Victoria College Belfast Cranmore Park Belfast BT9 6JA Tel No:(028) 90661506 Fax No:(028) 90666898

ANNUAL REPORT TO PARENTS

For the Year 2019 / 2020

VICTORIA COLLEGE BELFAST CRANMORE PARK BELFAST BT9 6JA TEL: 028 90661506 FAX: 028 90666898

GOVERNORS' ANNUAL REPORT

SECTION 1 – BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Board of Victoria College, under its current constitution, comprises of 27 Governors. Of these, twelve are Foundation Governors; nine are nominated by the Department of Education; three are Parent Governors elected by parents; and three are Teacher Governors elected by their colleagues. The Principal is an ex officio member of the Board. The Board’s Secretary is Ms Nicola Mawhinney BA.

The members of the Board of Governors who served during the period 2019 – 2020 were as follows: Expiry of Name Category Term of Office Mrs W Blundell OBE MEng CEng FICE MIStructE Foundation Governor N/A (Chairman) Dr B Callender MB BCh BAO MRCGP Foundation Governor N/A (Vice Chairman) Mrs K Quinn BSc PGCE PQH (Principal) Ex officio N/A Mrs O Abayomi Dept of Education Nominee Aug 2019 Dr R Clarke MB BCh BAO FRCPath Foundation Governor N/A Dr K Goddard BEd MSc PhD Teacher Governor Nov 2021 Mr L Gorman BEd1 Teacher Governor Nov 2021 Mr G S Hamilton LLB Co-opted Member N/A Dame Joan Harbison BA MSc Foundation Governor N/A Mr M Haylett BEng CEng PMP MICE MAPM RMaPS Co-opted Member N/A Ms S Hetherington CPFA BA (Hons) Dept of Education Nominee Aug 2019 Dr M S Johnston MB BCh BAO Foundation Governor N/A Ms F Kane BA (Hons)1 Dept of Education Nominee Aug 2019 Mrs C Lewis Dip Sp Ed Dept of Education Nominee Aug 2019 Mr C McCrory BSc MAPM Foundation Governor N/A Mr B S McDonald FCA FCCA Dept of Education Nominee Aug 2019 Mrs M Murray BMus PGCE Cert TCD Teacher Governor Nov 2021 Mr P W D Murray BSSc Parent Governor Nov 2021 Mrs E A Robinson Foundation Governor N/A Mr D Toner BSc MRICS Co-opted Member N/A Mrs C Young BA HND Parent Governor Nov 2021

Note 1: Ms F Kane, Departmental Nominee, and Mr L Gorman, Teacher Governor, resigned from the Board in September 2020.

Dr M S Johnston and Dr B Callender were the Designated Governor and Deputy Designated Governor respectively for Child Protection for 2019-2020.

The Board had identified a number of skills gaps within the Board’s composition and subsequently co- opted Mr G S Hamilton and Mr D Toner to its membership with effect from February 2020.

Subject to the Department of Education’s schedule, a reconstitution of the Board is expected to be implemented. The Department of Education Nominee governors’ term of office was due to expire in August 2019, with these governors’ appointments extended until such times as the Department is in the position of progressing this process. Once the reconstitution is in place, the number of governors will reduce from 27 to 18, comprising of eight Foundation Governors, six Department of Education Governors, two Parent Governors and two Teacher Governors. With resignations in recent years,

- 2 - the Board’s current composition is seven Foundation Governors, four Department of Education Governors, two Teacher Governors and two Parent Governors. In view of the proposed reconstitution it was agreed not to fill the vacancies for the Parent and Teacher Governor categories and to seek to fill all six Department of Education Nominee appointments when the Department of Education commences this process. One Foundation Governor vacancy remains to be filled.

Victoria College is currently attended by 1069 pupils with 908 pupils in the Secondary Department and 161 pupils in the Preparatory School. The Preparatory School includes a Pre-School department with Day Care available for children from the age of 3 years and normally operating from 8.00am to 6.00pm. The After Hours facility is not currently in operation due to COVID-19 restrictions. The College was not able to offer its usual Boarding model for 2020/2021, with a guardianship programme currently provided for four overseas pupils.

The College is a leading non-denominational grammar school for girls and it enjoys an outstanding reputation for academic achievement together with an impressive record in many other activities such as music, drama and sport. The Board of Governors is committed to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential, developing the skills and qualities which will prepare her for adult life. Whilst striving towards this goal, the health and safety of its pupils and staff is paramount and, as well as the strict adherence to government guidance, this underpins the Board’s procedures, protocols and decision-making which direct all areas of College life. The Board of Governors reviews policies and procedures annually to ensure that the learning environment remains safe and secure, allowing pupils to develop and grow in confidence as they pursue their studies and avail of the many opportunities presented to them.

The supportive and inclusive ethos of the College has previously been recognised by the achievement of the Inclusion Quality Mark and the College’s outstanding development of the International Dimension in the curriculum was recognised by the International School Award. The College’s pastoral care has been recognised as outstanding by ETI and pupils are encouraged to become actively involved with voluntary work and charitable projects at home and abroad.

Each pupil benefits from a curriculum which offers breadth and balance and every effort is made to ensure that individual needs of pupils are met. As a member of the South Belfast Area Learning Community the College is normally able to work in collaboration with other local schools to ensure that a wide range of courses, both academic and vocational, are available to its pupils. Unfortunately these partnerships are currently restricted due to COVID-19 and the requirement by schools to operate in bubbles, but we look forward to being avail of these collaborative benefits again in the future.

Arrangements for pupils with special educational needs are outlined in the Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Policy, which, along with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and the Anti- Bullying Policy are available for parents on the College website (www.victoriacollege.org.uk) or from the school office. The Board of Governors is grateful to all the dedicated teaching and support staff who are essential in delivering the aims of the College.

The Board is very conscious of the unprecedented financial pressures facing the education sector as a whole, and the very real challenges facing all schools and is of the view that the current funding situation is simply not sustainable. Inescapable pressures, including increased employer and pension costs, coupled with an inadequate Department of Education budget allocation, means that the amount of grant funding Victoria College receives has decreased in real terms over the past years, while costs continue to rise. This is an ongoing trend and, while the Board of Governors continues to make representations to the Department of Education, both directly and through the Governing Bodies Association, the Board also recognises that, as a result of these pressures, there will be difficult and challenging decisions ahead to ensure that the College can live within its means. The global COVID pandemic has exacerbated the financial issues faced by the Education sector as a whole.

- 3 -

The Board is extremely grateful to our parents whose voluntary contributions to the College enable us to maintain such high quality provision for our pupils. We encourage all parents to make an annual voluntary contribution of £380.00 and we are very proud of and grateful for the continued commitment we receive from our parents. If this contribution is made through the Gift Aid Scheme the College will receive, at no cost to parents, an additional £85.00 by claiming back the basic rate tax paid on each contribution received. This investment by parents provides resources and educational materials beyond the statutory requirements. It helps to ensure we maintain curriculum breadth, appropriate class sizes, provide opportunities to stretch and develop pupils beyond the classroom, access specialist tutors and counsellors, participate in external events and purchase technical equipment and resources.

The Board takes great pride in our school estate and was delighted to receive notification from the Department on 14 January 2020 that the College has received formal approval for its second application under the School Enhancement Programme. It is hoped that this work will progress in the coming years, so that pupils will be able to enjoy the top quality learning environment they deserve. Through its Estates Committee, the Board continues to make applications for Minor Works programmes so that any necessary improvements to, and maintenance of, the College’s estate continue to be progressed.

A summary of the key work of the Board of Governors during the academic year 2019/2020 is outlined below.

Board Business

The Board met on ten occasions, three of these meetings being face-to-face prior to lockdown restrictions, with the remaining seven meetings being online. An additional online meeting was attended by Senior representatives of the Board in March 2020 to be kept abreast of arrangements and to plan ahead, following the initial Government announcement regarding the closure of schools and lockdown. The Board meetings’ agendas were directed in line with ongoing business, with this supported by the work of the Board’s committees.

Governance The Board was updated on Senior School and Preparatory School matters via reports from the Principal, Head of Corporate Services and the Head of the Preparatory School, with Committee business channelled through these reports. Provision was also in place for ad hoc Board meetings to be arranged as required. The Board was kept advised on directives by the Department and the Education Authority and updated on relevant correspondence received.

Boarding - Temporary Closure The Board of Governors met on 11 May 2020 to consider whether or not it would be possible for the College to continue to offer a boarding service from Drumglass House in light of the COVID 19 Pandemic and the emerging governmental guidance in relation to social distancing, quarantining and international travel. After much discussion and consideration of a number of factors, the Board agreed unanimously that the College was not in a position to safely open Drumglass House to Boarders in the coming academic year 2020-2021. The Board of Governors is responsible for the health, safety and well-being of all its pupils and staff and it must act in the best interests of them all. In reaching this decision, the Board was influenced by guidance from across the world as well as by guidance issued by the NI Executive.

