BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ REPORT 2019-20 ______

Belfast High School

November 2020

CONTENTS

Chairman’s Foreword Board of Governors’ Discharge of Function in Relation to the School Membership of the Board of Governors 2019-20 Ethos and Vision of Belfast High School Enrolment, Admissions and Attendance School Activities/Pupil Achievements Results 2019-20 School Leavers’ Destinations 2019-20 Curriculum Pastoral Care, Safeguarding and SEN Security of Pupils, Staff and Premises Links with the Community Financial Statement School Development Days 2019-20 School Policies

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Chairman’s Foreword

It gives me great pleasure as Chair of the Board of Governors to introduce this annual report of Belfast High School for the academic year 2019-20.

Last year in my introduction I commented that we lived in a world that is constantly changing, little did I know just how much our world would change in the last few months of the academic year and the impact the coronavirus pandemic would have in all areas of our lives and especially in the education of our children.

The report shows some of the highlights of our pupils’ achievements over the past year in both academic results and a very wide range of extra-curricular activities and the Board thanks all staff members for their commitment to the school which allows our pupils to strive to achieve their full potential.

We acknowledge the very strong academic performances by our pupils in a year when examinations did not take place for the first time in living memory. At A Level 97% of pupils achieved 3 A*-C grades and at GCSE 93% achieved a minimum of 7 passes at A*-C. We also recognise the key role that our teachers, parents and other family members play in supporting and encouraging the pupils in all of their endeavours.

I would like to thank Mrs Weir for her leadership of the school, especially over the last few turbulent and challenging months of the academic year.

I commend this report to you and I thank you for your interest in Belfast High School.

Mr M Finlay Chairman

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Board of Governors’ Discharge of Function in Relation to the School

The Governors met regularly through various sub-committees and full Board meetings during the period September 2019 to June 2020 incorporating virtual meetings for the first time. Minutes were taken at all meetings and circulated to members. The Board Sub Committees are:

Education Human Resources Health and Safety Grounds, Property and Development Finance Audit Admissions Appeals

The Board of Governors ensured that the School fulfilled its curricular and pastoral care responsibilities and provided a range of co-curricular activities for all pupils. The Board and its Finance Committee ensured that the School made the most effective use of the financial resources available to it.

Whilst the Board of Governors has overall responsibility for the management of the School, the Principal is delegated by the Board of Governors with the responsibility for the strategic leadership and management of the School, including the School’s finances. The Senior Leadership Team meets once per week and consists of the Principal, the Vice Principal, Bursar and four Senior Teachers. The team has a leading role in strategic planning and ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of how the School operates.

All members of the Senior Leadership Team are familiar with the important day to day issues of school life and may be delegated significant responsibilities in the absence of either the Principal and/or the Vice Principal.

Heads of Department meet with the Senior Leadership Team throughout the year to ensure coherence and consistency in their approach to the delivery of the curriculum.

Heads of Year oversee the day to day pastoral issues within their year group and provide support and guidance to their Form Teachers. Heads of Year meet regularly with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure a consistent team approach.

Other staff who hold additional teaching allowances are managed through a line management system. These allowances are required to address additional significant aspects of school life.

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Board of Governors 2019-20

Member Governors: Mr M Finlay, BSSc (to May 2022) Mrs J McDermott, PG CIPD Strategic HR, CIPD TP and Cert Crim Law (to May 2021) Dr K McKnight BSc, MA (Cantab), BM BCh (Oxon), FRCP (to May 2022) Prof. R Millar, MA (Cantab), DPhil, CEng, FBCS, CITP, FHEA (to May 2021) Mr B Roden, BSc, FCA (to May 2021)

Parent Governors: Mr K Swarbrick, BA, MA, FCA, MAPM (to December 2021) Mrs A Zacharopoulou, LLB, LLM, PGCUT, SFHEA (to December 2021)

Teacher Governor: Dr J King, MA, PGCE, PhD (to December 2021)

Department of Education Nominated Governors: Mr G Gray, BSc, PGCE, CSci(teach) (to December 2021) Mr L Johnston, BEd, DASE, Adv Dip Ed (to December 2021) Ms D Kiley, LLB, CPLS (to December 2021) Mr K Kilpatrick, BA, PG Dip Comp Sci, MEd, PG Cert Management (to December 2021) Mr WK Mo, BA, ILM (to December 2021) Mr G Wills, BSc, MArch, ARB, RIBA (to December 2021)

Principal Mrs C Weir, BA, MSc, PGCE, PQH

Secretary to the Board of Governors Mrs M McCaughey, BSSc, PGCE, PGDip, FinAcc (School Bursar) Miss E Hull BSc, PGDip, FCA (School Bursar)

Office Bearers Chairman Mr M Finlay Vice Chairman Prof R Millar

Convenor of Education Committee Prof R Millar Convenor of Human Resources Committee Ms D Kiley Convenor of Finance Committee Mr K Swarbrick Convenor of Health and Safety Committee TBC Convenor of Grounds, Property and Development Committee Mr G Wills Convenor of Audit Committee Prof R Millar Convenor of Admissions Committee Mr M Finlay Convenor of Appeals Committee Mr M Finlay

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Ethos and Aims of Belfast High School

Belfast High School is a co-educational voluntary grammar school, controlled by a Board of Governors. It was founded in 1854 by John Pyper on a site near Carlisle Circus in Belfast. The School moved to its present location in Jordanstown in 1963 and now occupies a 32-acre site on the north shore of Belfast Lough. It is a school which is forward-looking and innovative while retaining the values and tradition of its founders and has a reputation as one of the leading grammar schools in the country.

