11

St Mary’s High School

2

The promoTion of excellence Through a caring,

supporTive, caTholic environmenT.

3

Dear Parents and Primary 7 Pupils

A very warm welcome to St Mary’s High School and I hope you will enjoy your visit. As you turn the pages of our Prospectus you will gain an insight into life in our school. Each year, Open Night provides parents and prospective pupils with an opportunity to experience at first hand the work of the school. If anyone is unable to attend Open Night it is possible to arrange a visit to the school simply by telephoning for an appointment.

Our Vision Statement speaks of excellence, and excellence can only be achieved through applying high standards. We expect high standards from our pupils in terms of school uniform and personal conduct as well as high standards of class work, homework and examination results. We are proud of our pupils’ achievements and also the external recognition the school has received through the Investors in People Award. The feedback report from Investors in People stated:

“There is strong evidence of a staff who have the welfare and the educational and personal development of their pupils as their raison d’être and who take a great personal and professional pride in seeing all their pupils achieve their full potential.”

We aim to encourage every pupil to develop to their full potential. We recognise that this can only be achieved through a meaningful and committed partnership with our parents. In addition to the annual parents’ meetings, parents are welcome to make an appointment at any time to discuss matters of concern relating to their daughters’ education.

In St Mary’s we are constantly striving for better ways of preparing our pupils to meet the challenges of life in the 21st century. This booklet will tell you how we try to achieve this and we are happy to provide any further information you require.

Best wishes

Phil Smyth

Mrs P Smyth

Principal

Vision Statement

4

St Mary’s High School promotes high achievement by working with its pupils to enable them:

• to reach their full potential

• to develop skills and knowledge which will equip them to be adaptable in the 21st century

• to respect themselves and others

• to have self-worth

• to recognize that they have a contribution to make to wider society

• to take responsibility for the choices they make

The Mission of St Mary’s High School is to provide a Catholic education for all our students which develops their unique talents and encour-ages self development. We believe that each pupil will succeed through experiencing:

• a relevant and challenging curriculum• effective and varied teaching strategies• a stimulating learning environment• an ethos of support, challenge and encouragement to succeed• learning partnerships between school, home and community• the opportunity to work collaboratively towards common goals• a school community that strives for continuous improvement in all

that we do

Mission for the School

St Mary’s High School promotes high achievement by working with its pupils to enable them:

• to reach their full potential

• to develop skills and knowledge which will equip them to be adaptable in the 21st century

• to respect themselves and others

• to have self-worth

• to recognize that they have a contribution to make to wider society

• to take responsibility for the choices they make

Aims of the School

5

Vice Principal PastoralMrs. M. Wylie

Vice Principal CurriculumMs. R. McLaughlin

I can contact

The school has a strong Pastoral Care system provided by:

• Vice Principal Pastoral• Year Head for each year group• Form Teacher for each class• School Merit System KS3• Student Council• Assertive Discipline Programme• School Chaplain• Home School Links• Parent/Teacher meetings for each year group• Sixth Form Peer Mentors for KS3 and KS4 form classes• Pupil Mentoring by Heads of Year• Links with appropriate outside agencies• EWO Stress Management for pupils• ‘Mind Out’ Programme• Progress Files• Counselling• Chrysalis Programme• Pastoral Programmes for Years 8 - 14

To assist with the transition from Primary School St Mary’s offers the ‘Big Schools’ Year 8 Induction Programme to help Year 8 pupils to settle quickly and easily into the school community. This induction programme is available to all Year 13 pupils. The school’s EWO also provides transition workshops for Year 8.

A carefully prepared PSHE programme is designed to help guide, prepare, train and equip all our pupils to engage effectively in interpersonal relationships and daily living.

The aim of the PD programme is to:

• Promote the all round development of the pupil • Empower pupils to be effective learners • Assist them to become responsible members of society

How a Parent can raise concern about his/her child’s welfare/progress

Pastoral Care

Head of Year SENCOMr. D. Wylie

If I am still concerned I can contact

The Vice Principal may inform the Principal if further action is needed.

6

Applications Admissions

Admissions No 125

Enrolment No 600

Pupils from all schools are welcome to apply.