In order to try to mitigate the impact of the closure of Drumglass House on pupils and parents, the College considered a range of alternate boarding options. Detailed discussions were held with another local Boarding school regarding the possibility of making use of alternative accommodation within their facilities. However, after considering many factors including logistics, cost and pupil experience, both

- 4 - schools agreed that this was not a feasible option. It was recognised that the College had an obligation to provide schooling for its continuing examinations pupils during 2020-2021. As a result a Homestay option was offered to students in the final year of a qualification to allow them to complete their studies with the College. This offer was not extended due to uncertainty about how the situation would change in the coming months and possible ongong disruption to the 2021-2022 academic year.

The decision to close Drumglass House was not taken lightly by the Board of Governors, given that the Boarding Department has been part of the College since its foundation in 1859. The Board agreed that communication with the families concerned was of utmost importance as any delay in decision-making would lead to issues in pupils gaining vital accommodation and gaining school placements elsewhere. The Principal, as the Board’s representative, contacted Boarding families personally to explain the rationale for the decision taken by the Board of Governors and to discuss the alternative arrangements available for both local and international boarding pupils.

In June 2020 the Board of Governors reviewed its decision to close Drumglass House and concluded that nothing had occurred to change its assessment of the risks to pupils and staff associated with re- opening Drumglass House. In fact, the guidance issued by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland only served to reinforce the decision to suspend boarding activities in Drumglass House for the 2020-2021 academic year. The introduction of pupil bubbles in particular added a further level of complexity to an already challenging situation which could not be satisfactorily resolved within the physical confines of Drumglass House itself.

The Board of Governors has continued to review public health guidance and to closely monitor developments within the boarding sector and remains unfortunately of the view that it would not be possible to provide a safe and suitable environment within Drumglass House for our pupils and staff to live and work. In particular, guidance in relation to social distancing, quarantine and isolation arrangements, hygiene and keeping pupils and staff safe from transmission of the Coronavirus meant that it was simply not safe to re-open Drumglass House.

The Board of Governors takes its responsibilities to its staff very seriously and it is also a matter of regret that we had to make a number of long-serving members of staff redundant as a result of the decision to close Drumglass House. As part of the redundancy process and in line with employment legislation and guidance, every member of staff affected by the decision to close Drumglass House was offered alternative employment within the College and some members of staff availed of this option. A redundancy process for these staff members commenced in June 2020 and concluded at the end of August 2020.

Construction Work – Richmond and Cranmore Campuses The Board of Governors, through its Estates Committee, oversaw general maintenance throughout the year and carried out a range of construction work on both campuses. The Committee liaised with the Department to register for funding for Minor Works applications.

Summer Capital works for 2019 were completed by October 2019. Remedial work on Drumglass House was also undertaken, with this focusing on immediate health and safety priorities. Fire stopping, repairs to external roof and chimneys and mechanical and electrical sources work was completed in line with budget. DDA modifications on Richmond Campus were progressed through the Education Authority, with these carried out to Armstrong Building, Nairn House and Maxwell Centre commencing during the summer months 2019 and completed by February 2020.

Through the Estates Committee, twelve Minor Works applications were made to the Education Authority, with four of these taken forward by the Education Authority for further detailed technicial investigation and appraisal. EA had commenced technicial appraisals, but all work was put on hold due to COVID-19. Some work did progress, however, including a visual fire risk inspection, with recommendations made and priority work implemented by the College.

- 5 -

The Education Authority appointed a firm of architects to undertake a survey of Cranmore Campus with a view to DDA modifications to the Senior Campus. It had been hoped that this work would have been completed by August 2020, but unfortunately the progress of this was delayed due to lockdown. This work is now underway and it was hoped that it will be completed by Easter 2021 and will result in improved Home Economics facilities for all pupils and will sit alongside any future plans for the redevelopment of Senior School.

Catering Service - Outsourcing The Board was kept updated on the outsourcing of the Catering Service to Sodexo, with the feedback and footfall being monitored. Initial feedback was positive, while sales growth showed a slight improvement, but not the anticipated increase in uptake. It was hoped that the new arrangements would improve all aspects of the dining experience at the College and to provide an alternative, varied, healthy and nutritious range of meals, snacks and drinks that meet the expectations of pupils, parents and staff. The impact of COVID-19 and the limitations it has placed on footfall were acknowledged, with this service to continue for a further two years to enable the College to monitor this and to inform decision-making moving forward.

COVID-19 None of us would have anticipated that the College’s Annual Report would include an item on a pandemic such as we are currently experiencing, but 2019-2020 turned out to be an unprecedented year with unanticipated challenges which had to be dealt with on a day-to-day basis, with this ongoing and continuing into the current academic year.

In advance of and following the commencement of lockdown, the Board was regularly updated on arrangements within the College, with these being made in line with Department of Education guidance. The College was required to close from 23 March 2020 and, in consultation with the Chairman, the Principal closed the College to pupils from 18 March, with this being in response to the impact isolation guidelines had placed on staff. Full advantage was made of this time by staff to set up remote learning.

Whilst the Board continued to operate online via Microsoft TEAMs meetings, teaching and learning was delivered to pupils remotely through a number of portals, with Microsoft platforms adopted. The Preparatory School predominantly used Seesaw Platform to provide teaching and learning for all pupils from Junior Pre-School through to P7. Remote learning brought its own challenges for both staff and pupils, including access to WiFi, access to hardware and personal circumstances. Approximately 30 laptops were lent to families, with individual problems dealt with as they arose.

The College offered childcare supervision for key workers during lockdown, with this approach receiving the unreserved approval of the Board. A volunteer staff rota was in operation which included the supervision of pupils from the Preparatory School and Inchmarlo during the Easter period.

The Board reviewed detailed data of the procedure to be followed by staff in the assignment of grades for summer 2020, with this being approved by the Board. A robust mechanism was in place with mock examinations only forming part of the body of evidence used by staff and summer grading undertaken via MSTEAMS, with this in operation through subject departments. Regular meetings of the Board were held from March onwards until August, with the Board kept advised of the changes to the examination assessment arrangements as these were published, as well as the result process and the subsequent changes which occurred at that stage. Representatives of the Board also formed a panel to consider appeals submitted by pupils following the result outcomes.

Arrangements for the restart of the school year were amended constantly throughout the months prior to August and the Board was fully informed of the arrangements which were to be put in place by the College, with these revised in line with DE guidance. Spaces were identified throughout the school to comply with social distancing and a revision to the College’s timetable structure was introduced. Other measures were also approved by the Board to ensure the College was best placed to meet the

- 6 - challenges of social distancing as school commenced, including the operation of bubbles for Years 8-10 pupils, assigned toilets, separate points of entry to school, double periods to minimise contacts during the day, staggered breaks and lunches and school start and end times and reduced Sixth Form attendance for taught lessons only.

The Board would like to commend the Principal and Senior staff for the strong leadership which has been displayed throughout this unprecedented situation, with all decisions taken with the health and wellbeing of staff and pupils at its heart. The challenges for all staff during this time is enormous and the work which continues within the College is acknowledged and applauded by the Board.

Examination Results Analysis Through its Education Committee, the Board conducted an ongoing review of examination results during 2019-2020. Heads of Subject examinations analysis meetings were held during the Autumn term 2019 and feedback from these meetings was relayed to the Board. This analysis was benchmarked against N.I. averages and curriculum offers reviewed in line with pupil requirements and staffing levels. The Education Committee and the Board were kept advised of curriculum models and collaborations with other schools in the South Belfast Area Learning Community and advised on interventions taken to meet the needs of pupils, such as the introduction of new courses and changes in examination boards. This process was kept under review as examination tracking progressed throughout the academic year, with the Board updated and advised on strategic decision-making. Attendance levels continued to be reviewed by the Board, with a focus on the adverse impact of poor attendance and its correlating effect on examination performance being recognised at Board level.

Junior Pre-School Closure The Board of Governors through its Preparatory and Boarding, Estates and Finance Committees was regularly kept advised on curriculum, maintenance and the financial aspects of the Preparatory School. The Board was fully aware of ongoing issues with the Preparatory 5 mobile classroom which was no longer fit for purpose. A temporary solution had been put in place for the 2019-2020 academic year, with the use of the Senior School drama mobile. This, however, could not be viewed as a permanent solution as this resource was vital to the work of the Drama department within Senior School.

Comprehensive dialogue by the Board ensured that every possible avenue was explored to see if a financially viable and affordable option could be identified. Unfortunately, the only viable solution was for the Junior Pre-School classroom to be reallocated for use for the additional Preparatory classroom required from September 2020. This decision-making was also carried out within the context that the College had, like all other schools, experienced extensive cuts to its budget and the Preparatory School received no grants from the Department for Education for Capital investment.

