LARNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014

LARNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2013 - 2014

CONTENTS PAGE NO

1. Chairman’s Statement 3 2. Board of Governors’ Discharge of Function in relation to the School 4 3. Membership of the Board of Governors 2013-14 5 4. History, Ethos and Vision of Larne Grammar School 6 5. Enrolment and Admissions 7 6. Attendance 7 7. Staff 7 8. School Activities 8 9. Public Examination Results 2013-14 12 10. School Leavers’ Destinations 2013-14 19 11. Curriculum 19 12. Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) 22 13. Education for Mutual Understanding 23 14. Pastoral Care 24 15. Accounts 28

Appendix A – List of Policies 29

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1. CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Dear Parents/Guardians/ Members of this school community, It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of my fellow governors, to present for your consideration this our Annual Report for the year 2013-14. The Report is a special one for me, being the first in my term of office as Chair. Larne Grammar School is held in much affection by me as a past pupil, and by many like me. There has always been a family feel to the school, with staff and pupils striving together towards a common goal of excellence in staff teaching and in pupil learning. That tradition of caring and sharing has once again been demonstrated during the academic year just ended. The report of an Education and Training Inspectorate follow-up inspection carried out in September 2013 is fulsome in its praise of relations within LGS, confirming that: “There is an inclusive, welcoming and pastoral ethos for all members of the school community.” That same report highlighted the effective leadership at all levels and the high standard of teaching and learning observed: “The quality of almost all of the lessons observed….was good or very good; the majority were very good.” High praise indeed and confirmation of the excellence of provision in our school. As a school community we are determined to foster a culture of continuous improvement throughout all areas and aspects of our work – in teaching and learning, in leadership and management, in governance and support services. This has been reflected in the improved results at GCSE and GCE AS/A Level over the past year; in the new and revised policies and procedures prepared to inform our strategy and day-to-day working; in the updated accommodation, especially for Information and Learning Technology; and in the high levels of staff and learner satisfaction demonstrated through word of mouth testimony and questionnaire results. In a time of great uncertainty with regard to the administration of education in Northern Ireland, we as a Voluntary Grammar School continue to look after our own financial, staffing and other affairs, with limited recourse to any outside bodies. It is intended that the Education and Library Boards will be subsumed within a new single education authority; this is occasioned by the failure to reach agreement at Stormont over the role of the proposed Education and Skills Authority. The impact of these changes will no doubt be felt by Larne Grammar School, but we as staff and as governors will work tirelessly to ensure that any repercussions are minimal and have negligible or no impact on our learners. End of term in June 2014 turned out to be a watershed for the school, with the largest turnover of teaching staff for some time. That turnover was however positive for those concerned, comprised as it was of the retirement of two stalwarts of LGS for many years – Mrs Margaret Smythe and Mr Ronnie Lee; plus the success of staff in their applications for other posts – promoted posts and posts closer to their home. On behalf of the governors I wish to place on record our thanks to Mrs Smythe, Mr Lee, Miss Archer, Mrs Buchanan, Mrs Muldrew and Miss Turner for their dedication and commitment during the time they spent with us. We wish those ex-staff members happiness in their respective new challenges. Our Governing Body also lost two stalwarts, with the resignation of Mrs Margaret McMurtry and Mr Alex Meban, two Trustees as well as long-serving governors. Again I place on record our thanks for their unstinting service to our school and its staff and pupils. It gives me great pleasure to commend this report to not only our school community but also the wider locale of Larne and its surrounds. Larne Grammar School is a great place to be in 2014, so let us ensure together that this greatness is maintained and indeed enhanced in future.

Yours faithfully, Mr Roy Logan BA MA DipEd DASE Chairman, Board of Governors

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2. BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ DISCHARGE OF FUNCTIONS IN RELATION TO LARNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The 1989 Education Reform Order gives governors responsibility for the overall management of the school. The following is a brief summary of the duties of the Governors.

1. Establishing aims and objectives for the School.

2. Managing the School's finances as allocated by DE.

3. Ensuring that the teachers in the School have the facilities necessary to provide a curriculum which meets the requirements of the 1989 Education Reform Order and for producing a policy in relation to the curriculum.

4. Ensuring that appropriate arrangements are put in place for the admission of pupils to the School and for drawing up criteria which will be used to select pupils, should it happen that the number of pupils seeking to be enrolled exceeds the number of places available.

5. Selecting staff, making promotions and undertaking other personnel responsibilities.

6. Providing parents with information about the School, through the issue of a prospectus and annual report.

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3. MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF LARNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Chairman Mr R G Logan BA MA DipEd DASE

Trustee Governors Mrs G C Anderson BA (Hons) FRSA Alderman J R Beggs Mr R Craig BEd Mr R T Ferris OBE BBS CCMI Mr R G Logan BA MA DipEd DASE Rev Dr C D McClure BSc BD MSSc Rev Dr P I Reid BD Mr C W Tweed OBE FRAgS

Representative Governors

Department of Education Mr P J Murray FCA

North-Eastern Education & Library Board Mr G A Knox LLB

Parents Mrs A Beggs Mr G McCluskey BEd (Hons) MEd PQH (NI) (appointed January 2014)

Teachers Mr B Kirkpatrick BSc (Hons) PGCE Med (appointed January 2014) Mrs N Herron BEd (Hons) (appointed January 2014)

The following members of the Board of Governors stood down from their positions during the 2013-14 academic year:

Mrs M Green (January 2014) Mr R Guy (January 2014) Mr R McGeagh BA (Hons) MSc PGCE (January 2014) Mrs M McMurtry BA (Hons) (June 2014) Mr A Meban MRICS (August 2014) Ms P Weir BSC (Hons) PGCE (January 2014)

The Board of Governors commends this report to parents.

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4. HISTORY, ETHOS AND VISION OF LARNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Larne Grammar School is a co-educational Voluntary Grammar School. It was founded in 1886 by Sir Edward Coey and Mr John Crawford whose portraits are in the library. Originally, the school was a boarding and day school for boys; however, in 1937 it amalgamated with the old Intermediate School in the town and became a day school for girls and boys.

