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Foreword
This is the annual report of the Board of Governors of St. Colm’s High School in the academic year
2012-2013. All activities detailed within this report, both curricular and extra curricular reflect all
aspects of the life and work of the school and the combined activities of pupils and staff. The
Catholic ethos is central to all that we do in St. Colm’s.
If there is any aspect of this report that you would wish to discuss please do not hesitate to contact
me on or before Friday 20th
December 2013.
R. McKenna
Principal
Hon. Secretary to the Board of Governors
Contents
1. Contact Details
2. Membership of the Board of Governors
3. Staff
4. Public Examination Results
5. Financial Statement.
6. Activities and Achievements
7. Sporting Achievements
8. The Curriculum
Page No.
1
2
3
6
30
9
25
4
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page1
Contact Details
Name & Address: St. Colm’s High School
2, Magherafelt Rd
Draperstown
BT45 7AF
Telephone: 79628377
Fax. No. 79628973
E-mail : [email protected]
Office Hours: 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
Website: www.stcolmshigh.org.uk
Age Range: 11-18 years
Enrolment: Year 8 - 75 Year 9 - 69
Year 10 - 81 Year 11 - 62 Year 12 - 78 Year 13 - 45 Year 14 - 31
TOTAL - 441
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page2
Board of Governors:
March 2011 - 2014
The Board of Governors of St. Colm’s is made up of representatives of the North Eastern Education
and Library Board, Trustees of the Derry Diocese, a Parent representative and a Teacher
representative. They hold their position for a term of 4 years.
Mr P McShane, Chairman NEELB - Child Protection Officer
Mr P. Cassidy, Vice Chairman Trustee
Mr T. Scullion DENI
Fr. S. Kelly, PP Trustee
Mrs J. Conway Parent Rep
Mr. Adrian Mc Guigan Trustee
Mrs S. Donnelly Trustee
Miss E. Bradley NEELB
Mrs R McKenna Hon. Secretary
The Governors' main responsibilities include:
• Ratification of policy statements for those areas of management where a written policy is
required
• Ensuring the Northern Ireland Curriculum is implemented
• Managing staff to include INSET and PRSD
• Drawing up an admissions policy and applying it to prospective pupils
• Managing the school’s finances
• Providing parents with information about the school by the issue of a prospectus and an
annual report.
• Appointment of staff (teaching and non teaching
• Appointment of staff to internal posts
There were 6 meetings of the Board of Governors during the year including sub committee
meetings
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page3
Staffing
Teaching: 28 Full-time teachers
Clerical: 3
Librarian: 1
Technicians: 3
Classroom Assistants: 13
Caretaker: 1
Cleaning: 5
Canteen staff: 7
School Crossing Patrol 1
Sixth Form Supervisor 1
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page4
School Aims
• To create a caring Christian community within this school where the truths and practices of
our Catholic faith are taught daily, learned and experienced by all staff and pupils and, in so
doing, foster spiritual growth.
• To provide a learning environment that is caring and hard-working and cherishes the
nurturing and development of each individual pupil.
• To develop pupils who are appreciative of their heritage, their community and their civic
responsibilities.
• To prepare pupils for the experiences and responsibilities of their adult lives - personal,
social, cultural and working.
• To foster and develop in pupils an awareness and appreciation of other denominations and
cultures.
• To develop parent and community partnerships in the education of the next generation.
• To promote the well-being and professional development of all staff.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page5
Curriculum
Key Stage 3 (Years 8-10)
• Religious Education
• Mathematics
• Science
• English
• Irish
• French
• Geography
• Art & Design
• Drama
• History
• Home Economics
• I.C.T
• Learning for Life and Work
• Library
• Music
• Physical Education
• Technology
Key Stage 4
In Years 11 and 12 pupils are required to follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum. This includes a
compulsory core and a range of optional subjects.
Compulsory Core:
• Religious Education
• English
• Mathematics
• Science (S Award & D Award)
• Careers Guidance
• General Physical Education
• Learning for Life and Work
Choices are then made from the following:
• Agriculture & Land Use
• Art and Design
• Business and Communication Systems
• Business Studies
• Child Development
• Construction
• Drama
• English Literature
• French
• Geography
• Health & Social Care
• History
• Home Economics
• Hospitality
• I.C.T.