Ethos To develop each person to be the best that he or she can be in an atmosphere of civilised tolerance.

Aims

 To provide a broad, balanced and coherent curriculum which suits the needs of all pupils in a changing society and which encourages each pupil in his or her intellectual, cultural, aesthetic and physical development.  To instil in each pupil the determination to strive in all activities, academic and otherwise to achieve his or her own level of excellence.  To encourage in pupils a respect for religious and moral values.  To create a caring environment in which the needs of each pupil are considered.  To foster social attitudes which will enable each pupil to take his or her place as a responsible member of the community.  To value and respect everyone, recognise their strengths and differences, encourage them to develop their skills and abilities and have a positive attitude to each and every member of our community.  To develop the three-way partnership (parent-pupil-school) to enable our pupils to attain their full potential.  To prepare our pupils for the challenges and opportunities of the fast-paced C21st world.

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Enrolment, Admissions and Attendance

Enrolment The enrolment for 2019-20 was 935 pupils (DENI census 2019).

Admissions The admissions number for Year 8 was 136.

The table below shows the number who applied and who were admitted over the past 3 years:

Admissions Total Applications Appeals Total Year Number All Preferences Upheld Admissions 2018-19 136 194 0 136 2019-20 136 170 0 136 2020-21 136 211 2 142*

*includes 4 pupils with a statement of special educational needs

Attendance The Annual Attendance Rate for 2019-20, calculated in the manner set down by the Department of Education was 96%.

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School Activities and Achievements

The Board of Governors of Belfast High School is pleased to present the Annual Report for the period May 2019 to June 2020. The Report begins with a review of the public examination results which were published in August 2020.

There has been a lot of commentary around the ‘examination’ arrangements this year but for Belfast High School pupils their level of achievement was, once again, of an outstanding standard. At A Level 35 pupils, almost one third of the year group, achieved at least 3 x A grades (58 x A* and 53 x A in total). Our top 3 performers at A Level, Rose Dykes, Andrew Huey and Talula Reid were each awarded 4 x A* grades. St John’s College Oxford is the next destination for all 3 pupils, where they will read Chemistry, Engineering Science and European and Middle Eastern Languages respectively. Congratulations also go to Josh Scott who will read Law at Oriel College, Oxford. Our A Level pupils achieved a 100% pass rate in 3 or more subjects with 99% of all entries resulting in an A*-C grade.

At AS level we are delighted with the results overall and they give an indicator of a very strong performance at A Level in 2021 with the top performing 31 pupils each achieving at least 3 x A grades (100 x A grades in total).

At GCSE level 97.5% of all entries resulted in a C grade or better, matching the results achieved by our pupils in 2019. Thirty-five pupils achieved at least 9 x A grades (190 x A* and 143 x A grades in total). Special congratulations to Euan Gepp, Katie Lunn, Megan McComb and Ruth Morrow who each achieved 10 x A* grades.

The Board is extremely proud of the results achieved by our pupils and congratulates them all on their individual successes, whatever that may be for each one of them. These successes are a reflection of their personal commitment and dedication, working with their teachers and supported by their parents, given the particular challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic this year.

The Board was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Stanley Littlewood this year. Stan was a former Head of PE, a Member of the school and a gentleman whose commitment and support to the school lasted his entire adult life.

In June 2019, the School bade farewell to Dr Gibson. The Board thanks Dr Gibson for her contribution to the school firstly as Head of Physics and then as Head of Science. As an Ogden Trust Teacher Fellow, Dr Gibson worked in collaboration with the charity to spread her enthusiasm and commitment to Physics with our partner schools. The Board wishes her well on her continuing journey to full health. The Board also thanks those members of staff whose career path sees them moving on: Mr Colin Jellie, Miss Anja Jones and Mrs Nuala Yetman. The Board would also like to record its particular thanks to Mrs Mary McCaughey, the Bursar and Secretary to the Board for her significant contribution to the work of the Board over the last 9 years and wishes her every success in her new post. The Board was delighted to welcome Miss Elisabeth Hull, a former pupil, to the role of Bursar. The Board looks forward to working with Elisabeth who comes to the post with a wealth of experience.