From its foundations Larne Grammar School has established itself as one of the leading grammar schools in Ulster. Its influence has been out of all proportion to its size, and it has produced men and women who have upheld its high reputation in all professions and in every part of the world.

Ethos “Larne Grammar School promotes positive moral values in a climate of high expectations and achievement among all the individuals and groups based on mutual respect. Pupils exhibit self control, personal responsibility and self worth, developed in the classroom and through a wide range of extra curricular activities. Pupils learn, grow and succeed in an atmosphere of praise and encouragement which promotes a sense of belonging and enjoyment for everyone.”

Vision for Larne Grammar School “Larne Grammar School will strive to be a community-based centre of excellence whereby high quality teaching and learning will serve to enhance the lives of all, enabling pupils to achieve their potential in a spirit of mutual respect and support.”

SECURITY  The school operates a visitor pass system for all visitors during office hours. All visitors must, therefore, report to reception on arrival at school.  CCTV is operational throughout the school premises and grounds.

ACCESS  Access throughout the school is assisted by a number of lifts.

School Policies are available on request, during office hours, from the School Office.

The safety and welfare of visitors are important to us. All visitors have a legal responsibility for their own and others’ safety and welfare and all incidents and accidents must be reported immediately to Reception.

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5. ENROLMENT AND ADMISSIONS

The enrolment number in September 2013 was 735 and the Admissions Number was 110. The applications and admissions for Year 8 for the past three years were as follows:

Applications and Admissions

Total Year Admissions No. Applications All Total Preferences Admissions

2011/12 110 127 110

2012/13 110 131 110

2013/14 110 135 110 This table does not include children who were admitted to the school with a statement of special educational needs.

6. PUPIL ATTENDANCE

The average attendance during the 2013-2014 school year was 95.8%.

7. STAFF

The year 2013-14 brought a significant number of staffing changes and developments. Two senior members of staff – Mr Ronnie Lee (Head of Technology and Design) and Mrs Margaret Smythe (Head of Physics) – retired at the end of the year. Mrs Julie Muldrew was appointed to a teaching position in Strathearn School, Miss Turner left to take up a post in Dalriada School, Mrs Kate Buchanan was appointed Head of Home Economics in Grosvenor Grammar School and Miss Debbie Archer moved to Aberdeen and commenced employment in Aboyne Academy.

This year we have welcomed Miss Elizabeth Savory as Head of Physics, Mr Liam Beattie as Head of Technology and Design, Mrs Kathryn Blackwell and Mrs Ruth Neale to the Home Economics Department, Mrs Eilis McKay to the English Department, Mr Chris Hunter to the Modern Languages Department and Mrs Judy McDonald to teach Business Studies. We have also welcomed back Mrs Mulvenna to the Administration Team. Mr Saul Mateus, Mrs Janice Martin, Mrs Imelda Collins and Mr David Martin joined the cleaning staff.

A number of internal appointments were made within the school. Mr McCoy was appointed E- Learning Co-ordinator, Mrs Herron Literacy Co-ordinator, Mr Lambe Numeracy Co-ordinator, Mrs Knox Teacher in Charge of Girls Games, Mrs Pyper Year Head and Mr Kirkpatrick Assistant Timetabler. Mr Lambe was awarded a Masters Degree with Distinction in Education Management, Mr Kirkpatrick obtained the Professional Qualification for Headship and Mrs Willis captained the Northern Ireland Netball Team to seventh place at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

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8. SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Sport and Games

The School continues to encourage all the pupils to be aware of the benefits of sport and sporting activities in terms of promoting healthy lifestyles and physical well-being. To this end pupils can experience a range of sports and sports activities as part of the national curriculum for Physical Education, during Games periods and as extra-curricular activities. Involvement in sport not only develops individual sports skills but creates an awareness of the benefits of team work.

The sports and games available to pupils are:

Athletics Hockey Badminton Netball Cricket Rugby Chess Swimming Cross Country Table Tennis Dance Tennis Golf Volleyball

Sporting achievements of teams and of individuals

In September the Larne Grammar School Sailing Team won the Northern Ireland Schools Cup. The nine members of the team - Jenna McCarlie, Abby Williamson, Ellen McCarlie, Hannah Liddle, Lucy Kane, Katie Kane, Emily Hill, Jocelyn Hill and captain Gary Fekkes were also deserved winners of the Larne Borough School Sports Team of the Year Award. Our sailors also enjoyed considerable individual success in regional, national and international competitions.

Year 13 pupil Ethan Brownlee was crowned U18 British Champion in the under 74kg class at the British Classic Powerlifting event and finished 4th in the World Championships in South Africa. Matthew Henry continued to excel in midfield for the Northern Ireland U16 football team and was part of the side that enjoyed a famous victory over England in front of the Sky TV cameras. Year 9 pupil Rhiannon Joel was crowned the Irish Dance World Champion while Keryn Wilson and Zoe Moxham finished 2nd and 4th respectively. At the All Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships in County Kerry, Megan Egerton & Rebecca Wharry won a silver medal in the Ladies Open Classic and the Under 14s Boys’ Crew of Aaron McDowell, Cavan Hagan, Thomas Beggs and Charlie O’Neill won the gold medal.

The Senior Aerobics Team and the Senior Aerobics Trio both finished first in the 2014 Ulster Fitness and Dance Championships while the Intermediate Team came second.

In Hockey, Ayeisha McFerran, Ruth Maguire and Alex Ogilby were all selected to represent Ulster U18s in the inter-provincial tournament. All three were then selected for the Irish U18 hockey team in the spring. In January, Ayeisha received the ultimate honour when she was selected for the Irish Senior Hockey Squad, and was awarded the first of what will be many full Irish International caps.

The Junior and Senior Golf teams played in the Ulster and Irish Schools’ Championships with the best result coming in the Irish Championship where the Junior team finished 5th overall.

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Five tennis teams competed in the various Ulster leagues and a large number of pupils participated in the Saturday morning coaching sessions.

