much trouble. It is veryreassuring to have open andhonest communicationbetween home and school.”


“Our daughter loves going toschool every day. Thecommitted and caring staff atHunterhouse have encouragedher to involve herself in everyaspect of school life. She hasenjoyed taking part in schoolproductions, speech anddrama and always manages tofind a sporting activity tooccupy her time after school.Most importantly, she hasbenefitted from the excellentlearning environment andpastoral system which thestaff have created.”


“All my fears of senior schoolwere set aside when mydaughter began life atHunterhouse College. She isalways cheerful about whatthe day ahead holds. TheHunterhouse girls appear tosupport each other and theyseem to inspire one another totake part in the varied sportsand activities. I can onlycongratulate the staff insupporting the girls to grow,to develop their interests andto continue their path inlearning.”


“Hunterhouse offers a widerange of after-school activities.My daughter takes advantageof the fantastic sportingclasses and facilities. Shebenefits from the lunchtimeMaths support class and, as aconsequence, her grades haveimproved greatly.”


"Hunterhouse has a well-known reputation for exceptional pastoralcare and the staff live this reputation to the full. My daughter hasbeen given individual, focussed, caring support in both Years 8 and9. The communication from staff to parents and between staff isexcellent. Heads of Year are proactive in providing individual supportand understand the needs of the students in their cohort. The staffare very approachable, live the ethos of the school, are willing to gothe extra mile to support students and constantly demonstrateinclusivity as well as support to those who need it."


“We could not have asked forany more support from theHunterhouse staff when wemoved from England at thesame time as our daughterwas about to start in seniorschool. Hunterhouse Collegemade the transition very easyand we value the ongoingsupport we have receivedthereafter.”



When students enter Hunterhousethey join one of four form classeswithin their year group. These classesare rearranged at the end of Year Eightand then again at the end of Year Ten. This is to ensure that students developconfidence working with others withintheir peer group and are able to buildfriendships right across the year group.

The exception to this structure is theSixth Form in which form classes areorganised vertically, with classescontaining both Year Thirteen and YearFourteen students. This providesopportunities for peer mentoring, forsupport and for the sharing of learningstrategies.

At the heart of our pastoral system arethe Form Teachers. They continuallymonitor the well-being of every girland her friendship group dynamics, aswell as mentoring the academicprogress of all students. The FormTeacher will be the first and mostimportant point of contact betweenschool and home.

Form Classes meet each day, with timespent in either whole school or yeargroup assemblies or following aPersonal Development Programmeappropriate for their age range. Thiswill cover issues such as e-safety, healthand well-being, self-esteem and studyskills.

The basis of our pastoral system isstrong relationships andcommunication at all levels. This is anarea of real excellence withinHunterhouse. From the feedback wereceive from our parents and studentswe know that students feel confidentthat they can talk to teachers, thatthey will be listened to and that theywill be encouraged and supported.

The pastoral work of the Hunterhousestaff is complemented by that of theFamilyWorks Counsellor. This is aservice used by all schools across thecountry to ensure that students have adifferent person who they can talk to inschool and whose expertise we candraw on.

The role of our pastoral staff is to provide the support and guidance that is essential toensure that all students feel safe and valued in school and become successful learners.

PASTORAL CARE


At Hunterhouse we are fully committedto the personal development of all ofour students - socially, morally,physically, creatively and artistically. Indeveloping these attributes the vibrantextra-curricular programme is animportant and continually evolving partof school life. The following are someof the activities available:• Art and Crafts• Junior and Senior Choirs• Coding Club• Debating• Drama and school productions• School Orchestra• Ukulele Group• Science Club• Scripture Union• Speech and drama• A wide range of sporting activities

including hockey, netball, tennis,badminton, soccer, athletics, cross-country, equestrianism and fencing.

