st marys hs prospectus 2012

St. Mary’s High School Newry

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Upper Chapel Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2DT Tel: 028 3026 2851 Fax: 028 3026 7138

Email: [email protected] Web: www.stmarysnewry.com VLE: www.stmarysnewry.org

St. Mary’s High School Specialist School in Mathematics and Business



Principal:

Mrs Margo Cosgrove B.Ed, PQH

Chairman of Governors:

Mr John E McClelland BA,DMS,MBA,FRSA,FCMI,FInstLM,CharteredMCIPD,MIFireE

Approved Enrolment Number: 580

Approved Admissions Number: 100

Principal’s WelcomeDear Parents and Primary Seven Pupils

It is with a great sense of pride that we, the Board of Governors, the Principal, Teaching and Non Teaching Staff of St. Mary’s High School Newry, introduce ourselves, our pupils and our school to you, through this school Prospectus.

St. Mary’s is an all ability 11-19 school that develops the potential and celebrates the achievements of all our pupils. We provide a broad and balanced curriculum and value the entire child supporting her educational attainment as well as her physical, moral and spiritual well being. We are very proud of our school, its child centred approach to learning and teaching, its excellent record of academic success and its progressive vision.

As a Catholic School we promote dignity, self esteem, respect and foster the faith of all pupils. St. Mary’s as a ‘Rights Respecting School’ creates a very happy and caring environment built on positive relationships between governors, staff, pupils, parents and the wider community. Through our Specialist Status in Mathematics and Business we have developed strong associations with local and national Business and Financial Institutions. These have many benefits for both our Curriculum and Careers Education Programme.

In St. Mary’s pupils can avail of our state of the art facilities and up to date ICT technologies including ICT suites, Interactive Whiteboards, Netbooks, Kindles and iPads to support independent learning.

We place great value in promoting ‘Student Voice’ and pupils have many opportunities to join the Student Councils, Steering Groups and Committees where they can express their opinions and affect real change in school.

I feel privileged to be Principal of St. Mary’s where there is such a supportive, dedicated and highly motivated staff who work tirelessly to ensure pupils succeed in all areas of their development. They cultivate a positive atmosphere in classrooms, they celebrate pupils’ successes, they encourage healthy lifestyles and they work with parents whilst guiding pupils towards maturity.

We have tried to reflect the spirit of St. Mary’s, through our Prospectus and school website, it’s warm, caring atmosphere and the happy community in which pupils learn and develop. Choosing the right school for your daughter is a very important decision. Feel rest assured that in St. Mary’s we will care for, nurture and support your child to reach her full potential and with the blessings of Mary Our Mother, help her achieve her hopes and ambitions.

With best wishes

Margo E Cosgrove Principal

John E McClelland Chairperson of the Board of Governors

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Mission Statement

OPTIMUM SEMPER FACERE‘Always to do one’s best’

‘We will work in collaboration with other educational institutions and in

partnership with parents, students and teachers to maximise academic and

creative potential of students, enabling them to achieve the highest educational standards, thereby enriching their lives,

the community and the economy’.

Our VisionOur vision is to educate and develop the students in our school to the highest possible standards and as a Catholic School, to awaken them to the challenge of living according to the Catholic Faith whilst also appreciating diversity.

Aims of St. Mary’s � To promote the value of education through

the celebration of achievement and personal endeavour.

� To engender a love of learning as a life long process and an appreciation of its relevance in everyday life.

� To provide young people with learning opportunities suited to their needs and abilities.

� To provide students with the opportunity to develop competence and confidence in e-learning.

� To maximise the academic and creative potential of students by challenging them to be independent thinkers and life long learners.

� To prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life and equip them with the skills to mange their career development.

� To foster the personal and social development of students as responsible members of society.

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Caring for our FaithEducation in St Mary’s is rooted in the Gospel values of respect for life, love, truth and justice: we aim to harmonise faith and culture, build a better society and cultivate an understanding of the needs of others.

Our school Oratory enables our pupils to enjoy peaceful, private reflection and participate in sacramental celebrations led by our School Chaplain, Fr Tony Corr.