The U16 Volleyball Team battled their way through to the Finals Tournament of the Northern Ireland Schools’ League.

The members of Junior Netball Club met every week and the Year 8 girls reached the final of a tournament just prior to Christmas.

In rugby, the 1st XV travelled to Portugal before Christmas for a period of warm weather training. The Medallion XV won three matches on their way to the Medallion Trophy Final and put in the performance of the season in overturning a heavy defeat earlier in the season to draw with a strong Rainey Endowed team and thus secure a share of the trophy.

At the Ulster Athletics Finals, Jonathan Topping was 1st and Curtis Crawford 2nd in the Intermediate Walk. The 4x100m Intermediate Relay Team comprising Luke Butler, Craig Newell, Cameron Martin and Alistair Burke won gold. Craig Newell also won the Intermediate 400m and was 2nd in the 200m. Jack Withers came 2nd in the Minor Shot, Matthew Le Roux was 3rd in the Junior Javelin, Stephen Topping 4th in the Intermediate Javelin and the 4x100m Minor Relay Team of Joel Colvin, Jamie Maybin, Oliver Carson and Andrew Paisley also finished 4th. Three Gold Medals, three Silvers, one Bronze and two 4th Place finishes at Ulster Level represents a marvellous achievement for our Athletics Squad. The Intermediate Boys Athletics Team was overall Ulster Champions for the first time in the school’s history. At the Irish Championships Craig Newell won Bronze in the 200m and finished 5th in the 400m. The Intermediate 4x100m boys also won Bronze.

Societies and Other Activities

In March, the Assembly Hall was alive with the Sound of Music as a large and talented cast performed the much loved musical in three evening performances and to a very appreciative audience of local primary school pupils. Kerrie Anderson and Mark Henry starred as Maria and Captain von Trapp while Katy Tweed was a natural as Mother Abbess. The musical was undoubtedly the highlight of the school year and those who participated will remember their involvement for many years to come. In fact, it was lovely to have many of the cast members from the 1984 version of the Sound of Music in the audience for the final performance.

Pupils entered and achieved success in the UK Schools Mathematical Challenges. Luke McKay was awarded a Gold Certificate while Silver Certificates were gained by David Roberts, Chris Allen, Scott Copeland, Samuel Holst and McKenzie McFarlane.

The fourteenth annual Health Promotion Week was organised around a farming theme. During the course of the week, Larne Grammar School pupils donated almost 1,700 items to the Larne Food Bank.

The Conservation Society celebrated its 25th anniversary. With the help of a £900 grant the members of the Conservation Society made Christmas wreaths, planted a wildlife hedge and made twenty bird boxes. Pupils have completed three clean-up afternoons to tackle the scourge of litter and participated in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch. Natasha McGowan reached the Regional Final of the Environmental Youth Speak Competition and the year finished with an enjoyable trip to Rathlin

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Island. For the second year running Larne Grammar was named Runner-Up in the NEELB section of the Best Kept School Competition.

Anti-Bullying Week highlighted the harmful effects of cyber-bullying while in May the PSNI provided advice on online safety to pupils, staff and parents. The Sixth Form Formal in the Galgorm Resort and Spa was thoroughly enjoyed by almost 200 pupils and their guests.

Deputy Head Girl Kirsty McKinty, was one of four finalists in the Institute of Directors Shadowing Scheme as the result of the report she had produced on her five day placement spent shadowing directors at Invest NI. Darren McDonagh (Year 12) was awarded the prestigious “Diana Award” in recognition of the significant voluntary work he carries out with Larne YMCA and the St. John’s Ambulance Service. In October 2013 he travelled to Downing Street at the invitation of Prime Minister David Cameron.

Our Young Enterprise Company, “Serendipity”, was launched at the beginning of December. A range of attractive products were manufactured, marketed and sold under the company’s strap line “Wind it, Make it, Hold it, Wear it”. Serendipity won both the Best Product Award and the Best Overall Company Award at the North East Regional Trade Fair in Ballymena and, at a similar event in Newtownabbey, the team was recognised as the Best Social Enterprise Company. Serendipity finished off a successful year by winning the North Eastern Regional Marketing Award at the Young Enterprise Gala Celebration held at the Titanic Museum in March.

Charity and Community Work The generosity of our pupils was also shown by the amount of money raised for the various charities nominated by each of the Year Groups. In total, almost £8,000 was distributed to local and international charities during 2013-14.

RNLI 2540.44 Shine A Light 1406.70 Cancer Research UK 1022.69 Autism NI 700.00 Cancer Focus 819.22 Woodland Trust 30.00 Asis Link 40.00 Adult Congenital Heart Disease 300.00 Pretty N Pink 1000.00 Oxfam 30.00 Total Donated 7889.05

Our partnership with Roddensvale School strengthened when a group of Year 14 pupils participated in a Makaton course and Year 11 Modern Linguists delivered an interactive language assembly to their peers in Roddensvale.

Mentoring Programme Over 50 Sixth Form pupils volunteered to assist in mentoring and over the course of the year nearly 70 pupils in the junior and middle schools received some form of mentoring support through the Maths and English academic mentoring scheme, morning organisational support and the after- school homework club.

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School Trips As well as the senior rugby training camp in Portugal, The Home Economics and Spanish Departments organised a trip to Barcelona, a group of ‘A’ Level language students visited the European Parliament in Brussels and the U14 Hockey Squad went on their annual tour to Dublin.

Music The annual Carol Service was a magical night and in June our junior musicians serenaded us in a Summer Concert. Our Music Department welcomed the band of the Royal Marines to provide a musical master class to our pupils who were able to put into practice a little of what they had learnt when they provided the entertainment at a Citizenship Ceremony in Hillsborough Castle. Larne Grammar pupils also performed for a number of local community groups throughout the course of the year. Our musicians also enjoyed success at the Larne Music Festival. Ellen Hagan, Emily Arbuthnot, Samuel Holst, Megan McIlwaine and Eimer Stewart won their respective categories while the Junior Choir was awarded the prize for the Top Secondary/Grammar Choir. Samuel Holst and Pang- Hong Yeoh participated in the Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra Summer Scheme.