• Irish
• Leisure & Tourism
• Media Studies
• Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies
• Music
• Occupational Studies
• Performing Arts
• Physical Education
• Technology & Design
All G.C.S.E. subjects are allocated 6 x 50 minute periods per 2 week timetable.
G.C.S.E. English and Maths classes will have seven classes, when possible.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page6
Key Stage 5
All students study three subjects at Advanced Level and the opportunity exists for some to take four
subjects.
Choices are made from:
• Applied Business Studies (Double/ Single A Level)
• Applied Health and Social Care (Double/ Single A Level)
• Applied ICT
• Geography
• Biology
• Religion
• English Literature*
• Engineering*
• Performing Arts*
• Sport Studies
• Maths*
• Further Maths*
• Sociology*
• Moving Image Art*
• Music*
• Art*
• Economics*
• Chemistry*
• Home Economics*
• History*
• Physics*
• Politics*
• Irish*
• Psychology*
• Government and Politics*
• Child Care BTEC*
Through the Rural Learning Partnership and collaboration with Magherafelt Learning Partnership
and St. Pius X College pupils were offered the opportunity to study one A Level outside St. Colm’s
(*).
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page7
G.C.S.E. Results 2012/13
% Pupils achieving 5A* - C = 80%
Pupils Achieving Grades
G.C.S.E SUBJECTS Number
Entered A* A B C D E F G U
Art & Design 12 1 3 2 4 1 0 1 0 0
Business Studies 10 0 3 3 3 1 0 0 0 0
Child Development 14 1 2 6 4 0 1 0 0 0
Construction 15 0 1 4 4 4 1 0 1 0
English 70 0 4 14 22 14 8 7 1 0
Geography 13 0 2 2 7 1 1 0 0 0
Health and Social Care 24 1 6 9 5 3 0 0 0 0
History 20 0 3 6 6 3 2 0 0 0
Home Economics 8 0 0 3 3 1 1 0 0 0
I.C.T. 45 2 13 8 8 13 0 1 0 0
Learning for life & Work 69 4 18 13 15 9 7 3 0 0
Maths 70 0 4 7 27 16 6 9 1 0
Motor Vehicle Studies 15 0 0 2 6 3 3 1 0 0
P.E. 17 2 3 9 3 0 0 0 0 0
Performing Arts 16 2 3 4 5 1 1 0 0 0
Religious Studies 69 1 11 21 11 10 5 4 5 1
Science: Single Award 36 0 0 11 16 8 1 0 0 0
G.C.S.E SUBJECT Number
Entered ** *A AA AB BB BC CC CD DD
Science: Double Award 34 0 2 2 6 10 7 5 1 1
A Level 2012/13
% Pupils achieving 2 A Levels A-E = 100%
A Level SUBJECTS Number
Entered A* A B C D E U
Biology 9 0 2 4 3 0 0 0
Business Studies (Single) 7 0 3 4 0 0 0 0
Geography 10 1 2 4 1 2 0 0
Health & Social Care (Single) 6 0 2 2 2 0 0 0
I.C.T. (Applied) 17 0 4 7 4 2 0 0
Maths 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Religious Studies 16 0 2 7 7 0 0 0
A Level SUBJECTS Number
Entered ** *A AA AB BB BC CC CD DD DE EE
Business Studies (Double) 8 2 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0
Health & Social Care (Double) 17 0 0 2 6 4 2 2 1 0 0 0
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page8
St. Colm's is the 'Right Place to Work' in Northern Ireland
This award was in recognition of the strong links between St. Colm’s, the local communities and
charitable organisations.
Principal, Mrs Roisin McKenna said; ‘We live and implement community and charitable strategies in
every aspect of our work. In our 50 year history St. Colm’s has continually forged strong links with
the community to improve the lives of all local people, and our strategy has a central aim which is “to
be at the heart of the community.”
We understand that, in order to provide facilities for the local community, we have to make things
happen ourselves. With imagination, hard work and commitment we have made our community better,
for every individual member. Good examples of partnership in action are the facilities provided in the
last 7 years. Two important examples are the Backrow Sports Hall and the 3G pitch.
Workspace own and mange the Sports Hall, St. Colm’s have free use throughout the school day. St.
Colm’s owns the 3 G pitch and use it during the day and Workspace manages the use of this facility
by the community, in the evenings. A real insight of the school and a community organisation working
together for the good of all is the Youth Club. Draperstown did not have a Youth Club and, working in
partnership with Workspace, we secured premises and the school opened a Youth Club, which St.
