board of governors` annual report

Transcription

St. Mary’s Grammar School
BOARD OF GOVERNORS’
ANNUAL REPORT
2007/2008
80th Anniversary Commemorative Edition
FOREWORD
The academic year 2007/2008 was a special and memorable one for
St. Mary’s as the school celebrated the 80th Anniversary of its foundation.
This Board of Governors’ Report will give you an insight into every aspect
of the life and work of St. Mary’s. I would like to pay tribute to the staff,
pupils and parents/guardians for their continuing interest in the school and
their commitment to its success. The trust and dialogue in this important
triangle of relationships has ensured the school’s success throughout its
history and, I am confident, will continue to do so.
St. Mary’s has as its central thought Gloria Deo Soli, a conviction and vision
which can be traced back to Monsignor Ward and which has permeated the
school throughout its history. That same thought gives the St. Mary’s
community the strength and vigour to face the future.
Should you wish to discuss any issue arising from the contents of this
report, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school (8.30am –
5.00pm) on or before 12 December 2008.
__________________
D A Lambon
Principal and Correspondent to the Board of Governors
CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION
I am very pleased indeed to introduce this 80th Anniversary Edition of the Board of
Governors’ Annual Report.
‘It was a humble enough beginning. A few rooms were set aside in the
Convent House. Sister Cassian Tracey was nominated as Principal. For
the first month, the month of September, there was only one pupil but four
others enrolled at the end of the month (with five further pupils later in the
year) and the Monsignor’s ambitious project was underway.’
From ‘The St. Mary’s Story’.
The story of St. Mary’s over eighty years is the story of Monsignor Ward’s vision, a vision
which has been cherished and safeguarded by each Principal. It is the story of the
selflessness, sacrifice and dedication of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux and it is
the story of the sheer hard work and determination of successive generations of pupils,
parents and staff.
The ethos and core values of St. Mary’s always remained firm and enduring as the struggle
and belief of the early years gave way to the optimism and confidence of the later years.
Today, the school’s spirit, in every aspect of its work continues to be enshrined in its motto
Gloria Deo Soli.
This Board of Governors’ Report records specifically the work and achievements of
St. Mary’s in its eightieth year. There is much to celebrate, for example, the glittering prizes
of the school’s academic excellence; the prowess of the pupils in every sporting arena; the
BECTA award for ICT development and the magnificent production of Oliver! staged in the
Grand Opera House, Belfast, November 2007.
I am confident that education in St. Mary’s is well placed to face the challenges of the 21st
Century. The Education and Training Inspectorate conducted a Standard Inspection in
February 2008 and affirmed:
‘In the areas inspected, the quality of education provided in this school is
outstanding. The educational and pastoral needs of the learners are being
very well met. The parents and the community can have confidence in the
school’s capacity for sustained self-improvement.’
Report of an Inspection, February 2008, ETI
As I commend this report to you, I wish to pay tribute to all the people across the years who
were inspired by Monsignor Ward’s vision and who contributed so generously, their time,
talents and efforts, to bring it to reality.
Ad Multos Annos.
_____________________
Paddy Bradley
Chairman, Board of Governors
December 2008
Annual Report
CONTACT DETAILS
Name and Address:
3 Castledawson Road
Magherafelt
Co Derry
BT45 6AX
Telephone:
028 7963 2320
Fax No:
028 7963 4250
E-Mail:
[email protected]
Office Hours:
8.30am – 5.00pm
Principal:
Mr D A Lambon
Chairman, Board of Governors:
Mr P Bradley
Enrolment:
1070
Admissions No:
153
Age Range:
11-18 years
Type of School:
Voluntary, Co-educational
Grammar School
Annual Report
CONTENTS

Membership of The Board of Governors 2007/2008 ......................................... 1

Subject Choice 2007/2008 .................................................................................. 2

Annual Attendance Rates and Leavers’ Destinations...................................... 3

Public Examination Results ............................................................................... 4

Education for Mutual Understanding (EMU) ..................................................... 8

Activities and Achievements 2007/2008 ............................................................ 9

Travel.................................................................................................................. 27

Becta Award ...................................................................................................... 29

Standard Inspection .......................................................................................... 30

Comenius Project 2005-2008 ............................................................................ 31

Child Protection ................................................................................................ 33

Sports Review 2007/2008.................................................................................. 34

Careers Education and Guidance .................................................................... 42

The Curriculum 2007/2008 ................................................................................ 44

Staff Development and Training ...................................................................... 46

Specialist School .............................................................................................. 47

Security .............................................................................................................. 50

Financial Statement .......................................................................................... 51

