Strabane Academy Prospectus 2020 Strabane Academy Address Strabane Academy Lewis 61 Derry Road Bready Jubilee Strabane Primary School Co Tyrone Strabane Academy BT82 8LD On my first day at Strabane Academy I was 028 7188 2578 really scared of everyone around me. I didn't [email protected] know anyone apart from my friends from primary school. I walked around with them strabaneacademy.co.uk trying to find my way around the school. I was so confused as to where all my rooms were and Principal I had to look everywhere to find where I was going to next. As the days went on I gradually Mr D Hampton found my way around the school. I got so settled B.Ed, M.Sc, AdvCertEd, PQH (NI) I loved the school. This school is so good you get to go on lots of school trips. We went to Foyle Hovercraft and took part in lots of team-building Chairman of the exercises. I have made so many new friends here Board of Governors at this school. I keep hearing my name and don’t know which person I should go to. I’m looking Mary Smyth forward to the new build, it will be amazing. My experience so far in Strabane Academy has been Roll: 516 wonderful. If you come to Strabane Academy your experience might even be good as mine!
Admissions: 110 Our Admissions Policy can be accessed from our school website or a printed copy can be obtained from the school office. Leah St. Catherine’s Classification of School Primary School Enrolment No: 700 Boys and Girls My sister actually went to this school and Age Range: 11-18 every day when she came back from school School Type: Controlled Grammar she’d always have a great story to tell about DENI No: 2410311 her fantastic day and how she loved this school. I really wanted to go to this school and my mum really wanted me to as well. When I Open Night went to the open day I met lots of friends and Thursday 30th January 2020 lots of nice teachers. I love Strabane Academy. Holiday Arrangements Information about holidays at Christmas, Easter and mid-term will be sent to parents at the beginning of September and is also available on the school Leslie website. Sion Mills Primary School
On the first day at Strabane Academy I felt nervous as it was my first day at a new school. I thought I would not make any new friends or participate in any new activities, but I did. When I settled in I had one of the best experiences of my life. The teachers and pupils are very nice and the food is delicious.
2 strabaneacademy.co.uk Caoimhe Lifford National School Annie Strabane Primary School Since I’ve started Strabane Academy, I have loved every moment. I was very shy starting a new school because I was the only one from As I walked into Strabane Academy for the my primary school. When we got to our form first time I felt nervous, but all my nerves class I was seated beside a girl called Grace quickly switched to excitement when I saw and she has been my friend ever since. So don’t the lovely smiles on all the teachers’ faces. worry about starting a new school, you will It makes boring subjects fun when you have make lots of new friends at Strabane Academy. a good teacher and they are all amazing at Strabane Academy. The canteen ladies work so hard and you will soon understand my enthusiasm once you taste the great food they make. I’m so happy I chose Strabane Academy First and I would encourage you to do so as well! Impressions
Lauren Artigarvan Shannon Primary School Strabane Primary School My first day at Strabane Academy was scary, but also really exciting. I was really afraid that I wouldn’t make any friends, but now I have a When I first started Strabane Academy I was whole new group of friends. I was also really really nervous in case I didn’t do well. That scared in case nobody would help me find my all changed as soon as I got in. The teachers way around, but that was not the case. The were so nice and I walked straight into my best teachers and students are all very kind and friends. I have really enjoyed my new school and helpful here. The lunches are also really good I’m very excited to move into the new school compared to primary school. I thought I was in Christmas. I started hockey with the school going to be really scared, but now I’m getting and got into the team. We have been to a few used to it and having a great time! We hope matches. Overall, I would say to you not to to see you in September! worry about coming here because you’ll love it!