Colm’s now manages. St. Colm’s works with many charities in the community helping to raise vital
funds and providing premises for meetings and workshops.
This Right Place to Work Award demonstrates the unprecedented strength of community-school links,
whereby the entire community benefits from our outreach work and partnership approach. It
demonstrates the delivery of our community and charitable strategies, and our environmental
commitment. St. Colm’s High School is truly at the heart of the community, and this is why our staff
have such a passion for the great work they do. It’s the right place to work …. and a great place to
learn.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page9
Activities and Achievements 2012/2013
Curriculum
St. Colm’s pupils continue to enjoy the opportunities created by the Northern Ireland Curriculum to
become involved in their own learning. Key Stage 3 pupils enjoyed three excellent connected
learning themes.
• Year 8 – New beginnings – all departments played a vital role in helping our Year 8 pupils
settle into St. Colm’s. The work carried out in the classroom was showcased for parents at the
Year 8 Mass.
• Year 9 – Another successful Healthy Lifestyles morning involving many outside agencies
made our Year 9 theme very rewarding. St. Mary’s University College students became
actively involved with our students in outdoor activities.
• Year 10 – The curriculum theme in Year 10 is Our World. All departments contributed
through their classroom teaching. On 15th
June the Year 10 enjoyed a range of activities from
Archery to Cooking food from around the World.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page10
Religious Education
• Year 11 celebrated the annual harvest mass in October.
• Yr 13 and 14 distributed children of Crossfire calendars within the parish and raised £1274.25.
• Year 10 also had a Jersey day to help promote the cause.
• Pupils from all year groups participated in the shoebox appeal in December, they created a total
of 159 boxes for this cause.
• Pupils from all year groups participated in school liturgies including the Christmas and Easter
services and daily reading during lent. (Through reading and Eucharist ministers)
• Year 14 celebrated their leavers mass.
• Religion department was involved in the Christmas reflective evening through reflective prayers
read by pupils.
• Pope John Paul II award-: 32 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze, all yr13 have registered for the Pope John
Paul II award.
• Pupils raised £3339 for Trócaire through the following activities
Year 8-: Sponsored Silence and Easter Hunt
Year 9-: Wacky walk
Year 10-: Sponsored Silence
Year 11-: Bingo
Year 12-: Bingo
Year 13 & 14-: ‘Give to up’ (24 hours of giving something up)
Whole school (Pupils and teachers)-: Joggy day
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page11
Science
The science department were actively involved in a number of competitions.
Year 8 Recycling Competition
Year 9 Dragon’s Den Competition
Biodiversity Trip
Both Yr 11 and Yr 13 Biodiversity Trips were at Magilligian Field Centre and addressed aspects of
the GCSE and A level Biology course.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page12
Eco School - Official Opening of Susan’s Trail
On Wednesday 26th
June 2013 ‘Susan’s Trail was officially opened. The area is dedicated to Susan
Potter, our secretary for over 30 years before a short illness led to her untimely death. This event
was attended by Susan’s family, the local community, staff and pupils from the local primary
schools, invited guests, all those involved in the project and staff and pupils of St Colm’s.
St Colm’s High School is recognised as a centre of excellence for environmental work and has
shared its expertise with local primary schools, schools in the MDC area, local community and has
hosted European educators wishing to develop environmental projects.
St. Colm’ s were successful in their application for a grant of £8,000 through NIEA Challenge
Fund to create a biodiversity trail through mini- habitats. Susan’s Trail includes a wetland area, a
pond, wildflower meadow, native wood, bird and bat boxes, mini-beast pile, insect hotel, native
hedging and seated area as outdoor classroom. High on the agenda is the conservation of native
species and particularly the promotion of endangered species, e.g. Irish Whitebeam (only 50 trees
in NI), swifts and tree sparrows.
The Ballinascreen and Desertmartin communities were invited to plant a tree in memory of a
deceased loved one. The response to this was phenomenal- 109 families planted trees. This
planting project was in conjunction with The Woodland Trust Initiative – plant one million trees in
one day. The area is known as an Area of Reflection, with seating and flowers, where the
community can come at any time. All our local Primary schools have been involved in the
planting and development of this trail.
While St. Colm’s were the project leaders, we worked in partnership with MDC, Network
Personnel, Sperrins Gateway, Brackagh Farm- a local focus farm, local businesses, community
volunteers and local primary schools played a major part the development of the area.