Should the school be over-subscribed the following criteria will be applied, in the order set down, by the Board of Governors.

1 Pupils whose normal place of residence is within the contributory parishes. These are Downpatrick, Saul, Strangford, Ardglass, Killough, Tyrella and Dundrum (not listed in order of preference).

Pupils transferring from feeder primary schools (this includes pupils enrolled in these schools who are not resident in the contributory parishes).

3 Pupils who have a sister at the school on the date of transfer.

4 Pupils for whom special circumstances apply e.g. social services report, health, security reasons. The Board of Governors will determine the merits of individual cases.

5 Pupils of a parent who is a past pupil of the school.

6 Pupils whose parents have expressed preference for a single sex school.

It is parents’ responsibility to ensure that any information which is relevant to St Mary's Admissions Criteria is included on the Parents’ Remarks Section of the Transfer Report Form or is attached to that Form.

The criteria relating to the initial admission of pupils into Year 8 before the commencement of the 2010 school year will also be used for entry into Year 8 should admission become possible after the commencement of the 2010 school year.

Admissions Criteria

2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009

73 72 77 73 72 77

7Catchment Schools

admissions criteria - Years 9-12Usually pupils are admitted between Years 9 and 14 to the capacity of the relevant year and with due regard to the safety and welfare of the existing pupil population.

criteriaa) Interview with the Principal or Vice Principal of this

school between parent/guardian and new pupil.

b) Written report from other school.

c) Recommendation of Principal of other school.

d) Reasonable correlation between subjects, especially at Year 11.

e) Consideration of numbers in practical classes - prescribed limits will not be exceeded.

f) Admission would be prejudicial to the efficient use of resources.

g) Admission would not adversely affect the education of other pupils.

pupils come to st mary’s from the following schools

•CedarIntegratedPS,Crossgar •StJoseph’sPS,Strangford

•ChristtheKingPS,Drumaness •StMacartan’sPS,Loughinisland

•ConventofMercyPS,Downpatrick •StMalachy’sPS,Castlewellan

•DownpatrickPS,Downpatrick •StMalachy’sPS,Kilclief

•HolyFamilyPS,Teconnaught •StMary’sPS,Aughlisnafin

•PortaferryIntegratedPS •StMary’sPS,Dunsford

•SacredHeartPS,Dundrum •StMary’sPS,Newcastle

•StBrigid’sPS,Downpatrick •StMary’sPS,Portaferry

•StColmcille’sPS,Downpatrick •StMatthew’sPS,Magheramayo

•StFrancis’PS,Drumaroad •StNicholas’PS,Ardglass

•StJoseph’sPS,Ballycruttle •StPatrick’sPS,Ballynahinch

•StJoseph’sPS,Ballykinlar •StPatrick’sPS,Legamaddy

•StJoseph’sPS,Carryduff •StMary’sPS,Killyleagh

•StJoseph’sPS,Crossgar •StPatrick’sPS,Saul

•StJoseph’sPS,Killough

8

Direct to School, past school, end of road

Connection at Bus Station

ANN

A49

A52

A501A30

A20A48

A6

A2

A3

A25

A7

A20

A22A

21

A23

A24

A24

A50

and

DROMORE

RIDGE

HILLTOWN

NEWCASTLE

DUNDRUM ARDGLASS

STRANGFORD

PORTAFERRY

PORTAVOGIEKILLYLEAGH

SAINTFIELD

COMBER

KIRCUBBIN

BALLYWALTER

ISBURN

MILLISLE

DONAGHADEE

BELFAST NEWTOWNARDS

po t

HILLSBOROUGH

BALLYNAHINCH

A25RATHFRILAND BRYANSFORD

CASTLEWELLAN

CROSSGAR

Bus Routes

Portaferry

16E

Strangford

Raholp

14

Shrigley

Killyleagh

16A

Kilclief

Ballyhornan

Dunsford

Ardglass

Killough

19

Ballynahinch

Drumaness

16

Belfast

Carryduff

Saintfield

Crossgar

17

Castlewellan

Clough

Dundrum

16C

Ballykinlar

16D

Ballylucas

Ballynoe

Downpatrick

9School Uniform

The school rules include the compulsory wearing of school uniform and

appropriate clothing for PE, games and practical work. The school uniform is to

be worn at all times unless a specific exception has been made by the Principal.