St. Mary’s Souvenir Leaflet .............................................................................. 52
Annual Report
MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2007/2008
Mr P Bradley
1
Chairman
Monsignor O’Bryne
1
Deputy Chairman
Miss E Bradley
1
Mrs M Hughes
1
Mr J McBrien
1
Mrs M Brown
3
Mr J McKee
1
Mr S McNeill
2
Mrs M Carr
4
Mr D Lambon
Principal and Correspondent to
Board of Governors
1
Appointed by Trustees
2
Appointed by the Department of Education
3
Elected by Parents
4
Elected by the Teaching Staff
Page 1
Annual Report
SUBJECT CHOICE 2007/2008
Additional Mathematics
GCSE LEVEL
Home Economics
Art and Design
ICT
Biology
Irish
Child Development
Mathematics
Chemistry
Music
Drama
Physical Education
Economics
Physics
English
Religious Studies
English Literature
Science – Double Award
French
Spanish
Geography
Technology and Design
History
Applied Business
GCE AS
History
Art and Design
ICT
Biology
Irish
Business Studies
Mathematics
Chemistry
Music
Design and Technology
Physical Education
Economics
Physics
English Literature
Politics
French
Religious Studies
Further Mathematics
Spanish
Geography
Theatre Studies
Health and Social Care
Applied Business
GCE A LEVEL
History
Art and Design
ICT
Biology
Irish
Business Studies
Mathematics
Chemistry
Music
Design and Technology
Physical Education
Economics
Physics
English Literature
Politics
French
Religious Studies
Geography
Spanish
German
Theatre Studies
Health and Social Care
Page 2
Annual Report
ANNUAL ATTENDANCE RATES AND LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS
ANNUAL ATTENDANCE RATES
Annual Attendance Rates
Number of
sessions attended
376388
Number of possible
attendance sessions
393942
% Attendance
95.5
SCHOOL LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS
Year 12, 13 and 14
Year
12
13
14
Grand
Total
Number
Of
Leavers
20
1
135
156
HE
FE
0
0
96.3
83.4
55
0
1.5
8.3
% of leavers going to:
Another
Training/ Employment/
Other/
School Apprentice
Gap Year
Unknown
40
0
0
5.1
0
0
0
0
5
100
2.2
3.2
0
0
0
0
School Leavers' Destinations
140
120
100
80
Year 12
Year 13
Year 14
60
40
20
0
Number Of Leavers
HE
FE
Another School
Training/Apprentice Employment/ Gap
Year
Other/Unknown
Page 3
Annual Report
PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS
KEY STAGE 3 SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Year
2007/2008
No of pupils
in Year 10
151
% achieving Level 5
or above
St.
N.Ireland
Mary’s
Grammar
School
Average
Eng
Maths
Science
% achieving Level 6
or above
St.
N.Ireland
Mary’s
Grammar
School
Average
% achieving Level 7
or above
St.
N.Ireland
Mary’s
Grammar
School
Average
% achieving Level 8
or above
St.
N.Ireland
Mary’s
Grammar
School
Average
Teacher
100
Assessment
99.6
96.7
91.9
63.6
49.1
N/A
N/A
External
Test
100
45.5
98.7
39.7
59.6
18.9
N/A
N/A
Teacher
100
Assessment
99.5
100
92.8
90.8
64.3
27.2
15.5
External
Test
100
48.7
100
44.8
85.4
32.1
25.8
6.8
Teacher
100
Assessment
42.7
99.4
39.4
74.2
24.7
30.5
5.6
External
Test
38.0
95.4
32.0
60.3
17.3
13.9
3.3
99.4
(2007)
(2007)
(2007)
(2007)
* In the tests in English, Levels 7 and 8 have been combined into a single band ‘Level 7 and above’
A pupil falling into this band is given the result ‘7+’
Key Stage 3 tests in all subjects and Teacher Assessment in Science are now voluntary
Page 4
Annual Report
YEAR 12 PUPILS
GCSE SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Year
No of
pupils
in
Year
12
2008
%
entered
for 5 or
more
subjects
154
100
GCSE
%
entered
for 1-4
subjects
0
%
achieving
grades
A*-C
%
achieving
grades
A*-G
5 or
more
1-4
5 or
more
1-4
95.5
2.6
99.4
0
No of
subject
entries
%
A*
%
A*-A
%
A*-B
%
A*-C
%
achieving
no
grades
A*-G
1546
20.7
56.4
86.7
97.8
0
C
D
% Achieving Grades
Number
Entered
A*
A
B
E
F
G
U
Additional Maths
55
10.9
50.9
29.1
7.3
-
-
-
-
1.8
Art and Design
28
32.1
57.1
10.7
-
-
-
-
-
-
Biology
25
40.0
52.0
4.0
4.0
-
-
-
-
-
Chemistry
24
29.2
66.7
4.2
-
-
-
-
-
-
Child Development
19
10.5
31.6
52.6
-
5.3
-
-
-
-
Drama
34
29.4
52.9
17.6
-
-
-
-
-
-
Economics
57
29.8
40.4
24.6
5.3
-
-
-
-
-
English
153
18.3
37.9
36.6
5.9
1.3
-
-
-
-
English Literature
148
11.5
38.5
37.2
11.5
1.4
-
-
-
-
French
40
37.5
15.0
30.0
15.0
2.5
-
-
-
-
Geography
45
13.3
28.9
48.9
6.7
2.2
-
-
-
-
German
17
17.6
29.4
29.4
23.5
-
-
-
-
-
History
48
39.6
39.6
18.8
2.1
-
-
-
-
-
Home Economics
12
00.0
8.3
50.0
25.0
16.7
-
-
-
-
ICT
93
22.6
68.8
6.5
1.1
1.1
-
-
-
-
Irish
33
45.5
33.3
21.2
-
-
-
-
-
-
Mathematics
153
29.4
21.6
33.3
15.7
-
-
-
-
-
Music
13
7.7
53.8
30.8
7.7
-
-
-
-
-
Physical Education
27
59.3
22.2
14.8
3.7
-
-
-
-
-
Physics
24
25.0
33.3
33.3
4.2
4.2
-
-
-
-
Religious Studies
152
13.2
33.6
25.0
18.4
9.2
0.7
-
-
-
Science (DA)
252
11.9
29.4
39.7
17.5
1.6
-
-
-
-
Spanish
46
23.9
13.0
30.4
30.4
2.2
-
-
-
-
48
8.3
43.8
35.4
12.5
-
-
-
-
-
GCSE TREND DATA
04/05
% Achieving 5+GCSEs
at Grades A*-C
%Achieving 7+GCSEs at
Grades A*-C
05/06
06/07
St. Mary’s
NI Average
St. Mary’s
NI Average
St. Mary’s
NI Average
99
96
99
96
100
96
99
91
97
90
97
91
Page 5
Annual Report
YEAR 13 PUPILS
GCE AS LEVEL - SUMMARY OF RESULTS
2008
No of
Pupils in
Year 13
149
% achieving
4 or more at
A-C
44.3
% achieving
3 or more at
A-C
82.6
GCE AS-LEVEL
% achieving
2 or more at
A-E
100
No of
entries
%
A
%
A-B
%
A-C
%
A-D
%
A-E
518
59.3
83.2
93.8
98.8
100
% Achieving Grades
Number entered
A
B
C
D
E
U
Art & Design
8
62.5
25.0
12.5
-
-
-
Biology
77
74.0
10.4
6.50
5.20
3.90
-
Business Studies
24
33.3
37.5
12.5
12.5
4.20
-
Business (Voc)
25
24.0
48.0
20.0
4.00
4.00
-
Chemistry
45
82.2
6.70
6.70
4.40
-
-
Design & Technology
8
12.5
75.0
12.5
-
-
-
Economics
20
60.0
15.0
15.0
5.00
5.00
-
English Literature
23
34.8
21.7
21.7
17.4
4.30
-
French
2
50.0
-
50.0
-
-
-
Mathematics
68
63.2
16.2
10.3
4.40
4.40
1.50
Geography
Health & Social Care
VCE
History
32
43.8
28.1
21.9
6.30
-
-
15
33.3
60.0
-
6.7
-
-
28
71.4
14.3
14.3
-
-
-
ICT
38
52.6
36.8
10.5
-
-
-
Irish
21
71.4
23.8
-
4.80
-
-
Music
7
85.7
14.3
-
-
-
-
Physics
29
37.9
24.1
10.3
13.8
3.40
10.3
Politics
16
37.5
56.3
6.3
-
-
-
Religious Studies
5
100
-
-
-
-
-
Spanish
8
75.0
12.5
12.5
-
-
-
Sport Studies
8
62.5
37.5
-
-
-
-
Theatre Studies
11
72.7
27.3
-
-
-
-
KEY SKILLS
Communication
Information Technology
Working with others
No entered at
Level 3
28
18
14
% achieving
Level 3
100
100
92.9
No entered
at Level 2
N/A
N/A
N/A
% achieving
Level 2
N/A
N/A
N/A
Page 6
Annual Report
YEAR 14 PUPILS
GCE A LEVEL - SUMMARY OF RESULTS
2008
No of
Pupils in
Year 14
136
% achieving
3 or more at
A-C
89.7
% achieving
2 or more at
A-C
100
% achieving
1 or more at
A-E
100
GCE A-LEVEL
No of
entries
%
A
%
A-B
%
A-C
%
A-D
%
A-E
429
51
82
96.7
99.5
100
% Achieving Grades
Number entered
A
B
C
D
E
U
Art & Design
7
71.4
28.6
-
-
-
Biology
70
35.7
41.4
14.3
7.1
1.4
Business (Voc)
16
37.5
37.5
25.0
-
-
Business Studies
18
66.7
27.8
5.60
-
-
Chemistry
29
58.6
13.8
10.3
13.8
3.4
Design & Technology
12
8.3
50.0
41.7
-
-
Economics
17
47.1
35.3
11.8
5.9
-
English Literature
34
52.9
26.5
17.6
2.9
-
French
3
66.7
33.3
-
-
-
Geography
32
28.1
56.3
15.6
-
-
German
4
75.0
25.0
-
-
-
Health & Social
27
25.9
37.0
33.3
3.7
-
History
20
70.0
15.0
15.0
-
-
ICT
18
61.1
16.7
22.2
-
-
Irish
5
100
-
-
-
-
Mathematics
37
75.7
16.2
8.1
-
-
Music
7
57.7
28.6
14.3
-
-
Physics
19
63.2
21.1
5.3
-
10.5
Politics
9
22.2
77.8
-
-
-
Religious Studies
13
38.5
38.5
23.1
-
-
Spanish
3
-
33.3
66.7
-
-
Sport Studies
11
72.7
18.2
9.1
-
-
Theatre Studies
18
94.4
5.6
-
-
-
-
GCE Trend Data
04/05
% Achieving 3+GCEs
at Grades A-C
%Achieving 2+GCEs
at Grades A-E
05/06
06/07
St. Mary’s
NI Average
St. Mary’s
NI Average
St. Mary’s
NI Average
87
71
86
73
91
74
100
99
100
99
100
99
Page 7
Annual Report
EDUCATION FOR MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING (EMU)
CROSS COMMUNITY CONTACT
CROSS COMMUNITY LINK WITH BALLYMENA ACADEMY
There has been a long established link between St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt
and Ballymena Academy. A range of activities and visits are organised throughout each
school year.
In September 2007, Form 8A and a Year 8 class from Ballymena Academy began a History
based programme of cross-community contact. The theme was the Normans. The pupils
joined together in two workshops dealing with the History of the Normans (October) and how
this has impacted on cultural Heritage of Northern Ireland (April). They also spent a day in
the Ulster Folk Park in Cultra in June.
Form 9D continued their link with Ballymena Academy pupils and invited them to a workshop
on Plantations in St. Mary’s in October, as well as attending a practical workshop on how
plantation affected life in Northern Ireland then and now in Ballymena Academy, in February.
In late June, the two groups enjoyed a day of outdoor pursuits in Woodhall Educational
Centre in Kilrea.
The pupils in 10B attended a workshop in Ballymena dealing with shared symbols between
the two communities, in February and further extended this topic with an ICT workshop in
St. Mary’s. They also spent a day at Ardclinnis, Cushendall Boat Club in June.
‘HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’
COMMUNITY PROJECT
CROSS
Last year’s Habitat for Humanity (Northern
Ireland) project continued when a small
group of students from St. Mary’s joined
students from Antrim Grammar at a
workshop held in school which prepared
them for a one-day visit. Students worked
together on a Habitat for Humanity
building site in Northern Ireland. They
also had a ‘debriefing’ workshop in
February dealing with stereotypes and
helping those less fortunate in society. A
small group of students helped create a
promotional DVD for Habitat and this
involved a further day of volunteering on
the Shankill Road in Belfast. St. Mary’s
students also organised their own
fundraising abseil this year, taking full
responsibility for transport, funding and
organising the event in May. Over forty
Sixth Form students took part.
SPIRIT OF ENNISKILLEN
Cathal McGowan, Year 14, received the
Spirit of Enniskillen award. Cathal spent
several weeks in Cyprus this summer,
learning how a once divided nation is
learning to live with the history of a
troubled past.
Page 8
Annual Report
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS 2007/2008
GCSE AND A LEVEL TOP CANDIDATES IN NORTHERN IRELAND
St. Mary’s is pleased to report that CCEA has advised the following top candidates in
Northern Ireland:
A LEVEL
Katrina H Kelly
Emma M McCrystal
Teresa J O’Brien
Katrina H Kelly
Laoiseach M Scullion
Conor J McKenna
Francis J Taggart
Art and Design, 1st equal
English Literature, 1st equal
German, 3rd
ICT, 1st
Technology and Design, 3rd
GCSE
Michaela A Laverty
Bernadette M Kevin
Sarah L Maguire
Katrina McCormack
Economics, 2nd
English Literature, 2nd
Physical Education, 1st equal
Physical Education, 1st equal
Grainne Cassidy
Shane Donnelly
Katrina McCormick
Danielle McCrystal
Catherine O’Neill
Pearse Walls