In September 2019, the school welcomed 3 new permanent members of teaching staff: Mr David Young as Head of English, Mrs Paula Wharry as a part-time teacher of Religious Studies and Miss Jenna McQueen as a permanent part-time teacher of Geography.

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A further 6 members of staff were appointed for the academic year 2019-20: Dr Anderson (Biology), Miss Berry (English), Miss McNeill (History), Miss Robinson (History), Mr Robinson (Technology) and Mrs Tinsley (Geography). The Board also congratulates the following staff who have taken on leadership roles in a permanent capacity: Dr A Bradley (Chemistry), Dr J King (Classics), Dr M Wood (Geography) and Mr G Turk (Numeracy).

Extra-curricular activities form an integral part of a Belfast High School pupil’s experience and they continue to be wide-ranging and popular. Coronavirus forced the reduction of many face to face activities from March, but in some cases our pupils were able to continue to participate in activities virtually, embracing modern technology.

The Board notes that these opportunities would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of the members of staff who give their time to support our pupils and takes this opportunity to thank them all.

The Music and Drama Department had another successful year with their production of The Crucible in November and performing at Prize Distribution, the Carol Service and the Spring Concert. Niamh Clow, Holly McKinney and Erin Peel were accepted into the Ulster Youth Orchestra and a further 10 pupils performed with the Education Authority Orchestra. Our Chamber Choir participated in the Choir of the Year competition. Erin Peel, our Music Ambassador, won a bursary for Unaccompanied Bach, Best String Performance and came 2nd in the Instrumental Gala at Ballymena Music Festival and competed in the final of the NI Young Musician of the Year competition in March. A number of pupils also passed their Grade 8 ABRSM exams.

The Community Service Group organised a number of fund-raising events, raising £3,028 and supporting The Princess Trust, Save the Children and the NI Children’s Hospice. The school also donated 45 handbags to the Women’s Aid festive handbag appeal and donated 50 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child. Conor Anton, a sixth form pupil, continued to volunteer at the NI Hospice in-patient unit throughout lockdown.

Our Young Enterprise Company, Offshore, helped clean up our local beaches by collecting sea glass and turning it into art. The group won Overall Company Winner at the Big Market Event at St George’s Market in December and went on to win the Digital Presence, Highest Sales and Best Overall Company awards at the YE trade fair held at Abbeycentre in February. The team represented the EA North-Eastern Area in the Northern Ireland Finals in April where they won Company of the Year. At the virtual UK finals in June, Offshore was named as the UK Company of the Year Runner-Up, an amazing achievement and only the second time in the competition history that a team from Northern Ireland has been placed in the top 3 in the UK Finals.

There were several successful trips this year including Biology and Geography field trips, a CU weekend at Castlewellan Castle, a Politics trip to London and a Geography trip to Iceland. Unfortunately, the rugby and hockey tours and the annual Year 8 trip to Paris had to be cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

Our First Lego League team participated in the NI Regional Finals in December and our inaugural First Tech Challenge (FTC) team ‘The Resistance’ competed in the NI First Tech Challenge Regional Final held at W5 in February, winning the Think Award for Robot Design and qualifying to participate in the UK FTC National Championships.

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The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to be popular and we are grateful to all staff involved for enabling our pupils to achieve 24 Bronze, 22 Silver and 5 Gold Awards. Special congratulations to Year 14 pupil Niamh Wait who was presented with her Gold certificate in March. Niamh completed her Bronze, Silver and Gold awards while at school and will travel to London later this year to collect her official Gold award

Co-curricular activities linked to the pupils’ subjects were very popular this year. In Science, Year 13 pupils Amy Armstrong, Emily Bisp, Katie Marshall, Taylor Mayne and Leo Milligan completed a 6 month Sentinus Research and Development Project with NIBEC in collaboration with SAFEWATER and post-graduate students from Ulster University to develop new, innovative solutions to the world’s water crisis. Year 13 Chemists Dara Devine, Katie Marshall and Leo Milligan who took 3rd place against 14 other schools in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s NI Young Analyst competition held at Stranmillis College in March. A number of Sixth Form pupils competed in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s prestigious 52nd Chemistry Olympiad. Rose Dykes achieved a silver award and Conor Anton, Scott Dennis, Jack McCrory, Joseph Lismore and Adam Logan achieved bronze awards. In January Cara McKnight, Hannah Bailie, Ben Wheeler and Ollie Watson participated in the annual RSC’s Top of the Bench competition at Queen’s University.

In Humanities, 2 senior teams comprising Conor Anton, Reuben Bolton, Joseph Lismore and Jordan McClelland, competed in the Concern Debating competition and the Ulster Schools’ Debating competition. Conor and Jordan reached the quarter final of the competition. A team of 3 Year 13 pupils, Ruairi Lowery, Callum Wright and Amy Jamison represented Italy in the annual Mock European Council held in February at Belfast City Hall. A team of senior pupils competed in the prestigious Bar Mock Trial competition in November, held at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast.

