Mr S Rafferty Mrs J O’Neill Mr C Morgan Principal Vice Principal Assistant Principal Head of Pastoral Care Curriculum Manager School Improvement Leader Entitlement Framework Co-Ordinator

Mrs B McGreevy Mrs P Smyth Mrs N McCann Assistant Principal Senior Teacher for Acting Head Head of Sixth Form Data Analysis and of Sixth Form Student Assessment

Rionach Buckley Maura Downey Evanna Woodside Jordayna Magill Head Girl Deputy Head Girl Deputy Head Girl Deputy Head Girl

Ruairi McAleese Odhran Devlin Dylan Magill Ciaran McQuillan Head Boy Deputy Head Boy Deputy Head Boy Deputy Head Boy Welcome

Dear Parents and Prospective Students, I hope you will enjoy reading our prospectus and that it will give you some insight into the exciting and challenging work that takes place in our school. Our current students are our best advocates and they will tell you that our school is a happy, secure and safe place, where everyone is valued and where expectations are high. Our Mission Statement and mantra of Excellence, Endeavour and Empowerment in a school context helps ensure that we all work together to achieve highly in all areas of school life. We are committed to building on the talents, skills and self confidence of every student as he/she travels with us through their educational career, in preparation for the work place or University. Our reputation is a proud one where in our academic outcomes have been celebrated as one of the consistently top performing grammar schools in NI and indeed the UK. We have also developed our sporting and extra-curricular programmes and our £4M creative arts hub has been completed. These too are School Mission Statement successful in enabling our students to attain a St Louis Grammar School is a Catholic, range of experiences at the top level within the Voluntary Grammar School committed local community and across the province. to providing excellent educational Our curriculum provision at 14 –19 has developed to opportunities for each student to develop meet the needs of an ever changing society and is now broad enough to reflect employment and his/her unique talents to the full in a university demands in both the high demand courses secure, caring environment. and across a diverse range of vocational employment programmes. In recent years we have a strong Our motto “Ut Sint Unum” That all may cohort of Post 16 students being accepted on to be one, reinforces our St Louis’ family Higher National Apprenticeships with recognised value system and family centred approach multi-national companies. to education. The future for the school is strong... the future for At present we have 1100 students and this our students, if they avail of opportunities, is superb. The potential for all students joining us is second to year we accepted 163 new students into none as our personalised learning philiosophy means our year 8 cohort. We are delighted to serve that all students are challenged to achieve and students and families from the communities contribute to society. We are proud of our strong of Antrim, , Cargin, , sense of family values and place emphasis upon Creggan, , , interpersonal relationships. As a Catholic school, this ethos and sense of community spirit pervades our , , , Glenravel, thinking and planning strategies. We can guarantee a , Loughgiel, Moneyglass, , high quality educational experience where the student and and to develop is fully valued. our natural community links in this manner. Sean Rafferty Principal

St Louis Grammar School St Louis Grammar School

Aims of St Louis Grammar School

To be a community inspired by the Catholic faith, living out Gospel Values and reflecting all traditions of our Irish Cultural Heritage.

To enable pupils to acquire a sense of purpose and have a good opinion of themselves by giving all access to a religious, academic, moral, social and physical education with appropriate provision for pupils with special needs, in an attractive school environment.

To provide teachers with the necessary accommodation, equipment and training to achieve the above aims.

To involve Parents, Educational Bodies and Industry in the work of the school and benefit the greater Ballymena Community.

To foster a spirit of cheerful co-operation and provide a caring environment which promotes high achievement and self-esteem among staff and pupils.

Visiting the School

Parental support is one of the greatest assets that children Information evenings for Years 11 and 12 and Parent/Teacher can have during their school career. Parents considering meetings for Years 12 and 14 are held early in the first sending their child to St Louis Grammar School may visit term and for remaining pupils during the second term. the school with their child on Open Night when they will Parents are welcome to visit the school at any time by be given more information about the school and have an appointment. All appointments with teachers must be opportunity to view the school facilities. (Visits outside made through the General Office. this time are welcomed and can be arranged via the Principal’s Secretary) An Educational Welfare and a Pastoral Support Officer are available to offer support to all pupils.

