AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 18:07 Page 2

AQUINASDIOCESAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

EE BIL R JU SILVE AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 18:08 Page 3

With One Voice

Year 14 Theatre Studies rehearsing The Importance of Being Earnest

Front cover picture: Year 11 Irish students enjoying class AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:17 Page 4

SILVER JUBILEE

THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE VERITAS LIBERABIT AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:17 Page 5

Welcome • Fáilte Bonjour • Bienvenido

We hope that you enjoy reading this prospectus andthatitgivesyouarealflavourofwhatlifeislikeinourschool.

We are a welcoming, inclusive school whose aim is to provide opportunities for all our pupils, enabling them to realise their true potential, academically, socially, spiritually and personally. We seek to foster a spirit of respect and understanding in each child in an environment which in turn is secure, supportive and caring; in which our pupils feel valued and esteemed.

As a school of 800 pupils divided into four houses, we believe our size and structure, helps us to develop as a close family community where students from different year groups are able to work together and support each other in many aspects of their learning, particularly in extra-curricular activity.

We are a learning school where the learning experience is effective, enjoyable and empowering and where our students are encouraged and supported to aim high and to work hard. We provide many opportunities outside normal class time to enrich the whole learning experience, enabling them to go out into the world as confident, mature young men and women, well prepared for all the challenges of the 21st century.

We are committed to working in partnership with our parents, constantly aware of the value of their support and the importance of their role. We have state of the art ICT facilities to support learning and sporting facilities second to none. We pride ourselves on the excellent staff-student relationships and on the effectiveness of our Pastoral Care provision for students

As a Catholic school we work to build upon the values of family and home to foster a strong sense of faith in our pupils. Above all we are a school which recognises the uniqueness of each child, the wonder of each child and their potential for greatness. We certainly see it as a privilege to be entrusted with the education of all the boys and girls who come here. We strive to provide a truly Aquinas education; an education and experience that will support your child throughout their future lives.

Learning through ... I thank you for taking the time to read through our prospectus. We hope it gives you a small insight into the life of our school and some of the activities and opportunities that we provide for our pupils. As you visit our school and meet our students, I am sure the young boys and girls you encounter will be role models of the values you hope for in your own child. I hope you will feel confident in choosing Aquinas for your child for the next seven years of their education.

Mr Barry Kelly Principal

1 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:18 Page 6

SILVER JUBILEE

...to realise true potential, academically, spiritually and personally...

...Irish ...French ...... and Spanish

2 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 18:26 Page 7

25th Anniversary 1993-2018 Old Aquinas building, 1993 – 2003

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School opened the doors to its first 110 pupils in September 1993 with Mr Finbarr McCallion as Principal. During the late eighties and early nineties, it was clear from the demographics of South that there was an ever increasing Catholic population, yet a dearth of Catholic schools to cope with the numbers. For that reason, Monsignor Thomas Bartley, on behalf of Bishop Patrick Walsh, campaigned vigorously with the Minister and Department of Education to gain permission for the building of a new Catholic Grammar School in South Belfast. In 1992, after many meetings, letters and phone calls, the Department finally granted permission for the new school with ten teachers and 110 boys and girls with a proposed First Principal Mr McCallion (1993-99) with First opening date of September 1994. However, Bishop Walsh and Monsignor Bartley were Headboy, Sean McGrattan and Headgirl, Kirsty Gordon determined to open in September 1993. Many remember Mr McCallion, the newly Monsignor Bartley, appointed Principal, speaking from every church pulpit within the catchment area, co-founder of Aquinas encouraging the parents of P6 and P7 pupils to consider the new Aquinas for their child’s post-primary education. Rather than choose a ‘greenfield site’, which would have delayed the opening, the new school took possession of the derelict building that was the former St Augustine’s Boys’ Secondary School, which had amalgamated with St Monica’s Girls’ Secondary’ in June 1992, forming St Joseph’s College. On the 1st September 1993, a year earlier than planned and with the paint still wet on the walls, Mr Finbarr McCallion, Principal, Mr Michael McClean, Vice Principal and Science teacher; Mrs Diana Press, Senior Teacher and Head of English; Mrs Fionnuala Clarke, Mathematics and Science; Miss Patricia Cunningham, Art and Technology; Mrs Julia Dolan, French, German and History; Mr Paul Evans, PE, RE, English and History; Father Colin Grant, RE, Music and History; The founding Mrs Sasha Lambon, French and German; Mrs Marie teachers c.1997/98: (L to R: McCool, PE and Geography and 110 pupils began life M. McCool, in the fourth Diocesan College of the Diocese of M. McClean, Down and Connor. P. Cunningham, S. Lambon, D. Press, The staff and pupils finally moved into their new F. Clarke, J. Dolan, building in January 2003, with Mr Michael McClean F. McCallion, P. Evans, C. Grant) now as Principal, Mr McCallion having retired in June 1999. The school has gone from strength to strength over the years, becoming firmly rooted in the South Eastern Belfast community with Mrs Diana Press becoming Principal from June 2006 to June 2010, Mrs Geraldine Gibson from 2010 to 2011 and from then to the present day, Mr Barry Kelly.