It has also to be worn for school functions, or by individuals or groups

representing the school.

School

• Officialschoolblazer

• Lightblueblouselong-sleeved

• Royalbluev-neckedjumper

• Royalblueskirt

• Blueandyellowtie

• Navy tightS/Navy SoCkS

• Blueandyellowscarf

• Officialshowerprooffleece

• Flatblackshoes

PE

• Swimmingcostume

• Towel

• PlainNavyTracksuitTrousers

• RedaertexT-shirt

• Whitesocks

• Trainers(preferablywhite)

full school uniform consists of:

The school blazer is compulsory for all pupils in the school.

Official Uniform Supplier:J J DonnellyMarket Street, Downpatrick, Tel: 02844 613533

10The Curriculum at Key Stage 3

In St Mary’s pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum which provides a coherent link between primary and secondary school. In planning for the Northern Ireland Curriculum, we hope to provide for pupils at Key Stages 3 and 4 a curriculum which will prepare them for adult life.

The full list of subjects taught at Key Stage 3 is as follows:

✔ art & Design

✔ Drama

✔ english

✔ french

✔ geography

✔ history

✔ home economics

✔ icT

✔ learning for life and Work

✔ mathematics

✔ music

✔ physical education

✔ religious education

✔ science

✔ Technology and Design

✔ Word processing

During the Spring term, Year 10 pupils consider the options available for study in Years 11 and 12.

Subject W 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 N Ex Abs

EnglishTotalNoofPupils

%

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

7

7.4

14

14.7

29

30.5

37

38.9

3

3.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

5

5.3

0.0

0.0

MathsTotalNoofPupils

%

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

8

8.4

21

22.1

32

33.7

20

21.1

11

11.6

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

3

3.2

0.0

0.0

ScienceTotalNoofPupils

%

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

5

5.3

34

35.8

38

40

12

12.6

2

2.1

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

4

4.2

0.0

0.0

Subject W 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 N Ex Abs

EnglishTotalNoofPupils

%

1

1.1

21

22.1

42

44.2

22

23.2

4

4.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

1

1.1

4

4.2

MathsTotalNoofPupils

%

4

4.2

20

21.1

34

35.8

16

16.8

15

15.8

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

1

1.1

5

5.3

ScienceTotalNoofPupils

%

6

6.3

32

33.7

25

26.3

20

21.1

6

6.3

0.0

0.0

1

1.1

1

1.1

4

4.2

11Key Stage 3

tEaChER aSSESSED SUBJECt LEvELS: Number and % of pupils achieving each level

school summarY recorD: KeY sTage 3 - 2008

tESt RESULtS: Number and % of pupils achieving each level

Ks3 1cT 100% pass at level 5

SUBJECt awaRD

Art&Design GCSE

Business&CommunicationsSystems

GCSE

BusinessStudies GCSE

ChildDevelopment GCSEDrama GCSEEnglish GCSEEnglishLiterature GCSEEmploymentSkills Level1French GCSEGeography GCSEHistory GCSEICT GCSE

LearningforLife&Work

GCSE

Mathematics GCSEMediaStudies GCSE

OccupationalStudies(Business)

Level1/2

OccupationalStudies(Horticulture)

Level1/2

ReligiousStudies

GCSE/DiocesanLifestylesCertificate

ScienceGCSE(SingleAward)

AdditionalScienceGCSE(DoubleAward)

TextProcessing Level1/2

WiderKeySkills Level1

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The table below shows the subjects and examinations as offered:

Curriculum at Key Stage 4Years11and12

A variety of vocational and academic courses

are offered for pupils at Key Stage 4.

Subject AwardingBody

GCEAppliedBusiness OCR

GCEAppliedHealth&SocialCare

CCEA

GCEAppliedICT OCR

‘A’LevelArtandDesign CCEA

‘A’LevelMaths EDEXL

‘A’LevelMediaStudies WJEC

‘A’LevelMovingImageArts CCEA

‘A’LevelReligion CCEA

NationalLevel2Health&SocialCare

OCR

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St Mary’s has a long tradition of Sixth Form provision. Courses currently on offer are listed opposite:

We have extended the range of courses on offer for Sixth Form students to encompass a wider range of ‘A’ Level and Vocational courses.