Governors fully appreciated the important role that the Junior Pre-School had played within the Preparatory School. It was with regret that the Board took the decision to close Junior Pre-School at the end of the academic year 2019-2020. The Board communicated this decision to staff at meetings, with recruitment and redundancy processes initiated for applicable Day Care staff. Parent meetings were convened by the Chairman of the Board and the decision communicated by letter to all parents. Junior Pre-School had been an important part of the life of the College and this was a very difficult and well considered decision.

Safeguarding and Pastoral Care The Board recognises the importance of the pastoral systems to support young people with the many issues they are facing. The Board, through its Policies Co-ordination Group and Education Committee, reviewed its Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy in line with legislative changes, with procedures revised accordingly. The Board continues to approve the financial support for the College’s Drop-In Centre, which is in operation on both campuses.

Following the resignation of Mrs Wells from the Board, Dr Johnston was appointed as Designated Governor for Child Protection, with Dr B Callender continuing as Deputy Designated Governor for Child

- 7 -

Protection. These governors were consulted on all Safeguarding matters and attended regular Safeguarding Team meetings at the College.

The Board was kept advised of the College’s initiatives to promote wellbeing for both pupils and staff, with Governors attending The Breck Foundation Talk, No Tech for Breck Day which took place on 14 November in line with Safer Internet Day and which was also attended by pupils, parents and staff, with feedback overwhelmingly positive.

The Board also received an annual report on Safeguarding at its AGM.

School Enhancement Programme As the 2019-2020 academic year got underway, the College and Board continued to lobby to the Department of Education for funding for its second application under the School Enhancement Programme. Meetings were held with the Permanent Secretary, Mr Derek Baker and Mr Philip Irwin, Director of Investment and Infrastructure, to highlight the College’s case.

The Board was delighted to receive the news from Mr Peter Weir, Minister for Education, on 14 January 2020, that the College was one of 18 school projects which would advance in planning under the second call/third tranche of the School Enhancement Programme. Mr Weir has authorised DE officials to begin work on scoping the College’s proposal and preparing a business case. Should the business case be approved by the Department, an Integrated Consultant Team will then be appointed to take forward the scheme design. The second application will involve the construction of a new modern teaching block on Cranmore campus and whilst this process will have been delayed somewhat by COVID-19 restrictions, the Board, through its Estates Committee, will continue to work with DE to help identify and define the preferred scope and locations for this new teaching block so that our pupils can enjoy the improved teaching facilities they deserve.

School Improvement School Improvement was adopted as a recurring agenda item through the Education Committee and the Board, with discussion focusing on measures to bring about improvement in a range of areas, including curriculum, teaching and learning, wellbeing, raising levels of attainment, examination analysis and improved pupil communication. The Board was kept advised of curriculum changes in line with pupil needs and the interventions put in place in line with tracking outcomes. The Board was updated on new initiatives such as changes to Student Councils, the introduction of GCSEPod and the College’s participation in the MTECH programme. This innovative programme included the Principal’s engagement on an 8-day leadership training course, with Allstate, PWC and the Middle Leadership Team attendance at leadership sessions with Grant Thornton, with this enabling staff to disseminate good practice for Every Teacher a Careers Teacher. This also involved pupil participation in a ten-week programme looking at the environment and leading to a qualification.

Transfer Arrangements Throughout the year the Board of Governors and Principal continued to be fully engaged in discussions surrounding the procedures for Transfer 2019 and planning for the 2020 arrangements. In relation to September 2020 entrants to Year 8, the College considered six challenges to the application of its admissions criteria, none of which were upheld. This outcome reflected positively on the College’s admissions criteria and procedures, although the Appeals process had demonstrated that some parents needed clarification on the Special Circumstances process. In view of this, the Board of Governors through its Education Committee, reviewed the Year 8 admissions criteria to provide improved clarification, which it was hoped would assist parents in the completion of their Transfer documentation.

Having given due regard to guidance from the Department of Education, the Board took a decision to maintain academic criteria in order to select pupils for admission to the College in Year 8 in 2020. Governors are also fully committed to embracing the College’s ethos of inclusivity to ensure that admission to the College is open to pupils from all social backgrounds and religious and ethnic

- 8 - communities. The Board continues to be kept fully appraised of discussions in relation to Transfer testing for 2020/2021, with its admissions criteria for 2021 entry to be reviewed after taking full cognisance of the outcome of this debate and government guidance. In its future deliberations the Board will also take account of the current context in relation to COVID and likelihood of further disruption to teaching and learning during 2020-2021. Whilst the College has consistently taken the view that there should be an agreed form of entrance assessment for admission into schools that use academic selection as the basis for their admissions criteria, the issue of 11 year olds being asked to undertake a test within the context of disrupted teaching and learning is a matter which will be given full consideration by the Board in all its deliberations.

Vice Principal Recruitment The Board received the resignation of Mrs Nicola Wilson, Vice Principal, following her appointment as Principal of Priory Integrated College in Holywood. The Board agreed that permission be granted for Mrs Wilson to take up her post at Priory Integrated College early, from 1 June 2020. Through its Committee Convenors, the most appropriate Staffing Structure and recruitment arrangements to fill this position were considered and taken forward, with the recruitment process commencing at the start of the Autumn term 2020.

Whole School Strategy The Board recognised the need for the College to develop a whole school strategy with the aim to set out the vision, mission and values of the College as a whole and to determine the key strategic objectives and priorities of the College going forward. The purpose of this strategic plan would then be to set out the steps necessary to realise or implement a whole school strategy. It was recognised that the College’s whole school strategy and the strategic plan should be based upon a realistic common understanding of the strategic challenges and issues facing the College and must present a realistic, credible and deliverable way forward.

In order to move this forward, the Board appointed a consultant to help develop a whole school strategy. This consultant organised a series of facilitated workshops for governors during the 2019- 2020 academic year, with these held on 18 January, 29 February and a postponed final workshop on 27 June, once lockdown restrictions were relaxed.

Following these workshops, the Board agreed key strategic priorities to direct decision-making for the short and long-term.

General Business Through the Principal, the Board continued to be kept fully informed and debated at length articles and circulars from the Department, the Education Authority and the Governing Bodies Association. The Board was kept advised of curriculum proposals and changes, pupil and staffing matters and worked to ensure that all aspects of school life were subject to review and had access to support when required.

Committee Business

Audit and Risk Committee The Audit and Risk Committee reviewed all aspects relating to the College and the individual Committees’ Risk Registers and considered Tenders for internal and external audits and reviewed audit reports received. The internal audit was carried out by an independent company in November 2019 and the report concluded that the appropriate level of assurance for the audit was Satisfactory, with this being the highest level which could be attained. A single recommendation arose from the audit fieldwork, with this relating to the proposed appointment by the Education Authority of a permanent Data Protection Officer for the College. Tenders for a new External Auditor were considered with an appointment made for a 5-year period ending 31 March 2024. The College’s external audit was carried out in June and issued a clean, unqualified opinion on the College’s financial statement.

- 9 -

Education Committee The Committee was kept appraised of curriculum changes and planning for 2020-2021, 2019 leavers’ destinations, admissions criteria, examination targets and Safeguarding and Child Protection issues. The Committee reviewed examinations analysis and tracking outcomes and was advised of intervention processes which had been put in place, including the introduction of a mentoring system which involved an increase in role for the Form Teacher. The Committee was kept updated on the statutory requirements relating to the curriculum and liaised with the HR Committee as appropriate. The Committee also oversaw the College’s School Development Plan and its implementation, with this focusing on child centred provision, high quality teaching and learning, effective leadership and links with the community during 2019-2020. The Committee was kept advised of staff applications for changes of contracts and professional development which were considered by the HR Committee and thereafter to the Board. Through the Policies Co-ordination Group, the Committee reviewed education- related policies and reported its deliberations to the Board.

Estates Committee The Committee oversaw the upkeep of the College and maintenance work throughout the year and liaised with the College’s Finance Committee, the Department of Education and the Education Authority as required, with this including the Minor Works Schemes. The Committee also oversaw school funded Minor Works and maintenance items, with urgent items being addressed. Through the Policies Co-ordination Group, the Committee reviewed Estates-related policies and reported its deliberations to the Board.