� At the beginning of the first term the school community gather for Mass in St. Mary’s Chapel asking for Gods blessing.

� In Term 1, Year 8 parents, pupils and teachers come together for a special Prayer Service of Welcome.

� Daily, we pray together at Assembly, our act of worship as a community.

� The School Chaplain visits classes and works

with teachers and pupils in the preparation of liturgies.

� Opportunity is given for reflection through Penitential Services and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

� Retreats are organised for classes and year groups both in school and Newry Parish Centre in conjunction with the Diocesan Youth Director.

� The school choir plays an important role in religious services in school, parish and the community, at Carol Services and Youth Retreats.


Pastoral CareThe aim of the School’s Pastoral Care System is to promote self-esteem and ensure that each pupil is happy, valued and reaches her full potential.

There is a highly structured Pastoral Development Programme which incorporates Personal, Social and Health Education and its aim is to help pupils address issues associated with the challenges of adolescence.

Role of Year HeadThe Year Head has the overall responsibility for supporting and encouraging the academic and pastoral development of all pupils in their Year Group. They play a pivotal role in strengthening partnerships between home and school. Each Year Head leads a team of dedicated Form Teachers.

Role of Form Teacher A Form Teacher is assigned to each class in Years 8 – 14. They take responsibility for monitoring attendance, punctuality and academic progress. They offer whole class and individual support to pupils, provide guidance and celebrate success with their class.


Key Stage 3 Years 8-10The KS3 Curriculum empowers pupils to reach their full potential and make informed decisions as an individual, a contributor to society and a member of the local and global economy as outlined in the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

Key Stage 3 Subjects offered at KS3

Art and Design

Citizenship

Drama

Employability

English

French

Geography

History

Home Economics

ICT

Mathematics

Music

Personal Development

Physical Education

Science

Technology and Design

School Uniform Is Compulsory

School Uniform - Years 8-10 � Pink and white check blouse � Maroon pleated skirt � Maroon clip-on tie � Maroon jumper with school crest � Maroon tights – Terms 1 and 2 � Maroon socks – Term 3 � Flat black soft – soled shoes � Maroon blazer with school crest

N.B. All coats worn to school must be maroon

Physical Education Uniform

� Gym shoes – Supportive trainers with grip soles � Maroon or white socks � Maroon skorts �White polo tee-shirt with school crest � Swimsuit and swim-cap (Year 8 only)


Key Stage 4 Years 11-12Curriculum provision at KS4 is broad, balanced and flexible to meet the needs of individual pupils and ensures appropriate progression opportunities through a comprehensive Careers Education Programme.


School Uniform Years 11-12

� Pink blouse � Maroon pleated skirt � Striped clip-on tie � Maroon jumper with school crest � Maroon tights – Terms 1 and 2 � Maroon socks – Term 3 � Flat black soft-soled shoes � Maroon blazer with school crest

N.B. All coats worn to school must be maroon

Physical Education Uniform

� Gym shoes – supportive trainers with grip soles � Maroon or white socks � Maroon skort or school track bottoms �White polo tee-shirt with school crest

Key Stage 4 - Years 11 and 12 Subjects offered at KS4

Art and Design

BTEC First Certificate Child Development

Business and Communication

Business Studies

Careers

Drama

English

English Literature

French

Geography

Health and Social Care

History

Home Economics

ICT

Learning for Life and Work

Mathematics

Music

Personal Development

Physical Education

Religious Education

Science

Technology and Design


‘A’ Level CurriculumThe Post 16 Curriculum enables pupils to choose a blend of subjects which best meets their aptitudes, aspirations and interests. We provide pupils with a range of academic and vocational based courses allowing them to progress to university/higher study and employment.

Careers GuidanceCareers Education Information and Guidance is central to the Post 16 Curriculum. The programme encourages each pupil to develop a realistic and relevant Personal Career Action Plan based on their skills, capabilities and career aspirations. Pupils are provided with information and knowledge of a wide range of career paths and research the options available to them.