In addition to their academic studies, our students undertake a taught pastoral programme including Religious Education and Careers. They play a very active role in the broader life of the school as mentors, prefects, librarians and paired readers.

Sixth Form Curriculum

14Enrichment Activities

Homework Club

After school activities have been in place in the school since 2001. The activities run from 3.30 – 5.00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They form a major part of the school’s extra curricular programme. These activities include::

• Computer Work• Maths• Science• Sport• Technology

These activities are arranged by staff members to suit the requirements of pupils both in relation to timing and content. In most areas sessions are organised periodically which are geared towards examinations and coursework. Pupil uptake is high and this response testifies to the positive view the pupils take of the provision.

Collaboration

Dissolving Boundaries

International Links

PE

St Mary’s has a wide and varied PE programme. In addition to sports encountered with the PE

programme, St Mary’s also promotes netball, basketball, camogie and gaelic football. Each sport takes part in a number of leagues through the country and in Ulster. We are constantly striving to develop our PE curriculum to meet the needs and interests of our pupils, in particular promoting Health Related Fitness throughout the school. All pupils are encouraged to develop coaching skills in the above activities and are frequently linked to local clubs.

The PE department also runs a ski trip each year which has been very successful and enjoyed by many pupils.

Sports Facilities Available

• Gymnasium• Sports Hall• 2 Netball Courts• All Weather Pitch• Camogie/Gaelic fields

Access to

• Downpatrick Swimming Pool• Downpatrick Leisure Centre

Wider Key Skills

This unique programme offers young people in Years 11 and 12 the opportunity to broaden their skills and to make them more effective in the workplace. The content of the programme is made up of activities

15Enrichment Activities

carried out both inside and outside the classroom. The areas covered include: The Environment, The World of Work and The Community. The programme is delivered by a Youth Worker as well as the class teachers. A portfolio of work is assessed regularly.

16Careers Education

St Mary’s offers Careers Education through the Pastoral Programme and through the subject of Learning for Life and Work at Key Stage 3 and 4 and as a structured programme for Years 13 and 14.

The delivery of the programme is greatly facilitated by the existence of a ‘Careers Suite’ which is stocked with up to date careers information, as well as a close working relationship with the local careers officers who provide advice and options to our students.

year 10 Aimhigher Roadshow – offering progression routes from Year 10 onwards. Career Planning Day facilitated by Sentinus. A taught programme of 18 weeks to include Job Search and decision making activities in light of the important career choices that need to be made this year.

year 11 A continuation of the Career Planning process where students are given the opportunity to research jobs and courses. Some students prepare for ‘Employment Skills Level 1’.

year 12 A ‘Career Planning Day’ is organized with ‘Cragrats’ which offers Year 12 students an insight into choices they need to consider at the end of KS4.

All students avail of an interview with the Careers Officer. In October of Year 12, all students sample one week’s Work Experience in a career area of their choice. A log book is completed during the placement and an evaluation process carried out on their return to school.

In March of Year 12 each student participates in a ‘Mock Interview’ evening. Many local employees give their time to make this experience very worthwhile for our students.

All Year 12 students visit a ‘Careers Convention’ in the second term. This is usually organised by the local Business Education Partnership and attracts many representatives from business, local training organisations and members of Further and Higher Education. This gives our students a taste of some of their chosen careers.Years 13/14 The Career Planning process continues as we try to guide our students towards Post 18 choices. Each Year 13 student participates in one week’s Work Experience in February. In Year 14 many of our students complete UCAS forms for University entrance, as well as researching entry to other careers.some of their chosen careers.

years 13/14 The Career Planning process continues as we try to guide our students towards Post 18 choices. Each Year 13 student participates in one week’s Work Experience in February. In Year 14 many of our students complete UCAS forms for University entrance, as well as researching entry to other careers.

Years 13/14 students are given the opportunity to get an insight into University life by attending Open Days and Higher Education Conventions.