The school has worked closely with MDC through its’ Environmental Projects Officer, John
Murtagh, and is indebted to the advice given by John and Mark Edgar, Biodiversity Officer with
MDC on the completion of this application. Thanks are extended to Network Personnel, in
particular Brian Mc Alynn, John Graham, Philip Quinn and their teams for their dedication to this
project. Thanks also to Sperrins Gateway Landscape Partnership.
This was part of strategic 4-year Biodiversity Action Plan devised by Eco-members with the help
of Seamus Burns, RSPB and John Murtagh, MDC. The project developed pupils’ planning,
planting and species identification skills needed for this project and has achieved its aims to foster
pride in their school’s environment and provide opportunities for public speaking, education of
peers and community. This is a very special area form the wider community to enjoy for many
years to come.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page14
Music/Performing Arts
September 2012
• Miss McGoldrick and the Senior choir performed at the Annual Prize Giving Ceremony.
October 2012
• All Yr8 pupils and senior choir pupils performed at the Yr8 ‘New Beginnings’ Mass.
• Senior choir and musicians performed at the Annual Harvest Mass, in the Holy Rosary
Church.
November/December 2012
• Our school choir were involved in a fund raising night for STEPS charity. They also
performed at our Christmas concert to raise funds for the St. Vincent de Paul societies in
Desertmartin and Draperstown.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page15
February 2013
• Yr 11 Performing Arts pupils and Miss McGoldrick visited ‘UTV Studios’, Belfast.
March 2013
• Senior choir and musicians, under the direction of Mrs Young, performed at the Annual Easter
Service.
April 2013
• Ballymoney NRC Performing Arts Roadshow performed for the Yr10 pupils.
May 2013
• An AQA external moderator came to moderate the GCSE Performing Arts Showcase Exam
(Unit 2). The pupils’ families and friends came to watch a repeat performance of the
Showcase that same day after school.
*NEELB instrumental tuition in violin, guitar and woodwind continues throughout the school
year. Approx 20 pupils avail of these lessons.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page16
English Department/Library
READATHON
Year 8 Promising Poets
Year 8 pupils recently entered the Yong Writers’ The Poetry Games competition.
A number of our aspiring poets work has been selected for publication in a special anthology
entitled The Poetry Games – Northern Ireland Poems. This will be kept at the British Library
and libraries across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Poems were selected based on perception, imagination, expression and creative use of language.
Our promising poets now have the chance to be selected as one of twelve finalists in the grand
finale of the competition. This is a fantastic achievement as competition entries are received from
all over the UK and overseas.
Library students ‘role play’ for prospective pupils on Open Night
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page17
History Department
Year 8 had their annual trip to Carrickfergus Castle on 30th
May. This incorporated a one hour tour
of the castle grounds, and a half hour weapons display and demonstration. This trip is closely
linked with the Year 8 scheme, in that the pupils have prior knowledge from the classroom on how
different castles are built, how to attack and defend, what they look like inside, etc.
Year 10 – On 11th
February, all Year 10 travelled to the Somme Heritage Centre outside Bangor to
experience life during world war one. This visit incorporates a weapons display, a tour of the
museum and then a walk through a man-made trench.
Year 11 visited Stormont building to learn about the government of Northern Ireland. This was in
preparation fro their exam and part of their GCSE course – ‘Changing relationships; Britain,
Northern Ireland and Ireland’.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page18
Business Studies
Our students continue to enjoy the close, vital links we have formed with businesses in our
community. We are particularly appreciative of the strong links and assistance from SJG Maghera,
Dunnes Stores Magherafelt, and Tobermore Concrete who allow our A level pupils to apply all
knowledge and understanding covered in the classroom into real world business activities.
Our GCSE students enjoy close links with all local businesses and have formed strong links with
GMT Contract Furniture, Ardboe. Again we are very grateful for the time and assistance given
through visits from Thomas, GMT’s Director in order to provide our pupils with the opportunity to
apply and relate their knowledge and understanding to the world of business. As part of the
Applied Business course delivery we have teamed up with Holy Trinity College Cookstown in
order to allow all students to be equipped with information and resources to complete their CAT
successfully.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page19
Mathematics Department
Year 8 pupils enjoying mathematics activities.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page20
Geography Department
Year 11 GCSE river study at Magilligan Field Centre
Miss Tracey took 46 pupils to Magilligan field centre in October & November 2012 to carry out
primary data collection on Curley Burn River.