We also seek to extend still furtherstudents’ learning through our co-curricular programme. Girls in all yeargroups will have a range of differentspeakers, workshops and day trips tofurther enrich the curriculum and addgreater relevance to their studies. Inrecent months History classes havevisited the Titanic Centre, ourgeographers carried out coursework onthe north coast and the Colin Glen Riverand Sixth Formers have visited Dublin tocarry out work related to several subjectareas. Our GCSE Business Studiesstudents always look forward to theannual visit to the Tayto factory!

Alongside these a number of extendedtrips are on offer to provide additionalopportunities for students to broadentheir experiences, understand differentcultures and mature as young people.Recent trips have included:• The annual Year Eight Cultra

Residential• Ski Trip to Folgaria, Italy• Geography trip to Sorrento, Pompeii

and Mount Vesuvius • Language exchanges to Paderbörn,

Germany and Seville, Spain• Art Trip to Amsterdam• Business Studies trip to Disneyland,

Paris• Home Economics trip to London

Students are given the opportunity to take part in a wide rangeof extra and co-curricular activities to extend their learning, todevelop new skills and to create memories that last a lifetime.

ENRICHING LEARNING


In the classroom, subject teacherswork hard to stretch the most ablewhile also offering support for thosewho require extra help. At Key StageThree a particular focus is given toliteracy and numeracy so that students’progress in these important areas issecure. A range of different strategiessuch as our Peer Reading Programmeand Maths clinics ensure that this isthe case.

Support and challenge also lies at theheart of our Assertive MentoringProgramme for students in YearsEleven to Fourteen. This has been avery successful initiative; students meetwith their Mentor at stages across theacademic year to review their progress,to identify what additional help theymay need and to agree targets forfurther improvement.

Our two Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators lead the work of ourClassroom Assistants to ensure thatthose students joining HunterhouseCollege with special educational needsare well catered for and are able toaccess all aspects of their learning.

We know the importance of allowingstudents to follow a curriculum which ismatched to their abilities and careeraspirations. Choice begins as early asYear Nine when students choose whichlanguage courses they will follow. AtKey Stage Four students can vary thenumber of GCSE courses which theytake, while at Post 16 level the breadthof subjects available leads to a very widerange of Higher and Further Educationcourses and job opportunities.

To assist in this, the CareersDepartment offers ongoing guidanceas girls seek to determine their careerpaths. Individual guidance interviewsare available to all students from YearTen upwards and are particularlyimportant at the key transition points.

The CareerZone provides informationon careers and courses beyond schooland this is supplemented by talks,conferences, workshops and a biennialCareers and Higher EducationConvention. Students also haveopportunities to access specialistcounselling from the Careers Service of the Department of Employment andLearning.

We also seek to develop the individualby providing a range of leadershipopportunities for our students. Thesebegin as early as Year Eight when eachform elects a representative to serve onthe School Council. Furtheropportunities are available at all agelevels including posts within our Housesystem, sports captains and musicambassadors.

Students arrive at Hunterhouse with a range of abilities, skills and attributes and werecognise these differences. We know that all of our students are unique, that they learn indifferent ways and require the correct blend of support and challenge.

DEVELOPING THE INDIVIDUAL


COMMUNICATIONWe liaise regularly with parents byemail and text through ParentMail, ourhome-school communication system.Parents can also use this facility tomake payments for trips, to top uptheir daughter’s Redwood card andeven to make online appointments forour Progress Events.

The School website provides aninformative and clear first referencepoint for all those wishing to find outmore about the College.

PROGRESS EVENTSThese are held for each year groupacross the academic year. Theyprovide parents with the opportunityto meet with their daughter’s subjectteachers, to review their progress andto discuss how further improvementscan be made.

INFORMATION MEETINGSAdditional information meetings arealso organised to ensure that parentsare fully aware of the key issuesrelevant to their daughter’s education.Induction meetings are held regularly,for example when students movebetween key stages, and parents arealso invited into school to learn moreabout our work in relation to initiativessuch as e-safety and study skills.

PARENT GOVERNORS Parents also play an important role onour Board of Governors, serving asrepresentatives of the parental bodyand providing an important soundingboard for our work.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATIONWe are fortunate to have an active andvery supportive Parent TeacherAssociation.

