Welcome

Dear Parents and Prospective Students, I hope you will enjoy reading our prospectus and that it will give you some insight into the exciting and challenging work that takes place in our school. Our current pupils are our best advocates and they will tell you that our school is a happy, secure and safe place, where everyone is valued and where expectations are high. Our Mission Statement and mantra of Excellence, Endeavour and Empowerment in a school context helps ensure that we all work together to achieve highly in all areas of school life. We are committed to building on the talents, skills and self confidence of every pupil as he/she travels with us through their educational career, in preparation for the work place or University. We are fortunate to have many talented students and teachers already present in our school. Our reputation is a proud one, wherein our academic, sporting and extra curricular achievements have been well above the NI average in recent times and are the envy of School Mission Statement many other post-primary schools across the province. St Louis Grammar School is a Catholic, Our curriculum provision has grown rapidly and we Voluntary Grammar School committed are in a strong position to meet the demands of the to providing excellent educational new curriculum. As a school, we have invested heavily opportunities for each pupil to develop in Information Technology Systems and are awaiting his/her unique talents to the full in a the outworkings of approved building provision in the school where again we are confident of new upgraded secure, caring environment. resources to enable us to more fully meet the Our motto “Ut Sint Unum” That all may demands of next generation learning. be one, reinforces our St Louis family The future for this school is great... the future for the value system and family centred approach area is great... the potential for all those to education. students transferring to us is unlimited, as they join this successful and ever-developing school. At present we have 1036 pupils and this Our academic success rate is high, but of equal year we accepted 142 new students into importance are relationships and sense of family values. Our Catholic ethos and sense of community our year 8 cohort. We are delighted to serve spirit have never been higher. We can guarantee a students and families from the communities superb educational experience in the school which of Antrim, Ballymena, Cargin, , best reflects all that is excellent in educational terms Creggan, , , in this community. , , , Glenravel, Sean Rafferty , Loughgiel, , , Principal and and to develop our natural community links in this manner.

St Louis Grammar School St Louis Grammar School

Aims of St Louis Grammar School

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

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

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

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

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

Visiting the School Parental support is one of the greatest assets that children Information evenings for Years 11 and 12 and Parent/Teacher can have during their school career. Parents considering meetings for Years 12, 13 and 14 are held early in the first sending their child to St Louis Grammar School may visit term and for remaining pupils during the second term. the school with their child on Open Night when they will Parents are welcome to visit the school at any time by be given more information about the school and have an appointment. All appointments with teachers must be opportunity to view the school facilities. (Visits outside made through the General Office. this time are welcomed and can be arranged via the An Educational Welfare and a Pastoral Support Officer are Principal’s secretary) available to offer support to all pupils.

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

School Uniform Girls Navy blazer with crest Pale blue open-neck blouse Navy V-neck jumper with pale blue stripes Junior school – knee length navy skirt Senior school – below the knee length navy skirt Navy tights/pale blue socks Black shoes School scarf Outdoor school waterproof coat/navy fleece

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

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

P.E. Uniform Girls: School pink and navy shorts/top/socks, White training shoes, Navy windcheater (optional), Athletic vest with St Louis crest (optional), Navy tracksuit bottoms (optional), Half zip tops (opional), St Louis/O’Neills kitbag (optional)

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

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

proud of its ethos and traditions St Louis Grammar School

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

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

The School Curriculum – Key Stage 4 The GCSE core subjects are compulsory in Years 11 and 12:

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

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

Art & Design Business Studies/Applied Business Studies Construction Design & Technology Drama French Further Mathematics Geography History Home Economics I.C.T. Irish Music Performing Arts Physical Education Polish Sports Studies

The majority of our GCSE students study 9 GCSE subjects. (Curriculum provision under review each year)