Other Societies and Events The Set Design Club worked for months on designing and creating the hugely impressive set for ‘The Sound of Music’ and the Art Department welcomed three visiting artists to run various workshops for our pupils and decorated two bicycle sculptures for display in the town during the Giro d’Italia. The Chess Club met every week and, as well as being the home of the Junior and Senior Reading Groups, the Williamson Library hosted a number of activities intended to promote literacy. The Gym Club, Scripture Union and Debating Society were enthusiastically attended by many pupils and a Psychology Film Club was formed. The members of the Photography Club had a number of their images framed and placed around the school. Year 10 pupils enjoyed the annual Project Business programme and took part in the Invest NI Step ‘n’ Zones Challenge. Year 13 Physicists attended a lecture delivered by Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell and a hundred Year 11 pupils enjoyed a visit to the Stormont Assembly. Year 8 and Year 9 Historians welcomed Norman Knights and a Georgian surgeon to Larne and more than 120 primary school pupils participated in our Multi-Sport Event. Year 13 students undertook a period of Work Experience in January and pupils in Year 11 were guided in their preparations for their GCSE exams during the course of a study skills day in April.

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9. PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS 2013/2014

As in previous years, our pupils were rewarded with very pleasing examination results. The percentage of pupils achieving 3 A*-C grades at ‘A’ Level, the Department of Education’s key measure of success, increased for the second year running and 99.6% of ‘A’ Level entries were awarded a pass grade. This is particularly notable at a time when the national press was reporting a drop in ‘A’ Level achievement for the first time in over twenty years. The highest achiever was Kirsty McKinty who gained 1 A*, 2 As and 1 B. She was closely followed by Sarah Booth and Lauren Cameron who achieved 1 A* and 2 As. Nicola McCauley and Kerry Ramsey were both awarded 3 A grades while Scott Copeland achieved 2 As and 2 Bs. A further 15 pupils obtained 2 As and 1 B. There was further cause for celebration at AS Level where 12 pupils gained 4 A grades. They were, Jonny Barry, James Brown, Melanie Hamilton, Jocelyn Hill, Rachel Irvine, Katie Kane, Rachel McIlroy, Calum McKay, Eve Pijl, Natasha Rainey, Amy Shepherd and Gary Wolfe. A further two students, Terry O’Donnell and Kristina Rainey, achieved 3 As and 1 B while Aaron McKinley also gained 3 A grades. GCSE results day was particularly successful for Paul Cameron who gained a full set of 10 A* grades. Callum McRoberts and Rebecca Wharry both achieved 9 A*s and 1 A. Sarah Armstrong, Ellie Carmichael, Callum Sittlington and Philip Taylor were all awarded 8 A* and 2 A grades and a further 5 pupils, Mark Henry, Kiera McKay, Christie Miskelly, Naomi Murray and Cerys Orr, gained a full set of A*s and As. In total, 22 pupils obtained at least 8 A grades. Almost three quarters of all entries in this year’s GCSE examinations were awarded A*-B while over 92% of the cohort achieved at least 7 A* to C grades. We are delighted by the examination success of our pupils and these results emphasise the extent to which all within the Larne Grammar School family “fulfil their promise”, in keeping with the school’s motto.

2014 Key Stage 3 Assessment Outcomes

Due to industrial action carried out by the main teaching unions, the school was unable to report Key Stage 3 Levels of Progression in 2013-14.

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YEARS 12 – 14 LARNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL (Grammar Schools)

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

Performance Indicator NI School NI School NI School Average Average Average*

97 98.1 97.3 97.3 97.3 96.2 % Achieving 5+ GCSEs at Grades A*-C (or equivalent) 92.9 94.4 93.9 84.6 93.9 91.3 % Achieving 5+ GCSEs at Grades A*-C (or equivalent) incl En & Ma 92.2 92.5 93.6 91.8 93.6 91.3 % Achieving 7+ GCSEs at Grades A*-C (or equivalent) 90 91.6 91.6 83.6 91.6 87.5 % Achieving 7+ GCSEs at Grades A*-C (or equivalent) incl En & Ma 76.7 69.2 77.2 69.3 77.2 69.9 % Achieving 3+ GCEs at Grades A-C (or equivalent) 99.5 100 99.6 98.9 99.6 100 % Achieving 2+ GCEs at Grades A-E (or equivalent)

* Please note that the Northern Ireland Grammar School Averages for 2013/14 have not yet been published by the Department of Education. These figures relate to the 2012/13 Averages.

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STATISTICAL ANALYSIS FOR GCSE EXAMINATIONS 2014

No. IN YEAR 12 (FORM 5) 107 ENTERING 5+ SUBJECTS 98.1% ENTERING 1-4 SUBJECTS 1.9%

A*-C IN 7+ SUBJECTS 91.3% A*-G IN 5+ SUBJECTS 98.1% A*-C IN 5+ SUBJECTS 97.1% A*-G IN 1-4 SUBJECTS 1.9% A*-C IN 1-4 SUBJECTS 2.9%