As well as raising additional funds forthe school, this group is an importantlink between the school and ourparents, organising events andwelcoming new parents into theschool community.

PARENTAL CONSULTATIONWe also encourage parents to sharetheir views and opinions with us as thisis one way in which we can identifyareas for improvement, as well asrecognising what is working well. Thispartnership with parents helps tocreate a supportive environment for allof our students.

Developing strong and meaningful relationships with ourparents has always been and will continue to be a key aspectof our work.

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS


BALLYMACASH PRIMARY SCHOOL

At Hunterhouse the teachers are very niceand supportive - you’re never left out. Ialso like that you only have five subjectsevery day so you have fewer books to carryabout between classes. My favouritesubjects are Science, Technology andDesign, Maths and Languages. I’ve learnttwo new languages already!

Hope, Year 8

The last seven years at Hunterhouse haveflown in. As I progressed through theschool, especially in Sixth Form, therelationships I have with both friends andteachers have been really good. I spend alot of time in the Art Studio and it is agreat space to work in. Our class hasbecome really close and I hope to continueall the friendships I have made after I leave.

Anna, Year 14

BROWNLEE PRIMARY SCHOOL

All the girls and teachers are very friendly. Ilove learning new languages and newsubjects. I was a little nervous at first butalso excited, but it took no time to getused to all the new classes and to feel likepart of the school.

Lily, Year 8

My time at Hunterhouse College has beenreally enjoyable. Over the last seven years Ihave made lifelong friends and have hadthe opportunity to develop and learn newskills. I look forward to the future but willmiss my time here very much.

Zoe, Year 14

DUNMURRY PRIMARY SCHOOL

On my first day at Hunterhouse I felt a bitscared and when I got in I was lost but Imet a girl called Katie-Jane and she hadthe same problem as me. We ended upbeing friends and I realised there wasnothing to worry about. My favouritething about school is switching classes andmy best memory is getting lost in Cultrawith my friends!

Aimee, Year 8

During my seven years studying atHunterhouse I have had the opportunity tomake memories and form lasting bondsthrough being a part of the schoolcommunity. Although I will be sad to leaveschool, I hope to move on to university andI look forward to the experiences andchallenges which lie ahead.

Annie, Year 14

FINAGHY PRIMARY SCHOOL

On my first day I felt really nervous anddidn’t know if I would make any friendsbut quite quickly I made two new friends.My favourite thing I’ve done so far is theYear 8 residential at Cultra. I liked itbecause I got to talk to lots of new peopleand met a few new teachers.

Phoebe, Year 8

My past seven years at Hunterhouse havebeen enjoyable. Although I will bedisappointed to leave, Hunterhouse hasnot only allowed me to make lifelongfriendships but has also provided me withthe opportunities to develop a range ofskills which will be beneficial for my futurecareer.

Beth, Year 14

HARMONY HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL

On the first day at Hunterhouse I wasnervous but excited. My nerves went awayin no time as I was made to feel verywelcome. The teachers are really nice andthe sports are incredibly fun and you learnlots of new skills. I would definitelyrecommend Hunterhouse College.

Lucy, Year 8

Since starting Hunterhouse College in Year8 I have thoroughly enjoyed and cherishedmy time here. Through being part of theschool hockey team and Head Girl’s Team Ihave made lifelong friends and memories Iwould never have made otherwise. I hopeto use the valuable skills I have gained fromthe past seven years when I leaveHunterhouse in June.

Jasmine, Year 14

MOIRA PRIMARY SCHOOL

I have made so many new friends here. Myfavourite subject is Science. I take Speechand Drama and play the guitar in school.On my first day I felt nervous and I wasworried that I wouldn’t be able to copewith all the new subjects. Now I havesettled in really well and I am enjoying mytime at Hunterhouse College.