Year 13 Careers’ classes are currently involved in a ‘Success in Schools’ programme hosted by Young Enterprise.

Throughout the year there are visiting speakers from industry, Further and Higher Education and training, giving our young people a sample of the world of work.

• Oral • Reading

• Written• Practical

experiments/demonstrations

• Aural • Investigations

• Tests • Coursework• Homework • Presentation• Fieldwork • ProgressFiles

17AssessmentPupil Centred LearningWe encourage our pupils to be fully engaged in their own learning. Pupils are trained to be self-evaluating and they are supported in their learning by their teachers through marking for improvement and target setting. The pupils are fully involved in this through the use of their Progress Files.

HomeworkSt Mary’s is firmly committed to the belief that homework for all pupils is an essential part of their education. It is school policy to mark homework regularly and to actively seek the assistance of parents/guardians in promoting this.

The nature of the homework set varies between year groups, different classes and topics of study. It may include the following:

• Reading/Writing/Spelling• Research• Projects• Observing/Recording• Making a Model• Completing Work Begun in Class• Revision for Tests or Examinations

ReportingTeachers report to parents/guardians through written reports and on the occasion of the Annual Parent/Teacher Meeting for each year group. Parents may request appointments with teachers to discuss their daughter’s progress.

An integral part of teachingAssessment is used as an integral part of teaching to monitor the progress of each pupil and to diagnose any educational problems which merit remedial action. The information

gained from assessment informs future planning for teaching and learning.

Whilst assessment is ongoing, the following represent particularly important stages in the process:

• End of Unit/Module Topic Tests• Christmas Tests• Summer Tests• Annual NFER Tests in June for Years 8, 9 and 10• MidYIS Tests for Year 8• YELLIS Tests for Year 11• Key Stage 3 - English, Maths, Science and ICT• GCSEs in Year 12• ALIS Tests for Year 13• National Level 2 examinations• ‘A’ Level examinations

The methods used include the following:

The process is a continuous one for each pupil and is carried out through:

18 Religion Department

It is the duty of teaching staff in St Mary’s Religion Department to clarify, extend and deepen the knowledge and experience of faith your daughter has received from the home.

It is our challenge to enable your daughter to know and understand Christ and to make a meaningful response to his call to love God and to love your neighbour.

In Key Stage 3 the pupils follow the Fully Alive Programme which is endorsed by the Northern Bishops as the Official Catholic Religious Education programme for KS3 pupils in Northern Ireland.

The Religion Department offers every pupil the opportunity to receive a recognised qualification by the end of Year 12, either through following the Christian Lifestyle Programme that leads to the Diocesan Religious Education Certificate, or completing the GCSE Religious Studies courses provided and accredited by AQA.

The Religion Department also offers an ‘A’ Level Religious Studies programme based on the Northern Ireland CCEA syllabus.

The pupils participate in daily morning prayer and weekly assemblies. With the assistance of the school’s Chaplain, there are many opportunities as well to participate in liturgical celebrations and prayer services which seek to develop the spiritual life of each pupil.

Inclusion/Special Educational Needs

The aim of St Mary’s is to provide access to a broad and balanced Curriculum which is differentiated to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEN/disability, strive to reach their full potential. Pupils whose first language is not English will experience an ethos of support, challenge and encouragement to succeed.

Teaching and learning will be adapted to meet the needs of the pupils and their learning styles. The school adopts a flexible approach to SEN provision, eg in-class support, withdrawal and Outreach Support as deemed necessary. At KS3 pupils with educational statements receive support in our MLD Unit or in mainstream. Classroom Assistants are provided by the SEELB for those pupils who require additional assistance due to their SEN/disability.

We value the partnerships that have been forged between home and school in order to maximise support for our pupils. The school aims to provide a caring environment where all pupils feel included and valued and their self-esteem is raised in order to prepare them for the world of work.

19Charges and Remissions PolicyThe school Management acts in accordance with the Charges and Remissions Policy produced by the SEELB in response to the Education Reform Order (NI) 1989 and related Guidance contained in DENI Circular 1989/91 (copies of this policy may be obtained from the SEELB Headquarters, Dundonald).