Finance Committee The Committee oversaw the College’s financial affairs, planned expenditure, reviewed historical financial performance and undertook a three-year financial review and budget forecast, as well as a review of assets, advising the Board accordingly. The significant financial challenges facing the College was a key issue for the Board with the Board considering its delegated grant funding and budget allocation for 2020/21 and proposed and implemented the cost savings required in order for the College to be able to meet its financial obligations. It was vital that the educational position of pupils was protected, with the maintenance of the curriculum offered being a priority. In light of the challenges which the substantial reduction in grant produced, the Committee continued to consider potential options for managing and reducing the overall cost of the curriculum delivery and discussed and implemented steps to achieve efficiencies. The Committee recognised the importance which parental financial support played in maintaining the high level of teaching, resources and extra- curricular programme made available to pupils. The Finance Committee reviewed fees and charges and liaised with the Estates and HR Committees in relation to work proposals for maintenance matters and staff-related contractual matters which had a financial impact. The effectiveness of the new cashless/online payment system, ParentPay, was reviewed, with this rolled out to include payment for trips and events. The Committee also considered the financial impact of COVID-19 and issued refunds and credit notes to parents where appropriate and worked alongside the HR Committee in the furloughing of 29 members of non-teaching staff, with a claim submitted to HMRC for payroll costs. The Board’s Remuneration Working Group reported to the Finance Committee in relation to staff salaries. The Committee, through the Policies Co-ordination Group, reviewed Finance-related policies and reported its deliberations to the Board.

HR Committee In consultation with the Education and Finance Committees, the Committee considered staff applications for changes in working arrangements, including job shares, career breaks, voluntary redundancy applications, recruitment processes and terminations of employment relating to teaching and non-teaching staff. All decision-making had to take full regard of appropriate legislation. The Committee was also kept appraised of the COVID-19 related HR matters which included the application of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the furloughing of applicable staff. Through the Policies Co-ordination Group, the Committee reviewed HR-related policies and reported its deliberations to the Board through the Principal and the Head of Corporate Services.

- 10 -

Preparatory and Boarding Committee The Preparatory and Boarding Committee reviewed all matters relating to curriculum delivery, pastoral welfare and the safeguarding of pupils within the Preparatory School and the Boarding Department. It also reviewed admissions data and pupil achievements for these sections of the College. In liaison with the Estates and Finance Committees, it ensured that effective arrangements were in place to maintain the premises as well as supporting the pupils and staff in its care. In liaison with the HR Committee it was also kept advised of staff-related matters pertaining to these sections of the College. - 11 -

SECTION 2 – CURRICULUM OFFERED

During 2019/2020 GCSE pupils had the opportunity to study the following subjects, with a robust mechanism in place internally to assign grades which were subsequently approved by examination boards:

Art and Design; Biology; Business Studies; Chemistry; Design and Technology; Digital Technology; Drama; English Language; English Literature; French; Geography; Health and Social Care Single Award; Health and Social Care Double Award; History; Latin; Mathematics; Mathematics Further; Moving Image Arts; Music; Nutrition and Food Science; OCNNI; Physical Education; Physics; Religious Studies full course and short course; Science Single Award; Science Double Award and Spanish.

During 2019/2020 Sixth Form pupils had the opportunity to study the following A-level subjects in the College or in collaboration with SBALC:

Art and Design; Biology; Business Studies; Chemistry; Classical Civilisation; Drama; Economics; English Literature; French; Geography; Health and Social Care (Single Award); Health and Social Care (Double Award); History; Information Technology; Mathematics; Further Mathematics; Moving Image Arts; Nutrition and Food Science; Performing Arts; Physics; Politics; Religious Studies; Sociology; Spanish; Systems Software Development; Technology and Design; amd Travel and Tourism.

Year 13 pupils received one period of timetabled Careers education per fortnight and could choose to follow an enrichment programme. Pupils were entered by their peripatetic teachers for examinations through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

SPORT

Each pupil in Years 8-10 avail of two hours of physical education, while Year 11 and 12 pupils participate in physical education activities once a fortnight. All pupils are encouraged to participate in regular physical activity. Through a balanced and varied programme the P.E. department aims to contribute to pupils’ growth, development and general fitness developing an awareness of the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

The following sporting activities are on offer to all pupils in Key Stage 3 and 4 through the curriculum and through the extra-curricular programme.

Aerobics Golf (team only) Athletics Gymnastics Badminton Health Related PE Basketball Hockey Camogie Netball Circuit Training Rounders Creative Dance Rugby Cricket Swimming (not available in Senior School Cross Country except for team and GCSE class) Dance Table Tennis Equestrian (team only) Tennis Fitness Suite Trampolining Football Volleyball Gaelic Football Yoga

Swimming is offered subject to availability in local pools. Due to COVID-19 a restricted programme is operating at present.

- 12 -

Despite the restrictions which the COVID-19 lockdown placed on schools and all sports activities, pupils from Victoria College still achieved highly prior to the College’s closure to students in March.

Athletics The College had high hopes for our athletes this year but with school closure the Athletics teams were unable to participate in competitions.

Cross Country The VCB teams achieved a very high standard at District and Ulster level. At Ormeau Park Thea Cunningham, Year 8, was placed 2nd in the South Antrim District race winning the individual silver medal. Abigail Curran was placed 3rd and team mates Sophie McKnight and India Steen placed 4th and 5th respectively, with the Year 8 team winning the overall title. The Minor team also won gold with Rebecca Moore winning the race and receiving an individual gold medal as well as team gold. The Junior team was placed second, while the Intermediate team was placed first, with Lyda Martin finishing in 2nd place, Amelia Tyler 3rd and Emma Harrison 6th. The Senior team also won gold medals with Anna Hill the best performer in 4th place. Victoria College was once again crowned the top school in District B, ahead of MCB, Friends, Wallace, Belfast High, Carrickfergus Grammar, St Genevieve’s High School and Rathmore Grammar.

All teams qualified for the Ulster Schools’ Cross Country Championships, during which the Mini girls’ team were awarded silver medals, with Thea Cunningham obtaining an individual silver.

The Intermediate race is the most difficult and is 3.5km and we were delighted when the team - Lyda Martin, Amelia Tyler, Lauren Patterson, Emma Harrison, Aoibheann Dougan, Maimee Meharg and Nina MacDonald - were bronze medallists and went through to the All Ireland Schools’ Cross Country Championships at Santry, during which the team was placed 8th.

Golf This year we were expecting the development of a schools’ golf league but unfortunately our school team only participated in one outing to play St Patrick’s, Keady at Warrenpoint, before the coronavirus ended all further play.

Hockey The 1st X1, under new coaches, Miss Harvey and Mr Hunter, had a very successful season. The team defeated Omagh, Regent, Wallace, Glenlola, Royal and Prior and drew with Ballyclare and Friends to mention a few results. They lost narrowly to MCB 1-0 and had a good Senior Cup run which ended with defeat to the eventual winners, a strong BRA team. In the Shield the team defeated Dalriada 2- 1 in the quarter final and Regent 4-0 in the semi-final. The final was played at Stormont against Rainey Endowed, but the girls lost 2-1 in a tight match which displayed excellent skills and a high standard of team play from both teams. The other teams performed well during the season with the U13A team unbeaten throughout the year.

The 1st X1 enjoyed an exciting tour in England. Past pupil, Amy Edwards, was the current Cambridge University Hockey Club captain and as such was allowed to invite her old school to the prestigious Oxbridge tournament. The VCB 1st X1 was delighted to play and to watch some exciting university challenge matches. The team also defeated Bancroft High School 4-1 but lost their second touring match to strong opposition. The U14 and U13 teams went on a mini tour to Dublin at the beginning of March and played Alexandra College.

Zahra Lowry, Aimee Christie, Lauren Patterson and Kate McLaughlin were selected for the Ulster Development Squad.

- 13 -

Netball Once again teams were entered in the Belfast League and the girls enjoyed participating in matches against the schools in the district. The teams performed well with the Minor team excelling and reaching the NI Bowl Final. The Minor A team also defeated Aquinas and MCB in the league, but narrowly missed out on a place in the NI League Finals following a very close match against Lagan College which was won by a goal in the final seconds. The team’s run in the Bowl was also excellent, during which the team defeated Mount Lourdes, Enniskillen 16-7 in the quarter final and Methodist College 25-4 in the semi-final. Cruelly, they did not get the chance to play in the NI final due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the committee decided the Bowl should be shared.

The Minor B team also had a successful season and defeated Regent House in the NI league quarter final 9-6. The team unfortunately lost against the eventual winners, Belfast High School A team, in the semi-final. The Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors managed to get all their matches finished before the season was cut short.

Tennis The College had high hopes for our tennis players this year but with school closure they were unable to participate in competitions.

MUSIC

The music department had another busy and exciting Autumn and Spring terms, until March when unfortunately, the College had to close and all activities and concerts were temporarily postponed. Overall, approximately 250 pupils continue to demonstrate their commitment and enthusiasm through a wide range of extracurricular activities on offer including the Junior Choir, Junior Chamber Choir, Senior Choir, Senior Chamber Choir and College Orchestra.