offering a broad curriculum St Louis Grammar School

The School Curriculum – SUBJECT A.S. A2 Years 13 & 14 Art & Design • • All Year 13 pupils are offered a choice of three Biology • • or four A Level subjects or Applied GCE courses Business Studies (Advanced) • • from the table opposite. Business Studies (Applied) • • Curriculum provision at post 16 is under review Chemistry at present and will be expanded to meet the • • demands of Entitlement Framework requirements Construction • • in association with partner post primary schools Design & Technology • • in the Ballymena Learning Together partnership. Drama and Theatre Studies • • In Year 14 students are expected to study at Economics • • least three of their A.S. subjects to A2 level. English Literature • • Pupils in Year 13 also sample Extra Curricular French • • opportunities, including GAA and Coaching Geography • • Awards, Personal and Social Development Courses, Peer Mentoring, Paired Reading Government & Politics • • and many Career orientated activities. Health & Social Care (Applied) • • History • • Home Economics • • I.C.T. (Advanced) • • I.C.T. (Applied) • • Irish • • Land Use, Sustainability & Environment • • Mathematics • • Moving Image Arts • • Further Mathematics • Music • • Physical Education • • Physics • • Religious Education • • Sociology • • Sports Studies BTEC • • Criteria for entry to Post 16 a) Pupils studying at A Level must have a minimum of five GCSE passes at Grade B to include English and Mathematics (criteria may be enhanced) b) Pupils must also have a good record of attendance, good conduct and application to study c) St Louis Grammar School welcomes students from other schools for post-16 study, provided they meet the minimum criteria and the school can meet their subject requirements Further information on the criteria for entry to Post 16 is available from the General Office during summer term (see Post 16 Prospectus).

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance The school CEIAG programme is a key element in the curriculum provision across all Key Stages and is designed to equip students with the skills and experience to make sound career choices and to progress to third level education or the world of work. To this end, the school provides a high quality Careers Education programme which delivers relevant, up-to-date and impartial careers information to all students. Students are also given guidance at key transition points, including Year 10 subject choice, Year 12 education, training and employment decisions and Years 13 and 14 higher and further education choices and advice on training and employment/scholarship opportunities. A range of work-related learning activities compliments the work carried out within the school and post-16 students take part in work experience and work shadowing. Workshops led by visiting speakers from organisations such as Sentinus, Cogent, Young Enterprise and CITB are organised regularly within the Careers Department and lead subject areas. The school has strong links with local Universities and Colleges. 98% of our Sixth Form students pursue a University pathway.

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

catering for all pupil needs St Louis Grammar School

The pupil community will benefit from

a whole school experience which:

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

The Community Programme:

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

Community Partners will benefit from:

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

Raising Pupil self-esteem and self-belief:

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

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

Promoting Quality Learning and Teaching:

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

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

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

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

dedicated to successful learners St Louis Grammar School

Using e-learning technologies:

• Extending the school’s ‘e-learning’ infrastructure through the development of the school’s website and the creation of a Virtual Learning Environment • Increasing opportunities for pupils to develop independent learning skills through the use of software packages such as ‘Read, Write, Gold’ and the utilisation of ipads • Integration of ipads/tablets and software packages into classroom experience to facilitate learning in class and out of school

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

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

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

Pastoral Care and Discipline (Detailed policy available on request)

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

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

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

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

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

with a caring environment St Louis Grammar School

Sporting Activities Participation in a wide variety of sporting activities is central to life at St Louis Grammar School and students are taught a diverse range of physical skills which can be used in a constructive manner at school and in their communities. Students are taught that frequent physical activity will benefit both their quality of life and general health. All students in Years 8 – 12 are expected to take part in Physical Education classes. There are also opportunities for the students to take part in extra-curricular activities, many of which are sports orientated. The benefits gained by students through their involvement are immense. The programme of study for students aged 14 – 18 has been supplemented Sports/Activities available: with GCSE, A Level in Physical Education and BTec Sports Studies. Students are encouraged to develop their creative and expressive talents through Archery individual activities such as, athletics, dance, outdoor pursuits, gymnastics and Athletics swimming. They are also afforded opportunities to pursue certified qualifications such as ‘Heartstart’ and level one/two coaching awards to boost their records Basketball of achievement. They also have opportunities to work with primary partners in Badminton delivering sports-based programmes and coaching sessions. The appreciation and love of the traditional Irish games of Camogie, Hurling, Camogie Handball and Gaelic Football are some of the cornerstones upon which the Canoeing Physical Education programme is founded. These traditional activities are complemented by activities such as Netball, Basketball and Dance and teams Cross Country Running representing the school in these activities have brought local and national Cycling success to St Louis Grammar School. Last year, we opened two 4G synthetic pitches. Dance The Gifted and Talented Programme for pupils in our own school, Years 8 – 14 Equestrian and our Primary and Post Primary partner schools, is being developed during this academic school year. Pupils have opportunities to develop their knowledge Fishing in areas such as lifestyle management, improving performance, motivational Gaelic Football (Boys & Girls) strategies and coping with school/sport demands. Golf Gymnastics Hurling Ju-Jitsu Netball Olympic Handball Orienteering Outdoor Pursuits Soccer Soft Ball Spin Class Strength & Conditioning Swimming Table Tennis Tennis T.R.X. Volleyball Weight Training

