St Mary’sLimavady

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St Mary’s School believes in...

Living Faith,Inspiring Learning,Shaping Futures.

Welcome to St Mary’sI have great delight in welcoming you all to St Mary’s. We are an 11-19 Catholic school serving all the pupils of Limavady, Faughanvale, Magilligan and beyond. The school was opened in 1959 but has extended greatly since that time. We are child centred and we endeavour to provide each individual pupil with an education best suited to their needs. We are equally proud of those pupils who have achieved 11 GCSEs at top grades and those who have performed outstandingly in vocational courses. We have the staff to provide an excellent education and the facilities to deliver this. As you read through our prospectus you will see the wide range of opportunities you can avail off though your time with us. I look forward to meeting you at our Open Day on Saturday 24th January 2015. M McCloskey

Living Faith, Inspiring Learning,

Shaping Futures.

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St. Mary’s, like all Catholic school communities, needs to be rooted in Jesus Christ. The school acknowledges the role of parents as the first teachers in the ways of faith and supports them by giving their children a safe place to pray and play and learn.

To develop the spiritual life of each person in the school, community prayer, liturgy and charity all feature in the daily life of the school.

“Catholic education is the responsibility of the entire Church community and is delivered initially through the influence of three key partners ,namely the home, the school and the parish community”

‘Life to the Full: A vision for Catholic Education’ CCMS

To achieve this aim , St. Mary’s works closely with our parents and our parish communities to provide an excellent education for the young people entrusted to us.

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Through my involvement with the John Paul II Award I spent a lot of my time during the week working with adults with learning difficulties at a youth club which

provides dedicated support for them. I found it very rewarding helping people with learning difficulties with daily tasks doing arts and crafts activities. I have been very happy to offer my free time for such worthwhile causes. Even though I have now completed my award I would still like to be actively involved in my parish. As a young Catholic it is very important to me that when people are in need, we need to be there to help them.Caite Curley

In St Mary’s we promote an environment of care and concern for others that is rooted in Catholic social teaching. We seek to form pupils who will unselfishly use their gifts for the common good and become responsible and caring members of society.

Pupils in St. Mary’s spend time as a school community in reflection, prayer, ritual and celebrating the Eucharist and other sacraments at key times in our school year.

School Prayer

Lord, we thank you for the chance to grow together today. We ask that you bless us in our work and in our play. May we grow together in wisdom, knowledge and love of you. May we always treat each other with respect, as we would like to be treated ourselves, and may we give freely of our time and effort, for the good of all.

Lord, we are a family in St. Mary’s and we ask you to bless all those in our family at home and at school.This day is special and will never come again. May we make the most of today as we grow in your image. Amen

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Living Faith Our School Ethos

reflects everything we do

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On behalf of the students of St Mary’s, Limavady we would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our school.

Christopher McLaughlin Head Boy

Eilish McCracken Head Girl

In St Mary’s positive behaviour management is based on supporting and rewarding good behaviour and in raising the self-esteem of the pupils, so that each child can achieve their full potential. Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that:“Discipline in schools must reflect children’s human dignity.” Article 29 goes on to stress that “Education must develop every child’s

To benefit from school, pupils should:

• Come to school each day on time• Bring all they need to school, including

completed homework• Know, understand and obey the school

rules• Work hard in class• Respect the right of other pupils to learn

and the teacher’s duty to teach• Behave safely at breaktime and lunchtime• Treat other pupils with respect and do

not bully• Respect school property

personality , talents and abilities to the full…”

Our disciplinary framework exists to achieve and maintain the highest standards of learning and behaviour within St Mary’s. The Positive Behaviour Management policy supports the school aim that all pupils have access to a high standard of teaching and Learning, in a calm, purposeful and caring environment. We

foster mutual respect and support the development of self-management skills necessary for adult life.

We are justly proud of the atmosphere in the school where mutual respect exists between pupil and teacher, between the pupils themselves and towards other individuals who are part of the school community.

Pastoral Care Structure During your time in St Mary’s, you will have the support of numerous people who have a special role in helping you deal with any difficult problems which may arise.

Form Teacher You will have the same Form Teacher for five years in St Mary’s. The Form Teacher will mark your register every day and you also have a Form lesson where you can discuss any problems you might have.

Year Group Leader Each Year group has a Year Group Leader with special responsibility for all the pupils in the Year. They will have a supportive role, providing you with important information about life in school.

The Vice Principal The Vice Principal has overall responsibility for ensuring that all teachers that come into contact with you have a special understanding of you and your needs during your time in St Mary’s.

Counselling Service A School Counsellor is available for all pupils who need a ‘listening ear’. This is a confidential service provided by North Down Community Works.