Year 8s welcome you to Strabane Academy
Strabane Academy @Academy Strabane INSTAGRAM strabane_academy 3 Jack Eve Head Boy Head Girl
Being at Strabane Academy has shaped me Looking back over my time at Strabane into the person I am today. I can honestly say Academy, I realise how fortunate I am to be a that during all my years at the school I have part of a great school with a supportive learning always been supported every step of the environment, friendly pupils and enthusiastic way, be that academically and mentally. I am teachers. Teaching and non-teaching staff have extremely thankful to the team of hard-working been invaluable to my experience at Strabane and dedicated teachers who have helped me to Academy, encouraging me to reach my unlock my full academic potential as well as all of potential. I am glad that I attend a school where my peers. All of the staff, not only teachers, go I know that teachers are always there to help, above and beyond for every pupil in this school whether it be through extra-curricular classes or and have taught me valuable qualities such as words of wisdom. Throughout my time here, I hard work and commitment while also enhancing have learned that aiming high, working hard and my communication skills. The school has putting effort into my work, are essential for provided me with a plethora of opportunities, success. I have made many lasting friendships one of which has been rugby which has changed from my time here and will look back with my life for the better. Strabane Academy has many happy memories. It is an honour to have pushed me to be the best version of myself and been appointed Head Girl for this year, it has it has been an honour to serve as Head Boy this definitely been a highlight of my time here. I am year. I guarantee that in the future when I think thankful for the opportunity to represent the back to my time in Strabane Academy it will be school and to give back something for all of the with fond memories. valuable life-lessons I have learned here.
Year 14s give their reflections Reflections on life at Strabane Academy
Kerry Richard Deputy Head Girl Deputy Head Boy
My most valuable experiences at Strabane It’s hard to believe that my time at Strabane Academy weren't all academic. They were Academy is coming to an end. It has been very all about people, social skills, respect, exciting knowing that I have been a part of the self-worth, empathy, and realizing my own first group of students to move into the new potential. I learned that doing your best school building; exciting times are ahead for counted far more than academic ability. everyone at the school! Because of teachers who believed in me, My time at Strabane Academy has really I also learned that I was capable of more shaped me as person, from being form captain than I thought. I have amazing teachers who in year 8, Junior Student Council chair in Year went well beyond the curriculum to offer 10 to now being Deputy Head Boy, every day project-based learning; this taught me time has helped me grow as a person and prepare management, problem solving, and critical me for life outside of the school building. thinking. The staff at Strabane Academy As new year 8s my message to you is to enjoy have supported me throughout my 7 years your time at Strabane Academy, try to make of education and I am happy to be able to as many friends as possible and get involved give back as Deputy Head Girl. in everything that you can. The staff are I know I will look back and remember with always looking for help with various events affection my teachers and the many positive and they will also be there to help and support experiences I’ve had here. you throughout your school life.
4 strabaneacademy.co.uk according to ability using the Transfer Test scores and also the Standardised Scores Principal's which we receive from our feeder Primary Schools. The strength of this is the continuity Welcome of a very strong academic stream whilst having the ability to cater for the needs of those children who, for whatever reason, did Thank you for taking the time to read our not sit the entrance exam or who did not gain prospectus. It was Aristotle who said that, access to the academic stream but who we believe, will flourish later in their development “We are what we repeatedly having been given the time to thrive. There is a strong, clearly-structured pastoral do. Excellence is not an act, system that guarantees dignity and respect, but a habit.” which can identify problems early and respond quickly to them. This underpins the Within these pages we have tried to capture strong ethos of achievement for all pupils something of the spirit of school life and equipping them with the necessary skills to convey the sense of pride we feel in being prepare them for their future role in society. part of this community. As we begin a new year in Strabane Academy We are very much a part of this community, we are thrilled with our new state-of-the- a small, caring and supportive school, with a art school building; not only in terms of the great family spirit committed to equality of modern up-to-date facilities, but also in opportunity. The values of the school reflect terms of the increased opportunities for our and are informed by the Christian faith and students. We have been given a fantastic we welcome all children regardless of religion, opportunity to provide the best educational race, or social background. We are proud of experience for the children who attend our the diversity of our pupils whether from the school. As we move forward as a school we town itself, our local villages or indeed further are very much aware that: afield from our rural areas and we seek to be inclusive in all our activities. “Excellence is just the At Strabane Academy we emphasise beginning.” individual fulfilment and the pursuit of excellence. The school demands high If you have any questions or queries about the standards of work and conduct and whilst the education we provide at Strabane Academy, focus is on academic excellence, we believe in I hope you will contact me and I shall be a growth mind-set where pupils’ most basic happy to speak with you. abilities can be developed through dedication Yours sincerely and hard work; natural ability and talent are just the starting point and they need to be Mr David Hampton working purposefully in order to grow. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishments later in life. The quality of the teaching and learning lies at the heart of every successful school and within Strabane Academy we have a team of highly motivated, caring and professional staff, both teaching and non-teaching, dedicated to making education enjoyable and whilst ensuring that the pupils are challenged also ensuring that they are respected and valued within a safe and caring learning environment. The pupils have access to a wide combination of academic and vocational courses. On entry to year 8, they are streamed into classes
Strabane Academy @Academy Strabane INSTAGRAM strabane_academy 5 Our School Ethos
"A caring, supportive, close‑knit Strabane Academy community committed to providing an outstanding education that motivates and inspires all to reach their true potential in an atmosphere of mutual respect."