The Geography Department were also heavily involved in the development of Susan’s Trail.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page21
I.C.T. Department
CC4G
St Colm’s Computer Club for Girls was set up in January 2013 to develop and enhance ICT skills
amongst pupils in year 9. The after school club was designed specifically for girls who had an
interest in ICT. It provided opportunities for pupils to discover how technology was used in a range
of subjects through a multitude of challenges and other interesting activities.
A group of year 9 pupils took part in an ICT competition to create a multimedia website about their
chosen famous celebrity. The websites contained movies, edited images and dynamic content.
On 19 March Year 11 ICT pupils from St Colm’s High School, Magherafelt High School, St
Mary’s Grammar School, and St. Pius X College attended the Bring IT On Road Show when it
arrived at St. Pius X College.
The event provided information about the skills requirements and career opportunities within the IT
sector in Northern Ireland which continues to create new jobs despite the current economic climate.
It also demonstrated the variety and attractiveness of a career in IT and offered guidance on the
selection of appropriate subjects.
Bring IT on Event
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page22
STEM- Intelligence Science Festival
A group of year 11 GCSE ICT students attended the 2013 Intelligent Systems
Science Festival. The exhibition showcased the practical application of
intelligent systems. It was an engaging and fun festival promoting STEM
subjects and the excitement of computing and engineering excellence. It
examined ICT challenges and opportunities for the next decade through
practical demonstrations including robotics, self parking cars, consumer
electronics, virtual worlds, smart vision, intelligent mobile apps and brain
science to mention a few.
Seagate – ICT Summer Camp
Year 12 GCSE ICT pupils participated in the Seagate Summer School in conjunction with the
School of Computing & Intelligent Systems from the University of Ulster. Pupils gained 5
university credits for successfully completing a module in Computing. Pupils developed skills in
website design, mobile application development and computer programming.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page23
Modern Languages
Year 8 and 9 Ceili to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
European Day of Languages
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page24
Homework Club
Homework club is offered to pupils from 3.10 until 4.15pm each evening, Monday – Thursday.
This continues to be very well attended throughout the year. Parental feedback indicates that this
provision is vital in supporting learning outside the classroom.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page25
Learning for Life & Work
• In November 2012, Mrs Hegarty accompanied a group of 15 yr10 pupils to compete in the
Investnui Step’N’Zones Enterprise competition at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.
• Year 12 enjoyed trip to Stormont as part of GCSE studies.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page26
Pastoral
Year 13 Team Building Day – The Jungle Friday 28th
September 2012
Year 13 Pupils along with their tutors took part in a teambuilding day at the Jungle Activity Centre
Moneymore. Pupils practiced essential skills such as problem solving, communication skills and
teamwork, as they embarked on their post 16 studies in St. Colm’s.
On Friday 26th
October Sixth Form and Year 12 pupils held a Daisy Day to raise money for
Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. Some of the events that took place on the day included
a bun scale, ‘Hug in a Mug’ coffee morning for staff and both year groups participated in the Daisy
Day by wearing something yellow with their uniform. The pupils raised a fantastic £500 which was
presented to Ruth Hobson NICFC Schools Fundraiser.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page27
• Year 12 Formal Wednesday 19th
September
• Year 9 LET programme – three residentials
• Year 9 and Year 11 together raised a total of £2090 for Action MS through a sponsored walk
in Drumanor forest park , April 2013.
• Year 11 and 12 Fire Safety talk, PSNI, NIFRS
• Year 12, 13, and 14 fundraising for Cancer “Think Pink”
• Year 14 Stress Busting
• Anti Bullying team attended training.
• As part of RSE education, yr 10 and yr12 received talks delivered by the Love for Life
organisation in December.
• Year 12 amazing Brains Study Skills
• Year 10 RSE Talk by NEYUS on safety.
• Year 8 Road Safety games, in conjunction with Youth Tutor
• Year 8 Fashion show
Yr 11 received a talk by TIPSA to raise awareness of the risks of underage drinking as part of their
pastoral programme.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page28
Inspire/Aspire
All Year 8 students participated in the Inspire/Aspire competition, where they had to research and
write about an athlete who inspired them.
Michael McKillop, one of Northern Ireland’s most successful Paralympics athletics, presented the
Year 8 students with their Inspire > Aspire Awards.