The Board of Governors reserves the right to levy charges for the following:

1. Residential/non residential trips wholly or mainly outside school hours which are not part of the common curriculum or not required by the syllabus of an approved public examination.

2. Musical tuition involving the hire of a musical instrument and/or cost of such tuition.

3. Materials and/or ingredients used in practical subjects if parents have indicated in advance a wish to receive the finished product.

4. Examination fee charges will be levied where:

(i) A pupil has failed to attend the examination

(ii) A pupil is entered more than once in a subject examination

5. Malicious damage or loss of school property.

6. Voluntary contributions from parents may be requested in relation to activities provided within school hours.

20 Drugs Policy

StMary’sPastoralProgrammeincludesaDrugsEducationProgrammewhichprovidesinformationconcerningtheuseandabuseofdrugs.

Theterm‘Drugs’referstoawiderangeofsubstances• Legal Drugs - such as alcohol, tobacco and prescribed drugs

• Illegal Drugs - such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin

ThepromotionofpositiveattitudesandbehaviourwhichwouldhelpyoungpeopleresistdrugsiscarriedoutinFormClasstimeandalsoinsubjectssuchasRE,ScienceandHomeEconomics.

TheseniormemberofstaffhavingoverarchingresponsibilityfordrugsissuesintheschoolistheDesignatedTeacher.

guidelines for dealing with Drug related incidents

OnDiscoveryofdrugs:

Step1

• Removedrugsandplaceinsecureplace.

• Ifpupilrefusestoco-operatekeepherundersupervision.

Step2

• ReportthediscoverytoamemberoftheSeniorManagementTeamandthePrincipal.

Step3

• SeniorStaffmembersinvestigatetheincident.

• Pupil(s)concernedtobeinterviewedseparatelybySeniorStaffMembers.

• DetailstoberecordedonSchoolIncidentSheet,includingdate,timeandlocation.

Step4

• Relevantagencytobecontactedregardingadvice.

Step5

• Parentsinformedofsituation.

• Incidenttobediscussedwithparents/guardianandpupil.

• Detailsofinterviewtoberecorded.

Step6

• Suspensionforpossessionofdrugs.

• Expulsionforsellingorrepeatedpossessionofdrugs.

Related incidents outside School

• ReporttoSLTmembersandPrincipal.

• DesignatedTeacherfordrugrelatedincidentstospeakwithpupil.

• Parent/Guardiantobeinformed.

• InformationonAdviceCentresgiventopupil/parent/guardian.

• Detailsofincidenttoberecorded.

incident involving Pupil(s) who is/are under the influence of Drugs

Step1

• SendforamemberoftheSMTorHeadofYear

Step2

• Isolatethepupil

Step3

• Contactdoctor,hospital,parent-asappropriate.

Step4

• Trytofindoutwhathasbeentaken,whentakenandifthepupilhasanydrugsinherpossession.

Step5

• Onlysearchthepupil’sschoolbaginthepresenceofawitnessandwiththepupil’sconsent.

Step6

• Informexternalagenciesasappropriate

• Keeprecordofallprocedurescarriedout

Checksofschoolgrounds/premisesarecarriedoutonaregularbasisforsignsofdrugmisusewhichmayhaveoccurredoutsideschoolhours.Ifnecessary,thelocalpolicewillbecontactedwithregardtosafedisposalofdangeroussubstances.

AnycontactwiththeMediawillbethroughthePrincipal.

21Behavioural Policy

vision statementThe promotion of excellence through a caring,

supportive, catholic environment.