The five Principals of Aquinas: Finbarr, McCallion (1992-99), Michael McClean (1999-2006), Diana Press (2006-10), Geraldine Gibson (2010-11), Barry Kelly (2011 to present)

3 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 18:18 Page 8

SILVER JUBILEE

Some of the first students, September 1993: Brian Gibson, Claire Gibson, Seaneen Sloan, Leontia Haldenby, Carol Taylor and Ronan Watson

First intake, 1993 in “The Quad” at breaktime

Third Principal, Mrs Press (1993-2010) picture taken c.1995

New building during construction

Mr McClean, second Principal (1999-2006)

Bishop Walsh at the formal opening of the school building,Tuesday 28th January, 2003 with Headboy Patrick Smyth and Deputy Headboy Sean McGoldrick

4 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 18:20 Page 9

Roland De Boer, 1993

Mr Kelly at Careers 1993-2018 in pictures Convention, 2016 Drama class Fundraising: Macmillan Coffee Morning

First pupils at break, 1993

Mr McClean fixing a computer Mr Brady Head of History with Mrs Lambon, Mrs Press (1994-2005) and Mr Devlin, and Mrs Dolan c1993 Prize da Senior Teacher (1995 – 2012) main pr who w Fundraising for Women’s Cancer Charity Shakespeare Festival c.1998

Prize day with Mrs Dolan (Senior teacher, 1993-2012) and Gavin McNeill Sports Day c.2009

Sports Day, c.2008

Mass to mark the opening of the school year, 2016

Mabeth’s three witches, Shakespeare Festival Fundraising, 2013 Mr McNeill, Senior teacher (1994-2012) during Sports Day

Shakespeare Festival, 1994

Rev Ken Newell, Presbyterian Moderator addressing sixth form

Mrs O'Brien (HOD Technology), past pupil Vincent Murray (QUB Student of theYear Sports Day c.2009 5 Natalie Eastwood 2010), Mrs Gibson (interim Principal 2010- and Fionnuala Rooney, 11) and Mr Duffy (HOD Physics) Prizeday AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 18:22 Page 10

PE Trip to USA, 2000

SILVER JUBILEE

Shakespeare Festival, 1999

Dr Dowling VP (Curricular) picture c. 1995 KS3 Prizegiving 2011

Prize day with Mr McClean (Principal 1999-2006), main prize winners and Ciara Dowling who won the overall award. c.2001

Mary Wilson (Supremes) with Matthew McCrudden, Aoife Maguire, Maeve Cleary and Niamh McCrossan, Careers Convention, 2014

Hello Dolly, 2005 Ladies’ Gaelic Football team , 2006

Ski Trip, Axamer Lizum, 2008 with Mr Dobbin (VP, 2010-2014) and Mrs McCool (Head of PE)

Senior Soccer team, 2004

Sports Day c.2007 Mr Leneghan (Senior Teacher), Mr McDaid (now chair of Governors) and Nick McDaid at QUB Climbing Wall during a fundraiser in 2007

6 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 18:22 Page 11

Faith in Action

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School is a Catholic school open and welcoming to people of other faiths and none...