At Strabane Academy we endeavour to ensure that everyone aspires to be their best. A mbition S hine P ride I nitiative R esilience E njoyment
6 strabaneacademy.co.uk Transition into Strabane Academy
with key staff that will support Year 8 pupils. Following this, there is a transition morning for all new intake Year 8 pupils. Pupils will have the opportunity to complete some fun activities, with some surprises along the way; the aim of which is getting to know each other, the staff and the school better and to ease the anxiety of the first day in August. In August, Year 8 pupils will attend their first day in Strabane Academy. This will be the first day of their Supporting our young people, educational journey with us. They will be parents and guardians, is a introduced to their classmates, Form Teacher priority for us here at Strabane and given key information. Academy as children move from During the month of September, we focus on developing a team ethos within the year primary to secondary school. group which is funded by the school. A teambuilding day is planned with outdoor This process begins before pupils transfer to activities which may include archery, laser- us in Year 8. Once the decision has been made tag, virtual clay pigeon shooting and team to move to Strabane Academy the transition game activities. Young Enterprise is also team of Mrs Dunn, Mr Bratton and Ms Doherty involved in this transition process. work very closely with each primary school to ensure we are prepared for each individual A positive, supportive experience makes pupil who is transferring into Year 8. This will for happy, content pupils and a high level of involve a discussion with success for each individual. relevant staff, school visits to us, where necessary, to support individual needs and discussions with parents. All of this facilitates a smooth transition experience for all pupils and makes for happy and stress- free pupils and parents. In June, a Pupil and Parent evening will take place. On this evening, we share key information which will be of benefit to show how Strabane Academy functions on a daily basis and provide an opportunity for you to meet and talk
Strabane Academy @Academy Strabane INSTAGRAM strabane_academy 7 Celebrating Success
Our pupils are at the heart of • Cinema Trip (KS3) • Ice-skating (KS4) everything we do and we take • Belfast shopping trip (KS5) every opportunity to celebrate In June we conclude our celebrations and their achievements and rewards with our summer rewards trip. In the individual success. past this has been: • Portrush (KS3) • Creggan Country Park Activity Centre Reward System (KS4) In Key stage 3 pupils are encouraged to collect merit/achievement points Other Opportunities throughout the academic year. Merit marks can be recorded in planner and are There are other opportunities for pupils to celebrated at key points. feel a sense of achievement and gain rewards for their efforts. • 25 Merit Marks = Bronze Award • 50 Merit Marks = Silver Award In Year 8 we have ‘Pupil of the Week’. Once • 100 Merit Marks = Gold Award a week a pupil is selected from each form class. They are rewarded with a Hot Chocolate Key Stage 4 pupils are also rewarded for their treat with key members of staff at break time. achievement. This includes: Delicious! • 10 points= congratulatory text to parent/ We also have pupil of the month; outstanding guardian pupils are selected by form tutors and are • 15 points = postcard home to parent/ rewarded with a lunch trip to our local guardian McDonald’s with Head of Year, Mr Bratton and guest members of staff. Rewards Trips Success is celebrated through a variety of Rewards Trips take place for all pupils across ways, and highlighted at an individual, class, the school at Christmas time. Trips have team or whole-school level. Follow our social included: media to see how we celebrate and how proud we are of all our pupil successes.