GCSE 2014 %A* - %A* - %A* - A* A B C D E F U TOTAL %A* A B C ADD. MATHS 4 6 3 3 3 3 22 18.2 45.5 59.1 72.7 ART & DESIGN 3 18 10 1 32 0.0 9.4 65.6 96.9 BUSINESS ST. 7 20 14 6 6 1 1 55 12.7 49.1 74.5 85.5 DA SCIENCE 22 50 82 48 8 210 10.5 34.3 73.3 96.2 ENGLISH 9 30 45 18 5 107 8.4 36.4 78.5 95.3 ENGLISH LIT. 3 10 10 3 1 1 28 10.7 46.4 82.1 92.9 FRENCH 10 4 5 1 2 22 45.5 63.6 86.4 90.9 GEOGRAPHY 2 11 19 11 6 3 1 53 3.8 24.5 60.4 81.1 HISTORY 4 4 22 9 5 44 9.1 18.2 68.2 88.6 HOME ECONOMICS 3 6 9 1 19 15.8 47.4 94.7 100.0 I.T. 44 47 13 1 105 41.9 86.7 99.0 100.0 MATHS 12 25 38 27 5 107 11.2 34.6 70.1 95.3 MUSIC 2 1 9 3 1 16 12.5 18.8 75.0 93.8 P.E. 7 18 10 3 38 0.0 18.4 65.8 92.1 P.E. (DA) 1 5 6 0.0 16.7 100.0 100.0 RELIGIOUS STUDIES 2 4 3 5 1 15 13.3 40.0 60.0 93.3 SPANISH 8 5 5 5 23 34.8 56.5 78.3 100.0 TECH & DESIGN 2 15 10 11 1 39 5.1 43.6 69.2 97.4 R.S. (Sc) 13 12 28 16 7 7 7 1 91 14.3 27.5 58.2 75.8 CLASSICAL CIVILISATION (Sc) 4 2 7 1 1 15 26.7 40.0 86.7 93.3

TOTAL 151 263 363 189 54 14 8 5 1047 14.4 39.5 74.2 92.3 PERCENTAGES 14.4 25.1 34.7 18.1 5.2 1.3 0.8 0.5

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STATISTICAL ANALYSIS NI GCE 'A' LEVEL EXAMINATION 2014

A-LEVEL 3+ AT GRADES A* TO C 69.9%

2+ AT GRADES A*TO E 100% 1+ AT GRADES A* TO E 100%

A-LEVEL 2014 %A*- %A*- %A*- %A*- A* A B C D E U TOTAL %A* A B C E ART & DESIGN 2 6 5 13 0.0 15.4 61.5 100.0 100.0 BIOLOGY 2 18 12 16 3 51 3.9 39.2 62.7 94.1 100.0 BUSINESS ST. 2 7 6 10 3 28 7.1 32.1 53.6 89.3 100.0 CHEMISTRY 4 6 4 5 1 20 0.0 20.0 50.0 70.0 95.0 COMPUTING 1 1 2 4 0.0 25.0 25.0 50.0 100.0 ENGLISH LIT. 3 6 1 10 0.0 30.0 90.0 100.0 100.0 FRENCH 1 1 1 3 0.0 33.3 66.7 100.0 100.0 GEOGRAPHY 2 7 2 11 0.0 18.2 81.8 100.0 100.0 HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE 2 2 4 0.0 0.0 50.0 100.0 100.0 HISTORY 2 2 1 1 6 0.0 0.0 33.3 66.7 100.0 HOME ECON. 1 1 6 8 12.5 25.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 I.T. 7 9 8 3 27 0.0 25.9 59.3 88.9 100.0 MATHS 1 6 4 7 18 5.6 38.9 61.1 100.0 100.0 P.E. 1 3 1 2 2 9 0.0 11.1 44.4 55.6 100.0 PHYSICS 6 1 2 3 12 0.0 0.0 50.0 58.3 100.0 PSYCHOLOGY 1 6 4 3 14 0.0 7.1 50.0 78.6 100.0 SPANISH 1 2 1 4 0.0 25.0 75.0 75.0 100.0 TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN 2 4 2 1 9 0.0 22.2 66.7 88.9 100.0

TOTAL 6 57 88 67 24 8 1 251 2.4 25.1 60.2 86.9 99.6 PERCENTAGE 2.4 22.7 35.1 26.7 9.6 3.2 0.4 100

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OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Pupils who have achieved certificates for music examinations

External Examination Boards Used:

 ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music)  TCL (Trinity College, London)  LCME (London College of Music Examinations)  Trinity Rock School AUTUMN 2013 (SEP – DEC)

ABRSM Candidate Subject Grade Mark Result Rebekah Bell Flute 5 105 Pass Kaitlyn Boyd Flute 4 120 Merit Naomi Campbell Singing 5 115 Pass Curtis Crawford Singing 4 116 Pass Samuel Holst Clarinet 7 120 Merit Meg McCubbin Singing 2 127 Merit Chloe McIlroy Cello 4 123 Merit Kirsty McKeown Singing 5 120 Merit Pang Hong Yeoh Clarinet 3 120 Merit

LCME Candidate Subject Grade Result Ellie McKay Musical Theatre 5 Merit Jenna Mulholland Musical Theatre 6 Distinction Eimer Stewart Musical Theatre 5 Distinction

SPRING 2014 (JAN – APRIL)

ABRSM Candidate Subject Grade Mark Result Yasmin Andrews E Flat Horn 3 112 Pass Emily Arbuthnot Clarinet 3 100 Pass Rebecca Ayre Flute 2 117 Pass Andrew Balmer Flute 5 081 Fail Rebekah Boyd Singing 3 134 Distinction Amy-Lee Cash Singing 4 115 Pass Johanna Dickey Flute 5 105 Pass Charlotte Dixon Singing 1 111 Pass Arian McCallion Flute 4 106 Pass Ellen McCarlie Clarinet 5 107 Pass Ellen McClure Singing 5 122 Merit Yasmin McNeill Singing 3 127 Merit Megan McIlwaine Singing 5 114 Pass

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Ellie McKay Singing 5 117 Pass Abigail Park Singing 3 130 Distinction Terri Rainey Flute 5 102 Pass Fiona Russell Singing 1 109 Pass Jenny Wilson Singing 2 117 Pass

LCME Candidate Subject Grade Result Kerrie Anderson Musical Theatre 8 Distinction

SUMMER 2014 (MAY – AUGUST)

ABRSM Candidate Subject Grade Mark Result Jacqueline Beatty Violin 4 105 Pass Lauren Blair Trumpet 4 104 Pass Amy Gwynne Trumpet 3 101 Pass Melanie Hamilton Singing 7 111 Pass Erin Hann Violin 2 114 Pass Ellen Heggen Cello 2 120 Merit Jakob Holst Piano 3 127 Merit Nathan Hull Violin 3 101 Pass Lucy Kane Violin 3 112 Pass Zoe Leeburn Violin 3 100 Pass Emma McAlister Violin 3 116 Pass Remy McCormick Violin 3 110 Pass Meg McCubbin Singing 3 120 Merit Cara McIlroy Clarinet 4 120 Merit Megan McIlwaine Theory 5 61 Fail Jessica Shirley Flute 1 110 Pass Emily Turner Flute 4 115 Pass Katy Tweed Singing 7 124 Merit