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School has as its Patron Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Dominican friar who lived between 1225 and 1274 and who is acknowledged as one of the most influential philosophers and theologians in Faith in Action the Scholastic tradition to have ever lived. A Doctor of the Church, Pope Leo XIII declared him in 1880 to be the Patron Saint of all Catholic universities, colleges and schools. Faith in Action In Aquinas we wish our pupils to share that love of learning with their patron St Thomas, but even more importantly, we wish them to share his love of God and holiness of life.

As a Catholic school we believe in the importance of daily prayer both in the classroom and in the more formal setting of our school chapel, where we celebrate the seasons and feast days of the Church year through liturgies including Class andYear Group Masses on the First Fridays of the terms. These are celebrated by our full time Chaplain who is a priest of the diocese of Down and Connor. Our pupils are encouraged to play an active role in the creation and celebration of these liturgies and a Sixth Form team of students help with the day to day running of our purpose built Chaplaincy building. Indeed, our Eucharistic Ministers consist not only of staff members but also of Sixth formers nominated by their peers, prepared within school and instituted into their extraordinary ministry at the Mass to mark the opening of the new academic year each September. All of this and more ensures that the practice of the Catholic faith is not separated from the rest of daily life within the school community.

Aquinas is a Catholic school that welcomes pupils of other Christian churches, world faiths and people of no faith. At the heart of our ethos is our motto from St John’s Gospel, chapter 8, verses 31 and 32: the Truth shall set you free and we endeavour to live by these words of Christ through developing the God-given talents of all our pupils, and forming attitudes and values in our young people which are based on these words of scripture and the other teachings and actions of Jesus Christ.

We believe firmly in living by the two greatest Commandments to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22: 36 – 40). We teach our pupils about justice, to act justly and to reach out to our suffering and marginalised brothers and sisters through our

charity work which continues throughout the school year but which has a particular thrust in our Catholics Caring Mr Evans (VP Pastoral) and campaign during the season of Advent and ourTrocaire fundraising during Lent. Fr Grant (Senior Teacher and Chaplain) facilitating circle time In Aquinas we want our students from the youngest to the most senior to adopt a way of looking at the world which is positive and which seeks to change the world for the better. This is not confined to the classroom; we Warhammers’ Club bring our pupils out of school on Retreat at key moments in their academic career. These occur at the end of Junior School inYear 10; during GCSE studies in Year 12 and as their time in secondary education comes to an end inYear 14. These special days held in local Retreat Centres in Belfast both consolidate and celebrate their experience of an Aquinas education, giving them as many opportunities as possible to grow as a community and encounter the person of Jesus Christ, theTruth who shall set us free. Our aim will always be to give our young people as many opportunities as possible to develop a personal relationship of faith with Him that is made manifest in the way they live their lives both now and in their lives to come.

7 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:30 Page 12

SILVER JUBILEE

...the truth shall set you free...

Fr Grant in the Chaplaincy leading a class reflection

8 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:31 Page 13

Our Vision

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School is a Catholic school community within which both staff and students work in the pursuit of all aspects of spiritual, educational and personal excellence.

To achieve this we have the following aims:

• To promote the spiritual welfare of every member of the school community. • To foster to the highest possible degree the academic development of each student. • To establish a creative and secure educational partnership between the school, our parents and the wider community. • To provide a Pastoral Care System to meet the needs of all students throughout their school career. • To seek to promote a sense of continuity, coherence and achievement in each student’s educational experience. • To develop attitudes and opportunities through which our students may become responsible members of society. • To prepare our students for a rapidly changing adult world of work, leisure and responsibility. • To foster within the school community respect for the personal and intellectual integrity of each and every individual.

We firmly believe that our pupils have a much better chance of reaching their full potential and developing their many talents in a caring and supportive environment. We wish our pupils to look forward to coming to school, where expectations are not only high but achievable for each individual. As well as the widest range of subjects, Aquinas has an extensive extra-curricular programme and a pastoral care system which places your child at the heart of our school.