Grainne, Shane, Katrina, Danielle, Catherine and Pearse (all Year 12) were placed first equal in GCSE Art
and Design, with full marks, in Northern Ireland. Each will receive a certificate from CCEA celebrating
his/her excellence in Art and Design by achieving overall maximum marks.
Brendan Heron was placed in the top 10 at AS Level Physical Education in the UK out of 4,500 entries.
Ciaran McCoy, Cathy Carey and Eleanor Mallon were all placed in the top 10 at A2 Level Physical
Education in the UK out of 3,800 entries.
Olivia Kelly was placed in the top 5 in the UK in A Level Business Studies out of 23,580 entries.
ART AND DESIGN
TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION
Vincent McKenna (Year 12) won a special Merit Award in Category
B of the 53rd Texaco Children’s Art Competition. He was presented
with his award at the Texaco Children’s Art Awards ceremony which
took place in Dublin on Wednesday 16 May 2007.
MATHEMATICS
SENIOR UK MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE
All Year 14 pupils who are studying A Level Mathematics
participated in this competition: two students gained silver
certificates and seven students gained bronze certificates.
Page 9
Annual Report
INTERMEDIATE UK MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE
All Year 12 pupils who are studying GCSE Level Mathematics
participated in this competition: four students gained a gold
certificate, thirteen students gained silver certificates and twentytwo students gained bronze certificates.
JUNIOR UK MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE
All Year 9 pupils participated in this competition: six students gained
a gold certificate, nineteen students gained silver certificates and
thirty-one students gained bronze certificates.
MATHS FUN DAY
All Year 8 pupils participated in a Maths Fun Day in June 2008.
‘HATS’ MINI-BUSINESS DAY
All Year 10 pupils participated in a Mini Business project called
‘HATS’ in which their task was to make and sell ‘HATS’.
GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHY CLUB
A Geography Club was established for Key Stage 3 (Year 8 and 9)
students in September. Meetings were held weekly in room B2. A
variety of activities, for example, Google Earth Quiz, identifying and
tasting exotic fruits from around the world and making globes were
designed by the Staff of the Department and enjoyed by the pupils
who attended.
LINKS
BETWEEN
GEOGRAPHY
DEPARTMENT
AND
UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER, COLERAINE
Links were established between the Geography Department and
the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of
Coleraine.
Two senior lecturers from the university visited
St. Mary’s on 18 September to give A Level Geography students
talks on aspects of their Physical Geography course.
VISIT TO MARBLE ARCH CAVES
On Monday 8 October, all Year 10 students had the opportunity to
visit the Marble Arch Caves in Co Fermanagh, to observe at first
hand this unique limestone environment.
LINKS BETWEEN GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT AND QUEEN’S
UNIVERSITY, BELFAST
Links which had been previously established with the School of
Geography at Queen’s University, Belfast continued.
Page 10
Annual Report
FIELDWORK IN GEOGRAPHY
Students had an opportunity throughout the year to participate in a
variety of fieldwork activities:
Year 11 students visited Laganside and Victoria Square in
Belfast to observe the regeneration of Belfast’s inner city, as
part of their GCSE study of an inner city planning initiative.
Year 13 students participated in fieldwork along the River Roe in
order to investigate the downstream changes in the river
channel.
Year 14 visited the North East Antrim coast, including
Cushendall and Carnlough, as part of their A2 study of coastal
processes and coastal management.
At Key Stage 3, pupils had the opportunity to participate in
fieldwork within the school grounds, including a study on the
impact of weathering, and the monitoring of weather data.
CHEMISTRY
SALTERS’ FESTIVAL OF CHEMISTRY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
ULSTER, COLERAINE (MAY 2008)
Eimear McGuckian, Aaron Leung, Cathy Mullan and Chloe
Campbell in Year 8 successfully completed the practical challenge
at the Salters’ Festival of Chemistry at the University of Ulster,
Coleraine.
SALTERS’ CHEMISTRY CAMP (AUGUST 2008)
Aisling Dougan, Sarah McKenna and Caoimhe Moran (Year 11)
were successful in their nomination to participate in the prestigious
Chemistry Camps Programme (supported by the Chemical
Education Group). These Camps, which take place during August,
are a unique Chemical experience with each programme providing
hands on practical work, lectures and site visits to local companies.
BRITISH CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD (FEBRUARY 2008)
Year 14 students Michael Madden and Eoghan Cosgrove were
highly successful in the British Chemistry Olympiad Competition;
Michael was awarded the Bronze certificate and Eoghan was
highly commended for his efforts.
IRISH CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD (JANUARY 2008)
Megan McErlain and Conor McKenna (Year 14) successfully
completed round 1 of the Irish Chemistry Olympiad Competition in
Dublin City University and Megan was invited to attend a three day
residential during Easter and participate in round 2.
CHEMISTRY DEMONSTRATION LECTURE AND CAREERS
PRESENTATION BY QUB (JANUARY 2008)
Dr Steven Bell and his colleagues from QUB presented an
interactive and engaging demonstration lecture to all Year 12
Chemistry students in the school assembly hall.
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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING PRESENTATION FROM QUB
(OCTOBER 2007)
Professor Ronnie Magee delivered a talk on Chemical Engineering
and careers in this field to all Year 13 and 14 Chemistry students in
the Drama Studio.
A PRESENTATION ON TRANS FATS IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY
AND CAREERS IN FOOD SCIENCE BY GENESIS BAKERY
(NOVEMBER 2007)
John McErlean and Joanne McMullan from Genesis Bakery gave a
presentation on how Science is used in the baking industry to all
Year 13 and 14 Chemistry students in the Drama Studio.
THE YOUNG INNOVATORS SCIENCE EXHIBITION IN THE
ODYSSEY (JUNE 2008)
The following Year 11 pupils obtained a Silver Crest award in
Science and Technology when they participated in the Young
Innovators Competition in the Odyssey Belfast: Caoimhe Moran,
Amy Devlin, Aisling Dougan, Colin Dawidzuiuk, Angela Pickering
and Aidan O’Neill.
PHYSICS
UK PHYSICS CHALLENGE
All Year 12 Triple Award pupils all took part in the UK Physics
Challenge competition. They all prepared for and sat a one hour
Physics paper (structured questions) during school time. This was
then marked and the following students received awards –
Commendation Certificates:
Michaela Laverty
Stephen Sweeney
Ben Niblock
Vincent McKenna