The year kicked off to a busy start with music for the Senior Prize Giving day. This event featured the Senior Choir, as well as some wonderful performances from many of the senior pupils. Lauren Toner delivered a mesmerizing vocal performance of With You from the musical Ghost. Amy Montgomery gave a rousing performance on the violin of Congratulations to the Bridegroom and Bride. The audience were also treated to an original piano composition from Emma Kane, entitled An Afternoon in Paris. The evening finished with the Senior Choir performing Your One and Only Life and Take me to the water.

In October, the College was thrilled to welcome RBAI again this year to take part in the joint school production of, Disney’s tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast. The cast worked tirelessly through September and October with Mrs Harrison, Mrs Martin, Mrs McMichael and Mrs Murray to bring a star studded performance of that all-time favourite musical. The audience was treated to outstanding performances and thoroughly enjoyed the enchanted world of Belle, a young woman in a small provincial town, and Beast, a prince under a spell. The wonderful music of Disney, a magical and touching storyline with romance and humour with a fantastic cast of very talented actors, singers and dancers left the audiences wanting more. What a fantastic show and we are very proud of all the pupils who were part of this production, both on and offstage.

In December the College was welcomed back to the beautiful surroundings of Fisherwick Presbyterian Church to celebrate our Annual Carol Service. The orchestra started the evening with a delightful performance of It’s Christmas Time, led by Amy Montgomery. The Junior Choir’s renditions of Tell Out the News and Diamond Bright delighted the congregation as did the Junior Chamber Choir’s performance of The Little Road to Bethlehem and The Star. The Senior pupils also rose to the occasion with the Senior Choir performances of There is Faint Music and Be Still and Consider, featuring a wonderful flute solo from Isabel Toogood. The Chamber Choir delivered

- 14 - polished performances of Susanni and The Candlelight Carol. The congregation was treated to a wonderful variety of music and readings, setting the mood for the Christmas season.

In January the music department helped to welcome prospective pupils and parents to view the College with a number of performances from both senior and junior pupils around the College campus. The Chamber Choir and Junior Choir performed to parents prior to the Principal’s speech and a drumming workshop led by our tutor, Adam Stewart, was one of the star attractions on the Richmond campus.

Peripatetic music lessons continue to be attended very well with around 200 pupils receiving weekly lessons from our wonderful team of tutors. Our tutors work hard to ensure the success of the pupils at grade music exams and local festivals. Many pupils also enjoyed high levels of success in groups outside the College as members of the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra and the Ulster Youth Orchestra - a prestigious achievement indeed. A number of pupils from both the Junior and Senior School were also accepted into the Ulster Youth Choir and Ulster Youth Training Choir.

We are very proud of all the pupils who commit endless hours to the extracurricular life of the department and with such an array of musical talent at the College, the future is looking bright for the music department.

ART

AS and A2 Art and Design students attended the Royal Ulster Academy’s exhibition at the Ulster Museum, during which the students had the opportunity to see up close a fabulous collection of work, using various forms of media. The students thoroughly enjoyed this experience and were inspired by the work at the exhibition to begin developing their own ideas in their own area of study.

Emma Kane, Year 12 pupil, was the overall winner of a unique art competition hosted by AI Services (NI) Ltd. The competition - “Udderly Awesome Art Competition” - challenged those taking part to reflect on the beauty of cows, both individually and as part of our rural landscape. Our pupil’s painting now features proudly on the front cover of the AI Services’ 2020 Dairy Catalogue. Mrs Porter, Teacher of Art, also came first in the 17+ years age category.

LITERACY

Year 8 and 9 pupils received a free book as part of Book Trust’s Book Buzz scheme. Pupils chose their own book from a selection of 17 titles and there was great anticipation while we waited for the books to arrive and then excitement when they were handed out in library classes. Pupils enjoyed reading favourites and discussing them with friends and we are looking forward to choosing next year’s titles in September.

In March, just before lockdown, we were very lucky to be invited to the shortlist announcement for the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards. Pupils shadow and act as a judging panel every year so it was very special this year to attend the event which was hosted by broadcaster Rick O’Shea and to also have the opportunity to chat with former winners and Belfast authors, Kelly McCaughrain and Sheena Wilkinson.

Some of the pupils watched the online announcement and celebration of the winner. This year the winning book was Noinin by Myra Zepf.

Members of the Senior Book Club were also very lucky to have had author, Mel Darbon, as our Book Pen Pal during 2019-2020 academic year. The Book Pen Pal scheme involves authors and

- 15 - illustrators recommending books to a class or book club over the course of a school year. Not only did Mel recommend books, but she also sent us copies of her recommendations, including Me Mam. Me Dad. Me by Malcolm Duffy and I Have No Secrets by Penny Joelson. Members of the Book Club wrote back with questions and some recommendations of their own. Mel also happily replied to questions and encouraged pupils with their own writing

This year we had an Alice in Wonderland theme in the Senior library so what better way to celebrate Christmas than with a tea party! The Boarding Department very kindly lent us their best china; we had themed food and decorations and spent a really lovely afternoon eating jam tarts and shortbread hearts.

CAREERS EDUCATION

All pupils in KS3 developed their key employability skills through the careers strand of the Learning for Life and Work programme. Year 8 pupils participated in a Young Enterprise ‘Big School’ project which nurtured their communication and decision-making skills, while Year 10 pupils attended a study skills seminar delivered by Newcastle University.

Pupils in KS4 have been utilising a range of careers apps to review their progress, set targets, research options and prepare for decisions around subject choices. Pupils in Years 10 and 12 attended Subject Information evenings with their parents to assist them in transitioning to the next key stage. All Year 10 and 12 pupils had an options interview with careers staff.

On 3 December Year 12 students attended a study skills course with Amazing Brains, called 5 Steps to Exam Success, during which pupils learnt about using study time effectively, making a study planner, stress management and how to make effective revision notes. The pupils found this very useful in advance of their modules in English and Mathematics and mock examinations which took place in January.

Pupils in Years 12-14 attended two university roadshows organised by the Careers department and our pupils enjoyed the opportunity to listen to the talks and engage with representatives of twenty universities including Glasgow, Aberdeen, Aberystwyth, Monash (Australia) and universities from England, Spain, Switzerland, USA and France. Pupils also attended a seminar on CAO delivered by NUI Galway.

Pupils in Year 12 were visited by ex-VCB pupil Meghan Hoey who has just completed her degree in Quantity Surveying at Ulster University. Meghan outlined her career pathway to date and emphasised the importance of work placements during her studies. Ruth Ware also returned to the College to convey her experience of studying History and Theology at the University of St Andrews. Careers interviews have been arranged for all Year 12 pupils; these interviews are designed to prepare the pupils for making post-16 choices later in the academic year. Representatives from SERC and Belfast Metropolitan College visited the College on several occasions to educate pupils about options in Further Education including qualifications at levels 3-5 and Higher Modern Apprenticeships. In December forty pupils attended a STEM pathway programme at W5 organised by Almac. Pupils learned about careers in Pharmaceutical Science and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and engaged in interactive workshops on robotics, DNA extraction and ID and Dissolution testing.

The Sixth Form careers programme has included visits by representatives of the Queen’s University Belfast, University of St Andrews, University of Northumbria, the Scottish Universities and Modern Scottish Universities tours, University of Aberdeen, Ulster University, NUI Galway and Liverpool John Moore’s University. All Lower Sixth pupils attended the annual Higher Education Convention in Lisburn. Lower Sixth students attended Civilisation Belfast, a day-long event at Queen’s University

- 16 -

Belfast designed to encourage more applications to Civil Engineering. Pupils volunteered to attend a plethora of events outside of school including a Pinsent Masons Work Inspiration event, a Deloitte Actuarial Experience Day and Insight Evenings at Queen’s University Belfast for those interested in Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science/Biotechnology. The Careers department welcomed a host of visitors including Lynn Cooper from the Cabinet Office who coached the pupils on interview skills, Caroline Mulvenna from Admissions at QUB School of Nursing and Midwifery, Jacinta McCaffrey (Social Work), John Ryan, Senior Project Manager with Turner and Townsend and a STEM Learning Ambassador and Conán Meehan from Ulster University. Speakers also visited us to explain the QUB Pathway and Nuffield Foundation Programmes aimed at widening participation in Higher Education and our pupils’ success in the QUB Pathway Programme was recognised at a celebration event in Belfast. In January we received news that another pupil, Ben Matchett, has been accepted onto the next Pathway programme. Lucy Greaves and Beth Brady were selected to participate in the Deloitte Career Shapers programme and Katie McCammon has been selected for the next programme. Lauren Toner, Year 13, was accepted onto the PwC Business Insight Week (virtual) in May, while Erin Harvey was offered a place on a valuable Sentinus IT programme.