Special congratulations go to Year 10 pupil Vedika Upadhyay who won the Seamus Heaney Award for Achievement 2020 through the Poetry in Motion Schools’ Programme for her poem Hyacinth. Three multi-millionaire and 15 millionaire Accelerated Reader Awards were achieved by our Year 8 and 9 pupils. Pupils have to pass a quiz on the books they have read in order to have the words added. The programme is designed to promote regular, careful reading at an appropriate level of challenge.

In Languages, Ruairi Lowery was selected for the UK-German Connection’s Youth Seminar and travelled to Leipzig in early November to participate in the ‘Peacing it Together’ programme with 50 students from Northern Ireland and Germany. A team of 6 A Level Spanish students competed in the annual NICILT Spanish Debate held at Queen’s University in February. Year 8 pupil, Alina Pan was one of the winners of the Confucius poster competition to celebrate Chinese Year of the Rat. The School was also delighted to host a visit of María Jesús Gómez who teaches English in our partner school IES Los Albares in Cieza in Murcia in October. As part of the Erasmus+ programme Maria spent a week taking part in lessons and meeting the pupils.

Finally, many pupils participated in the annual UK Maths Challenge at junior, intermediate and senior level. At senior level pupils achieved 1 gold, 4 silver and 8 bronze awards.

Alexandra Stafford-Santana was selected to participate in the TABU Exchange Project. TABU (Towards a Better Understanding) is a Rotary Club of Belfast exchange project with the Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood in Chicago and aims to create a better mutual understanding between different communities by studying Conflict Resolution.

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Joshua Johnston was selected for the Sister Cities Student Exchange Programme. This programme is 20 years old and is a partnership between Gilbert, Arizona and Newtownabbey and Antrim Council. It runs for 6 weeks with students from Northern Ireland travelling to the United States followed by a return visit to Northern Ireland.

The Careers Department organised several events throughout the year including Year 13 Interview Skills Day, workshops to prepare pupils applying to Oxbridge, a Stem Careers event with ALMAC and work experiences for pupils with Catalyst. They have also worked with MTech Academy allowing out pupils to gain an insight into how ICT impacts various sectors of the economy and learn more about careers enabled and supported by next-generation technology. Unfortunately, the trip for a group of our pupils to experience this industry first-hand at Ericsson’s headquarters in Stockholm has been postponed due to the coronavirus.

There were a number of sporting successes this year. In rugby the 1st XV reached the semi-final of the Ulster Schools’ Bowl and the Medallion XV reached the quarter-final of the Medallion Plate. Special congratulations go to Jana McQuillan, Jack Norton, Scott Dennis and Scott Hutton who were selected for Ulster at their respective age groups.

In hockey our 1st XI had a great start to their season winning the Ulster Hockey Super League Final in November, defeating Carrickfergus GS in the final by 2 goals to nil. Holly Beckinsale was selected for the Ulster Hockey U15 TDS. A number of Year 11 girls also attended an Ulster Hockey training session to assist at the Ulster Hockey Primary School Blitz as umpires.

In netball Jill Smiley was selected for the NI U17 team for the European Championships, Ellie Rea for the NI U17 squad and Natasha Nevins for the NI U17 development squad. Our minor team won the Northern Ireland League final in March, defeating Wallace 26-7 and our junior team reached the final of the Junior Cup.

In cross-country 56 pupils competed at the District Championships held at Ormeau Park with 14 pupils qualifying for the Ulster finals. At the Ulster finals in February Ava Manson qualified to participate in the Irish Finals.

A number of athletes participated in the Ulster Schools’ Multi Event Championships in September. Conor Cunningham won bronze in the minor boys’ competition and Finlay Stewart won silver in the inter boys’ competition. Conor and Finlay, along with Zane McQuillan who finished in 4th place, qualified to participate in the Irish finals in Athlone on 9 November where Finlay finished in 7th place overall at intermediate level and Zane finished in 10th place overall at junior level.

Joshua Knox won bronze at the Schools’ International Athletics Board (SIAB) Track and Field International in July, recording a new PB of 13.63m in the triple jump and also represented Northern Ireland and Ulster at the England Athletics Age Group Championships in August, finishing 9th in the triple jump.

Conor Nugent was selected for the Ireland senior schools’ table tennis team. Our U13 team won silver at the Ulster Schools’ Table Tennis Team Championships.

In Sailing, Daniel Corbett, a member of the RYA Youth Performance programme, was selected to compete in the Topper British Nationals in Largs, Scotland during the summer.

Alex Henderson, Billy McDowell and Josh Roney joined the school as part of the new UEFA Academy based at Ulster University, Jordanstown. 11

The boys play for the Northern Ireland U16 team. Conor Cunningham was selected for the Northern Ireland U15 football team. Five Year 10 and 11 pupils travelled to Spain in October to participate in the prestigious Football Cup Barcelona, representing the Northern Ireland Football Development Academy U15 squad. The team won 4 or their 5 matches, loosing narrowly in the final.