The Millenium Forum
At Christmas the Year 8 students visited the pantomime ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ in the
Millennium Forum.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page29
Home Economics
• Miss Kearney attended Health Action Awards at Action Cancer with two u6th pupils. This
was to receive a gold award for health promotion activities within the school.
• Year 11 Home Economics pupils attended Loughry College open day and participated in a
range of workshop activities.
• Marie Murray Ballinascreen Early Years spoke to GCSE child development class to support
their controlled assessment.
• A range of activities took place for Health Eating Week June 3rd
– 7th
. These included a
breakfast club, sale of fruit cups at break time and a healthy eating quiz.
• Year 10 pupils had the opportunity to participate in a cookery competition. From the entries
received, 5 were chosen to participate.
• Survival Cookery classes were made available for year 14 pupils.
• Members of Sperrin Gateways provided a workshop for year ten pupils to prepare Christmas
table decorations.
• Christmas bun sale for SVP
• Year 9 - Livestock and Meat commission cookery demonstrations
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page30
School Council
The Student Council was established in June 2008. The main aim is to give the student body in St.
Colm’s a voice in expressing their views on issues which concern them. The school community are
made aware of the members of the student council through the designated notice board and whole
school assemblies. Each member elected in a year group represents the views of their particular
year.
Successes to date include
• Drinking water provided free to all students
• Plasma screen playing music during lunch time
• 4th
Years and 5th
years Play together on the 3G
• Revision Club at Dinnertime
• Organise Activities at dinnertime such as Badminton, Tennis or music sessions
• New Radiators in both mobiles
• Ceili for 3rd
years as well as 1st and 2
nd years to raise more money
• Make girls ping pong table a communal table
• A new soccer team after football when Gaelic is over
• Change table tennis tables in terms of ability not year group
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page31
Cornstore Youth Club
• The Cornstore Fun Day in September was a great success in raising funds.
• There are two members of staff currently completing their Hill Walking Levels 1 & 2 so that
we have enough staff qualified to take the President’s Award on their expeditions during term
3. They should have completed their training on the 25th
March 2012.
• Patricia Murray is currently taking a ten week circuit course for 22 young males. This
programme will run until the 27th
November.
• Ann-Marie McKenna is currently taking a ten week life coaching course with 16 young
females and this programme will end with the girls showcasing their talents in a talent show
on the 27th
November.
• TIPSA are currently working with 18 young people and they have just begun work on their
projects. This programme will run until Christmas.
• All staff completed a 3 hour child protection course on Monday 22nd
October.
• Damien Doyle has just received trees for a tree planting project with 12 young people-this
project will start after Christmas.
• Bronagh Regan and Noleen McBride (L6th) are currently working towards their Trainee
Leader certification and will complete a project with the primary group over a period of 6
weeks.
• Shauneen McSorley and Michelle McNamee are currently liaising with Lucille Wright (ICT
Specialist) to see when she will be available to come and work with the young people on a
Road Safety Interactive Game.
• Eunan Murray is helping to secure table tennis and hockey coaches for January to work with
the young people. This should start on the 7th
January and the sessions will run for 6 weeks.
• Joanne Diamond will take 21 females for Zumba from the 8th
January 2013 for 6 weeks. This
will count towards their hours for the Bronze President’s Award.
• We have just started work on our Christmas play which will take place on Thursday 13th
December.
• Year 11 (Bronze President’s Award Group) completed a 10 week course in archery as part of
their skills training.
• Year 11 & Year 12 girls attended Zumba for 6 weeks as part of their physical training from
January-Mid Term-this was highly enjoyable.
• Year 11 & Year 12 attended a STEPS talk on Tuesday 25th
February which was aimed at
internet safety. It was very successful.
• A successful healthy eating project took place on Monday nights with young people aged 11-
13. The project was held over 6 weeks from January-Mid Term.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page32
• 20 young people took part in a rackets course which was funded by the NRC. The course ran
for 8 weeks and finished at Easter.
• Cornstore’s Got Talent took place on Monday 25th
March and was very successful. Over 40
young people took part in the talent show.
• 22 Year 12 Pupils & 30 Year 11 Pupils are currently completing their President’s Award
Training in preparation for their assessment. The practice dates will be Friday 3rd
May –
Sunday 5th
May and the assessment will take place on Saturday 15th
June-Monday 17th
June.
• Edel McMaster & Eimear Hegarty recently received their Hillwalking Levels 1 & 2 award
from the NEELB which will equip them to assist with the President’s Award in St. Colm’s.