8 strabaneacademy.co.uk Strabane Academy @Academy Strabane INSTAGRAM strabane_academy 9 Examination Results 2019
We have high expectations of Top A Level Performers all our pupils and we are proud Our Sixth Form has an excellent track of their achievements in Public record of success, with pupils progressing on to a range of university courses and also Examinations. enjoying successful careers across a range of competitive industries. This year our A In 2019 our pupils have yet again excelled level pupils have once again excelled with the and produced an excellent set of Examination majority of our leavers gaining access to their results. This level of success is due to the chosen university courses. strong partnership between pupils, staff, parents and the community. As a school community we celebrate some outstanding individual successes at A Level. Within our Grammar stream; 98% of all pupils Remarkably 11% of students achieved all achieved 5 or more A*-C grades at GCSE A*-A grades; this includes Head Girl, Orlagh and 98% achieved 5 or more A*-C grades Falconer who achieved A*A*A*, Fionntan including English and Maths. Moore A*A*A, John Mehaffy, Head Boy, When we look the results for the whole year achieved A*AA, Jonathan Gamble A*AA and group, which includes a wide range of ability, Ryan Millar A*AA. Fionntan, Jonathan and 83% of the year achieved 5 or more GCSE Ryan also achieved an A grade in their AS grades at A*-C and 66% 5 or more grades Further Maths exam. at A*-C including English and Maths which Also included were a number of high compares very favourably with similar all- achievers; Kirsty Blair who achieved A*AB ability Grammar schools in Northern Ireland. grades and Gavin Doherty, Jordan Mealiff and Jack Sayers who all achieved AAB grades. Top GCSE performers Overall, there was a 100% pass rate across all in each of our Pathways: subjects’ areas with 74% of pupils achieving In the Dennett Pathway, which contains the benchmark 3 or more A*-C grades. Of all the traditional Grammar subjects, the top A level examinations completed at Strabane performing girl was Anna Forbes with 9 A* Academy, 67% of results achieved were A*-B grades and an A grade and the top performing grades, this is a remarkable statistic! boy was Stephen Browne with 5 A* grades and 5 A grades. Other top achievers included; “We are very proud of the Alice Sayers, Rhianna Darragh, Finn Hampton, James Aston McCrory and Emma Gamble effort and achievement of all In our Finn Pathway, which contains a mix pupils and staff. I would like of academic and vocational subjects, our top to thank all parents for their performing students included, Emma Britton, Megan Hart, Jordan Dixon and Jack Killen. continued support and wish our pupils all the very best of In our Mourne Pathway, which is mainly vocational, our top performers were Jessica luck for the future after their Colhoun, Hayden Bailey and Jamie Donaghey. well‑deserved success." These results reflect the hard work of our pupils and highlight the dedication and support Mr David Hampton, Principal. provided by our staff and support from parents. Within our intake we have a wide range of individual needs and ability levels and we are extremely proud of each of our young people who have been encouraged and supported to achieve to their potential and beyond.
10 strabaneacademy.co.uk Strabane Academy @Academy Strabane INSTAGRAM strabane_academy 11 Key Stage 3 Curricular Years 8, 9 and 10 pupils follow a broad curriculum designed so that it can offer the breadth and flexibility to provide them with Provision access to a range of learning pathways. A wide range of thinking skills and capabilities, The curriculum at Strabane including literacy and numeracy, are developed Academy provides stimulation across the curriculum. Lessons are interactive, enjoyable and varied in delivery to ensure and challenge to pupils of all pupils experience teaching in their preferred ability, successfully combining learning style and are fully prepared for the both the traditional academic rigours of Key Stage 4. and vocational subjects to The following subjects are delivered in line ensure all our pupils thrive. with the Northern Ireland curriculum: • Art & Design Our aim is to empower our pupils to achieve • Business Studies** their best by enabling them to develop as • Careers Advice individuals and as contributors to society, the • English economy and the environment. Our curricular • French* provision offers progression across all key • Geography stages and leads to academic success. • German* From the earliest possible opportunity in • History Year 8 support is given to pupils to help them • Home Economics learn and discover how they learn best as • Information Technology individuals! Embedded in every year group • Learning for Life & Work and in every subject are assessments which • Mathematics have been designed by subject specialists to • Music track pupils’ progress at key dates throughout • Personal, Social & Health Education the school year. This information is collated • Physical Education and parents are informed of the results. • Religious Studies This enables the school to work effectively • Science alongside parents to intervene quickly where • Technology additional support is required and individual * All pupils will study at least one modern language strategies are put in place for improvement. ** Year 10 only
12 strabaneacademy.co.uk Key Stage 5 In Years 13 and 14 pupils will be able to choose subjects from a range of GCE AS levels, A2 levels, Applied A levels and National Awards.