Maya Kelly, Year 13, completed Level 1 of the NI Screen Foundation Academy for Animation last year and was successful in getting onto Phase 2 of the Northern Ireland Screen Foundation Academy for Animation in November. Despite this being interrupted by COVID, Maya continued her work towards an OCN. Maya also applied for the British Film Institute Academy 2020 Animation Residential in Bristol during the mid -term break in February and was one of only 25 people in the United Kingdom to get offered a place. This was delivered by Calling the Shots, an offshoot of Aardman Animations who made Morph, Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run. The residential consisted of six intensive days of stop-motion animation with a programme of master-classes with practicing industry professionals.

In addition to this, Maya signed up for the first of Nerve Belfast’s online courses to be delivered as part of the Production Design Academy aimed at 16-19 year olds. This involved taking a script for a short Sci-Fi film that will be shot in Havelock House Studios later in the year. Maya worked as part of a team to develop a short film including: script breakdown; researching materials, creating a floor plan and dressing props. Maya also undertook training through the Northern Ireland Screen VFX Academy training which includes creating special effects on industry standard software, motion- graphics, green screen and blue screen techniques and compositing. Training was delivered by industry professionals working at the forefront of the VFX industry in Northern Ireland. More recently, she applied for “Two Minute Masterpiece” in partnership with BBC Arts and Northern Ireland Screen and was the youngest animator to be shortlisted. Maya is also one of only ten young people in the UK to get a place on 3Dami, a non-profit organisation founded to promote digital art amongst pre-university students by linking them with each other and industry. It runs summer camps, getting groups of students to run their own studios and make their own short 3D animated film. They experience every part of production, from scriptwriting through to première during a two week programme.

Finally, Maya was delighted to be contacted by Genesis Advertising in Belfast, the company she was supposed to be undertaking work experience, to advise her that that they could facilitate this online. This work experience comprised of a similar brief to that which Maya would have received working in the studio and and included working with a Senior Creative from Genesis.

Anna Kernahan, Year 13, was appointed as a member of the Translink Youth Forum and through this invaluable experience was able to channel her views, opinions and experiences to help provide an effective environment.

- 17 -

Many of our pupils availed of work experience placements with a range of employers including Linamar Light Metals, Mercer Actuary and Investment Consultancy, Pinsent Masons, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust open days (Physiotherapy at Musgrave Park Hospital, Pharmacy at Royal Victoria Hospital, Dietetics at Knockbreda Health and Well Being Centre and Radiotherapy at Belfast City Hospital) and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) at Ardoyne. Kerri Fry, Emma Cranston and Rachel Donnelly represented the school at the Mock Council of the European Union at Belfast City Hall in February.

The Upper Sixth pupils were busy completing their university applications, including their personal statements. In September all Year 14 pupils attended the open day at Queen’s University whilst many others attended open days across the UK and Ireland throughout the Autumn term. Pupils participated in mock or careers interviews in a wide range of sectors, thanks to the support of parents and friends. Potential applicants for Medicine, Dentistry and Business courses attended talks delivered by Newcastle University whilst Nursing and Midwifery applicants enjoyed a workshop delivered by the University of Dundee. Medicine applicants completed interview training with St Brigid’s TWG at St Bride’s and all Healthcare applicants attended interview training with Kingsbridge Private Hospital. Pupils attended a seminar on Gap Year opportunities presented by Project Trust. Robert Gordon University (Aberdeen) delivered a workshop for pupils interested in applying for courses related to the health professions whilst Ulster University delivered a seminar on preparing for the HPAT-Ulster admissions test. Edge Hill University (Liverpool) spoke to our pupils about issues they will face at university and Ernst and Young delivered a presentation on their School Leaver Programme. The New Driver organisation delivered a talk which helped to prepare our Year 14 pupils for driving.

COMPETITIONS AND OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

In December 2019 students got into the Christmas spirit by taking part in the Christmas Bake Off Competition. The Year 8 and 9 pupils’ challenge was to bake and decorate six Christmas cupcakes, while Year 10-14 pupils created some beautiful Christmas themed cakes. It was an excellent way for students to create a ‘showstopper’ and enjoy some festive fun!

The Year 12 Food and Nutrition class also enjoyed a visit to Forestside Cookery School, with Chef Jeffers. The menu prepared and cooked by the students included a tasty cherry tomato, garlic and thyme focaccia, chicken saltimbocca and vanilla custard with carmelised local apples. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to practice some high level cookery skills such as bread making and sauce making, in preparation for their upcoming GCSE practical examination. It was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, including Mrs Pollock and Mrs Wilson.

Charlotte Burrows, Year 13, was a member of a small group of Royal Air Force Air Cadets who built a flying simulator to train cadets from across the United Kingdom. The project was demonstrated on Wednesday 26 February to high ranking officers and VIP guests from the University Air Squadron and the Royal Air Force.

- 18 -

SECTION 3 – LINKS WITH THE COMMUNITY

SOUTH BELFAST AREA LEARNING COMMUNITY

Victoria College is an active member school within the South Belfast Area Learning Community which provides and develops a broad and balanced curriculum for pupils in the schools and colleges in South Belfast and has a keen focus on pastoral provision to support excellence in learning. Thirteen member schools are represented including Aquinas Grammar, Wellington Grammar, Rathmore Grammar, Methodist College, RBAI, Victoria College, Hunterhouse College, Malone College, St Joseph’s College, Breda Academy, Glenveagh School and Fleming Fulton School along with Belfast Metropolitan College.

Staff represented the College on the SBALC focus groups for curriculum, pastoral, careers and ICT and shared good practice during the Autumn term 2019. Due to COVID-19, however, the work of SBALC was limited with any collaborations planned for the delivery of GCSE and A level subjects between schools being postponed for 2020-2021.

The College looks forward to building on this partnership in future years.

THE INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION

The College continues to harness both curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to promote and develop global links and to encourage our students to think and contribute as active global citizens.

Relationships with educational and professional institutions on local, national and global levels are actively maintained and continue to serve as an excellent vehicle to promote diversity, inclusion, cultural awareness and respect. Whilst this unprecedented pandemic has in some regards hindered some of our projects and work, on a positive note it has highlighted the importance of connecting thinking and global sustainability; aspects which we widely promote across school life.

Cultural events such as the Chinese New Year and European Day of Languages form part of school life and we celebrate annually via Assembly, extra-curricular, curriculum and Learning for Life and Work programmes.

In November, a group of ambitious and committed Year 13 students took part once again in the annual Bar Mock Trials competition where they competed with other schools in a live mock court trial. Students prepared for 12 weeks to prosecute and defend two cases against other schools in a competitive and lively court environment chaired with a real judge. The students thoroughly enjoyed this challenging and rewarding experience which would not have been possible without the support and guidance from Ms Fiona Kennedy, Barrister-at-Law, who mentored the girls throughout the process.

Pupils in Year 9 celebrated European Day of Languages by writing poetry in a foreign language on the theme of New Beginnings as part of the NICILT European Day of Languages Poetry Competition. We were delighted that three students were recognised and awarded prizes in this creatively challenging competition:

• Ella Scott – Spanish 1st Prize in the ‘Spirit of European Day of Languages’ category; • Emily Scanlon - Spanish 3rd Prize in the ‘Best use of language’ category; and • Holly Nolan – French 3rd Prize also in the ‘Spirit of European Day of Languages’ category.

- 19 -

In February, the Year 10 French ‘Francofest’ competition took place in the Whitla Hall at Queen’s University Belfast. The team of pupils – Lillian Ahmed, Lucia Anderson, Sofia Delgado and Kate Donnelly - won ‘Most Creative Stand’ after successfully marketing their unique product: French themed mobile phone covers. Oh là là!

The Year 10 Latin Classes participated in the first round of the Linguistics Olympiad, a testing set of puzzles which involved decoding languages unknown to them. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed this challenging linguistic experience.

The Mock Council of the European Union took place at Belfast City Hall on Tuesday 11 February. This afforded three Sixth Form pupils - Kerri Fry, Rachel Donnelly and Emma Cranston the opportunity to learn more about the main decision-making body of the European Union, as well as the ability to practise their debating and diplomacy skills. Victoria College was selected to represent Spain on the Mock Council and debated the motions put forward by the Council that: Social media should be more strictly regulated in order to preserve democracy, coupled with The role of the EU in tackling climate change.

In addition, the College continues to recognise, and where possible support, educational visits and trips that allow pupils to experience new countries and cultures, broaden horizons and develop knowledge and skills outside of the classroom. All being well, we very much look forward to hopefully travelling further afield in the not too distant future!

CHARITIES

The College’s chosen charity for 2019-2020 was Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research NI. A total of £3,792,57 was raised for charity by Senior School and the Preparatory School.