Pastoral Care

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Years 8 -10

At Key Stage 3 all children follow

the Northern Ireland curriculum

studying a wide range of subjects.

Key Stage 3 pupils will also

experience the new Northern

Ireland curriculum encompassing

Cross-Curricular Skills and Personal

Capabilities with ICT incorporated

into all subjects.

Pupils also have a weekly form

period, Enrichment periods and a

number of Careers activities are

organised throughout the year.

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Key Stage 3 Subjects

RE Art & Design

English Home Economics

Maths Music

Science Physical Education

French Technology & Design

Irish History

Geography Learning for Life and Work

Inspiring Learning Foundations for success

are established in Key Stage 3

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At St Mary’s we provide a wide

curriculum at Key Stage 4 to ensure

that all of our students have access to

courses that suit their strengths and

abilities. The curriculum combines

both academic and vocationally-

based courses.

GCSE Subjects

English

Maths

Religious Education

Art & Design

Business

Business & Communication Systems

Childcare

French

Geography

History

Home Economics

ICT

Irish

Music

Physical Education

Technology & Design

Learning for Life & Work

English Literature

Statistics

Drama

Bench Joinery

Catering

Computer Aided Design

Construction

Digital Technology

Hair & Beauty

Horticulture

Motor Vehicle Studies

Science(D/Award)

Science(S/Award)

Shaping Futures Our Key Stage 4

curriculum caters for all

All pupils have classes

in Careers and PE and

have work experience

as an integral part

of the Key Stage 4

programme.

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I have really enjoyed coming to St Mary’s, it has been really good. The teachers are helpful and my favourite subjects are the languages, French and Irish – they’re the best! This school makes you feel really safe and I hope the next first years like it as well.

Terri-Anne Buttress

I was so scared about coming to St Mary’s, but when I got here, the teachers made me feel really welcome. My form teacher is like my best friend who supports me and helps me. I don’t know what I would do without her! Mr Mullan is also a great Head of Year. I am so glad I came to St Mary’s.

Chloe McNulty

Since I was young I have looked forward to coming to secondary school. I have really enjoyed a lot of things about St Mary’s, subjects such as Maths, ICT and PE and many more. I think there are still a lot of great things to come for me while I am at St Mary’s!

Finn McGurk

When I first came to St Mary’s I was very scared – it was more like a maze than a school! Little by little, I learned my way around. I like all my subjects, but my top three are Science, English and especially Maths. I have settled in very well thanks to the teachers and mentors.

Michael Peoples 10

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Aron has settled in really well to St Mary’s. He has been made to feel very welcome.

(Sally O’Neill – mother of Aron O’Neill 8A3)

Lia is getting on really well at school, she is full of confidence since she started here and is really happy.

(Julie Robinson – mother of Lia Robinson 8A1)

Has settled in very well. Very impressed with the school! The right choice.

(Niall MacFlynn – father of Patrick MacFlynn 8A2)

Thomas has settled in so well to St Mary’s School. He loves the challenge of so many new subjects. He has made so many friends!

(Philip Young – father of Thomas Young 8A2)

Settled in well, made to feel part of the family from day one.

(Siobhan Curran – mother of Lucy Curran 8A1)

Gabrielle has grown with confidence! She is very happy and working well. She loves the praise from the teachers.

(Parents of Gabrielle Bonner 8A2)

There is a very good process for settling them in. Very happy

(Julie Smith – mother of Matthew Smith 8A1)

Brilliant! Doing so well – he loves school!

(Ursula O’Kane – mother of Pauric O’Kane 8A2)

Joshua has settled really well into St Mary’s. He enjoys his subjects and loves coming to school every day. He has grown in confidence and maturity. Thank you for all your hard work!

(Pauline Miller – mother of Joshua Miller 8A2)

I really like St Mary’s! I think it is a really good school. I have enjoyed making new friends and learning new subjects. My favourites are History, HEC and RE. I love the afterschool drama club! So far I am loving my time at St Mary’s!

Chloe Tosh

Since I have got here, St Mary’s has been very welcoming. I have really fitted in and the mentors have helped as well because I couldn’t find my way around at the start, but now because of the mentors it’s easy. My favourite subject is Maths.

Orlaith Cummings

So far I feel happy and confident in St Mary’s. My favourite subjects are French, RE, History, Irish and English. I’m hoping to get good results in my exams. Overall I have really settled well into St Mary’s.

Caoimhe Kerr

When I came to this school in September I was really shy, then I got myself involved in drama. I have made new friends and I enjoy subjects like Science, Art, Technology and PE. The only thing that’s a bit scary will be the tests!