Dermot Ryan
Nicholas Collins
Shane Donnelly
UK PHYSICS AS OLYMPIAD
Twenty three Year 13 Physics students took part in the UK Physics
AS Olympiad. The following received:
Bronze Awards:
Shauna McPeake
Mark McAllister
Katie McGuckian
Mark Lagan
Ciaran McAuley

Ruairi Devlin
Gary Leung
Dominic McKenna
Brian McKee
Lauren Laverty
Silver Award:
Conor Averell
All Year 14 Physics students took part in the Year 14 UK
Physics Olympiad.
Year 11 Triple Award students attended the Horizons in
Physics exhibition in QUB on Monday 23 June.
Year 13 Physics students attended the Radiology Department of
Antrim Area Hospital in order to see Medical Physics in action.
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MODERN LANGUAGES
Irish
FORAS NA GAEILGE GLEO AWARD
On 27 May 2008, Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe
TD and Education Minister Caitríona Ruane MLA announced the
successful schools in Foras na Gaeilge’s annual scheme ‘GLEO’.
The scheme recognises best practice in the promotion of oral Irish in
creative and innovative ways in English-medium primary and postprimary schools on the island of Ireland. A total of twenty one
schools, North and South of the border were recognised for their
commitment to spoken Irish throughout the school. St. Mary’s was
very pleased to be one of them.
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane congratulated GLEO winners and
praised Foras na Gaeilge for their work in promoting the Irish
language. The Minister said; “The GLEO scheme gives worthy
recognition to the valuable work being done in schools to encourage
and support the use of Irish. Children who have early access to a
second language have a great start to their education, and if that
language is Irish, it can only help to enrich their understanding of their
own culture.”
Dr O’Neill, Head of Irish Department, Mr McPhilomey, Mr Dunlop and
four students; Ryan McKenna, Aisling O’Brien, Laura Hughes and
Sarah McKenna, travelled to Dublin to the headquarters of Foras na
Gaeilge, Merrion Square. They received a magnificent trophy and
£2000 to be spent on further initiatives to promote the Irish language
in St. Mary’s.
September 2007 saw the continuation of the work of Club Mhuire, the
Irish language lunch-time club, which was formed the previous year.
Activities continued throughout the year and included bingo, filmviewings, quizzes, etc – all carried out through the medium of Irish.
The Christmas quiz, teachers v pupils, proved popular once again
and the Irish Department thanks the Gaeilgeoirí amongst the staff for
the support and participation. Senior pupils also made Irish lessons
available to pupils who do not study Irish, at lunch-time on Fridays.
Léamh, the Irish reading club was initiated by Mr Mac Feilimí in
October 2007 and continued throughout the year, focusing mainly on
Year 9 pupils but also attracting interest from Year 11 pupils who had
not previously had the opportunity to study Irish.
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, Regional Manager of Gael Linn, visited
St. Mary’s in November and spoke to pupils from Year 8 and Year 10
about the Irish language in general, employment opportunities for
Irish speakers and opportunities to attend courses in the Gaeltacht.
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Annual Report
December 2007 saw the birth of Cairdeas, an inter-school project
between St. Mary’s and Rathmore Grammar School, Belfast,
culminating in a Gaeltacht residential in the Gaoth Dobhair Gaeltacht
in Co. Donegal. Pupils had the opportunity to visit the offices of the
daily newspaper Lá Nua and to feature in a programme on Raidió na
Gaeltachta during their visit.
Seachtain na Gaeilge – Irish Language Week – was the focus of our
attention during the spring and a huge variety of activities and events
took place early in March:
Year 9 pupils visited Croke Park and had an Irish-medium tour of
the stadium and GAA Museum.
Year 10 pupils enjoyed an Irish language quiz and céilí hosted by
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin (Gael Linn) and were presented with Fáinní
Airgid by Lynette Fay (BBC Radio Ulster) in recognition of their
growing fluency.
An Céilí Mór, the whole school céilí provided an enjoyable
evening for the huge number who attended with the McStocker
Céilí Band providing the music and our own Mrs Kearney
providing the direction.
Year 8 pupils were treated to an introduction to céilí dancing one
afternoon, again with the combined talents of the McStocker Céilí
Band and Mrs Kearney.
In an effort to promote the use of Irish around the school, posters
were added to the canteen and subject names were placed on
appropriate doors.
An Cumann Sacair (the Irish-medium soccer club) convened after
school on Tuesdays for several weeks during the spring term. The
boys and girls of Year 8 were supported by several senior students in
their efforts to use Irish whilst participating in sport.
Year 11 pupils visited the Gaeltacht in mid-June, experiencing the
wonders of Páirc Náisiúnta Ghleann Bheithe (Glenveagh National
Park) and Ionad Cois Locha, Dún Lúiche (Dunlewey Lakeside
Centre).
The extra-curricular activities of the Irish department drew to a close
with the now annual visit of Year 8 pupils to Belfast Zoological
Gardens where they enjoy an Irish-medium tour of the zoo.
GAEL LINN: Siansa
This is an Irish traditional Music competition which is organised
completely through the medium of Irish. The Irish and Music
Departments joined forces to prepare Coimriú, the Senior Traditional
Group for the competition. They competed in the final in the National
Concert Hall, Dublin, a tremendous experience and a wonderful
opportunity for all involved.
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Annual Report
French
Le Club Francis
‘Le Club Francais’, a new lunchtime club, was introduced this year for
junior pupils. They had the opportunity to make cards, play language
games and do a little French cookery.
Le Cińe-Club
‘Le Cińe-Club’ showed a series of French films at lunchtime.
Students watched ‘Les Choristes’, ‘Astérix Chez les Bretons’, ‘Les
Visiteurs en Amérique’ as well as episodes of ‘Extra!’ – a French
version of the American series ‘Friends’.
On February 25th, Manu Maréchaux, proprietor of Chez Manu in
Omagh, came to the school. Manu made French Crêpes for Year 9
pupils and many pupils had the opportunity to make and flip the
crêpes themselves! This activity was conducted entirely in French!
A most successful initiative involved a number of Sixth Form French
students teaching French to Primary 6/7 pupils in Holy Family Primary
School, Magherafelt. The purpose was two-fold: to enable Sixth
Form students to use their language skills and to allow the primary
pupils to get a beginning sense of the French language.
One of the memorable events of the year for the French Department
was the most successful Year 11 trip to France. Forty nine Year 11
pupils and five members of staff travelled to Paris in March.
Sightseeing highlights included the Eiffel tower, Montparnasse Tower,
the Stade de France, Notre Dame, the Louvre, Sacre-Coeur, as well
as a boat cruise down the river Seine. An enjoyable day was spent in
Disneyland, Paris where even the teachers reverted to their childhood
and enjoyed the rollercoaster rides and meeting the Disney
characters.
Spanish
Barcelona
A group of Lower and Upper Sixth students accompanied by
Mrs Scullion and Señorita Nuño Milagro, spent five days (15-19
February 2008) in Barcelona. They had the opportunity to visit the
city’s most famous landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia, Parc
Guell and Nou Camp. A wide variety of tapas was consumed and
every shop along Las Ramblas was visited. Both pupils and teachers
benefited linguistically and culturally from their visit to Spain’s most
cosmopolitan city.
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Annual Report
German
Klub Deutsch
‘Klub Deutsch’ was held each Wednesday at 1.00pm in G1. Year 8
and Year 9 pupils attended and were able to participate in quizzes,
games, competitions, singing, drama, arts and crafts and lots of other
fun activities.
Italian
GOML
Mrs B Mallon taught lunchtime classes in Italian on Thursdays.
Following on from the success of Italian GOML Level 1 in 2006/2007,
nine pupils successfully completed GOML Level 2:
Josephine McCann
Grace McKenna
Laoiseach Scullion
Oonagh Scullion
Peter Maguire
Mr D Lambon
Kiera Flanagan
Mrs A Scullion
Brian Quinn
European Day of Languages
On European Day of Languages in September 2007, the Modern
Languages Department organised a number of activities designed to
promote European cultural awareness and to highlight the links
between the Modern Languages Area of Study and other subjects.
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme was founded in 1956, as a
programme of personal development for boys between 15-18 years.
Within its first year, the lower age limit was reduced to 14 years,
where it has remained. A girls’ scheme was launched in 1958 and
the two schemes were amalgamated in 1969. The upper age limit
has been increased on a number of occasions and is now at 25
years. Today, the Award is a major international programme,
operated in over 120 countries.
Its basic philosophy is that it offers the opportunity for young people
to develop personally and connect with others, through a range of
new experiences. It is not a competition but rather a balanced,
progressive framework to allow young people to focus on their
interests, improve their abilities and try something entirely new. The
Award has four sections: Physical, Skill, Service and Expedition.
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Annual Report
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme was introduced to St. Mary’s
in September 2005 to thirty Year 10 pupils by Mrs S O’Boyle, Head of
Mathematics. In 2007/2008, over a six month period, thirty six Year
10 pupils participated in the Bronze Award and fifteen Year 11 pupils
participated in the Silver Award. Their expedition took them to the
Antrim Hills, where they completed an assessed journey over 24 km
for two days and one night. The pupils prepared for the expedition by
completing classes in first aid and emergency; risk awareness; health
and safety issues; navigation and route planning; map skills; compass
skills; camp craft equipment and hygiene, food and camp cookery;
the country code; observation and recording; communication and
teamwork.
‘Local young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award
are a tremendous credit to their youth leaders and parents’
educationnews May 2008 no 118
This was the view of North Eastern Board Youth Officer, Brian Dillon
at the Board’s monthly meeting in Antrim as he introduced two silver
award holders who are currently working for gold awards, one of
whom was Helen Close of St. Mary’s who stepped up to the podium
to address the Board Members on her personal experience of the
Duke of Edinburgh Award. Helen, who was accompanied by her
teacher Mrs S O’Boyle, spoke eloquently of the challenge she faced
on her expedition due to the bad weather. It had been a test of how
well the team had worked together and took a lot of will power to keep
going but they had all felt elated when they received their silver
awards. For her voluntary service she had worked at the Antrim
Animal Sanctuary, reached Grade 3 level on the piano for her skill
and played camogie as her physical recreation element of the Award
Scheme. Mr Dillon explained, ‘This is a premier programme for
young people and the support of teachers and youth leaders is very
much key to success for them’. The Northern Ireland Award Director,
Eric Rainey described the two young people as ‘a superb exemplar of
what the award is for those who take up the challenge.’
EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT UK:
NORTHERN IRELAND REGIONAL FORUM COMPETITION
A team of Year 13 students reached the second stage of this
competition and participated in a debate held in Belfast Metropolitan
College. This was the first time the school had entered the
competition and the team was, therefore very pleased to be highly
commended for their performance. The judges praised the amount of
research they had done, their knowledge of key EU issues, their
teamwork, the delivery of their speeches and their active participation
in the different debates. The students were:

Brian Quinn
Grace McKenna
Sean McNally
Orlagh Birt
Mark McAllister

Oonagh Scullion
Aine Groogan
Brian McKee
Kirsty McFall
Ciaran McAuley
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Annual Report
EU EVENT: STORMONT, OCTOBER 2007
Year 14 Economics students participated in the EU event in
Stormont, October 2007. They took on the rôle of EU Commissioners
for Sweden with students from other schools representing the views
of other EU countries. The students: Shauna Marie Diamond,
Catherine Smylie, Sean McGrenaghan and Catherine O’Neill –
discussed issues such as climate change, common agriculture policy
and further EU enlargement.
CCEA SCORE CONCERT
Mark McAllister performed in the Waterfont Hall, Belfast on Friday 18
January 2008 as part of the CCEA Score concert. This concert
featured some of the best and most creative performances from
GCSE Music in Northern Ireland. Mark performed Emerald by Thin
Lizzy, playing lead guitar and was accompanied by band members
Paddy McCann, Patrick McEldowney and Justin McGuckin.
OUR WEE WORLD
BBC Northern Ireland invited the Music Department to participate in a
documentary series on how pupils express their cultural heritage.
The producer, John Anderson chose the Senior Traditional Group,
Hannah Murray playing tin whistle, Eoin Gribben playing guitar and
the St. Mary’s Traditional dancers, choreographed by Mrs A Kearney.
The programme was screened in April 2008 and repeated during the
summer.
CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS
St. Mary’s Traditional Group, Coimriú, along with other schools in the
area, was invited by Magherafelt District Council to perform in a
concert in aid of Macmillan Cancer in Maghera Leisure Centre, March
2008.
Coimriú also performed with Cookstown Primary School’s newly
formed Traditional Group at their 40th Anniversary Concert in
Cookstown Leisure Centre, May 2008.
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Annual Report
THE COIMRIÚ GROUP
Eoin Gribbin; Nuala Hughes; Hannah McCauley;
Declan McErlane; Dermot Mulholland;
Fintan Mulholland; Hannah Murray
This Irish Traditional Music group was first formed to participate in the
Siansa Under 19 Irish Traditional Music Competition in 2007. The
group made the final in only their second year of entering the
competition and performed in the National Concert Hall, Dublin, in
April 2008. They also entered the National Music Festival for Youth
and again made the Regional Final, this time having the opportunity
to perform in the Sir Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham in July of this
year. Their adjudication at this final described the group as having a
‘theatrical virtuosity and subtle blend, resulting in a great sounding
band.’ They were awarded the accolade of Most Outstanding
Performance in the International and World Music Category in a class
of twenty two groups. Subsequently, they were invited to perform in
the School Proms which took place in the Royal Albert Hall, London
on 10 November 2008.
NORTHERN IRELAND YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR 2008
(IN ASSOCIATION WITH COMBER ROTARY CLUB)
Fionnuala Ward
After making the 2007 final, Fionnuala competed again in The Northern Ireland Young
Musician of the Year in 2008 and was successful again in making the final. She performed a
piece by Aaron Copland entitled Le chat et la Souris and beat off competition from talented
musicians across Northern Ireland to take the title. Adjudicator Melvin Rickarby said her
performance was ‘the most engrossing and technically perfect performance’. ‘Her energy and
enthusiasm showed through from beginning to glorious end.’
She was invited to play live on Radio Ulster and at a
reception for the Queen at Hillsborough Castle.
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Annual Report
INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS SHADOWING SCHEME
Harry McKeever, Year 13, shadowed a director of KPMG, a leading
accountancy firm in Belfast, March 2008. Harry rose to the challenge
of being a ‘shadow’ director and found the experience interesting,
busy and most informative.
YOUNG ACHIEVERS MINI ENTERPRISE SCHEME
A group of Year 13 Business Studies students set up trading links
with a school in Berlin, Germany. The group traded successfully with
a number of products and raised funds through issuing shares.
Shareholders received a 20% return on their investment and
substantial donations were made to Marie Curie, the Chernobyl Fund
and to Father Tom McDonald, a missionary priest working in Africa.
TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN CREST AWARDS