VOLUNTARY WORK

Pupils contributed to their community through both voluntary work and participating in fundraising activities. The Year 14 Health & Social Care pupils volunteered in the Spectrum Centre at a Christmas tea dance in early December. As part of this work, the pupils enjoyed the company of older people with dementia over a cup of tea, followed by dancing. A number of other fundraising events were held during the term, with proceeds going towards the College’s chosen charity for 2019-2020, Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research NI. This included the collection at the Carol Service which raised £923.13.

In October, Victoria College pupils attended a series of events to remember the Holocaust. The pupils involved had the tremendous honour of attending speeches given by Holocaust survivors Susan Pollack and Tomáš (Tomi) Reichental. Susan and Tomáš survived the Nazi concentration camps of the Holocaust during the Second World War and individually, they visited over 50 schools and organisations across Northern Ireland, taking their stories to over 4,000 people. Susan and Tomáš lived through some of the darkest moments in human history and bore witness to unimaginable events in the most adverse of circumstances. Their message was poignant and their stories so personal that the reality and immediacy of their accounts left an indelible mark on our students. These events were part of the lead up to Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 which was held on 27 January 2020 and which marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945, while July 2020 marked 25 years since the genocide in Srebrenica, Bosnia.

TRIPS AND VISITS

The educational environments which can often make the most immediate impact and create long- lasting memories are those when our pupils get the chance to venture outside the classroom and travel further afield. Such opportunities were enjoyed during 2019-2020 when our Year 8 pupils visited

- 20 -

Mount Stewart for their Year 8 Bonding Day 2019, during which fun and educational based activities were enjoyed by all, including Den Building, Team Activities, Trails, Nature and Lake Walks, a House Tour and Educational Talks. This trip gave the whole year group a chance to spend the day together, to make new friends, establish good relationships with their peers and get to know teaching staff better, as well as having fun and learning in the process. Visitors to Mount Stewart commented on how well behaved the girls were and how respectful they were on the day and they were a real credit to the school.

The College’s Scripture Union is a close-knit community of fellow Christians who came together every Monday during 2019-2020 to worship God. The SU is more than just a ‘Christian’ group; it is a fellowship community which rests upon providing a supportive and friendly environment for friendships to be created. The SU community believes in supporting each and every pupil through listening to them and providing a space for those to express their faith, but also to be available on our social media page for prayer requests and fellowship. The Scripture Union weekend was held from 6-8 December at Greenhill YMCA, Donard Park, Newcastle. This is perhaps one of the best events in the SU calendar with three days spent delving deeper into our own faith and, along with games and activities, creating a fun-filled atmosphere. This gave SU members a chance to get to know one another better and to grow in faith, not just as individuals but as a SU family.

Thirty-nine Politics students from Year 13 and 14, together with four members of staff, had the wonderful experience of a trip to New York, Philadelphia and Washington from 21-28 October 2019. The itinerary included visits to Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, the Ground Zero Museum in New York, Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, the Capitol, Space Museum and American Museum and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

Unfortunately all other school trips which had been scheduled to take place during 2019-2020, including the Junior Ski Trip to Italy and the Year 8 trip to London, had to be cancelled due to COVID- 19. We look forward to being able to plan for and participate in more exciting trips in the future.

‘BAKER’ DAYS AND SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT DAYS 2019-2020

The College places a strong emphasis on continuous professional development for all staff and recognises the importance of self evaluation and reflective practice within all departments. In 2019- 2020 the school chose to take four School Development Days (SDD) for the purposes of school improvement and school/staff development in addition to four ‘Baker’ days.

During 2019-2020 the School Development Days and the ‘Baker’ days were used for: • Safeguarding and Child Protection training; • Special Educational Needs; • Dyslexia training; • Anti-Bullying Training; • Interventions to improve pupil progress; • Medical training; • E-Safety; • Wellbeing of pupils and staff; • An analysis of examination results; • Assessment for Learning; • Teaching and Learning Communities (TLC); • Attendance meetings; • Department planning; • Continued sharing of good practice;

- 21 -

• School Development Planning; • Strategic Middle Leaders’ meetings with SLT; • Microsoft Teams training; • Use of iPads to support teaching and learning.

- 22 -

VICTORIA COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

The word ‘unprecedented’ has been used excessively over the past few months, but there is no other way to describe the last academic year. This has been a time of previously unheard of social restrictions, dramatic changes to routines and a prolonged time of separation; and yet it has also been a time when the Preparatory School community has pulled together and been strengthened, when new skills and resources have been utilised, and where pupils have found comfort and security in the routines of school learning even though the landscape for learning has changed dramatically.

The 2019-2020 academic year has been a ‘game of two halves’. School life moved at its usual pace until March 2020 with a broad range of classroom learning, extra-curricular activities, school visitors and sporting triumphs. The Day Care classes visited Santa and his elves in W5, Prep 5 experienced life in the Stone Age with an early man workshop, P2 had a visit from Nanny who brought some toys from the nursery museum at Mount Stewart, Prep 4 went “Digging for Victory” at Castle Ward and P7 marvelled at the expanse of space whilst visiting the Armagh planetarium. Prep 6 enjoyed their residential trip to Greenhill YMCA engaging enthusiastically in bridge building, laser tag, orienteering and abseiling despite the freezing November wind and rain. Our Prep 3 pupils led the School nativity I’m Gonna Shine, leading the rest of the school in song and dance as they retold the birth of Christ through the eyes of star with a special assignment.

The Prep 7 pupils continued to excel academically with a superb set of results in February from the AQE and GL assessments. All pupils secured a place in the school of their choice with 18 of the class transitioning on to Victoria College. Prep 6 pupils benefitted from participating in the Community Arts Project, working for a term with a local poet and developing their expressive and creative language through whole class and individual writings in a variety of poetic genre.

Specialist teaching continued with Senora Gomez and Mrs Burnett developing the Primary Languages curriculum through games and activities to enhance pupils’ language skills in Spanish and French. Mrs Thompson taught music across the classes developing the girls’ music appreciation as well as their practical skills. Mrs Pearson continued to deliver Latin lessons with an introduction to ancient Greek life with Primary 7, whilst Mrs Gilliland brought out the musical abilities of P5-7 through orchestra. Mrs Henderson led a diverse PE programme with pupils enjoying skills sessions with specialist coaches in netball, tennis and athletics as well as weekly swimming lessons at the Olympia centre. Prep 6 and Prep 7 pupils participated in the Ulster Schools’ Championships in October and the senior hockey team continued to go from strength to strength.

Unfortunately, our own School swimming gala in March would turn out to be the final whole school event held before the enforced closures came into force. Although the Preparatory School remained open throughout the final months of the academic year, this was to provide childcare for key worker families. From 20 March, School moved online with the Seesaw app previously used as an educational journal between home and school, becoming our main learning platform. Daily plans were uploaded on to pupils’ accounts with teachers adding links to online videos, worksheet attachments, songs, stories, and filming their own teaching. Work was marked digitally with the girls receiving both audio and written comments for encouragement and improvement. Mrs Hrabovsky uploaded several assemblies each week featuring each Prep action group, focusing on medical heroes from the past and including her own menagerie of animals. Despite the enforced separation, we retained our sense of community and worked hard to support pupils and families through uncertain times. The staff within the Preparatory School did an outstanding job and must be commended for their dedication, resilience and commitment to the girls’ in their care. They embraced new technology and were determined to deliver the very best to their pupils, which was greatly appreciated by the wider school community.

- 23 -

Although this past academic year did not follow the normal pattern and routine, it was nevertheless a bright and positive year and we look forward to embracing the changes and challenges of the next school year.

BOARDING DEPARTMENT

The Boarding Department was home to 51 students during the academic year 2019-2020. Pupils from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Hong Kong, United States and China joined local pupils in Years 8-14 and shared in the many opportunities offered by Victoria College. It was with great sadness that the COVID restrictions and lockdown arrangements across the world forced our boarders to leave their boarding family to return home at short notice in February and March. Until that unwelcome disruption to normality, a varied and vibrant programme of events had taken place and been enjoyed by everyone within Drumglass House.

As always, Boarding formed an integral part of the lives of our boarding students; it provided security and support and was a learning environment for those boarders who had to come to Northern Ireland to fully immerse themselves in learning English and availing of an excellent educational experience. It was also a place of happy memories and friendships made.

Whilst the Department’s emphasis was on the pastoral aspect of boarding, learning was also extremely important. The staff team in Drumglass worked constantly to engage with the boarders to assist in their academic work and to ensure that they achieved their potential.