In St Mary’s all rules, rewards and sanctions are

underpinned by the following principles:

the three R’s

• Respect for self

• Respect for others

• Respect for property

RightS aND RESPoNSiBiLitiESEveryone in the school community has rights but they

also have responsibilities:

rightspupil rights

• To be safe

• To be heard

• To be able to learn without unnecessary interruption

• To fair treatment

• To be treated with respect

staff rights

• To be safe

• To be heard

• To be able to teach without unnecessary interruption

• To fair treatment

• To be treated with respect

parents’ rights

• To be heard

• To have their daughter taught without unnecessary interruption

• To fair treatment

• To be treated with respect

responsibilitiesstaff responsibilities

To maintain a consistent approach to promoting positive behaviour by:

• Maintaining high expectations of pupils

• Using appropriate teaching and learning strategies

• Rewarding pupil achievements

• Using fair sanctions as appropriate

• Promoting a climate of mutual respect

• Having clearly defined rules and procedures in place to which everyone is expected to conform

• Maintaining a stimulating learning environment

pupil responsibilities

To help maintain a positive learning environment pupils are expected to:

• Respect the rights of teachers to teach and pupils to learn

• Accept direction and correction by staff in the classroom and elsewhere

• Bring all they need to school each day

• Arrive on time each day and for class wearing the correct uniform

• Bring completed homework to school

• Let other pupils get on with their work

• Sort out disagreements without fighting

• Treat other pupils and adults with respect

• Respect the school environment

• Move in a safe and orderly manner throughout the school

parents’ responsibilities

To work in partnership with the school to promote positive behaviour by:

• Ensuring their daughter comes to school on time every day and wearing the correct uniform

• Ensuring their daughter has homework completed and brings all necessary equipment for class

• Supporting the school in it s expectations of pupil behaviour

• Providing absence notes

• Keeping appointments with staff

• Attending parent/teacher meetings

Sanctions regarding unsuitable behaviour

any action taken will be guided by the following aims:

• To bring about an improvement in the behaviour of the pupil(s) concerned

• To maintain the right of other pupils to learn

the following strategies and/or sanctions may be used depending on degree/extent of misbehaviour:

• Detention

• Daily report

• Counselling within the school meeting with parents

• Counselling and assistance from outside agencies

• Withdrawal from class

• Internal Suspension

• Suspension

• Expulsion

22 Performance TablesoTher examinaTions Year 12 pupils

AwardingBody SubjectNoofPupils

entered

NoofPasses

%AchievingSuccess

ChristianLifestyle Religion 9 8 89

OCR TextProductionBasic 30 30 100

OCR WordProductionBasic 27 27 100

OCR TextProductionIntermediate 22 21 95

OCR InitialTextProcessing 9 9 100

OCR Level1KeySkillsPortfolio 6 6 100

XL 9 9 100

SUBJECT Total A* A B C D E F G U X

Art&Design 24 0.0 12.5 33.3 54.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

BusinessStudies 15 0.0 6.7 26.7 13.3 33.3 13.3 0.0 6.7 0.0 0.0

Drama 15 0.0 0.0 53.3 46.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

English 89 0.0 0.0 11.2 55.1 19.1 3.4 7.9 3.4 0.0 0.0

EnglishLiterature 19 0.0 21.1 31.6 36.8 10.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

French 76 1.3 9.2 3.9 34.2 27.6 13.2 7.9 1.3 1.3 0.0

Geography 29 0.0 10.3 6.9 37.9 24.1 10.3 10.3 0.0 0.0 0.0

History 27 0.0 29.6 29.6 37.0 3.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

HomeEconomics:ChildDev. 33 0.0 0.0 21.2 51.5 9.1 12.1 6.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

InformationTechnology 11 18.2 45.5 18.2 18.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Maths 91 0.0 3.3 15.4 41.8 18.7 9.9 4.4 3.3 3.3 0.0

MediaStudies 16 0.0 0.0 18.8 31.3 18.8 12.5 12.5 6.3 0.0 0.0

OfficeTechnology 28 0.0 10.7 17.9 50.0 10.7 7.1 3.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

Religion 78 7.7 21.8 25.6 29.5 5.1 6.4 2.6 1.3 0.0 0.0

PEStudies 7 0.0 0.0 57.1 42.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Science 86 0.0 8.1 25.6 27.9 12.8 15.1 10.5 0.0 0.0 0.0