Chamber Choir with lead Soprano, Niamh

The Mall at Lunchtime 9 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:31 Page 14

SILVER JUBILEE

A community as one

Orchestra with Mrs McWilliams Gaelic Football Team Drama Club

10 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 18:28 Page 15

Pastoral Care

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School is a community built on a foundation of Christian values of care and respect for the individual. At the heart of this school community lies the individual child who benefits from and contributes to this community.

The aims of the Pastoral Care System in Aquinas are:

• To help all students participate as fully as possible in their learning experiences in school. • To contribute to the personal growth and development of each student. • To help students relate positively and with respect for others, both within and outside the school community.

In general these aims will find expression in the good relationships established between all members of the school community. Each student in the school belongs to aTutor Group.TheTutor Group meets with theTutor for 10 minutes at the start of the school day and also for one form period per week.

TheTutor has primary responsibility for the pastoral and academic welfare of their students and is thus in an excellent position to liaise with each student’s subject teachers and with parents. They are the first point of contact for parents and are, in turn, supported by the Year Head and the Central Leadership team. The tutor is expected to conduct at least one interview with each pupil in their group to ascertain the needs, interests, strengths and weaknesses of each pupil. The tutor also takes a central role in the identification of need day in November when the staff get the opportunity to inform the tutor of any concerns they may have about individual pupils.

All our Policies are regularly reviewed. The Pastoral Care System was reviewed in 2013/14 by a working group which evaluated and re-viewed the school policy and all aspects of Pastoral Care in Aquinas Grammar. Two significant changes to our previous system were the reintroduction of our revised Positive Behaviour Policy and the creation of a whole school House System. Both the revised policy and House System are in their infancy but early signs would indicate that both are adding to the already effective pastoral system that has emanated the school since 1993. The working group continues to monitor pastoral care in Aquinas and will evaluate and review this annually.

Charity at Christmas, 2016

Mr McGrath (Head of Politics andYear Head) and pupils

11 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:32 Page 16

SILVER JUBILEE

Supporting each other and those in need...

12 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:32 Page 17

Guidance

To enable our new students to adjust to their new school experience the tutorial programme aims to:

• Promote a sense of security and establish a feeling of belonging. • Develop the skills of social interaction and a positive self image. • Establish a caring community within the Tutor Group. • Lay the foundations for study skills. • Encourage each student to review their progress.

We understand the emotional and intellectual challenges that the transition from Primary to Grammar school poses for our Year Eight students and so it is for this reason that the Tutors and Year Head, with the support of the staff as a whole, aim to help the new students adapt with ease. Practical guidance is offered on how to cope with the demands of new subjects, to organise books and personal equipment, to adjust to different types of homework, and to find a comfortable niche in Aquinas life.

Year 8 parents are invited to a Mass of Welcome and Induction Evening at the end of September. The purpose of this occasion is to provide advice and support, to give them a flavour of the different experiences their children are enjoying in the school and to allow them to meet theYear 8 Tutors in an informal setting. Year 8 pupils also have two Study Skills mornings during which they participate in a variety of different workshops, talks and activities, all aimed at improving the pupils’ understanding of how to learn and work successfully. This programme now extends to Year 11 students to help them understand and meet the demands of their new GCSE courses and subjects. These Induction days are also preceded by a meeting with parents to inform them not only of the rigours of the courses undertaken but also of any curricular or pastoral changes which may affect their young people. Pupils enjoying class activities

The Tutorial Programme followed by the students is intended to address relevant personal, social and academic issues in their formative years. Such areas are dealt with and discussed in a safe and trusting environment and include: friendships and social interaction, attitudes to bullying, cyberbullying, study skills and health education. The weekly tutorial period is also an ideal time and forum for class and individual concerns to be raised. TheTutor plays a key role in helping the students to absorb the ethos of Aquinas where high standards of behaviour, honesty and application are encouraged and respected.

13 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 18:30 Page 18

SILVER JUBILEE

...to help new students adapt with ease...

Year 12s pupils at the Careers Convention 2014

Year 11 PE class using the spin bikes 14 Year 8s enjoying PE class AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:57 Page 19

Curriculum Key Stage 3 and 4

The curriculum on offer in Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School comprises all the learning experiences within the school and includes not only knowledge and skills but the attitudes, beliefs and values which come from the relationships in our school community.