Taylor Morrison was selected for the Ulster U16 golf regional development squad and qualified to participate in the Irish U18 Boys’ Amateur Championships.

Daniel Harvey was selected by Swim Ulster for the Swim Ireland Regional Skills Academy. Daniel and Ellen Millar qualified for the Irish Summer Nationals in Dublin.

Ethan Gardiner has been selected to represent Northern Ireland at the upcoming Commonwealth Judo Championships.

Sophie Cates won silver in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Junior European Championships and LJ Barit won bronze. Both girls also competed in the Irish Open where LJ won silver and Sophie won bronze.

Jack Prior won a silver medal at the British League Trampolining qualifying competition and competed in the British League Finals in Derby in November. Fahriye Onur, Megan Jardine and Matthew Horan participated in the NI Schools’ Trampolining competition. Megan finished second at intermediate level in her age group and Fahriye third and both qualified to compete in Newcastle upon Tyne in January.

The Friends of Belfast High School held their annual table quiz in February raising £800 and continued to sell hot drinks and snacks from the ‘Snack Shack’ each Saturday morning during the hockey and rugby season, raising much needed funds to enhance our pupils’ experiences. The Old Girls’ Association also continues to support the school. In November an Aromatherapy Evening was held in the sixth form centre with attendees being offered a relaxing hand massage using natural ingredients. A demonstration by DKNI was scheduled for March but this was unfortunately cancelled, as well as the AGM and Dinner.

The Board is committed to providing the highest standard of facilities for staff and pupils and was pleased to see the new hygiene room in operation from September. The river was culverted to allow for 2-way traffic to the Sports Hall which will assist greatly with traffic flow. Over the Christmas break a major decoration project was undertaken which included the relocation and repainting of pupil lockers, new lighting and paintwork along the bottom corridor of the main teaching block and new paintwork and curtains in the assembly hall. A new high-tech sound system, screen and lectern were also purchased for the assembly hall. It was a great effort to ensure these improvements were in place for Open Morning in January 2020. When the school ‘closed’ in March, the facilities team ensured that the necessary tests were carried out regularly to allow the school to continue to open safely for our vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers from our own school and from a local primary school. During this period, the landscaping of the entrance to the sports facilities was completed, as was the painting of the upper floor of the main teaching block and the first phase of the painting of the science block.

The school remained open from mid-March to the end of the academic year to provide face to face care for our vulnerable pupils and the children of front-line workers. Pastoral support for all of our pupils was also a priority with as much contact as possible maintained by both our own staff and external agencies. 12

The staff also rose to the unprecedented demands of providing remote learning, developing centre- assessed grades and preparing for the eventual safe re-opening of the school for all pupils in the new academic year. It has been a very unusual year and the Board of Governors is delighted to continue to make such a positive report on the School, despite the current challenges.

The Board extends its thanks to Mrs Weir and the entire staff for their efforts this year and to the pupils for their fine record of achievements in every aspect of school life.

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Results 2019-20

Summary of Results in 2020 (See tables for subject statistics):

Year 12 (GCSE) Total number of subject entries: 1255 Average number of subject entries per pupil 9 Overall percentage pass rate: 97% Percentage achieving 7 or more grades A*-C: 93% Percentage achieving 5 or more grades A*-C: 99% % achieving 7 or more grades A*-C (inc Eng/Maths): 93% % achieving 5 or more grades A*-C (inc Eng/Maths): 97%

Year 14 (GCE) Total number of subject entries: 323 Average number of subject entries per pupil: 3 Overall percentage pass rate: 100% Percentage achieving 3 or more grades A-C: 97% Percentage achieving 2 or more grades A-E: 100%

TREND DATA

GCSE and GCSE Equivalent Subjects - *following permitted 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 exclusions Percentage of school on SEN register 5.6 6.2 4.7 Percentage of school pupils entitled to FSM 9.4 8.1 8.7 *Percentage of Year 12 taking GCSE and Equivalents in at least 7 subjects 99 98 99 *Percentage of Year 12 obtaining Grades C or above in at least 7 subjects 92 94 93 NI average for all grammar schools for 7 passes A*-C 91 91 n/a *Percentage of Year 12 obtaining Grades C or above in at least 7 subjects 90 94 93 including GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics NI average for all grammar schools for 7 A*-C passes including E and M 90 90 90 *Percentage of Year 12 obtaining Grades C or above in at least 5 subjects 94 96 99 *Percentage of Year 12 entitled to FSM achieving 5 or more GCSEs Grades A* - C or equivalent (including GCSE English and GCSE 90 89 100 Mathematics)

Year 14

GCE A Level or equivalent 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Percentage of Year 14 taking A levels and Equivalents in at least 3 99 100 100 subjects Percentage of Year 14 obtaining Grades C or above in at least 3 A levels 82 78 97 The NI average for all grammar schools achieving 3 A*-C 78 80 80