Lia Robinson

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St Mary’s Pupilsand Parents

Links to our Primary Schools

partners

Primary 7 Linking Learning

Now entering its sixth year the Linking Learning programme is an innovative approach to ensure a smoother transition to St. Mary’s for Primary 7 pupils. Not only does it form part of our overall Induction Process but it offers a curricular-based learning experience between St Mary’s and our partner primary schools, created to address the issue of how St. Mary’s can best ensure the continuity of learning as pupils move from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3. The programme supports primary schools and provides opportunities to develop students’ capabilities in ICT, Art, Literacy and Technology and Design. Each year we also produce a publication entitled, ‘Primary Post’, showcasing the fabulous work

that is carried out during this programme. This year will see our 4th Annual Night at the Oscars when all the Primary 7 pupils from our feeder primary schools will gather to see other pieces of work from other schools and, if lucky, leave with their very own Oscar!

Primary 6 Curriculum Challenge

Each year in May Primary 6 pupils come to St. Mary’s for a ‘taster day’ of life in St. Mary’s. They follow a timetable as any of our pupils would and take part in lessons taught by St. Mary’s teachers. The day concludes with Sports activities led by the PE Department where Primary 6 skills are put to the test!

Primary 6 Enrichment

Primary 6 pupils, this year, will work with St. Mary’s staff and pupils to gain a First Aid Qualification every Wednesday afternoon. The fun and practical sessions allow pupils to learn important life skills in a fun environment. The sessions focus on life saving skills such as CPR and the Recovery Position.

This varied programme of activities allows primary school pupils to become more comfortable and confident in the post-primary setting and ensure that the smoothest possible transition is made as they move from primary school.

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St Mary’s is an 11-19 school that has substantially improved provision in recent years for Post-16 students. We presently offer a wide choice at A Level and pupils can access other subjects through the Roe

Valley Learning Community. In addition to the 2 year A Level courses available, we also offer a range of courses for 1 year which allows students to build on their achievement at GCSE prior to further study.

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Business

Health & Social Care

Sports Studies

Travel & Tourism

Applied Science

Art & Design

Biology

Business

Chemistry

Construction

Engineering

English Literature

French

Geography

Health & Social Care

OCR National Certificate

History

ICT

Irish

Mathematics

Physics

Performing Arts

Politics

Religious Education

Sports Studies

Technology & Design

A Level Subjects

My name is Erin Bennett. I am in year 13 and am studying A levels in Biology, Business Studies, Engineering and Maths. I gained 11 GCSE’s, 9 of them grade A. Last year I won the Irish Medicines Board Award at the BT Young Scientist competition in Dublin and the Sentinus Young Innovators ‘Heart Sine’ Award for my project ‘Asthma Acoustics’. I will travel to Houston, Texas this May to represent N Ireland at the International Engineering Fair. When I leave St Mary’s I hope to study Biomedical Engineering at Trinity College, Dublin and take the next step into making my medical device for asthmatics a reality.

Students in year 13 also participate in an Enrichment programme that covers a wide range of areas: religious, social, career and community-based activities. Many students also take part in the John Paul II Award scheme, the Limavady Youth Council, Interact and other community-based and voluntary initiatives.

St Mary’s - giving pupils

a choice from 11-19

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I’m Gemma McLaughlin and I was a student at St Mary’s from 2006-2013. Having achieved A levels in History, Maths and RE, I was offered a place at St Mary’s teaching college in Belfast. I am currently undertaking my first post-primary placement back in St Mary’s and, having been a pupil here, can’t imagine a better place to further my lifelong ambition to teach Maths!

My name I Shannon O’Doherty and in September I began studying Medicine at Queens University Belfast. The transition from school to university has

taken some getting used to because it is such a different environment. My timetable differs from week to week so I have no chance to get bored having to sit through the same thing each day. Many of my class take place in lectures with 260 other students; however our tutorials are more like what I was used to at school. I also have placements each month where I get to see the practical aspects of medicine and interact with patients.

So far, I really love university life and my course. It is very different from school but the independence and freedom you have when it comes to learning is fantastic. All of the doubts I had before coming to Queen’s have vanished; I thought I would be on my own when it came to studying after getting so much help from teachers at school, but the lecturers are all very approachable and happy to help.

I thought it would be hard to be away from my friends that I used to, but everyone here feels the same way and I have met so many new people. Overall, I feel like my seven years at St. Mary’s fully prepared me for both the academic and social aspects of university life and I am thankful that I was given great careers advice that enabled me to choose a course that is perfect for me!