Our curriculum is pupil-centred, striving for academic excellence in GCSE, AS and A-Level public examinations within a balanced and diverse programme, while at the same time enabling each pupil to realise his/her full potential by developing all their interests and talents. Key Stage 3 InYears 8, 9 and 10 pupils study the following subjects in line with the curriculum: • English • Mathematics • Science,Technology and Design • Languages - Two languages from the choice of French, Spanish or Irish • History, Geography, Home Economics • Business Studies (year 10) • ICT (year 8 and year 10) • Physical Education,Art and Design, Music • Religious Education Year 10s enjoying the • Personal and Social Education, Citizenship and Employability thermite reaction in Chemistry • Careers Awareness and Drama Key Stage 4 For GCSE all pupils study the core subjects of: • English • Mathematics • Science • Religious Studies • A choice of Language

Optional Choices Further Mathematics, Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Drama, French, Geography, History, Home Economics, ICT, Moving Image Arts, Learning for Life and Work, Music, PE, Physics, Science (Double Award), Spanish.

Astronomy GCSE is offered after school as an extracurricular subject 15 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 06/01/2017 10:22 Page 20

SILVER JUBILEE

...enabling each student to realise their full potential...

16 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 18:32 Page 21

Curriculum AS and A2 (A Level)

...ensuring the the needs and aspirations of every pupil...

Sixth formers using the digital camera mounted microscope

17 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:41 Page 22

SILVER JUBILEE

AS and A2 (A Level) The following subjects are offered at AS and A2 level::

Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Digital Technology, Design and Technology, English Literature, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Irish, Mathematics, Moving Image Arts, Music, Nutrition and Food Science, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Spanish,Theatre Studies.

Through our membership of the South Belfast Area Learning Community, and our commitment to the Entitlement Framework, we can also offer our students: Economics, Media Studies and Health and Social Care. Students may take 3 or 4 of the above subjects at AS Level and may then proceed to A2 with 3 or 4 subjects. Enrichment All students have classes in Religious Studies, Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) as well as Personal and Social Education. Students may participate in a Physical Education programme, especially designed to encourage fitness and healthy living. Sixth Formers are also encouraged to engage in the Community Link Programme which involves links with local schools, care homes and charities. Other opportunities include participation inYoung Enterprise, The Bar Mock Trial, and the Sentinus Project.

Preparation for Higher Education and Employment Snapshot of University Applications The transition from school to university life is an important one. For that reason we support for One AcademicYear % our students and families with a special University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) evening where university admissions officers are in attendance to give guidance through the 34 application process. Even at subject department level, our students avail of Aquinas – QUB 27 Scotland 13 University links by attending some lectures or inviting lecturers into the classroom. Ulster University 7 The CEAIG Department helps organise one week of work experience forYear 13 students CAO 3 in February. This is another important aspect of Sixth Form life because it enables each Deloitte BrightStart 2 Belfast Met 3 student to gain a first-hand insight into the world of work. In addition to this, Sixth Form St Mary’s University College 2 pupils receive regular Labour Market information updates throughout their time in Aquinas. 1 Further CEIAG is given inYear 14, where students are offered the opportunity to experience trial interviews and receive feedback from professionals in their chosen areas of interest. This too gives good preparation towards Higher Education and Employment.

Generally, allYear 13 andYear 14 students receive CEIAG with the aim of helping them identify their own skills, attitudes and aptitudes which they will need in university and later employment. Our students are guided carefully through the process involved in applying to UCAS and the Central Applications Office, Ireland (CAO) for university admission.The school acts as a centre for university aptitude tests. Finally, students will receive advice and help should they wish to take a gap year, enter employment or pursue a vocational route in Further Education. Independent Learning Our Sixth Form pupils are given many opportunities to learn outside the classroom through fieldtrips, lectures, exchange visits and trips to theatresand art galleries. They receive opportunities to lead activities through their role as prefects and mentors for younger pupils leading, for example, the Junior and Senior Student Councils where pupil representatives from each Form Class discuss issues concerning student life.

In essence, Aquinas tries to give the Sixth Form some autonomy as young adults having access to privileges such as coffee facilities, designated study areas, ICT facilities and the library. Mentoring is provided, if needed, to support pupils as they establish themselves as independent learners.