• 6 members of staff completed basic food hygiene training on Monday 15th
April 2013.
• 15 young people aged 11-13 will be travelling to Woodhall on Friday 19th
April-Sunday 21st
April 2013 to take part in a youth development course.
• Lucille Wright (NEELB) will be working with the youth club in order to complete an ICT
project which will begin on 22nd
April and run to the end of term.
• Year 11 will begin their First Aid Training on Tuesday 16th
April. This is a 3 week course
which is being facilitated by British Red Cross.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page33
Technology
The STEM Module visited our school on 11
th June of a day. The lorry trailer classroom was set up
for the CAD and CNC activity. Time was divided between all the year 8 classes. This was
enjoyable activity as each of our pupils got to take home an engraved piece of personalised work.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page34
Art and Design
International School Library Day
For International School Library Day, the Art & Design Department alongside the school Library,
created an intra-school competition for all the students in Year 8 and 9.
The Year 8s designed a bookmark. The top three designs (decided by O. Kearney and M. Regan)
were both displayed in the School Library and the Art & Design room. In addition, second and
third place received printing credits while first place received a £5 book token for the Book Fair
which was held later in the year. All winners were acknowledged within the art and deign classes
of the year group.
Year 9s designed a book cover based either on their then current English novel ‘Goodnight Mister
Tom’ by Michelle Magorian or ‘War Horse’ by Michael Morpurgo (which was extremely popular
within the Library). As with the above the top three designs (decided by O.Kearney and M.Regan)
were both displayed in the School Library and the Art & Design room. In addition, second and
third place received printing credits while first place received a £5 book token for the Book Fair.
All winners were acknowledged within the art and deign classes of the year group.
Lions International Peace Poster
This competition was open to Year 8 and Year 9 students (due to age restrictions set within the
Lions Club regulations). Each student designed a poster for the completion based on theme
‘Imagine Peace’. First place went to Jon Paul Devlin who received a prize from the Lions Club of
£50, and second place was Niamh Cusheran who received £30 cheque. Both pieces of work were
celebrated within the year groups and displayed in the classroom.
School Christmas Card
Year 10 students were given the opportunity to design an image for the school Christmas card based
on the Nativity. The top ten designs were displayed in the foyer and all students throughout the
school voted for their favourite. Julie-Ann Mc Elhennon’s design won and was used as the school’s
2012 Christmas Card. Her design was framed and displayed in the school (along the RE corridor).
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page35
The Mac
Year 9 students were studying the artist Andy Warhol under the theme ‘Portraits’ and as a direct
result of one of their ideas (given through our ‘Suggestion Box’) the year group visited the Andy
Warhol exhibition in The Mac in Belfast. In addition the children participated in three different
workshops.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page36
Careers
The Careers Education Programme and the Employability programme are delivered alongside a
range of activities which links with outside agencies.
Careers Service N.I.
• The Careers officer Eileen Olivent supports the work of the Careers Department.
• Individual interviews are carried out with Year 12 pupils parents are invited to attend.
• Attendance at the year 12 parent meeting
Year 11 Work shadowing programme
All pupils completed four days work experience in June in a variety of career areas.
Year 12
Progress File Preparation
Year 13 Work Shadowing programme.
All pupils completed one weeks work experience in the world of work in which they would be
interested in pursuing that particular career.
A number of Year 13 pupils attended Open Morning sessions on Health Related Careers.
Year 13 Talks
• University of Ulster
• QUB
• Belfast Metropolitian College
• Scottish Universities
• Leeds University
• Northern England
Year 14 Mock Interviews
Pupils were given comprehensive guidance on how to prepare for interviews. This was followed up
with a timetable of mock interviews focussing on their particular area of interest.
University Open Days
All Year 14 pupils visited Queens University and the University of Ulster Jordanstown.
Those pupils who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching visited St. Mary’s College Open
Day.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page37
Young Enterprise Training
• Year 10 participated in Project Business
• Year 11 participated in Learn to Earn
Links with External Agencies/Careers provision
The BIG School Young Enterprise day, this was a very successful settling in/team building
workshop for year 8.
LET Programme:
This programme involves enterprise training and outdoor activity. Pupils participated in four
residential ending with a celebration and presentation of certificates of achievement in the spring
term.