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GCSE RESULTS 2020 (FULL COURSE)

SUBJECT Entry A* A B C* C D E F U Art and No 1 8 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 15 Design % 6.7 53.3 26.7 0.0 6.7 6.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 16 37 23 16 20 1 1 0 0 Biology 114 % 14.0 32.5 20.2 14.0 17.5 0.9 0.9 0.0 0.0 Business No 6 16 13 6 6 2 1 0 0 50 Studies % 12.0 32.0 26.0 12.0 12.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 No 26 21 14 2 3 1 0 0 0 Chemistry 67 % 38.8 31.3 20.9 3.0 4.5 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 Child No 5 9 7 1 1 0 0 0 0 23 Development % 21.7 39.1 30.4 4.3 4.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Digital No 4 6 1 3 1 2 0 0 0 17 Technology % 23.5 35.3 5.9 17.6 5.9 11.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 2 8 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 Drama 18 % 11.1 44.4 27.8 16.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 English No 13 47 41 21 14 2 0 0 0 138 Language % 9.4 34.1 29.7 15.2 10.1 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 English No 19 32 51 11 18 2 1 0 0 134 Literature % 14.2 23.9 38.1 8.2 13.4 1.5 0.7 0.0 0.0 Food and No 3 7 3 5 3 0 1 0 0 22 Nutrition % 13.6 31.8 13.6 22.7 13.6 0.0 4.5 0.0 0.0 No 9 20 11 9 12 2 1 0 0 French 64 % 14.1 31.3 17.2 14.1 18.8 3.1 1.6 0.0 0.0 Further No 19 21 10 1 1 0 0 0 0 52 Mathematics % 36.5 40.4 19.2 1.9 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 21 21 8 4 3 2 0 0 0 Geography 59 % 35.6 35.6 13.6 6.8 5.1 3.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 4 4 8 5 2 3 0 0 0 German 26 % 15.4 15.4 30.8 19.2 7.7 11.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 12 25 13 6 7 0 0 0 0 History 63 % 19.0 39.7 20.6 9.5 11.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Leisure, Travel No 0 3 4 5 5 3 2 0 0 22 and Tourism % 0.0 13.6 18.2 22.7 22.7 13.6 9.1 0.0 0.0 No 25 57 40 10 6 0 0 0 0 Mathematics 138 % 18.1 41.3 29.0 7.2 4.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 0 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Music 6 % 0.0 83.3 0.0 16.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 13 27 12 11 7 0 2 0 0 Physics 72 % 18.1 37.5 16.7 15.3 9.7 0.0 2.8 0.0 0.0 Religious No 10 5 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 19 Studies % 52.6 26.3 5.3 10.5 5.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 9 9 7 2 3 0 0 0 0 Spanish 30 % 30.0 30.0 23.3 6.7 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Technology and No 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 8 Design % 0.0 50.0 25.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

SUBJECT Entry 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Classical No 5 1 3 2 4 0 0 0 0 15 Civilisation % 33.3 6.7 20.0 13.3 26.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Computer No 7 4 3 4 0 0 1 0 0 19 Science % 36.8 21.1 15.8 21.1 0.0 0.0 5.3 0.0 0.0 No 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 Electronics 8 % 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 6 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Latin 9 % 66.7 22.2 11.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Physical No 3 9 3 6 4 2 1 0 0 28 Education % 10.7 32.1 10.7 21.4 14.3 7.1 3.6 0.0 0.0

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A LEVEL RESULTS 2020

Total Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Un- SUBJECT Entry A* A B C D E graded No 3 13 14 7 1 0 0 Biology 38 % 7.9 34.2 36.8 18.4 2.6 0.0 0.0 Business No 4 5 13 5 0 0 0 27 Studies % 14.8 18.5 48.2 18.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 6 14 4 4 0 0 0 Chemistry 28 % 21.4 50.0 14.3 14.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 Classical No 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 6 Civilisation % 33.3 33.3 33.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Computer No 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 5 Science % 60.0 20.0 20.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Digital No 1 3 4 1 0 0 0 9 Technology % 11.1 33.3 44.4 11.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 2 2 4 2 0 0 0 Electronics 10 % 20.0 20.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 English No 4 4 5 4 1 0 0 18 Literature % 22.2 22.2 27.8 22.2 5.6 0.0 0.0 No 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 French 4 % 50.0 25.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Further No 3 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 4 Mathematics % 75.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 12 7 11 0 0 0 0 Geography 30 % 40.0 23.3 36.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Government No 6 6 1 0 0 0 0.0 13 and Politics % 46.2 46.2 7.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Health and No 0 3 10 4 0 0 0.0 17 Social Care % 0.0 17.6 58.8 23.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 1 5 6 1 0 0 0 History 13 % 7.7 38.5 46.1 7.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Latin 2 % 100.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 5 18 8 6 0 0 0 Mathematics 37 % 13.5 48.7 21.6 16.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 Media No 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 5 Studies % 20.0 40.0 40.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 Music 5 % 0.0 80.0 20.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Physical No 1 10 4 2 0 0 0 17 Education % 5.9 58.8 23.5 11.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 2 4 5 2 1 0 0 Physics 14 % 14.3 28.6 35.7 14.3 7.1 0.0 0.0 Religious No 1 1 6 2 0 0 0 10 Studies % 10.0 10.0 60.0 20.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 No 3 3 3 2 0 0 0 Spanish 11 % 27.3 27.3 27.3 18.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