The following is a list of subjects being offered: • Art & Design • Biology • Business Studies • Chemistry • Cambridge Technicals (IT) • Digital Technology • Drama • English Literature • French • Geography • German • Government & Politics • Health & Social Care • History • Mathematics Key Stage 4 • Media • Moving Image Arts Pupils in Years 11 and 12 will be offered • Music GCSEs in the following subjects: • Physical Education • Art & Design • Physics • Benchwork & Joinery • Religious Studies • Business and Services • Technology & Design • Business Studies If there are insufficient numbers for these • Digital Technology courses they may be offered through • Double Award Science collaboration with other schools within our • Contemporary Craft local learning community (Derg Mourne • Engineering Learning Community). • English Language • English Literature The following Vocational courses will be • French offered through collaboration with the • Further Mathematics North West and South West Regional Colleges: • Geography • German National Awards in: • Health & Social Care • Agriculture • Hospitality • Applied Science • History • Children’s Care, Learning & Development • Learning for Life & Work • Computer Games • Mathematics • Construction • Music • Engineering – Mechanical/Electrical • Physical Education • Health & Social Care • Prince’s Trust • Hospitality • Religious Studies • Media Production • Single Award Science • Travel & Tourism • Technology & Design • Sports Studies • Triple Award Science Curriculum opportunities at Key Stage 5 are enhanced through the Enrichment Programme The following vocational courses may which includes Volunteer Work in care homes, be offered through collaboration with primary schools, charity chops; Computer the North West Regional College: Programming; European Studies Programme; Early Years, Construction, Electrical First Aid; Photography; Sentinus Engineering; Engineering, Motor Vehicle Studies, Joinery, Survival Cookery and all the major sports that Plumbing, Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing. includes Rugby, Hockey, Football and Cricket.
Strabane Academy @Academy Strabane INSTAGRAM strabane_academy 13 Extra-Curricular Activities
At Strabane Academy we endeavour to offer the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities outside of the classroom. We believe that in addition to an academic development we must also stimulate our pupils physically, culturally and spiritually. These clubs and societies take place after school at lunch times and after school as well as weekend excursions, fixtures and visits.
Sports • Hockey • Rugby • Football • Cricket • Netball • Badminton • Strength and conditioning • Functional movement • Gymnastics • Athletics • Golf
Arts & Music • Fine Art • Art and Design Club • Craft Club • Orchestra • Choir • Musical productions Stem • Sentinus • Young Engineers • Lego Club • Maths Challenge • Technology Club • Build-a-go-cart
Clubs and societies • Young Entrepreneur • Scripture Union • Homework Club • Half Hour Club • Library & Book Club • Chess Club • Duke of Edinburgh Award
14 strabaneacademy.co.uk In addition to these clubs we have also embarked on regular school trips and excursions, below are some of the trips and destinations we have ventured on:
Ski — Every year Previous destinations: Italy and France
Geography — Every two years Previous destinations: Iceland and Italy
History — Every two years Previous destinations: Poland and Germany
Language — Every three years Previous destinations: France and Germany
Business and ICT — Every two years Previous destinations: New York City
Rugby — Every three years Previous destinations: Spain and Portugal
Festive Performances by the Music Department Christmas is a busy time of year for the music department, and this year has been no exception. We have a very committed and talented group of nearly 40 pupils in our choir and orchestra who have worked so hard to spread some musical Christmas cheer! This year we had the opportunity to perform in Foyleside to raise money for charity. We also took our Christmas programme to Strabane Day Care to entertain the people who attend there. It is always exciting to get out into the community and celebrate Christmas with the people in our towns. We also participated in our Christmas Craft Fair in school. A fantastic day was organised by the Art Department, and we were so glad that they asked us to be a part of it. We had a lot of fun entertaining the shoppers with our music.