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

School Uniform Girls Navy blazer with braid and crest Pale blue revere blouse (Year 8-12) Blue stripe revere L/S blouse (Sixth Form) Navy V-neck jumper with pale blue stripes Junior school – knee length navy skirt Senior school – below the knee length navy skirt Navy tights/pale blue socks Black shoes School scarf Outdoor school waterproof coat/navy fleece

Boys Black blazer with crest Pale blue shirt School tie Plain grey V-neck jumper Black trousers Dark coloured socks Black shoes Outdoor school waterproof coat

Stockists: Couples, Street, Ballymena Tel. 028 2563 1361

P.E. Uniform Girls: Navy/blue/gold school design with crest jersey/socks/shorts, White training shoes, Navy windcheater (optional), Athletic vest with St Louis crest (optional), Navy tracksuit bottoms (optional), School design with crest half zip tops (optional), St Louis/O’Neills kitbag (optional)

Boys: Navy/blue/gold school design with crest jersey/socks/shorts, Training shoes/football boots, Navy windcheater (optional), Athletic vest with St Louis crest (optional), Handball top (optional), Navy tracksuit bottoms (optional), School design with crest half zip tops (optional), St Louis/O’Neills kitbag (optional)

P.E. Uniform is available from Couples, Ballymena.

proud of its ethos and traditions St Louis Grammar School

The School Curriculum – During Years 8, 9 and 10 pupils will have the Key Stage 3 opportunity to study the following subjects: The curriculum for Years 8, 9 and 10 reflects the Art & Design Revised Curriculum. Students will learn about a broad range of subjects to prepare them as well Biology as possible for future choices in life. An extensive Chemistry Careers Programme compliments the Key Stage 3 curriculum in Year 10. Computer Science Design & Technology Drama English French Geography History Home Economics Irish Learning for Life and Work (incorporating Careers) Mathematics Music Physical Education Physics Religious Education Spanish

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

The School Curriculum – Key Stage 4

The GCSE core subjects are compulsory in Years 11 and 12:

English English Literature Mathematics Religious Education Science (Single/Double Award)

The following optional GCSE subjects are offered to pupils in Key Stage 4:

Art & Design Business Studies Computer Science Construction Design & Technology Digital Technology Drama French Further Mathematics Geography History Home Economics Irish LLW Music Physical Education Polish Spanish

offering a broad curriculum St Louis Grammar School

SUBJECT A.S. A2 The School Curriculum – Art & Design • • Years 13 & 14 Biology • • All Year 13 pupils are offered a choice of four Business Studies • • A Level subjects or BTEC courses from the Business (BTEC) table opposite. Chemistry • • Computer Science • • In Year 14 students are expected to study at Construction (BTEC) least three of their A.S. subjects to A2 level. Design & Technology • • Pupils in Year 13 also sample Extra Curricular Digital Technology • • opportunities, including GAA, Peer Mentoring, Drama and Theatre Studies • • Career orientated activities, Debate Club, First Aid, Economics • • Student Investors Challenge to name a few. Engineering (BTEC) They are offered a choice of enrichment activities English Literature • • including First Aid, Presidents Award, Millennium Volunteers, Food Survival, iDEA, Microsoft French • • Certificate, Money Management, Romania, Geography • • Sports and SPRED. Government & Politics • • Health & Social Care • • Health & Social Care (Double Award) • • History • • I.T. (BTEC) Irish • • Land Use, Sustainability & Environment (BTEC) Mathematics • • Further Mathematics • Moving Image Arts • • Music • • Nutrition and Food Science • • Physical Education • • Physics • • Polish • • Religious Education • • Sociology • • Spanish • • Sports Studies (BTEC)

Criteria for entry to Post 16 a) Pupils studying at A Level must have a minimum of seven GCSE passes at Grade A*-C (criteria may be enhanced)and at least grade B or above in subject being studied b) Pupils must also have a good record of attendance, good conduct and application to study c) St Louis Grammar School welcomes students from other schools for post-16 study, provided they meet the minimum criteria and the school can meet their subject requirements Further information on the criteria for entry to Post 16 is available from the School Office during summer term (see Post 16 Prospectus).

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance The school CEIAG programme is a key element in the curriculum provision across all Key Stages and is designed to equip students with the skills and experience to make sound career choices and to progress to third level education or the world of work. To this end, the school provides a high quality Careers Education programme which delivers relevant, up-to-date and impartial careers information to all students. Students are also given guidance at key transition points, including Year 10 subject choice, Year 12 education, training and employment decisions and Years 13 and 14 higher and further education choices and advice on training, employment and higher apprenticeship opportunities. A range of work-related learning activities compliments the work carried out within the school and post-16 students take part in work experience and work shadowing. Workshops led by visiting speakers from industry are organised regularly within the Careers Department and lead subject areas. The school has strong links with local Universities and Colleges. The majority of our Sixth Form students pursue a Higher Education pathway.