The students also enjoy a full programme of activities. In 2019-2020 the Boarding Department engaged in all the extra-curricular activities run by the school, while the Department also ran its own ‘in house’ entertainment programme. These activities included a Spooktactular Halloween party, treasure hunts, group games, the Christmas party, as well as celebrating Thanksgiving, the Chinese New Year and end of term celebrations. Trips outside Boarding were also important, with girls participating in a bus trip around Belfast, a tour to the Giant’s Causeway, walks up Cavehill and cinema trips, to name but a few. Christmas celebrations in Drumglass were a particular highlight, with our pupils having the opportunity to dress to impress and to participate in the annual talent show.

The Annual Inspection by the RQIA took place during the third week in January. This involved a new Inspection team which carried out a very thorough inspection, which included a review of the building, safeguarding, welfare and record-keeping, as well as meetings with parents and pupils. The Inspectors made no official recommendations.

It was with great regret that the Board of Governors, after much deliberation and consideration of the global and local guidance, made a decision to close Boarding for the 2020-2021 academic year, operating instead a limited Homestay arrangement for 2020-2021. We were sorry to say goodbye to a number of our foreign students who commenced studies elsewhere at other schools. We wish them all every success and happiness in their new schools, but have no doubt that the many friendships formed during their time at the College will continue into the future. We were also sorry to say goodbye to a number of members of boarding staff, some of whom had been long-serving members of the College. Special mention must be made of Mrs Burns, Head of Boarding who had worked within the Boarding Department for 27 years, as well as Matrons, Mrs Janet Johnston and Ms Audrey Toms who over the years offered the girls in their care all the support they needed and provided guidance to the wonderful team of boarding assistants. The Board wishes to place on record its gratitude and appreciation to all of the Boarding staff for the work which they undertook during their employment at the College. We are delighted that some of these staff members have remained at the College, having been offered alternative positions and we wish all other former members of Boarding staff every happiness in their future careers.

- 24 –

SECTION 4 – PERFORMANCE DATA

GENERAL FOR SENIOR SCHOOL

UK NI VCB

A*/A grades at A2 level N/A 36.0 47.3

A*/A grades at GCSE N/A 56.8 52.6

A*-C grades at A2 N/A 89.0 98.5

A*-C grades at GCSE N/A 96.6 98.7

GCSE 2020

Number of pupils entered for 5 or more subjects 142

% achieving 5+ A*-C grades 100

% achieving 7+ A*-C grades 97.18

% achieving 7+ A*-B grades 73.24

A LEVEL 2020

Number of pupils entered for 3 or more subjects 105

% achieving 2+ A*-C grades 93.2

% achieving 3+ A*-C grades 68.93

% A* grades achieved 9.9

% A*-A grades achieved 35.8

VICTORIA COLLEGE RESULTS COMPARED TO N.I. AVERAGE FOR GRAMMAR SCHOOLS

2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019 VCB NI VCB NI VCB NI

5+ GCSE A*-C 100 97 98 96 97.74 96

7+ GCSE A*-C 97 91 83 91 93.23 91

3+ A LEVEL A*-C 82 78 72 78 69 80

2+ A LEVEL A*-E 100 100 100 100 99 100

- 25 -

PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS 2019/2020 A2 LEVEL Subject Performance Analysis (by cumulative percentages)

Subject Entries A* A B C D E Art 7 28.6% 57.1% 71.4% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Biology 34 5.9% 35.3% 67.6% 94.1% 97.1% 100.0% Business Studies 13 0.0% 7.7% 46.2% 92.3% 100.0% 100.0% Chemistry 15 6.7% 46.7% 93.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Economics 3 0.0% 66.7% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% English Literature 12 25.0% 58.3% 83.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% French 6 16.7% 83.3% 83.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Further Mathematics 3 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Geography 27 14.8% 55.6% 81.5% 96.3% 100.0% 100.0% German 2 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Government and Politics 6 0.0% 33.3% 83.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Health and Social 9 0.0% 0.0% 88.9% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Health and Social(DA) 8 0.0% 50.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% History 4 50.0% 50.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Mathematics 15 13.3% 46.7% 80.0% 93.3% 100.0% 100.0% Nutrition and Food 6 0.0% 33.3% 83.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Physics 5 0.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Religious Studies 10 40.0% 70.0% 90.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% SSD 7 0.0% 14.3% 28.6% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Spanish 4 25.0% 50.0% 75.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Technology and Design 16 0.0% 37.5% 87.5% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% BTEC ICT 6 0.0% 16.7% 16.7% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% BTEC Travel 6 33.3% 83.3% 83.3% 83.3% 83.3% 100.0% 224 11.6% 44.6% 77.2% 97.3% 99.1% 100.0%

Destinations - Leavers to No. of Yr Higher Further Employ- Another Job Modern Unknown None of 12, 13, 14 Education Education Ment School Skills Apprent- other Leavers iceship categories 2019/20

107 65 16 3 17 0 0 0 6 ANNUAL ATTENDANCE RATE (ALL PUPILS) Total days attended by all pupils on roll as % of total possible days of attendance = 94.5%

- 26 -

PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS 2019/2020 GCSE LEVEL Subject Performance Analysis (by cumulative percentages)

Entrie Subject s A* A B C* C D E Art & Design 37 18.9% 45.9% 81.1% 91.9% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Biology 115 28.7% 58.3% 87.0% 99.1% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Business Studies 28 14.3% 50.0% 82.1% 85.7% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Chemistry 87 23.0% 63.2% 82.8% 93.1% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Design and Technology 34 29.4% 79.4% 91.2% 97.1% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Drama 24 0.0% 37.5% 66.7% 79.2% 91.7% 91.7% 100.0% English Language 142 7.0% 56.3% 85.9% 97.2% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% English Literature 126 8.7% 34.1% 79.4% 91.3% 99.2% 100.0% 100.0% French GCSE / 9FC 39 10.3% 59.0% 66.7% 92.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Geography 44 36.4% 84.1% 95.5% 97.7% 97.7% 100.0% 100.0% Health & Social Care 26 3.8% 30.8% 76.9% 88.5% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% History 47 25.5% 66.0% 93.6% 93.6% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Home Economics 20 10.0% 35.0% 70.0% 90.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% ICT /(multimedia) 16 6.3% 25.0% 62.5% 68.8% 93.8% 100.0% 100.0% ICT /programming 15 20.0% 73.3% 86.7% 93.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Learning for Life and Work 20 0.0% 30.0% 60.0% 75.0% 85.0% 100.0% 100.0% OCN NI Spanish 23 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Mathematics 142 14.8% 52.1% 83.8% 95.8% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Mathematics Further 50 26.0% 62.0% 88.0% 96.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Music 13 30.8% 53.8% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Physics 65 24.6% 67.7% 93.8% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Religious Studies 118 19.5% 56.8% 72.0% 82.2% 97.5% 100.0% 100.0% Science Single Award 8 12.5% 50.0% 75.0% 87.5% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Spanish 30 13.3% 20.0% 73.3% 83.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Sport/PE Studies 10 20.0% 40.0% 90.0% 90.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Religious Studies (SC) 10 10.0% 20.0% 20.0% 20.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% 1289 16.99% 52.60% 82.16% 92.09% 98.84% 99.69% 100.0%

% of Year 12 Pupils Achieving no passes in either GCSE or other qualifications Nil

- 27 - VICTORIA COLLEGE BELFAST SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2020 SUMMARY COLLEGE REVENUE ACCOUNT 2020 2020 2019 2019 Reported Reported Restated Restated £ % £ % Income Government Grants 4,714,626 68.6% 4,408,553 67.8% Other Income 2,154,260 31.4% 2,094,777 32.2%

Total 6,868,886 100.0% 6,503,330 100.0%

Expenditure Teaching staff costs (3,828,589) 53.0% (3,463,884) 52.3% Auxiliary staff costs (878,196) 12.2% (822,902) 12.4% Ancillary staff costs (776,848) 10.7% (753,595) 11.4% Redundancy staff costs 0 0.0% (15,648) 0.2% Education costs (298,350) 4.1% (306,181) 4.6% Premises costs (587,520) 8.1% (458,143) 6.9% Administration costs (218,533) 3.0% (189,605) 2.9% Boarding costs (210,390) 2.9% (209,037) 3.2% Catering costs (262,948) 3.6% (236,141) 3.6% Other costs (165,429) 2.3% (167,512) 2.5%

Total (7,226,803) 100.0% (6,622,648) 100.0%

Surplus/(Deficit) for the year (357,917) -5.2% (119,318) -1.8%

SUMMARY COLLEGE BALANCE SHEET 2020 2019 Reported Restated £ £ Fixed Assets 9,580,765 9,881,154 Current Assets 2,021,315 1,945,514 Current Liabilities (1,799,580) (1,583,412) 9,802,500 10,243,256

Financed by: Creditors due after more than one year 14,303 18,099 Deferred grant income 7,633,738 7,914,554 Capital and reserves 2,154,459 2,310,603 9,802,500 10,243,256

- 28 -