Strabane Academy @Academy Strabane INSTAGRAM strabane_academy 15 Wellbeing, Pastoral Care and Support
Dedicated pastoral care underpins everything that takes place within Strabane Academy. Very simply, pupils can only achieve their academic potential if they experience a positive climate for learning.
We are justly proud to have a reputation as a small, caring school. We know and care for each individual pupil. This is achieved through fostering excellent relationships with staff, pupils and parents from the outset. When pupils commence their educational journey with Strabane Academy in Year 8 they have already experienced our pupil-centred self-refer. Strong links are maintained with ethos. This continues throughout their seven- outside agencies to ensure that all our pupils year journey with us, leaving as well-rounded, have access to these should the need arise. hardworking and caring young adults ready Strabane Academy is completely opposed to for their next chapter. bullying and as a school we actively promote We foster these relationships through our positive relationships. Pupils are encouraged team of highly motivated and experienced to report any concerns they may have to any Form Teachers and Year Heads who nurture member of staff. These will be dealt with and support pupil wellbeing throughout promptly and sensitively in line with the anti- their educational journey. They offer support bullying policy. through the creation of a mutually respectful Positive behaviour is an integral part of daily learning environment and maintain strong life at Strabane Academy. Good behaviour home school links to ensure all behaviours is expected at all times. Pupils are rewarded are positive. through the merit system by achieving There is a strong emphasis on the delivery of bronze, silver and gold awards. There is also personal development and the preventative the Christmas and Summer rewards trip curriculum covering relevant topics in today’s to acknowledge and recognise pupils with society such as anti-bullying, friendships, excellent behaviour and to celebrate success. online safety, drug and alcohol awareness, It has been proven that there is a strong sexuality and relationships alongside mental link between excellent attendance and health and wellbeing. achievement. At Strabane Academy we Child protection is of paramount importance. expect pupils to aim for high standards All staff have received up-to-date training. of punctuality and attendance to ensure The designated teacher for child protection academic and individual success. is Mrs C Sayers (Vice Principal), the deputy Pupils have many leadership opportunities. designate teachers are Ms Doherty, Mrs Each form class has a nominated form captain Dunn and Mrs McKenna. Pupils and parents/ and deputy. As pupils progress throughout the carers are encouraged to speak to any of school they will have the opportunity to apply these members of staff should they have any to become prefect as well as other senior worries or concerns. leadership positions within the student body. The school offers a private and confidential The school council offers pupils a voice to counselling service which allows pupils to represent their peers in key area of school life.
16 strabaneacademy.co.uk Strabane Academy pupils raised a total of £9333 last year for different charities!
Strabane Academy @Academy Strabane INSTAGRAM strabane_academy 17 Wellbeing, Pastoral Care and Support In Strabane Academy the Learning Support Co-Ordinator and Assistant coordinate special needs provision, supported by the Our ‘Quiet room’ can be used as a space for Senior Teacher for Pupil Welfare and Support, individual work or small group work when throughout the school. necessary. Our School ‘Learning Mentor’ is Together, they work closely with staff to meet available to work with individuals on a range the needs of individual pupils. We have a team of areas to support students who would of skilled Learning Support Assistants who benefit from it. This is in response to the support pupils to achieve success in all areas needs of the individual. of school life. Learning support has a central A range of tests are completed to inform place at the heart of our school community. staff of pupil need and as a means of tracking We work closely with our local primary progress. These will also be used to inform schools to ensure a smooth transition for the identification and implementation of pupils into year 8. Information is gathered examination concessions for individuals. and plans put in place to support individuals Examination concessions are put in place with the aim of easing anxieties and having a to support pupils in internal and external positive start to life at Strabane Academy. examinations when required, staff are also The Learning Support provision provides informed so this can also be taken into a supportive, nurturing environment for consideration within the classroom setting. identified classes and individual pupils. All Our aim is to identify pupils who need support staff are vigilant to the needs of individuals. and provide this, whilst also promoting Staff are informed about pupils they are independence. We liaise with a range of working with and are constantly updated to external agencies with expertise in special ensure that individual needs are met within educational needs, when appropriate, to classrooms and in the wider life of the school. support individuals. We pride ourselves on positive relationships with pupils, with a focus on raising self-esteem and confidence. We have high expectations of all our pupils and seek to promote the development of the whole child.