Overall, in Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School we aim to ensure that the needs and aspirations of every student in the Sixth Form are met through well-planned and managed learning with a strong pastoral system in which CEIAG is firmly embedded. 18 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:41 Page 23

Extra-Curricular

We are confident there is something for everyone to join and enjoy. We aim to provide ongoing opportunities for our students to maximise their varied gifts and talents, be they cultural, intellectual or physical.

There are many sports for our students to participate in as we recognise that continued achievement and progress in physical performance enhances the student’s self image and gives a clear understanding of the importance of regular exercise in everyday life. Our senior pupils participate in the coaching and mentoring of a group of students from Glenveagh Special School as part of Special Olympics Ireland. This has not only brought sporting success to the Glenveagh students but has provided challenges and fulfilment to those of our own pupils who coached and encouraged them.

The musical experiences offered to our students are many and varied. Tuition in a wide range of musical instruments is offered and support provided by peripatetic music tutors. We have several accomplished choirs, orchestra, folk group and a traditional group.

In the Creative & Expressive arena our annual Shakespeare Festival continues to be a great success. Aquinas continues to go from strength to strength in its own productions of dramatic and musical performances. These draw widely on the talent and dedication of students from all year groups and provide exciting entertainment and fond memories for all involved. Students have enjoyed working alongside the Art and Design teachers in creating scenery and props for the musical and theatrical productions

As a school we are in no doubt that our extra curricular programme develops strong relationships between students and teachers, the wider community and other schools. It contributes in a major way to developing pupils and students who are self-confident and articulate. They understand the importance of team work and are sensitive to the needs of others. In all of this they are striving to realise their full potentiall.

The brass section of the orchestra

19 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:42 Page 24

SILVER JUBILEE

...maximising talents and gifts...

20 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 19:01 Page 25

At home and around the world...

Wish you were here... We have high expectations for our students and we firmly believe in the establishment of a secure educational partnership between the Florida Exchange, Giant’s Causeway visit school, parents and the wider community.

We want our students to become effective citizens of the 21st century. We provide many opportunities for them to learn about the world beyond school. The following are some of the opportunities available.

• Links with schools in Belfast, France, Spain, South of Ireland, China and USA. • Visits to our partner schools in Barcelona and Lille. • Pope John Paul II Award Lille visitation as part of the • Bar Mock Trial French Exchange • CEAIG and Work experience schemes • Work shadowing • Community link programmes • Environmental awareness projects • Young Enterprise • Video conference links • Third World awareness and fund-raising groups • Faith in Action • Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme • The Ulster Project Florida Exchange • Lego league 2014 • SchoolsGrand Prix • Soroptimist Public Speaking • Belfast Speech and Drama festival • Cinemagic • Astronomy • Participation in competions which range fromYoung Innovators to sporting tournaments and art competitions. ... and 21 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 19:03 Page 26

SILVER JUBILEE

Ski Trip to Anadlo, Italy, 2014

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expedition ...and here...

Year 9 Fieldtrip to the Glens of Antrim

...and here...

The Catacombs, Rome 2016

Rome Trip, 2016 - in Assisi d here... 22 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:45 Page 27

Enjoyment in Education

Year 8s on the Mall

Mrs McCrossan (Senior Teacher) and the Fund Raising Team

Year 9s on the Mall 23 AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 12:01 Page 28

SILVER JUBILEE

Christmas Carols in Church of the Good Shepherd

Year 9s, Shakespeare Festival

Year 10 Girls at Sports Day

Year 12 Geography residential to Gortatole

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, 518 Ravenhill Road, Belfast BT6 0BY

Tel: 02890 643939 Fax: 02890 693728 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.aquinasgrammar.com

Principal : Mr. Barry Kelly

Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr. Terry McDaid AQUINAS PROSPECTUS master:Layout 1 05/01/2017 11:15 Page 1

Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, 518 Ravenhill Road, Belfast BT6 0BY

Tel: 02890 643939 Fax: 02890 693728 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.aquinasgrammar.com

Principal : Mr. Barry Kelly

Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr. Terry McDaid