TCL Candidate Subject Grade Result Lucy McCluskey Trumpet 6 Merit

TRINITY ROCK SCHOOL Candidate Subject Grade Result Holly Caulfield Electric Guitar 1 Pass Moya Clements Electric Guitar 2 Merit Jennifer Cooke Electric Guitar 4 Merit Megan Cross Electric Guitar 2 Pass Adam Crum Electric Guitar 5 Pass Nicholas Guy Electric Guitar 4 Merit Performance Certificate Rachael McAllister Bass Guitar 3 Merit Performance Certificate Natasha McGowan Electric Guitar 2 Pass

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Callum McRoberts Electric Guitar 6 Pass Performance Certificate Kyle McRoberts Electric Guitar 4 Fail Performance Certificate Hannah Ward Electric Guitar 3 Pass Performance Certificate

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10. SCHOOL LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS 2013-14 (FROM YEARS 12, 13 AND 14)

Destination - % of Leavers Number of Leavers 2013/2014 Higher Further Another Jobskills Employment Other Education Education School Training Apprenticeship

116 62.1 25.0 1.7 6.9 2.6 1.7

11. CURRICULUM 2013-14

The curriculum provided was the total learning package on offer, in and out of class. Our aim was to empower our pupils to achieve the very best of which they are capable, by enabling them to develop as individuals and as contributors to society, the economy and the environment.

Pupils with identified Special Educational Needs were supported and, where necessary and practicably possible, provided for in school in order that they could fulfil their potential. In addition, the school assisted those who were experiencing difficulties with their studies through our Mentoring Programme.

In 2013-14 the School week was divided into 50 periods of 32.5 minutes.

8.50 am - 9.05 am Registration / Assembly 9.05 am - 9.37 am Period 1 12.03 pm - 12.35 pm Period 6 9.37 am - 10.10 am Period 2 12.35 pm - 1.08 pm Period 7 10.10 am - 10.42 am Period 3 1.08 pm - 1.48 pm Lunch 10.42 am - 11.15 am Period 4 1.48 pm - 2.20 pm Period 8 11.15 am - 11.30 am Break 2.20 pm - 2.53 pm Period 9 11.30 am - 12.03 pm Period 5 2.53 pm - 3.25 pm Period 10

The 2013-14 curricula, including period allocations at the various Key Stages are given in the following tables. An annual process of review and evaluation is in place and from time to time there may, therefore, be some changes to these figures.

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KEY STAGE 3 2013-14

At Key Stage 3 (Years 8-10), the school provided a broad and balanced curriculum which met the statutory requirements of the Education Order 2006, including Learning for Life & Work (incorporating Home Economics, Personal Development, Local & Global Citizenship and Education for Employability), Skills & Capabilities (incorporating Communication, Using Mathematics, ICT, Thinking Skills & Personal Capabilities) and the General Learning Areas which take up most of the pupils’ time.

NUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK SUBJECT YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10 ENGLISH 7 6 6 MATHS 7 6 6 BIOLOGY 2 2 2 CHEMISTRY 2 2 2 PHYSICS 2 2 2 TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN 2 2 2 HOME ECONOMICS 2 3 2 ICT 2 - 2 HISTORY 3 3 3 GEOGRAPHY 3 3 3 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 3 2 2 ART 2 2 2 MUSIC 2 2 2 DRAMA - 1 - FRENCH 4 3 3 SPANISH - 4 4 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 2 2 GAMES 2 2 2 LLW (Citizenship) 1 1 1 LLW (Employability) 1 1 1 LLW (Personal Development) 1 1 1 TOTAL 50 50 50

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KEY STAGE 4

At Key Stage 4 (Years 11 & 12), there was greater flexibility and the school provided a menu of 20 courses. English, Mathematics, Double Award Science (x 2 GCSEs) and ICT were compulsory GCSEs and all pupils study Learning for Life & Work, Religious Studies [a ½ GCSE] and Physical Education as required by the Education Order 2006. Beyond that, the arrangements gave freedom in terms of subject combinations. Pupils were able to make informed and appropriate choices which best suited their interests, abilities and ambitions for A Level, university and their career. The school is working towards full implementation of the Entitlement Framework by 2015.

PERIODS PERIODS GCSE SUBJECT COMPULSORY SUBJECTS PER WEEK PER WEEK YEAR 11 YEAR 12 ENGLISH 5 5 1 x GCSE MATHEMATICS 5 5 1 x GCSE DOUBLE AWARD SCIENCE 9 9 2 x GCSE ICT 5 5 1 x GCSE LEARNING FOR LIFE & WORK 1 1 (incorporating Citizenship, PD & Employability) PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 - RELIGIOUS STUDIES / 1 3 0.5 X GCSE CLASSICAL CIVILISATION (Short Course) GAMES 2 2 OPTIONAL SUBJECTS All pupils choose 4 extra subjects 20 20 4 x GCSE from the following list: Further Maths Geography Physical Education Art History (Double Award) Business Studies Home Economics Religious Studies (full English Literature Music course) French Physical Education Spanish German Technology & Design TOTALS 50 50 9.5 x GCSE

NOTE: 1. All pupils followed courses designed to enable them to obtain 9 full GCSEs and 1 short- course GCSE.

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SIXTH FORM (YEARS 13 & 14)

Pupils wishing to enter the Sixth Form had to meet the published entry criteria. They were interviewed, and in the light of their career plans, advised on courses of study. Final decisions were made following discussions among parents, pupils and the careers staff.

The school provided a menu of 21 courses. The majority of pupils studied 4 GCE AS subjects in Year 13 and 3 A2 subjects in Year 14. A small number of pupils could, with the Principal’s agreement, take 4 subjects to A2.