The Careers Department offers the following opportunities to pupils:

� Work Experience

� Interview Preparation Workshops

� University Visits

� Guest Speakers

� Attendance at Career Conventions

� Individual Career Interviews

� University Applications

� Careers Resource Centre

GCE Art and Design

GCE Applied Business

GCE Biology

GCE Design and Technology

GCE Drama and Theatre Studies

GCE English Literature

GCE Geography

GCE Health and Social Care

GCE Applied ICT

GCE Media Studies

GCE Mathematics

GCE Moving Image Arts

GCE Music

GCE Religious Studies

GCE Sociology

BTEC Sports and Exercise Science

GCE Travel and Tourism

BTEC in Child Care, Learning and Development


School Uniform Years 13-14

� Gold blouse � Maroon skirt � Maroon and Gold jumper � Maroon tights � Flat black soft-soled shoes � Sixth Form Maroon jacket

Subjects offered at Post 16


St Mary’s High School is a member of the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community. Curriculum planning is guided by current statutory requirements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and the school is working towards full implementation of the Entitlement Framework. Collaborating with sixteen other schools and learning providers, the community strives to offer greater choice and flexibility for all post primary learners. St Mary’s has extended its curriculum provision at GCSE and GCE ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Levels through collaboration with St Colman’s College, St Mark’s High School, Southern Regional College and Newry High School to offer pupils a broad and balanced curriculum.


Celebrating Student Voice

Junior and Senior School CouncilThe School Council has

representatives from each year group and they consult with all stakeholders about

important pupil issues.

Rights Respecting Steering Group

The RRSG promote the ethos of United Nation’s Convention for the Rights of the Child working collaboratively to enrich their

local, national and global communities.

ECO CommitteeThe Eco Committee raise environmental awareness

and promote education for sustainable development.

School Nutritional Action Group (SNAG)

St Mary’s SNAG is a proactive group that encourages all pupils

to invest in healthy lifestyles.

Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee raise awareness, organise and support many local, national

and global charities.

Liturgical Committee

The Liturgy Committee assist the RE Department with

publicising parish events and organising assemblies and

liturgical celebrations in school.


Physical EducationPhysical Education is enjoyed by all pupils in St Mary’s and we provide a range of sporting activities. The school has one fully equipped Gymnasium, a Hall, a Fitness Suite and refurbished changing rooms, complete with showers. Pupils have the opportunity to join in sporting activities during the day or in after school clubs.

Sports Available to Pupils:

Aerobics

Athletics

Badminton

Rock Climbing

Camogie

Creative and National Dance

Gymnastics

Gaelic Football

Netball

Swimming

Unihoc

Volleyball

Table Tennis

Cross Community Trials

Orienteering

Tennis

Outdoor Pursuits

Wet Water Bouldering

Abseiling

Canoeing


Ulster American Folk Park

Killowen Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Armagh Planetarium

Carrickfergus Castle

Technology, Engineering Events

Art Exhibitions

University Visits

Historical Sites in Dublin

Theatre Visits

Year 9 Trip to Paris

Geography Field Trips: Marble Arch Caves, Peatlands

STEM Centre

Dance – National, Modern, Classical Greek

Annual Concerts

Newry Feis – Speech and Drama and Music

School Orchestra

Public Speaking

Instrumental Lessons

School Choir

Traditional Music Group

Drum Group

Theatre Visits

Visits to the AMMA Centre

Educational TripsIn St Mary’s we aim to enrich the curriculum and motivate our pupils by providing learning opportunities outside the classroom.Pupils can avail of a range of educational trips:

Enriched CurriculumMusic and Drama are fundamental to the pupils’ development and are highly valued and celebrated in St. Mary’s. Pupils enjoy:


Breakfast Club

Guitar Lessons

Science Club

Netball

Cookery Club

Counselling Service

Mentoring

Film Club

Homework Clubs

Maths Club

Dance

Gaelic Football

Drama

xL Princes Trust

GCSE Booster Classes

Business Enterprise Club

Extended Schools ProgrammeWe are an Extended School and we offer a wide range of opportunities to pupils between 8.00 am and 4.30 pm daily. Pupils can avail of a range of after school clubs:



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