Year 9 pupils were involved in the LET programme. The aims of the programme are:
• To provide a high quality experience of self-development and enterprise training for young
people, from both community backgrounds
• To provide a unique opportunity to young people in Ireland, evaluate their experiences and
assess its lasting value to the individuals.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page38
Year 14 Interview Skills Day
In St. Colm’s Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is provided across all
key stages and our pupils benefit from expert guidance to prepare them for all aspects of life and
work.
As part of this programme we led a successful Interview Skills Day for our Year 14 pupils. This
day was designed to help pupils market themselves effectively in an interview situation, whether for
employment, higher education or training programmes.
To make this event a success we invited a range of members of the local community to assist in the
interview process which greatly enhanced the programme and made it a very valuable experience
for the pupils. This was an enjoyable day for all involved and helped to promote the important
community ethos which is so prevalent in the local parish.
St Colm’s pupils enjoying a
stimulating workshop on board
the mobile laboratory STEM
Module. The STEM bus courses
are designed to augment the
curriculum and promote careers
in STEM related industries by
helping to develop creative and
innovative approaches to
learning and teaching in
Science, Technology,
Engineering and Maths.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page39
Sport
The U16 Boys Gaelic team created History by winning back to back Co Derry Vocational School
titles. In the final they beat St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Claudy and were defeated by the minimum
by Donegal champions in the Ulster Semi Final after accounting for Monaghan winners in the
previous round.
A party of 49 pupils and staff had a fantastic experience as they spent one week in the Ehrwald ski
resort, Austria, 26 January – 2nd
February.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page41
ALL STARS
Our Gaelic All Stars: Michael Doyle, Ronan
Murphy,
Mark Glass, pictured with Liam Watson, was
awarded an
CONGRATULATIONS
Brian McIver presents awards to our Victor and
Victrix, Reece McSorley, Sean Thayaparan and
Casey McKenna for their
Year 8 Boys—Winners of the Ulster Hurling Blitz
Mary Hegarty was awarded an
Ulster Colleges Camogie All Star Year 9 & 10 Boys who competed in the World
Handball
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page42
Charges and Remissions
A wide variety of opportunities exist to develop pupils beyond the requirements of the Northern
Ireland Curriculum. These optional extras are funded privately.
Attendance
• Total attendance of all pupils on roll as percent of possible days 2012/13 is 95%.
Special Education Needs
St. Colm’s curriculum caters for pupils of all abilities. Pupils with special educational needs will be
accessed by the SENCO Mrs P. Glass and provision made according to individual needs. A full
copy of this policy is available from the school on request.
Child Protection
Governors trained by N.E.E.L.B. in Child Protection procedures.
All staff received refresher training in Child Protection procedures. This was led by Mrs Ca Devlin
Designated Child Protection officer assisted by Mrs R. McKenna deputy Child Protection Officer.
New staff received full child protection training as part of their induction.
A copy of the Child Protection Policy can be downloaded from the website or obtained on request
from the school office.
If a parent/ guardian has a concern about the safety of his/ her child or any child he/ she can talk to
any of the following:
• The child’s tutor, Head of Year or any teacher.
• The designated teacher for Child Protection – Mrs Ca. Devlin.
• Principal – Mrs McKenna.
If a parent/ guardian has a concern about a member of staff he/ she can contact the Chairman of the
Board of Governors – Mr P. McShane.
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page43
Security/ Fire Safety
The school continues to monitor and measure the effectiveness of all existing security for pupils,
staff, visitors and protecting the protecting of school premises. The Department of Education
agreed a minor works contract to increase fire safety measures throughout the school. This
extensive work was completed during the summer of 2013.
Refurbishment Programme 2012/2013
Refurbishment programmes throughout the year included:
• The installation of laptop suite
• Painting of two classrooms and corridors
• Staffroom refurbishment
• The installation of a fully functional gym
• New furniture in classrooms
• Wi-Fi connection throughout the school building
• Sixth form relocation to Plantation Centre (Partnership with Workspace)
• The second training pitch drainage scheme in excess of £75,000
St. Colm’s High School – Annual Report Page44
Finance
School Draw
The money raised is used for the following expenses:
• Minibus expenses
• Hire of other buses
• Outside agencies
• Open Night expenses
• Minor classroom expenses
• Awards Ceremony
• School trips
Financial Statement
Financial Statement for the Financial Year Ending March 2013
INCOME £
Department of Education Northern Ireland 1,822,454
Other Income 20,000
TOTAL INCOME 1,842,454
Operating Surplus 55,000