18 strabaneacademy.co.uk Key Stage 5 Careers • Dedicated Timetabled Careers Classes • Work Experience Opportunities • University Open Days Education • Year 14 Interview Skills Day • Guest Speakers from Universities/ Pupils have access to the Colleges/Business Establishments • Sentinus Employability/ Careers department throughout World of Work Programmes all key stages and an exclusive • Various Career Workshops • Personal Interviews/Mock Interviews Careers Consultation room. • Interview with Careers Adviser (Northern Ireland Careers Service) • UCAS Mentoring inc. Guidance/Support Key Stage 3 • UCAS NI Higher Education Exhibition • Dedicated Timetabled Careers Classes • Parental Career Talks • Individual Careers Interviews • Individual Career Tutor • Personal Career Plan • Access to practical experience through • Year10 Careers Fair Enrichment Programme • Career Subject Talks • Careers Talks from Guest Speakers • Visit to Careers Consultation Room The world of work • Bring It On Events • LLW Employability Module • Parental Career Talks
Key Stage 4 • Dedicated Timetabled Careers Classes • Careers Talks from Guest Speakers • Interview with Careers Adviser (Northern Ireland Careers Service) • Individual Careers Interviews • Year 12 Careers Fair • Personal Career Plan • Career Subject Talks • Bring It On Events • Taster Days • Sentinus Employability Programmes • Parental Career Talks • Visit to Careers Consultation Room • Work Experience through Prince’s Trust "I attended Strabane Academy from 2006-2012 • Careers Module in LLW and Prince’s Trust and decided shortly after GCSEs to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine. I achieved three As at A-level in French, Biology and Chemistry, and after a year out studied Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool. Throughout school and my year out I received great support from the teachers- both academic and careers-wise. I graduated with a First Class Honours in Veterinary Medicine and first in my year in Livestock health and welfare in 2019, and now work as a mixed veterinary surgeon in Omagh. I really enjoyed my time at Strabane Academy and will always be thankful for the great education I received there." Louise Kerrigan
Strabane Academy @Academy Strabane INSTAGRAM strabane_academy 19 STEM
STEM is the acronym for Science, • Big Bang event in school: This is a one-day event were our Key Technology, Engineering, and Stage 3 pupils hold internal science fairs Mathematics, and encompasses designed for our pupils to show their a vast array of subjects that fall Science and Technology projects by demonstrating their work on displays and into each of those terms. Today’s practically. This initiative is supported by pupils are tomorrow’s leaders. Sentinus with a presenter from Imperial College, London, hosting the event. Occupations in STEM-related careers are • Seagate Real World Science some of the fastest growing and best paid Conference: of the 21st century, and they often have the This conference offers our pupils a greatest potential for job growth. Our pupils series of interactive workshops focused are extremely curious and impressionable, on a range of Science and Technology so instilling an interest at an early age could topics from CSI fingerprinting, building spark a lasting desire to pursue a career in a rocket, programming using Ipads and any of these fields. At Strabane Academy we many more. offer a range of STEM activities from yr8-14. • Sentinus STEM Design Challenge: Key Stage 3 Activities This programme aims to target our pupils • Outreach workshops studying Technology, IT, Science, Art or with the Loughs agency: Geography who will work in teams to Pupils gain an insight into life cycles of create an innovative design on a chosen marine animals and experience the work topic of their own or one provided carried out by the loughs agency. for them from a list. Pupils normally work in teams of 3 or 4. When pupils • Sentinus robotics programming: complete their design, they will produce a Pupils learn to write their own prototype of their ideas and designs. The programmes and download these to their programme finishes with a Celebration robot to enable it to carry out tasks. Day which normally takes place in March.