Special Educational Needs St Louis Grammar School adopts a whole school approach to Special Educational Needs. We aim to create an environment that is understanding and sympathetic to pupils who may exhibit learning difficulties during their school careers. Student needs are the shared responsibility of the Links with Employers and Businesses entire staff. Specialist subject teachers give support in the most integrated setting possible – in the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance ordinary classroom, using a range of appropriate are further enhanced by the involvement of employers support strategies. and the business community. These partnerships bring benefits, both to the school and our partners, St Louis Grammar School has a Learning Support in the form of opportunities for work experience, Team, which provides additional individualised help work shadowing and industrial visits. We are for these pupils, through in-class support and/or developing a local forum where membership of withdrawal for specialist tuition with parental the steering group of local employers, including support and involvement of relevant statutory past pupils and parents, will provide sponsorship agencies at all times. (Mr A. Quinn - Learning and support for students involved in a range of Support Co-Ordinator) academic and vocational courses.

catering for all pupil needs St Louis Grammar School

The pupil community will benefit from

a whole school experience which:

• Encourages young people to strive for excellence • Encourages pupils to assume responsibility for their learning and plan positively for their future • Actively encourages healthy lifestyles • Promotes physical and emotional well-being • Enables young people to aim high and achieve their personal best

The Community Programme:

St Louis Grammar is ideally placed to share its professional expertise and facilities with the local community. We are currently involved in exciting and innovative sport and literacy programmes with six partner primary schools and post-primary schools through Ballymena Learning Together forum. All Saints GAA club, Co. Antrim Senior Camogie Panel and Ballymena and District Athletics Club utilise our resources on a regular basis.

Community Partners will benefit from:

• Access to the school’s resources, facilities and expertise • Opportunities to participate in a range of projects and activities designed to ease transition, provide curricular continuity and strengthen Area Learning Partnerships

Raising Pupil self-esteem and self-belief:

• Creating a school environment which will inspire and encourage young people to succeed • Recognising and celebrating success and endeavour • Encouraging pupils to accept responsibility for their learning, set targets for themselves and aim high

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

Promoting Quality Learning and Teaching:

• Recognising the importance of every lesson • Employing a range of active learning and teaching strategies to engage and challenge all students • Enabling students to acquire the skills and dispositions needed to become successful, lifelong learners • Reinforce assessment for learning and encourage personalised learning profiles for our students • Advocate self evaluation by pupils of their learning and promote a culture of continuous self reflection by both pupils and staff

Tracking Pupil Progress: • Making effective use of baseline data to gauge the potential of each pupil on entry to the school • Setting, monitoring and reviewing challenging personalised targets for academic achievement • Employing an electronic tracking system to ensure students are on track to achieve their academic goals and fulfil their potential • Continuous monitoring of pupil progress and positive feedback to both parents and pupils

Assessment for Learning: • Involving pupils in their learning by focusing on the learning process as well as the product • Sharing of information with learners via learning intentions, agreed success criteria and quality feedback • Providing opportunities for peer and self-assessment and self-evaluation • Personalised learning programmes

Pathways to Success: • Pupils will be given a wide range of opportunities allowing them to experience success • Pupils will undergo a comprehensive programme of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance to develop their ability to make well-informed career choices • The involvement of local businesses and employers will enrich the school’s vocational, employability and careers programme

dedicated to successful learners St Louis Grammar School

E-Learning

As part of our E-learning provision within the school all our KS3 Students have a Windows 10 device to assist their learning. The purpose of using these devices is to enhance learning, improve pupil engagement and motivation and to provide opportunities for the pupils to ‘develop skills for life and work’ hence fulfilling the needs of Curriculum. The technology provides a medium for innovation and allows pupils to collaborate with each other, be creative and to develop communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills that are essential in today’s global job market. The devices are used in a range of subject areas to enhance learning and teaching opportunities, to access internet for research and independent study and of course complete classwork and homework in a word processed manner which can be stored and shared electronically.

Pastoral Support for Learning: • Providing a structured pastoral support programme and a pastoral support network which values and supports all students • Providing a range of support structures such as mentoring and coaching to address the pastoral and academic needs of students

We will provide: • A rich and varied enrichment programme which will allow pupils to participate in a range of recreational and competitive activities • Opportunities for students to gain accreditation and awards in a number of courses and competitions • A programme for Gifted and Talented students • Student voice facilitated through student council

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

Pastoral Care and Discipline (Detailed policy available on request)

The main aim of the school’s Pastoral Care and Positive Behaviour Policy is to support pupils in their learning and development. If pupils are to gain maximum benefit from their time at St Louis, it is essential that they work to the best of their ability and behave in a responsible manner, showing respect for other pupils, staff and property.