The school is working towards full implementation of the Entitlement Framework by 2015.

SUBJECTS - GCE AS & A2 LEVELS

Art French Mathematics Spanish Biology Geography Music Technology & Design Business Studies Health and Social Care Physical Education Travel & Tourism Chemistry History Physics Computing Home Economics Psychology English Literature ICT Religious Studies

NOTES: 1. All students had two Games periods in which a wide range of activities were available. 2. A Class Tutorial was timetabled for all students in both Years 13 and 14. 3. Pupils studying languages had 1 timetabled Conversation Class per language per week.

12. CAREERS EDUCATION, INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE (CEIAG)

Careers is provided in a variety of ways:

1. A timetabled programme of Careers Education / Employability for pupils in Years 8 to 14; 2. Through subject areas; 3. Individual guidance interviews provided by Careers staff or DEL Careers Service in Years 10, 12, 13 and 14; 4. Careers information sources such as noticeboards, resources in careers room and library and guest speakers.

Years 8 – 10 currently have one period per week during which they follow the CCEA programme of study for Employability. This is divided into three sub-sections, namely ‘Work in the Local and Global Economy’, ‘Personal Career Planning’ and ‘Enterprise and Entrepreneurship’. Employability aims to inform young people about the skills and qualities sought by employers in addition to qualifications; about career opportunities in Northern Ireland and abroad and about the opportunities and challenges derived from becoming an entrepreneur. In Year 10, the programme also includes guidance on choosing subjects for GCSE. All Year 10 pupils have a guidance interview with a careers teacher.

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Year 12 pupils follow a programme that covers personal career plans, CVs, job application forms, interview techniques, labour market information and options after GCSE. All pupils in Year 12 are offered the opportunity to have a guidance interview with one of the local DEL Careers Officers.

Year 13 pupils have a discrete Careers class for one period per week as a well as a weekly tutorial during which speakers from a range of UK and Irish universities visit the school to give presentations on the courses they offer, as well as employers such as the armed forces. Pupils also complete a period of work experience.

Year 14 pupils have a weekly tutorial during which workshop sessions are organised with UCAS referees on the completion of the UCAS application form, in particular the personal statement. In addition, they are provided guidance on the CAO system (Republic of Ireland University entrance system) and student finance, budgeting and scholarships.

Year 14 pupils also have the opportunity to gain interview experience by availing of a mock interview which is provided by panels of professional people with a wide range of experience and expertise.

Pupils also have access to the careers suite which houses a dedicated computer and a range of books, periodicals and leaflets. The school library also stocks a range of guidance books and prospectuses that students may use. Careers staff are readily available to give support, advice and guidance.

13. EDUCATION FOR MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING (EMU)

The school is committed to creating a culture of understanding. Links have been forged with St Killian’s College, Larne High School and Roddensvale School and pupils from the four schools regularly meet and interact through curricular and extra-curricular activities facilitated by the Learning Community. Sporting fixtures take place under the North-Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) schemes.

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14. PASTORAL CARE

Safeguarding and Child Protection (see Child Protection Policy – available on request)

Rev McClure is the Designated Governor for Child Protection Miss Hunter is the Designated Teacher for Child Protection. Mr. McKay is the Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection.

Contact with Parents

The school is committed to maintaining close contact with parents and values their ideas and views. Parent Consultations are held on a regular basis for all year groups. A full school report is produced for every pupil once per year (February/March for Years 12-14, June for Years 8-11). Progress reports are issued in November (Years 11-14), December (Years 8-10), February (Year 11) and March/April (Years 8-10). Parents are welcome to make an appointment to visit the school to discuss their child's progress with the relevant Class Tutor or Year Head. Further concerns may be discussed with the Vice-Principal or the Principal.

Responsibilities of Year Head

 Leadership of and support for Class Tutors within the year, ensuring that registration classes are used constructively.  To assist in the formulation of the Promoting Positive Behaviour Policy and in the production of relevant study skills booklets.  To help tutors to familiarise pupils with the School rules and encourage them to adhere to them.  To ensure that Class Tutors (i) meet regularly and understand the policy of the school on all important matters of discipline and pastoral care and (ii) develop their class groups so that every pupil feels that the school is doing everything possible to fulfil his or her full potential. A short meeting should be called by the Year Head twice per term to discuss problems arising. They should arrange dates and times of meetings with Class Tutors and inform them well in advance of any alterations to the planned programme.  To liaise between senior management and Class Tutors and to brief the Vice Principal (Pastoral) regularly.  To supervise attendance and punctuality. Year Heads should inspect absentee lists on a regular basis, noting any instances when pupils in the same year appear to be absent frequently on the same days. The Year Head should follow up and interview any pupils referred to them by class tutors. Pupils of compulsory school age whose attendance falls below 85% may be referred to the Education Welfare Officer.  To liaise with members of staff when a pupil has problems.  To arrange meetings as required with parents in order to acquaint them with school policy, or to discuss the welfare and general problems arising with a particular pupil. Meetings with parents should be arranged for a time when both Class Tutor and Year Head can be present, where possible.  To know all pupils in the year group as well as possible and to become accepted as a person to whom they can turn for guidance in addition to their class tutor.  To be willing to liaise closely with the Vice Principal (Pastoral) in relation to outside agencies such as the EWO, Social Services, Police Liaison Officer and medical staff.

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 To supervise and direct the Daily and Weekly Report system, if applicable, including the holding of a thorough end-of-week inspection of report forms.  To liaise with staff involved in mentoring in relation to pupils within their year group.  To monitor conduct and merit cards, initiating the award of certificates where appropriate.  To have the oversight of the maintenance of all appropriate records, including pupils' individual files and records.  To supervise SEN Education Plans and Action Plans.  To make regular spot-checks of homework planners and to encourage Class Tutors to make a thorough inspection on a weekly basis.  To co-ordinate all information received from staff, parents and outside agencies regarding individual pupils; to ensure that this information is distributed correctly and check that action is taken where and when necessary.  To write to parents when necessary, ensuring that the Vice Principal (Pastoral) receives a copy of all letters sent out by Year Heads.  To ensure that Year Assemblies are conducted appropriately.  To organise representatives for the School Council.  To organise the Year Charity.