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) in St Mary’s aims to facilitate the following: • Development of a St Mary’s careers

information hub in conjunction with the expertise of outside agencies

• Development of students’ self-awareness, career exploration and career management skills

• Development of opportunities for work-related learning and employability skills

• Students ability to avail of careers advisors provided by DEL for guidance and advice

• Development of up-to-date careers resources for pupils use, with particular focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and LMI (Labour Market Information)

 As a result of these measures we aim to enable our students to develop their skills to make informed decisions about their education, training and employment options. Year 8 students participate in the ‘Your School Your Business’ Programme

run by Young Enterprise. They also do Employability for one third of the year. Careers guidance begins in Year 8 as students are introduced to Personal Career Plans and are interviewed by Form Teachers. In year 10 students select their subjects for GCSE. The careers teacher, parents, subject and form teachers are all involved in assisting the pupils make realistic, informed choices.  At KS4 the pupils have timetabled careers classes one period every week. They are introduced to the concepts of entrepreneurship, labour market information, STEM and work related learning to enhance their personal career plans. A careers officer from DEL is available to offer impartial career guidance. KS5 students receive a self-help manual and can access Careers guidance each week. Careers staff are available for individual consultations. Pupils can access career websites and University and Further Education websites. A range of guest speakers including employers, FE and HE personnel are scheduled to assist them access meaningful information. Students are encouraged to avail of work experience and industrial visits wherever possible.

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At KS4 the pupils have timetabled careers classes one period every week. They are introduced to the concepts of entrepreneurship, labour market information, STEM and work related learning to enhance their personal career plans. A careers officer from DEL is available to offer impartial career guidance. KS5 students are timetabled for careers and receive a self-help manual. Careers staff are available for individual consultations. Pupils can access career websites and University and Further Education websites. A range of guest speakers including employers, FE and HE personnel are scheduled to assist them access meaningful information. Students are encouraged to avail of work experience and industrial visits wherever possible.

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Careers Giving guidance

for the future

St Mary’s plays an integral part in the Roe Valley Learning Community (RVLC). St. Mary’s ensures joint delivery and sharing of best practice through shared curriculum choices, shared careers guidance, shared development in the use of ICT and shared enrichment activities to underpin and nurture friendships across all schools.

Shared links between St. Mary’s and Limavady High School continue to strategically develop under the Shared Education in the Roe Valley (SERV). These links include: shared curriculum choices from Year 8 to 14, joint staff development, shared improvement focuses and shared capital builds. In

2014 both schools were successful in moving forward in the OFMDFM Shared Campuses Programme. St. Mary’s will enjoy a purpose built 6th form centre and Careers and Employability hub, whilst Limavady High School will enjoy a STEM centre – both of which will enrich the opportunities

afforded to all students in the Roe Valley area.

The developed collaborative partnerships with other schools in the Roe Valley denotes St. Mary’s and its partner schools are innovators in collaborative education in Northern Ireland.

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Sharing Education Bringing Educational

Communities Together

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St Mary’s offers students a wide range of extra-curricular experiences to develop our pupils’ skills, talents and capabilities in other ways.Some of the many activities the pupils can avail of include:

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Extracurricular Opportunities Developing the talents within our pupils

• President’sAward• PopeJohnPaulIIAward• StVincentDePaul(Schoolconference)• INTERACT• PublicSpeakingcompetitions• CulturetechBigVideoChallenge• BBCSchoolNewsReport• DramaClub• TheStockMarketChallenge• SchoolShow• SchoolChoir• AnnualSkiTrip• A large number of educational and sporting trips• Awiderangeofsportingactivities• FirstAid

St Mary’s is justly proud of its sporting traditions, having achieved many honours over the years in a wide variety of sports. We offer a varied range of sports, both during timetabled lessons and in after-school provision. Pupils can avail of the opportunity to take part in soccer, Gaelic football, camogie, netball and athletics. Our school teams encompass every year group from Year 8 to Year 14.

This year we have again celebrated success both individually and in team sports. In soccer we won the Coleraine & District competitions at both U13 and U15 levels. In netball, the Intermediate team won the Coleraine & District league. In athletics, St Mary’s were the Vocational Schools’ champions in Year 9. The school also won its first ever Ulster Colleges Gaelic football title just before Christmas beating St Ciaran’s, Ballgawley in the Gerry Brown Cup.

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Sports News

St Mary’s, LimavadyIrish Green Street, Limavady BT49 9AN

Tel: 028 777 62360

www.stmaryslimavady.com

St Mary’s, LimavadyIrish Green Street, Limavady BT49 9AN

Tel: 028 777 62360

www.stmaryslimavady.com

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