Our school discipline policy is based on the Catholic ethos of our school and the St Louis philosophy that by working together there is nothing that cannot be achieved. We believe that children will learn best in an ordered environment where there are good relationships based on mutual respect for all in the school community. All aspects of discipline are dealt within the context of our pastoral care programme.

St Louis Grammar School’s Anti-Bullying Policy ensures that all pupils are cared for in a friendly and supportive environment. If parents have concerns in this area, they are requested to contact the school immediately. We believe that children will learn best when the talents, aptitudes, interests and needs of each child are known, recognised and catered for during their time at school.

In order to facilitate this, our Primary School Liaison Teacher visits each P7 class prior to their entry to St Louis Grammar School and discusses the needs and aptitudes of each transfer student with the Primary Principal/Teacher to make the transition from primary to St Louis as smooth as possible.

We are a caring school and we have an excellent Child Protection Procedures support structure for all the pupils in our care and any Teachers have a duty to refer disclosures of abuse difficulties which may hinder a pupil’s progress are to the Designated Teacher (Mrs J. O’Neill) and dealt with promptly and efficiently. The work of the the Deputy Designated Teachers (Mrs K Toner & Form Teachers is co-ordinated by the Year 8 Head of Mr Rafferty) who have responsibility for this area. Year, Mrs Kathryn Toner who has overall responsibility Details of procedures are available in the school’s for the Year Group. All teachers share responsibility Child Protection Policy. for Pastoral Care and school’s House System is being further developed to promote positive behaviour among pupils and reward this regularly.

with a caring environment St Louis Grammar School

Sporting Activities Participation in a wide variety of sporting activities is central to life at St Louis Grammar School and students are taught a diverse range of physical skills which can be used in a constructive manner at school and in their communities. Students are taught that frequent physical activity will benefit both their quality of life and general health. All students in Years 8 – 12 are expected to take part in Physical Education classes. There are also opportunities for the students to take part in extra-curricular activities, many of which are sports orientated. The benefits gained by students through their involvement are immense. The programme of study for students aged 14 – 18 has been supplemented Sports/Activities available: with GCSE, A Level in Physical Education and BTec Sports Studies. Archery Students are encouraged to develop their creative and expressive talents through individual activities such as, athletics, dance, outdoor pursuits, gymnastics and Athletics swimming. They are also afforded opportunities to pursue certified qualifications Basketball such as ‘Heartstart’ and level one/two coaching awards to boost their records of achievement. They also have opportunities to work with primary partners in Badminton delivering sports-based programmes and coaching sessions. Students in Year 11 – 14 are also offered the opportunity to participate in the Presidents Award, Camogie where they develop a range of life skills in environments such as the Mourne Cross Country Running Mountains and the Lake District. The appreciation and love of the traditional Irish games of Camogie, Hurling, Cycling Handball and Gaelic Football are some of the cornerstones upon which the Dance Physical Education programme is founded. We compete at the highest level within these games and have achieved much success winning Ulster titles and Equestrian competing at All-Ireland level. These traditional activities are complemented by activities such as Netball, Basketball and Dance and teams representing the Gaelic Football (Boys & Girls) school in these activities have brought local and national success to St Louis Golf Grammar School. Gymnastics The Gifted and Talented Programme for pupils in our own school, Years 8 – 14 and our Primary and Post Primary partner schools, is being developed during Hurling this academic school year. Pupils have opportunities to develop their knowledge in areas such as lifestyle management, improving performance, motivational Ju-Jitsu strategies and coping with school/sport demands. Netball Olympic Handball Orienteering Outdoor Pursuits Soccer Soft Ball Maura Downey Caoimhe Molloy Emma McAreavey Rory McCloskey Spin Class Camogie All Star Camogie All Star Gaelic All Star Hurling All Star Strength & Conditioning Swimming Table Tennis Tennis T.R.X. Volleyball Weight Training