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Leavers’ Destinations

Year 14 Leavers Destinations 2020 (107 pupils)

Higher Education: NI Degree 51 GB Degree 46 Non-UK Degree 1

Further Education: Foundation Degree 1

Gap Year: 4

Employment: 1

Unknown: 3

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Curriculum 2019-20

The school curriculum is designed to provide the broadest possible choice of subjects and experience for pupils who can benefit from them.

In Year 8, pupils study the following subjects – Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Digital Literacy, Drama, English, French, Geography, History, Home Economics, Learning for Life and Work, Literacy, Mathematics, Music, Personal Development, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Studies and Technology and Design.

In Year 9, pupils continue with the same subjects but are also introduced to Spanish or German.

In Year 10, pupils select to study 3 subjects chosen from Art, Classical Civilisation, German, Home Economics, Latin, Performing Arts (Music and Drama), Spanish and Technology and Design whilst continuing with all of their previous subjects and also Careers.

In Years 11 and 12, pupils prepare for and take their GCSE examinations. All pupils study English Language and Mathematics with the overwhelming majority also studying English Literature. For a broad and balanced curriculum it is recommended that all pupils study a modern foreign language chosen from French, German and Spanish and a science chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Electronics and Physics. GCSEs are also offered in Art and Design, Business Studies, Child Development, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Digital Technology, Drama, Food and Nutrition, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Latin, Leisure, Travel and Tourism, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Technology and Design. Further Mathematics can be taken as a tenth subject.

In Sixth Form, pupils study a minimum of 3 subjects to A level drawn from a list of 22 subjects. In a very small number of subjects, pupils do not sit an AS qualification, but instead follow a 2 year A level linear qualification.

The school is fully compliant with the Entitlement Framework at both Key Stage 4 and Post-16.

Throughout Years 8 to 12, classes in Religious Studies are provided for every pupil, but parents who have a conscientious objection may withdraw their children

Careers Education is organised by a Head of Department who directs his team of teachers and whose work is supplemented by the Careers Officers from the Training and Employment Agency, who provide information and advice for all pupils from Year 10 upwards. As well as Careers classes and interviews, the School has a full programme of special visits and work experience scheme designed to help pupils make informed career choices. All Year 13 pupils participate in a course which deals with interview and communication skills, careers advice and information about tertiary level education. In Year 14 pupils follow an enrichment programme which includes UCAS preparation, talks by visiting speakers from HE, FE and private companies.

Assessment and reporting, for all pupils, includes at least one full session of internal examinations per year followed by a detailed written report, issued via ParentApp.

In all years, parents also have the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress with their subject teachers at Parents’ afternoons.

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A wide range of co-curricular activities is available to all pupils who are encouraged to participate for enjoyment and self-development. In excess of 30 clubs and societies function each year providing for artistic, cultural, sporting and other interests. These include:

Animal House, Athletics, Badminton, Book Club, Breakfast Club, Chemistry Club, Chess, Chinese Club, Choir (Junior/Senior/Chamber), Christian Union, Circuits, Community Service, Computing, Craft Club, Creative Writing, Cricket, Cross-Country, Debating and Current Affairs, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Eco Club, Equestrian Events, Film Club, First Lego League, First Tech Challenge, Folk Group, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Greek as a Treat Club, Hockey, Homework Club, International Club, Junior Drama, Let’s Cook Club, Netball, Orchestra (including Junior Strings and Wind Band), Rugby, Sound and Light, Swimming, Table Tennis and Tennis. Clubs and societies meet during the school day, after school and in some cases evenings and weekends.

Pupils have many opportunities to extend their subject knowledge through activities beyond the classroom and are encouraged to stretch themselves by entering competitions such as the Chemistry Olympiad, Bar Mock Trial, Mock European Council, UK Maths Challenge, Sentinus Research and Development, NI Schools and Concern Debates and Sutton Trust and Oxbridge Summer Schools. Pupils studying Business Studies are encouraged to become involved with the Young Enterprise Scheme, setting up and running a mini company. Our companies have enjoyed considerable success in this area, frequently reaching the Northern Ireland Finals.

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Pastoral Care, Safeguarding and SEN

Our Pastoral Care System is an essential part of our school curriculum and there is a close working relationship between the academic and pastoral structures in the school.

The Vice Principal heads up the pastoral care of pupils within the School, working alongside the three Heads of Key Stage and Heads of Year. Heads of Year in turn work with a team of Form Tutors from Year 8 to Year 14 who support and work with the pupils throughout their time at Belfast High School, focusing on the personal, social and academic development of each pupil.