Alannah, Year 8

I am in my seventh year at Hunterhouseand have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.The teachers always go the extra mile tohelp us. Life at Hunterhouse has given methe skills and qualities required foruniversity next year and I am hoping tostudy Psychology there.

Amy, Year 14

FROM YEAR 8 TO YEAR 14


OAKWOOD INTEGRATED PRIMARYSCHOOL

I love Year 8 and I especially love Art andGeography. I was so shy on the first dayas I was the only person from my primaryschool. But now I’m really comfortable inHunterhouse and have met some of mybest friends. I loved the Year 8 Cultra trip- especially the barn dance! My friendsand I had the best time ever.

Ciara, Year 8

Hunterhouse College has given me newexciting experiences. When I was in Year 8the Cultra residential helped me make newfriends and settle at ‘big’ school. Now, asa Year 14 Peer Mentor for Year 8, I feltproud to support our new students in theirresidential at Cultra.

Sophie, Year 14

POND PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

I love being able to move around differentclasses throughout the day and having thechance to try out new subjects that I’dnever done before. Some of my favouritesubjects are Religious Studies, Art andLanguages. You get to learn loads of newthings and try different techniques. I lovelearning about all the cultures, languagesand religions. I feel like I’ve known mynew friends forever!

Jasmine, Year 8

Since joining Hunterhouse back in 2011, I have gained a vast amount of knowledgeand experience about matters such aspolitics, business and digital technologyand how these all interconnect. This willhelp me throughout my life. I amextremely grateful for my time inHunterhouse as it has allowed me to meetamazing people and form lifelongfriendships.

Beth, Year 14

RIVERDALE PRIMARY SCHOOL

I love going to Hunterhouse because allthe teachers are so encouraging and all ofthe girls are so kind. My favourite subjectis Art because I love drawing.

Sophie, Year 8

I’ve had a memorable seven years atHunterhouse. I’ve developed skills andgained qualifications, with the support andencouragement of my teachers, that willbe beneficial when entering university.During this time, I have made severallifelong friends and I will miss this placegreatly when I leave.

Lorna, Year 14

SEYMOUR HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL

I have really enjoyed and settled well intoYear 8 at Hunterhouse. I have made lotsof new friends and the teachers and pupilsare so helpful and friendly. My subjectsare PE, ICT, Art and Drama. I have beeninvolved in the school show “Fame” and ina swimming gala. The Year 8 trip to Cultrawas awesome!

Katelyn, Year 8

During my time in Hunterhouse, I havegained lifelong friends and I will always begrateful for my time here and thememories I take with me. I feel preparedfor the future with the invaluable skills andqualifications I have gained with the helpof enthusiastic and dedicated teachers.

Courtney, Year 14

ST PATRICK’S PRIMARY SCHOOL,MAGHERALIN

On my first day at Hunterhouse I was reallynervous. I didn’t know anyone. It was soeasy to settle in and make friends. Theteachers were so friendly and welcoming.I really enjoy PE as I am very sporty and likerunning and netball. My favourite thingabout Hunterhouse is how kind theteachers and staff are. I hope you loveHunterhouse as much as I do.

Mollie, Year 8

I have really enjoyed my time atHunterhouse and have made many goodfriends that I hope to keep for life. All theteachers are enthusiastic and helpful, inparticular for my GCSEs and A levels.

Sorcha, Year 14

TONAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Year 8 has been fantastic. On my first dayI was nervous but excited. My favouritethings are my friends, my Science teacher,and that we change rooms with eachsubject. My favourite subject is Science asI want to be a marine biologist. My bestmemory is when I found out there was afootball team.

Sienna, Year 8

The past seven years at Hunterhouse havebeen far more than what I could have everexpected. Throughout my time here thestaff have been so helpful and friendly,especially the Languages and ScienceDepartments who encouraged me to pickBiology, Chemistry and Spanish A Leveland have guided me to my chosen careerpath.

Skye, Year 14


Upper Lisburn Road, Finaghy, Belfast BT10 0LET: 028 9061 2293 E: [email protected]

www.hunterhousecollege.org.uk

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