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

Spiritual Dimension Fr Darren Brennan is our Spiritual Director and we have a special school Oratory which is regularly used by pupils and staff. All students receive three periods per week of Religious Education in Years 8, 9 and 10 and four periods per week in Years 11 and 12. Students in Years 13 and 14 are offered two periods per The celebration of Mass for parents, students and week when guest speakers teachers takes place to welcome Year 8 students and deliver talks on moral and to acknowledge leavers at the end of Years 12 and 14. social issues. St Louis Grammar School is involved in the Christian All pupils attend collective worship at class assembly Education Movement. This incorporates prayerful each day and at year assembly once a week. reflection and meditation and encourages pupils Class Masses for pupils are celebrated on many to interact with other denominations in the Christian occasions and opportunities for the Sacrament of family. A number of our sixth form students are Reconciliation for pupils are arranged during Advent involved in the Faith Friends programme to reinforce and Lent. Year 12 pupils are given a Spiritual Retreat. the peer learning dimension of our faith. A large number of our students are actively engaged in A Contact Youth Counsellor will offer support to students who have suffered bereavement or other their parishes, working at a practical level to major trauma. This service is available each Friday achieve their Pope John Paul II awards through throughout the school year. voluntary community and parish engagement.

Information and Communication Technology In St Louis Grammar School, excellent use is made of Information and Communication Technology for all aspects of teaching, learning and management. Interactive Whiteboard technology is available in all teaching areas where teachers and students can access a full range of media including the Internet. Recently we have acquired class sets of Microsoft Tablets to support and facilitate the learning and teaching in the classroom.

The ICT suites are equipped with the latest technology, which ensures that our students are working in an atmosphere which reflects our high standard of education. All Year 8 students are equipped with Surface RT Microsoft Tablets.

All students at Key Stage 3 work towards external accreditation with CCEA and a range of ICT courses are offered at Key Stage 4 and at Post-16.

promoting sport, health and spiritual fulfilment St Louis Grammar School

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

A Grammar School... Excellence, Endeavour, Empowerment

Extra-curricular Activities Educational Trips include: St Louis Grammar School has a tradition of providing extra-curricular activities providing Annual ski-trip to European resorts pupils with opportunities to enhance their self-esteem and to strengthen friendships Visits to the theatre outside of the school environment. Outdoor pursuits These activities often involve partnership with organisations such as Fitness First, Geography field work Seven Towers Leisure Centre and Ballymena Sportsbowl. Trips to historical locations Students can also access the following activities: Annual Year 8 trip to Pantomime Visits to Irish language colleges Drama in the Donegal Gaeltacht School Musicals/Productions Educational trips to England and France Dance School Aid Romania Theatre Visits Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Creative Writing Competitions Comenius Project

beyond the classroom St Louis Grammar School

Community and Cultural Awareness Each year a group of our students, along with teachers, visit Lourdes at Easter time to work with St Louis Grammar School staff and students are fully Special Needs children within the Pilgrimage Trust committed to involvement in community activity and family. The school has recently made contact with cultural awareness. missionary groups in Kenya through our links with Throughout the school year, fund-raising is organised the St Louis order who are heavily involved in regularly with many local and national charities missionary work in Africa. receiving significant donations. The school also works with voluntary/community Links have been established with Friends of Romania groups in the greater Ballymena area and our and Lower Sixth students will again travel to Romania, students are involved in community programmes bringing medical supplies and support to poor in association with St Vincent De Paul Society and families and children in that region. Ballymena District Council, raising awareness of local and global social and citizenship issues.

Last year we celebrated our 90th Anniversary as a school in Ballymena. We are proud of this heritage which was fully endorsed by our achievement as the top grammar school in N.I. in 2012 and a top five position in 2013. Our tradition is one of excellence and every student is encouraged to contribute fully to this aspiration. A number of our students were acknowledged as NI top performers in a range of subjects at A2 and GCSE in 2014/15. Invitation Parents and P7 pupils are welcome to visit St Louis Grammar School on Open Night to meet the teachers and to view the school. Telephone: 028 2564 9534

Community based