The Safeguarding Team, consisting of the Vice Principal, Senior Teachers, Principal, Chairman of the Board of Governors and designated Governor, takes responsibility for all safeguarding and child protection issues within the school. In addition, a counsellor from an external agency provides further support for pupils through weekly sessions. Belfast High School also works closely with professional external support agencies to support our pupils. Medical care is provided by a team of first aiders.

Our experienced Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator works to ensure that those pupils with additional educational needs receive the appropriate support. All pupils registered with additional educational needs are provided with an Individual Learning Plan. Classroom Assistants work alongside subject teachers to provide additional individual support for pupils.

Support is also provided by Form Prefects and Sixth Form Mentors who assist individual pupils requiring additional subject-specific or general organisational support. Prefects also assist younger pupils through various extended roles which enhances the extra-curricular provision throughout school.

Weekly assemblies promote a sense of community and provide one way to celebrate our pupil achievements. These are led by staff and pupils and encourage engagement with a range of social, moral and spiritual themes. We aim to foster positive attitudes, individual responsibility and respect for the whole school community. These themes are also explored through weekly pastoral classes delivered by the Form Tutors and link closely with the Careers Information Advice and Guidance, Learning for Life and Work and Health Education Programmes.

We are committed to creating a caring and supportive community built on positive relationships and open communication between pupils, staff and home. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the relevant Head of Year at any time if they have concerns on any aspects related to their child’s education at Belfast High School.

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Security of Pupils, Staff and Premises

The entire school site is secured by fencing with access gates which are open and closed at pre- arranged times by the Facilities staff.

Access to the school buildings is controlled by magnetically locking outer doors which can be opened at set times and at other times opened by key fobs. The buildings are opened and locked by the Facilities staff at agreed times.

Teaching staff are on duty before the start of school, at break time and lunch time and in the bus park at the end of school, with responsibility for supervising pupils.

All visitors must report to reception on arrival and are required to carry a visitor pass at all times.

All pupils are registered during form time and every lesson throughout the day.

All internal areas of the School are accessible for all pupils following the installation of a lift in the Music Department which was completed in December 2018.

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Links with the Community

The School uses a variety of means to facilitate a continuing process of consultation with parents through face to face meetings with teachers and on-line surveys for each year group. Parents, Governors and local primary school principals receive the quarterly newsletter electronically in addition to a range of information shared through Parent App and official social media channels.

Links with the wider community are also developed through the School’s involvement in the Newtownabbey Learning Community.

The following departments have consistent and sustained interaction with statutory agencies, educational institutions, local political representatives, local, national and international businesses:

Careers, Pastoral Care and SEN, Sciences and Technology, Business Studies, PE, Music, History, Politics and Citizenship.

The Community Services group co-ordinates pupil fundraising in support of a wide range of causes, with thousands of pounds regularly raised by way of special events and donated to a variety of charities.

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Financial Statement

Secondary Revenue Account 2019-20

INCOME

Department of Education Funding 4,470,713 Voluntary Contributions 104,755 Other Funding 312,046 4,887,514

EXPENDITURE

Teaching Staff 3,320,044 (67.93%) Non-Teaching Staff 859,711 (17.59%) Ground Rent, Water, Insurance, Fuel, Electricity, Cleaning 204,115 (4.18%) Miscellaneous 158,354 (3.25%) Maintenance 99,394 (2.03%) Pupils’ Textbooks and Stationery 77,010 (1.58%) Examination Fees 76,369 (1.56%) Sports, Games and Travelling 21,407 (0.44%) 4,816,404

Net Surplus 71,110

Capital Fees Account 2019-20

INCOME

Capital Fees 73,240 Capital Grant Income 483,471 Other Capital Income 0 Total Income 556,711

EXPENDITURE

Interest on Loans (41,204) Depreciation (190,318) Bad Debt Provision (5,360) (236,882)

Net Surplus 319,829

General Revenue Account 2019-20

INCOME

Gift Aid on Voluntary Receipts 24,898

EXPENDITURE 0

Net Surplus 24,898

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School Development Days 2019-20

Date Key Focus Staff Meetings. Departmental Meetings – CCEA analytics to inform strategies for improvement for 2020. Monday 18 November Working Group Meetings. Head of Year Meetings. New Staff Meeting. Learning and Teaching Sharing Good Practice Carousel. Monday 20 January Rosenshine’s Principles. Mid-year review of Departmental Action Plans and Post-Holder Action Plans. Friday 21 February Support strategies for underperformers. Reflect on Rosenshine training and retrieval practice. Tuesday 17 March Staff Meeting and departmental time to plan for remote learning. Monday 25 May Staff CPD on strategies to support remote/blended learning. (Postponed to June 2020)

School Policies

School policies are available on request from the Principal’s PA or can be accessed on the school website.

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