AdditionalScience 31 3.2 32.3 22.6 35.5 3.2 0.0 3.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

analYsis of gcse graDes %

23School Performance Tables 2007-2008

71% of pupils obtained 5+ gcses a* to c grades

PUBLiC EXaMiNatioN RESULtS FoR PoSt 16 PUPiLS

PUPILSINYEAR12(KEYSTAGE4)PUBLICEXAMINATIONRESULTSFORYEAR12PUPILS

GCSE/GNVQPart1Examinations OtherExaminations AllExaminations

%Enteredfor5or

moreSubjects

%Entered

for1-4

Subjects

%Achieving

GradesA*-C

%Achieving

GradesA*-G

%Achieving

noGrades

A*-G

%Entered

forotherexams

%Achievingpassesin

1+coursesorunits

%Achievingno

passesineitherGCSEorotherexaminations

5+Subjects

1-4Subjects

5+Subjects

1-4Subjects

91 9 70 22 91 8 1 42 100 0

A-LevelsSubjectsNoinfinal

yearofcourse%Achievingfull

qualification

Art&Design 13 100.0

Biology 2 100.0

Business 12 91.7

InformationTechnology 28 100.0

Geography 3 100.0

MediaStudies 13 100.0

Mathematics 6 83.3

MovingImageArts 14 100.0

ReligiousStudies 8 100.0

Level2NationalsHealth&SocialCare 11 100

PerformanceIndicator 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07

School NIAverage School NIAverage School

%Achieving5+GCSEsatGradesA*-C(orequivalent)

54 43 58 45 70

%Achieving2+AlevelsatGradesA-E(orequivalent)

91 95 100 94 98

annual attendance rate (all pupils) - 91%

24

Pupils are expected to conform to the following regulations for their safety and for the maintenance of standards within the school.

Pupils are expected to:

• wear full school uniform to and from school

• behave in a manner which does not bring the good name of the school into disrepute

• co-operate with and respect all members of staff

• report to the office if late for school (after 9.10 am)

• only leave premises at lunchtime if a lunch pass has been granted

• move around the school in an orderly manner

• help preserve the appearance of the school

• only those pupils who have a written request from their parents may have permission to leave the school premises during the school day

• make doctor/dentist appointments for outside of school hours. Where this is not possible written parental request must be submitted on or before 9.00 am on the day of appointment.

• have hair styles compatible with school uniform and wear long hair tied back to meet safety requirements in practical subjects

• avoid wearing makeup or nail varnish.

• wear only one pair of ear studs in the lower ear lobe and one small ring.

• not to bring personal stereos or mobile phones into school.

• bring a written note from your parent/guardian explaining any absence to your form teacher.

• restrict eating and drinking to break and lunchtime.

• come to class prepared

• come to class on time

general School Conduct

• Come to school every day

• Always arrive in school on time

• Always walk on the right hand side of the corridor

• Avoid running on the corridor at all times

• Care for the school environment: Always put my litter in the bin

• Always respond politely when spoken to by teaching, auxiliary and ancillary staff

• Always take care of my uniform and keep my appearance clean and tidy

• Talk to a member of staff if I have a problem

Expectations of Pupils

25Year 14 Impressions of St Mary’s

Staff are very supportive and know me well and the way I like

to work.

I would like to praise the school and staff for treating the Sixth Form pupils like adults and preparing them for University.

‘It’’’’s friendly

atmosphere

T he teachers are amazing, if anything

all pupils should come here.

T hey believed in me and that is why

I'’m here.

I love this school. T he teachers are so committed and without their help and hard work I wouldn'’t have

achieved the grades I did at GCSE to go further.

T he teachers are very helpful. T hey talk to us like adults and try to get us

ready for the next stage in life whether it is University

or work.

T he teachers'’ enthusiasm to help pupils. T heir

commitment is extraordinary.

I think this is one of the best schools about. T he teachers are helpful and

very understanding.

26

St Mary’s high Schoolardglass RoadDownpatrick

Bt30 6JQ

telephone: 02844 612515Fax: 02844 616807

Principal: Mrs P Smyth

Chairperson of Board of governors: Mr E Mcgrady

Enrolment Number: 600

admission Number: 125

School type: Catholic Maintained high School 11-18 years

www.stmarysdownpatrick.org.uke-mail: gmcveigh245@stmaryshs.downpatrick.ni.sch.uk

The information contained in this Prospectus is correct as of January 2009

St. MaRy’S oPEN Night - tUESDay 3rd FEBRUaRy 2009

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