20 strabaneacademy.co.uk Developing links PTM Progress Test in Maths PTE Progress Test in English with our parents/guardians CATS Cognitive Ability Tests
Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13 Year 14 Aug CATs Target Target Aug Aug Year 8 Grading Grading Year 13 Year 14 Induction Registration Registration Morning afternoon afternoon
Sept Sept Sept Aug/Sep CATs Target Grading Target Grading Target Target Target PPE 1 PPE 1 PPE 1 PPE 1 Grading Grading Grading Year 8
Oct Parent/ Guardian Meeting
Autumn Term Autumn Tracking 1 Tracking 1 Tracking 1 Science Science Report 1 Report 1 Module Module Year 9 Examinations Examinations Academic Parent/ Performance
Nov Guardian Report 1 Report 1 Review Meeting (parental involvement)
Report 1 Report 1 Dec Year 10 Report 2 Report 2 Report 2 Report 2 Parent/ Guardian Publication Publication AS Module A2 Module Meeting of Module of Module Examinations Examinations Results Results Career Year 13 Year 14 Information Year 12 Parent/ Parent/ Parent/ Guardian Guardian
Jan Session Guardian Meeting Meeting Meeting Career Career Information Information Session Session Tracking 2 Tracking 2 Tracking 2 Target Grading Target Grading Review Review
Winter Term Winter Science Science Module Module Examinations Examinations Feb Year 11 Parent/ Guardian Meeting Report 2 Report 2 Report 2 PPE 3 PPE3 PPE3 PPE3 Publication Publication
Mar of Module of Module Results Results
Report 3 Report 3 Report 3 Report 3 Apr GCSE Modules Study Leave Study Leave Study Leave GCSE AS A2 May Examinations Examinations Examinations Tracking 3 Tracking 3 Tracking 3 GCSE Modules Study Leave Study Leave Study Leave
Spring Term PTE PTE PTE GCSE AS A2
Jun PTM PTM PTM Examinations Examinations Examinations Report 3 Report 3 Report 3
Strabane Academy @Academy Strabane INSTAGRAM strabane_academy 21 Destination of Year 14 leavers
We are extremely proud of all of Queen’s University Belfast our pupils and bid them a fond Jamie Browne – Geography farewell as they move on to the Olivia Craig – Nursing Dharma Darragh – Nursing next stage in their lives. Orlagh Falconer – Finance Ava Mai McGillion – Politics & Conflict Studies University of Bristol Anthony McNutt – Mathematics John Mehaffy – Law Jordan Mealiff – Finance Ryan Miller – Mathematics with Statistics & CAFRE Operational Research Kirsty Blair – Agricultural Technology with Jack Sayers – Mechanical Engineering Professional Studies Stranmillis University College University of Edinburgh Emily Bresland – Primary Teaching Jonathan Gamble – Physics Strathclyde University University of Glasgow Jamie Barclay – Computer Science Fionntan Moore – Chemical Engineering Nathan McKittrick – Computer Science Fionntan Moore – Chemical Engineering University of Liverpool Ulster University Angel Laird – Radiography Rhiannon Bates – Optometry Toni McGillian – Social Work Lauren Crawford – Biomedical Science Karl McIntyre – Cybersecurity Gavin Doherty –Quantity Surveying James Gurney – History Leon Duffy – Law Liverpool Hope University Shannen Duffy – Mental Health Nursing Lucy Robb – Psychology Gareth Duncan – Mental Health Nursing Kelsey Loughlin – Biomedical Science Liverpool John Moore’s Rebecca Lowry – Language and Linguistics Edwina McAuley – Primary Teaching Leah McColgan – Biomedical Science Hannah McGettigan – Politics with London South Bank University Criminology Dylan Hamilton – Business Management with Dylan McGlynn – Teaching Enterprise in Entrepreneurship Amie-Lee Muir – Social Policy & Criminology Zara O’Neill – Marketing North West Regional College Ben Sayers – Architectural Technology & Amy Magee – Foundation Degree in Childcare Management Erin McCrossan – Art Aaron Wiley – Mechanical Engineering Harry McCrossan – Graphic Design Gap year Sharah McGarrigle – Extended Diploma in Health Science Rebekah Coyle Emily Finlay University of Nottingham Orla McAdams Lauren Kee – Veterinary Medicine Employment All correct at time of going to print. Tori Williamson
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