CREST is a national accreditation scheme designed to recognise
individual student achievement in Science and Technology
through a practical problem solving approach.
CREST stimulates industry linked project work and accredits
students’ achievements at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
All Year 10 Key Stage 3 were awarded Bronze Awards.
SEAGATE YOUNG INNOVATORS
Young Innovators is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK,
attracting almost 200 Science, Engineering and Technology entries
from schools across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The event is a showcase for students’ project work and celebrates the
achievements of these young people. More than 600 young people
aged between eight and eighteen display, present and explain their
Science and Technology projects to the team of judges in the hope of
becoming the innovators of the future.
Regional Final
Frank Taggart won the Queen’s University Product Design
Award with his pedestrian warning system ‘SafeStep’.
With his ‘WireWise’ electrical cable measuring product Owen
McMeel scooped the BA Crest Award which will see him through
to represent Northern Ireland at the National Science Fair in
London.
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Annual Report
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Christian Education Movement
In November 2007, St. Mary’s hosted the Christian
Education Movement led by a team called ‘ReachAcross’ where Year 13 pupils from local schools
came to listen to and converse with the guest
speaker, Mr Barney McGuigan. The theme of this
conference was ‘How do we foster Community
cohesion?’
The discussion was both lively and thought-provoking with both leaders helping
students to express their beliefs and ideas in a supportive and open situation.
Inter-Schools Conference
St. Mary’s hosted a conference attended by ten local
schools and over two hundred students, with the focus on
the synoptic element of the A2 course.
Issues of faith, sin and alienation were highlighted and
discussed; the speakers included Bishop Joseph Duffy,
Fr Aidan Troy, the Rev John Dunlop, Ms Karen Jardine
and Mr Turlough Quinn.
Lower Sixth Two Day Youth Retreat
In December 2007, the Lower 6th pupils took part in a two day
Youth Retreat in Clonard. They had the opportunity to reflect upon
current issues, examining them in the light of their Faith and
Catholic Church teaching. It proved to be a very successful day of
sharing and an enlightening spiritual experience for them.
Year 11 Four Day Retreat
In December 2007, the Year 11 pupils took part in a 4 day Retreat.
A team from De La Salle, Downpatrick came to the school. The
pupils spent time together reflecting, sharing, singing and praying.
Reconciliation Service
In March our Year 9 pupils took part in Reconciliation Service. This
was an important and significant time, enabling the pupils to receive
and celebrate the Sacrament of Confession in preparation for the
Easter ceremonies.
Eucharistic Ministers
In May 2007, a group of Year 13 and Year 14 students, together
with pupils from St. Pius X, were inaugurated as Eucharistic
Ministers. Fr L Boyle celebrated the mass.
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Annual Report
FUNDRAISING
The St. Mary’s Community continued to show its commitment to
local, national and global charities. The following donations were
made:

Y8:
Y9:
Y10:

Y11:
Y12:
-
Termonmaguire Care for Cancer
Children in Crossfire
NI Children’s Hospice
Mencap
UNICEF
Marie Curie Cancer Care
£2333
£1500
£500
£450
£808
£545
(Christmas gifts were also sent to St Vincent de Paul)

Y13:
Y14:
-
Friends of Africa
Click Sargent (Cancer)
Mount Carmel School and Church, India
SMA Fathers, Dromantine
£648
£568
£568
£800
Total
£8720
EDUCATIONAL VISITS/WORKSHOPS/SPEAKERS
The following are examples of various events, visits, workshops in which pupils participated
throughout the year:
True Colours
Best of GCSE and A Level
Art exhibition, Omagh,
November 2007, attended
by GCSE, AS and A2 Art
and Design students.
Four Art and Design students had work
displayed in this exhibition:
Catherine O’Neill (Year 12)
Teresa O’Brien (Year 14)
Katrina Kelly (Year 14)
Emma McCrystal (Year 14)
Lough Derg
Over forty Year 14 students accompanied by
Miss Quinn and Mr Maynes, completed a
pilgrimage to Lough Derg, October 2007. It
was a day of prayer, discussion and
reflection. This opportunity allowed pupils and
staff to experience the sacredness of the
Island for a day.
Life Conference
Year 12 pupils attended the Life Conference in Dungannon, where they discussed issues
pertinent to modern living.
‘Honey and Yogurt Handcrafted Wholemeal Scones’
Genesis set a poster competition for Year 8 pupils to promote their
Honey and Yogurt handcrafted wholemeal scones. The six pupils
who produced the best posters were given a tour of the factory and
an opportunity to bake their own scones.
Other Visits

F G Wilson
Odyssey, Belfast
Seagate
Antrim Hospital (Radiology Dept)
Central Library, Belfast
Horizons in Physics Exhibition, QUB
Bose Ltd, Carrickmacross: Industrial visit by AS Technology and Design students.
Year 11 pupils enjoyed a visit to Páirc Náisiúnta, Glenveigh, Ionan Cois Locha, Dún Lúiche and
the Gaoth Dobhair area in June 2008.
Year 8 pupils visited Belfast Zoo in June 2008 and were given a guided tour of the Zoo through
the medium of Irish.

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Annual Report
DRAMA
London, 9-13 January 2008
On 9 January 2008, a group of forty-eight GCSE Drama students
and six teachers travelled to London for a four-day visit. Pupils had
many opportunities to develop their practical and theoretical
understanding of Drama and Theatre by participating in workshops
facilitated by experienced industry professionals.
Pupils’
experience and appreciation of live theatre was broadened through
their attendance at West End shows such as Wicked, The Sound of
Music and Grease.
In a workshop at the Young Actors Theatre, pupils worked
alongside Ryan McBride, the creative director of smash-hit musical
Billy Elliott. Responsible for auditioning and casting roles in the
show, Ryan delivered a workshop which focused on the art of
musical theatre. Actress Cassidy Janson, who plays the lead role
of Elphaba in the highly acclaimed production Wicked, was also in
attendance to offer career and audition advice to pupils wishing to
pursue their interest in theatre and performance.
At the Victoria and Albert Museum, pupils engaged in a workshop
exploring The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Through a practical
approach, pupils developed their understanding of the role of
performer, director and designer in the theatre and the
interdependence of these roles in a production. Pupils participated
in a range of activities focusing on storytelling, character
development and the transfer of text from page to stage.
A guided tour of the Globe Theatre enabled pupils to develop their
knowledge of theatre in Shakespeare’s day. With its historical
insight, the tour developed pupils’ appreciation of the evolution of
theatre. Pupils had the opportunity to explore all areas of the
theatre, including backstage, and to find out what it was like to act
on the Elizabethan stage. At the Globe Theatre, pupils participated
in a practical workshop exploring William Shakespeare’s tradegy
Macbeth and the protagonist’s fall from hero to villain. As part of
the focus on this play, pupils explored the rhythm of Shakespeare’s
language and experimented with strategies for its effective vocal
delivery.
Despite the busy schedule and the educational focus of the visit,
pupils still managed to secure a little recreation during their time in
London. An afternoon in Madame Tussauds, an evening of
outdoor ice-skating at the National History Museum and a
morning of shopping on Oxford street ensured that there was
never a dull moment as pupils played their role in the creation of
memories that will remain with them for a lifetime.
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Annual Report
Dance Classes
In term two, Year 9 and Year 10 pupils had the opportunity to
participate in dance classes held after school and delivered by an
experienced dancer/choreographer. Pupils explored different styles
of dance including contemporary dance and hip-hop.
Lunchtime Theatre/Practical Evenings
Lunchtime Theatre continued to thrive throughout the year as
Drama and Theatre Studies students showcased their performance
work. Throughout 2007/2008, audiences were treated to a variety
of performance work including improvisation, scripted performance
and devised work. Performances this year included:

The Little Princess
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
The Mai by Marina Carr
Maria’s Story a devised drama by Year 14 students
To Be Or Not To Be a devised drama by Year 14 students
I Nothing Am a Year 14 adaptation of King Lear by William
Sharespeare
Within This Wood a Year 14 adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s
Dream by William Shakespeare
Play As a Woman a Year 14 adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s
Dream by William Shakespeare
Drama Club
In Term Two and Three, Year 8 pupils had the opportunity to
participate in the Year 8 Drama Club. Drama Club meetings took
place on a weekly basis. Pupils worked with Drama Department
staff and Theatre Studies students to create their unique version of
The Shadowboy which was presented to a packed audience during
Lunchtime Theatre.
Costume Workshops
During term three, Year 11 GCSE pupils studying The Crucible by
Arthur Miller had the opportunity to explore the costume design of
the play during after school costume workshops. These workshops
were facilitated by professional costume maker, Mrs Margaret
Pescott who worked on the costumes for the movie version of the
play starring Daniel Day Lewis and Winona Ryder.
Cinemagic Film and Television Festival
Following an invitation to attend, Drama and Theatre Studies
students travelled to the Mill Theatre in Dundrum, Dublin on Friday
25 April 2008 to participate in a Cinemagic Masterclass with
Casting Director Ros Hubbard whose credits include The
Commitments and The Bourne Supremacy. Pupils gained valuable
insights to the film industry and received advice on aspects of film
including approaches to screen testing, how to be successful in
auditions and how to compile a CV for casting directors. Pupils
enjoyed working with young people from across Ireland who shared
their interests.
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Annual Report
Theatre Workshop – The Role of the Chorus in Greek Theatre
In October 2007, Upper Sixth Theatre Studies students had the
opportunity to work with past pupil and graduate from the Italia
Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Gary Trainor, exploring aspects of
Greek Theatre through The Trojan Women by Euripides.
Theatre Workshop – Physical Theatre
In October 2007, Year 9 pupils had the opportunity to work with
Gary Trainor exploring the concept of physical theatre.
Primary School Links
Throughout the year, the Drama Department enjoyed links with
Holy Family Primary School.
In October 2007, Year 13 and 14 Theatre Studies students
delivered drama workshops exploring Halloween with Primary 7
pupils.
In April 2008, P6 pupils from Holy Family Primary School were
invited to St. Mary’s to view performance work presented by
Upper Sixth Theatre Studies students.
Pupils thoroughly
enjoyed the performances of Within This wood and Play As A
Woman.
November 2007 – ‘Reviewing The Situation’ – Key Stage Three
Theatre Review Competition
Following the success of Oliver! the Drama Department organised a
theatre review competition for pupils in Key Stage Three interested
in developing their skills in theatre criticism. Pupils submitted their
reviews of the production and the winners were:
Year 8