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

Spiritual Dimension St Louis Grammar School is involved in the Christian Education Movement. This incorporates prayerful St Louis Grammar School reflection and meditation and encourages pupils to is rooted in Gospel Values interact with other denominations in the Christian which permeate all aspects family. Sixth Form pupils are encouraged to become of work and relationships. involved in the Faith Friends programme to reinforce We are very fortunate to have the peer learning dimension of our faith. A large Fr McGrath as our school number of our students are actively engaged in their Chaplain. All students in parishes, working at a practical level to achieve their Years 8-10 receive Religious Pope John Paul II Award through voluntary Education and it is also a community and parish engagement. compulsory subject at GCSE Level for Years 11 and 12. We strive to live by the words of St Francis of Assisi who advocates that we Information and Communication “preach the Gospel to the whole world, and when necessary use words”. With this in mind, we offer Technology a Catholicity that extends beyond classroom and In St Louis Grammar School, excellent use is made curriculum. Instead, the beliefs and values that form of Information and Communication Technology for our ethos inspire and unify every aspect of school life. all aspects of teaching, learning and management. All pupils are involved at some stage in collective Interactive Whiteboard technology is available in worship at class assembly each day and at year all teaching areas where teachers and students can assembly once per week. access a full range of media including the Internet. Class Masses for pupils are celebrated on many We have a bookable set of Microsoft Tablets to occasions, and opportunities are offered throughout support and facilitate the learning and teaching in the year to avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. the classroom. Year 14 are given a Spiritual Retreat. The ICT suites are equipped with the latest A Youth Counsellor offers support to students who have suffered bereavement or other major trauma. technology, which ensures that our students are This service is available each Monday throughout working in an atmosphere which reflects our high the school year. The celebration of Mass for parents, standard of education. We operate a Bring Your students and teachers takes place to welcome Own Device policy for all KS3 students. Year 8 students and to acknowledge leavers at the end of Years 12 and 14. All students at Key Stage 3 have two discrete ICT lessons per fortnight where they learn about cyber safety, are introduced to coding, and become proficient with Microsoft Office. A range of ICT courses are offered at Key Stage 4 and Post 16 including Digital Technology and Computer Science.

promoting sport, health and spiritual fulfilment St Louis Grammar School

Achievements and Assessments Internal examinations are held twice annually. Parents are issued with formal reports which include The School believes in the importance of celebrating results and individualised comments from teachers. the many achievements of our students; academic, During the course of the school year plasma screens sporting, musical and personal. and notice boards recognise and promote individual and collective achievements publicly. Sporting achievements at Key Stage 3 are recognised at the Prizegiving Ceremony. Students are presented with their individual Progress File at the end of Key Stage 4. Key Stage 3, GCSE and A Level awards are presented at the Annual Prizegiving in the Autumn Term. The academic and pastoral achievement of each student is acknowledged by the school’s Junior House System, which also promotes good attendance and a positive attitude to work. Assessments are carried out in an ongoing way and each KS3 and KS4 student completes four continuous monitoring tasks (CM) throughout the year. Student progress is monitored via the school’s electronic tracking system which allows for early identification of under achievement and appropriate intervention strategies to be put in place. Homework, which reinforces class work, is used to monitor progress.

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

Extra-curricular Activities Educational Trips include: St Louis Grammar School has a tradition of providing extra-curricular activities providing Annual ski-trip to European resorts pupils with opportunities to enhance their self-esteem and to strengthen friendships Visits to the theatre outside of the school environment. Outdoor pursuits We have recently completed a Multi-Purpose Geography field work Fitness Suite, which students use regularly for Extra-Curricular activities. Trips to historical locations Students can also access the following activities: Annual Year 8 trip to Pantomime Drama Visits to Irish language colleges in the Donegal Gaeltacht School Musicals/Productions Educational trips to England and France Dance School Aid Romania Theatre Visits Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Creative Writing Competitions Comenius Project

beyond the classroom St Louis Grammar School

Community and Cultural Awareness The school has strong links with missionary groups in Ghana through our links with the St Louis order who St Louis Grammar School staff and students are fully are heavily involved in missionary work in Africa. committed to involvement in community activity and This year the school had its first trip to visit some of cultural awareness. the projects we have helped with over the years. Throughout the school year, fund-raising is organized The school also works with voluntary/community regularly with many local and national charities groups in the greater Ballymena area and our receiving significant donations. students are involved in community programmes in association with St Vincent De Paul Society Links have been established with Friends of Romania and Ballymena District Council, raising awareness and Lower Sixth students will again travel to Romania, of local and global social and citizenship issues. bringing medical supplies and support to poor families and children in that region.

We are proud of our heritage, which was fully endorsed by our achievement as the top academic grammar school in N.I. in 2012, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Our tradition is one of excellence and every student is encouraged to contribute fully to this aspiration. A number of our students were acknowledged as NI top performers in a range of subjects at A2 and GCSE in recent years by CEA.

Invitation Parents and P6/P7 pupils are welcome to visit St Louis Grammar School on Open Night to meet the teachers and to view the school. Telephone: 028 2564 9534

Community based