Responsibilities of Class Tutor Most members of staff are required to act as Class Tutors. This is a most responsible role which is vital both to the efficient running of the school and successful pastoral care. A Class Tutor is accountable to the Year Head. The Class Tutor should be the first person to whom a pupil will turn for help or advice, although it may sometimes be necessary to refer the matter to the Year Head (or Designated Teacher as per Safeguarding Policy), to the appropriate member of the senior staff or, through them, to an outside agency. Daily contact with the Class Tutors ensures that unobtrusive care is exercised.

The main functions are as follows:

 Registration and routine business - The class tutor should be in position to receive pupils and is responsible for the accurate daily marking of the class register at the beginning of the Registration Period and for seeing that all information is maintained and up to date. Other returns of a routine nature should be dealt with as required, together with the distribution of information to parents. All absences must be accounted for by parental notes which should be retained for one year and failure on the part of pupils to supply these should be reported to the Year Head.  Reports and Records - The class tutor is responsible for the maintenance of progress cards and pupils' individual files together with duplicates of reports. Any information of a confidential nature should be referred to the Vice Principal in charge of Pastoral Care. The Class Tutor is expected to comment on reports and to cover aspects of achievement and personality which are not included in academic reports.  References and special reports - In consultation with colleagues, Class Tutors may be expected to prepare initial drafts for references, testimonials and reports to outside agencies as required.  Personal appearance and conduct - Class Tutors are expected to keep a close eye on the personal appearance and behaviour of the pupils in their charge and to insist on reasonable standards being maintained in line with published school policies.

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 School Planners - Class Tutors should check and initial school planners during registration periods.  Assemblies - Class Tutors are expected to attend assemblies with their classes and to record attendance in assembly.  Year Meetings - Class Tutors are expected to attend meetings called by the Year Head.  Relationship with Parents - It is hoped that parents would see Class Tutors as a matter of priority at Parent Consultations and, whenever possible, they will be involved when parents visit the school at other times. They are also encouraged to foster good home-school relationships but are advised not to undertake home visits or arrange interviews without prior reference to the Year Head.  Attendance and punctuality - Class Tutors should supervise attendance and punctuality using their attendance registers once a week and checking reasons for absence, truancy and punctuality. Year Heads should be made aware of any pupil whose record is unsatisfactory.

First Aid/Sickness

In the event of a pupil being injured or ill, the following action must be taken:

1. Attend to the situation immediately. 2. Bring or send the pupil (accompanied) to the Medical Room and inform the School Nurse (or the General Office in her absence). 3. Contact with parents/guardians of the pupil concerned will be made by the School Nurse (or the General Office in her absence). 4. It may be necessary to make arrangements for the pupil to be taken to the Health Centre or to be collected by the parents who will then take responsibility for the situation. If they cannot be contacted it may be necessary to accompany the pupil to the hospital. 5. If it is necessary, an ambulance should be summoned immediately. If the parents/guardians are unavailable to travel in the ambulance or cannot be contacted, a member of staff must accompany the pupil to hospital. In this case the Principal, or in his absence, a Vice-Principal or a senior member of staff should be informed. 6. Fill in an accident report form immediately or as soon as possible after the incident. These forms are available from the School Nurse.

If the School Nurse is unavailable, one of the following members of staff, who are qualified First Aiders, should be consulted:

Mr. Hill Mrs. Patton Mr. Seymour Mr. Thomson

The following members of staff have been trained in the use of an epi-pen. The nearest member of staff should be contacted in an emergency.

School Nurse Mrs. Clarke A corridor Mrs. Clarke B corridor Mrs. Patton Business Studies Mrs. Herron

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Maths’ block Mrs. Headden Sports Hall Mr. Snoddy Psychology Mr. Thomson Art Block Mrs. Agass

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15. ACCOUNTS

Summary of Accounts - Year ended 31 March 2014

Notes 2014 2013 £,000 £,000

Income Grants 1 3,323 3,357 Other Sources 2 8 5 3,331 3,362

Expenditure Teaching staff 3 2,326 2,308 Other staff 4 480 492 2,806 2,800 Property 213 219 Pupils 120 118 Administrative 144 160

3,283 3,297

Surplus/(deficit) for the year 48 65

Notes: 1. The principal source of income comprises the School’s budget share of grants as determined by the Department of Education in respect of delegated items of expenditure and is accounted for in the year in which it is receivable. 2. Other income is accounted for in the year in which it is receivable. 3. 1% annual increase in salaries for 2014. Increase due to natural progression along current salary scales. 4. 1% annual increase in salaries for 2014. NILGOSC employer contributions increased to 20%.

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APPENDIX A

LIST OF POLICY STATEMENTS, PROCEDURES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

Copies of these documents are available and can be obtained from the Principal’s Secretary. Alternatively, many policies can be accessed on the school website – www.larnegrammar.org.uk

Policies Admissions Waiting List Policy Admissions Criteria (Year 8) Admissions Criteria (Years 9-12) Admissions Criteria (Year 13 & 14) Attendance Policy Anti-Bullying Policy Awards Policy CCTV Policy Charging Policy Complaints Policy Curriculum Policy Data Protection Policy Drugs and Substance Abuse Policy Educational Visits Policy Food in Schools Policy Freedom of Information Act Policy Health Education Policy Healthy Eating Policy Hospitality Policy ICT Acceptable Use, eSafety and Digital Media Policy Library Policy Mobile Devices Policy Pastoral Care Policy Promoting Positive Behaviour Policy Relationships and Sexuality Education Policy Road Safety Education Policy Safeguarding Policy Safe Handling and Use of Reasonable Force Policy School Security Policy Special Education Needs Policy Supporting Pupils with Medication Needs Policy Teaching and Learning Policy Uniform Policy

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