1st: Niamh McAteer 8B
2nd: Bronagh McGuckin 8C
3rd: Alice McCormick 8B
Year 9

1st: Catherine Tennyson 9E
2nd: Peter McGuire 9D
3rd: Maria Walls 9B
Year 10

1st: Ursula Kelly 10C
2nd: Orlagh Cassidy 10D
3rd: Caitriona Boyle 10D
Page 25
Annual Report
THEATRE VISITS
Starlight Express
Grand Opera House, Belfast
Year 11 and 12
October 2007
Macbeth
Crumlin Road Jail, Belfast
AS and A2 Theatre Studies students
October 2007
‘Annie’
St Pius X College, Magherafelt
GCSE, AS and A2 Drama and Theatre Studies students
February 2008
‘The Crucible’
Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast
Year 11 Drama Students
March 2008
Oliver!
Grand Opera House, Belfast
The St. Mary’s School Community
November 2007
In November, St. Mary's became the first school in Northern Ireland to
take its musical to the stage of the Grand Opera House, Belfast, the
most prestigious theatre in Ireland. Oliver! played to capacity audiences
from 13th-17th November, welcoming over seven thousand patrons from
the North and South of Ireland, England, Scotland and Spain.
‘In Dulce Jubilate’
Burnavon, Cookstown
The St. Mary’s School Community
December 2007
As part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, St. Mary’s presented its
annual carol service ‘In Dulce Jubilate’ in the Burnavon.
The
programme included seasonal music and readings from past, present
and future pupils. The guest choir for the evening was from Holy Family
Primary School, Magherafelt.
Page 26
Annual Report
TRAVEL
‘‘TThhee W
Woorrlldd iiss aa bbooookk aanndd tthhoossee w
whhoo ddoo nnoott ttrraavveell rreeaadd oonnllyy oonnee ppaaggee..’’
St. Augustine
Spain
A group of Lower and Upper Sixth students accompanied by
Mrs Scullion and Señorita Nuño Milagro, spent five days (15-19
February 2008) in Barcelona. They had the opportunity to visit the
city’s most famous landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia, Parc
Guell and, of course, Nou Camp Stadium. A wide variety of tapas
was consumed and every shop along Las Ramblas was visited.
Both pupils and teachers benefited linguistically and culturally from
their visit to Spain’s most cosmopolitan city.
London
A group of twenty five Lower and Upper Sixth Politics students,
accompanied by Mr Brolly, Mrs McCann and Mrs Gates, travelled to
London for three days, 27-29 February 2008. They enjoyed an
introductory sight-seeing tour of London’s historical and cultural
landmarks. Then, following a guided tour of the Houses of
Parliament, the group observed Prime Minister’s Question Time in
the House of Commons and a mock parliamentary debate at
Portcullis House. They even survived a flight on the London Eye!
London
A group of forty-eight GCSE Drama students and six teachers
travelled to London for a four-day visit, 9-13 January 2008. Pupils
had many opportunities to develop their practical and theoretical
understanding of drama and theatre by participating in workshops
facilitated by experienced industry professionals.
Pupils’
experience and appreciation of live theatre was broadened through
their attendance at West End shows such as Wicked, The Sound of
Music and Grease.
Sicily
In May 2008, Mrs O’Brien, Mrs Mallon and Miss MacOscar travelled
with six Year 10 pupils to Gela. During their five day stay in Sicily,
the group was received by the Mayor of Gela and other council
officials. During their stay, they were given guided tours of local
sites of historic, architectural and archaeological interest. They were
entertained to musical recitals and a concert performed by staff and
pupils of the ‘E Romagnoli’ school in Gela. The pupils of St. Mary’s
and their Spanish counterparts joined with the Italian students in
lessons and in sporting activities. Mrs. O’Brien and Mrs. Mallon
distinguished themselves not only at the orange peeling competition
but also at the City Hall where they gave impromptu interviews for
Sicilian television.
Page 27
Annual Report
France
A group of forty-nine Year 11 pupils, accompanied by five members
of staff, travelled to Paris from 9-13 March 2008. The group visited
the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower, the Stade de France, Notre
Dame, the Louvre, Sacre- Coeur, and took a boat tour on the Seine.
A most enjoyable day was had by all in Disneyland, Paris, where
even the teachers reverted to their childhood and enjoyed meeting
the Disney characters and surviving the rollercoaster rides!
USA
Sixty nine students and eight staff travelled to the United States at
the end of February 2008 for the annual Year 9 ski-trip. They flew
to Boston, Massachusetts and then travelled by coach to Lincoln in
New Hampshire where they stayed in the Beacon Resort for six
nights.
The conditions for skiing were fantastic with loads of snow and lots
of bright sunny days. The group skied in Bretton Woods for the first
two days and then went to Loon for the last three days of the trip.
The group also had time to do some outlet shopping in North
Conway and to visit a shopping mall in Rockingham on the way to
Boston. Suitcases were bulging on the homeward bound journey!
Page 28
Annual Report
BECTA AWARD
‘Pupils at St. Mary’s Grammar School in Magherafelt are at the
forefront of using Information and Communications Technology
to enhance their work and that’s official’
educationnews (Issue 118, May 2008)
L-R: Mrs E Daly, Senior Teacher; Mr M McCormack, ICT Advisor NEELB; Katrina Kelly, Head Girl;
Mr D Lambon, Principal; Conor McKenna, Head Boy; Mr P Campbell, Senior Teacher
Following
an
extensive
external
assessment, St Mary’s has been awarded
the prestigious ICT Mark by BECTA, the
British Education Communications and
Technology Agency, the government
funded body responsible for promoting the
use of ICT in the UK’s schools and
colleges.
The award recognises the school’s
success in developing the strategic use of
ICT in both administration and across the
curriculum. Parents now have proof that
their children are attending a school at the
forefront of modern technology.
Mr M McCormac, ICT Advisor with the
North Eastern Board, said:
“The Board congratulates St. Mary’s on
this important achievement. The BECTA
National Award confirms that the school is
engaging ICT at a high level to support
pupils’ skills development, to enhance
teaching and learning and in preparing
pupils for life, further education and the
world of work.
Achieving the award
demonstrates the excellence of the
school’s leadership at all levels and the
quality of the performance of both staff
and pupils.”
Mr D Lambon, Principal commented:
“We are delighted to be awarded the ICT
Mark. It recognises our positive approach
to ICT and the benefits it is bringing to our
pupils. We believe that ICT can be used
in every aspect of learning and that it is
essential our young people are equipped
for the modern world.”
Mr N McLean, Executive Director for
Educational Practice at BECTA, said:
“St. Mary’s thoroughly deserve the
accolade of an ICT mark. They clearly
demonstrate how important it is to take an
holistic approach to using ICT in schools.
Their investment in new technology has
contributed to substantial improvements in
learning.”
Page 29
Annual Report
STANDARD INSPECTION
The Education and Training Inspectorate
undertook a Standard Inspection of
St. Mary’s in February 2008. This was
particularly fitting in the school’s eightieth
year and affirmed for the school community
the outstanding quality of education for which
St. Mary’s enjoys an enviable reputation.
The Inspection focused on leadership and
management at all levels across the school
and, in addition, the provision for English,
Physical Education and Science.
The
Inspection also evaluated the school’s
provision for pastoral care, including child
protection.
In June 2007, the school was selected to
take part in the Specialist Schools
Programme, beginning in September 2007.
The programme aims to develop the concept
of Specialist Schools tailored to meet the
particular needs of Northern Ireland’s
education system. As part of the Inspection,
the school’s provision for their Specialist
Status in Science was evaluated.
ETI defined the main strengths of the school:
the inclusive pupil-centred ethos, which is characterised by the good working
relationships at all levels and the exemplary behaviour of the pupils;
the high level of professional commitment and dedication of the teachers;
the excellent standards achieved by the pupils in public examinations;
the very good to outstanding quality of the teaching observed in most of the
lessons;
the effective leadership and management at all levels; and
the outstanding leadership and vision of the Principal.
In the areas inspected, the quality of education provided in this school is outstanding. The
educational and pastoral needs of the learners are being very well met. The parents and the
community can have confidence in the school’s capacity for sustained self-improvement. No
follow-up inspection is required.
Page 30
Annual Report
COMENIUS PROJECT 2005-2008
Comenius is one of the subprogrammes of a major European Initiative on Lifelong Learning.
It seeks to promote understanding of cultural and linguistic diversity amongst staff and young
people in European schools; it develops life skills such as ICT for future employment and
active European citizenship and it encourages staff and pupil mobility.
In September 2005, St. Mary’s hosted the first visit from its partner schools in a three year
Comenius Project entitled “Young People as Citizens of Europe”. Teachers from Scuola
Statale ‘E Romagnoli’ in Gela, Sicily, and IES La Campiña in Guadalcacín, Spain, joined with
Mrs Hamilton and Mrs Scullion to design a project which would fulfil the key objectives of
Comenius. Throughout the project, St. Mary’s acted as co-ordinating school.
In Year 1, all Year 8 pupils were involved
in exploring their rights as citizens. They
had the opportunity to exchange
collaborative project work on customs and
festivals, healthy eating, human rights and
sports statistics. Since the Comenius
Project encourages the use of ICT in
schools, pupils exchanged information via
video, PowerPoints and DVDs. In
December,
Miss
McAllister
and
Mrs Scullion travelled to Sicily to review
progress
and
exchange
materials
produced by the pupils. As part of the aim
of Comenius is to encourage whole school
and local community involvement and
awareness,
pupils
displayed
their
collaborative work on Open Night in
January.
In Year 2, the Year 9 pupils of St. Mary’s,
who were looking at their responsibilities
as young citizens, had a very real
opportunity to experience the culture of
other countries when staff and pupils from
Sicily and Spain travelled to Ireland and
spent five days in Magherafelt.
They engaged in a wide range of activities,
for example, a visit to Stormont and Cultra,
a tour of the Antrim coast, cultural displays
of Irish music and dance, and visiting pupil
participation in a full school day.
Throughout the year, pupils worked
collaboratively on an environmental school
charter and prepared PowerPoints on
major environmental areas. Teachers from
many
departments
were
involved
throughout the three years.
Italian Beginners’ Class
Mrs Mallon from the Languages Department started an Italian Beginners’ class
which was attended by both teachers and pupils from all year groups during Year 2.
Page 31
Annual Report
Visit to Spain
In Year 3, pupils looked at their future role as citizens and worked on consumer rights,
careers and employment and political awareness within the three countries. In November
2007, Mr Lambon and Mrs Scullion, accompanied by six Year 10 pupils, travelled to Spain
where they enjoyed four days of Spanish hospitality. They were given a guided tour of
historic Jerez, visited local industrial sites and attended flamenco and equestrian displays.
Pupils were able to meet again with friends they had met the previous September in
Magherafelt.
Sicily
The final project meeting took place in
Sicily in May 2008. Mrs O’Brien,
Mrs Mallon and Miss MacOscar travelled
with six Year 10 pupils to Gela.
During their five day stay in Sicily, the
group was received by the Mayor of Gela
and other council officials. They were
given guided tours of local sites of historic,
architectural and archaeological interest.
They were entertained to musical recitals
and a concert performed by staff and
pupils of the ‘E Romagnoli’ school in Gela.
The pupils of St. Mary’s and their Spanish
counterparts joined with the Italian
students in lessons and in sporting
activities.
Mrs O’Brien and Mrs Mallon distinguished
themselves not only at the orange peeling
competition but also at the City Hall where
they gave impromptu interviews for Sicilian
television.
Page 32
Annual Report
CHILD PROTECTION
St. Mary’s is fully committed to the principles of Child Protection outlined in Pastoral Care in
School: Child Protection DENI 1999.
‘As well as their statutory responsibilities in relation to pupils’ learning, schools
have a pastoral responsibility towards their pupils and should recognise that the
children and young people in their charge have a fundamental right to be
protected from harm. In particular, schools are expected to do whatever is
reasonable, in all circumstances of the case, to safeguard or promote their pupils’
safety and well-being.’
The Designated Teacher for Child Protection is:
Mrs S O’Brien
The Deputy Designated Teachers for Child Protection are:
Mrs E Lennon
Mr F Dunlop
In January/February 2008, all staff in St. Mary’s completed an update course on Child
Protection (Policy and Procedures), facilitated by Mrs O’Brien, Designated Teacher for Child
Protection.
In February 2008, ETI completed a standard Inspection in the School during which the
school’s provision for pastoral care, including Child Protection was evaluated. The report
found:
‘The quality of the arrangements for pastoral care and child protection in the
school is excellent. The school has procedures in place which implement the
guidance outlined in the relevant DE Circulars. The governors, staff, parents and
pupils are fully aware of the school’s procedures and have had the opportunity to
contribute to a range of effective policies which guide the work of the school.’
A detailed Child Protection Policy document is available on request from the school office or
can be downloaded from our website www.stmarysmagherafelt.com
Page 33
Annual Report
SPORTS REVIEW 2007/2008
The Physical Education Department in
St. Mary’s aims principally to promote the
healthy physical, social and psychological
development of all pupils. Accordingly, it
offers to every pupil a wide and varied
range of sporting activities through its
curricular
and
extra
curricular
programmes.
St. Mary’s Physical Education and Sports
Staff includes four full-time teachers with
other members of staff coaching in
specialised areas.
pitch, two grass pitches and five tennis
courts. The school also makes regular
use of the facilities offered by the local
council in particular the swimming pool,
Meadowbank Sports Arena, squash courts
and fitness suite, driving range, golf
course and all weather pitches.
The sports facilities at the school include a
fully-equipped sports hall, a fully equipped
gymnasium, a fitness suite, an all-weather
The school offers the following range of sports:

aerobics
athletics
badminton
camogie
circuit-training
cross-country

Gaelic football
golf
gymnastics
health-related fitness
hurling
netball

Throughout the year, individual pupils and
teams are entered for Area Board, Regional
and Provincial competitions.
Successful
teams compete regularly at All-Ireland level.
This year was a particularly notable year for
the PE department with our involvement in
the Specialist Schools initiative along with the
Science Department. The pupils enjoyed an

enhanced range of personal development
opportunities, at home and abroad, and we
continued to develop links to our feeder
primary schools and the community in
general.

A-LEVEL PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In preparation for the AS and A2 exams the
PE classes travelled to the Antrim Board

Centre for a one day revision course. The
chief examiners from a number of the
examination boards were present to lecture

and to field questions.
outdoor education
rounders
rugby
soccer
squash
swimming

table-tennis
tennis
volleyball
BASKETBALL
The Year 8 Basketball team
played in the NEBSSA
competition.
The Year 9 Basketball team reached the
NEBSSA final where they competed
against Magherafelt High School.
Two Year 10 teams competed at the
Maghera Leisure Centre Secondary
Schools Basketball Competition in
December. The Boys’ A team competed
in the final.
The Year 10 Basketball team also
reached the NEBSSA final where they
competed against Magherafelt High
School.
The Year 11 Basketball team reached the
NEBSSA final and were narrowly beaten
by 4 points by Magherafelt High School.
The Year 12 team won the NEBSSA final
against Sperrin Integrated College,
Magherafelt.
Page 34
Annual Report
ATHLETICS
Cross Country Running
The Cross-Country
club enjoyed a
busy
and
successful year of
competitions.
Pupils competed in
the
District
‘C’
championship, the Ulster final, the
NEBSSA competition, the Armagh road
race, interschool competitions, the Belfast
marathon and the Maghera 10K. Notable
performances included qualification to the
Ulster final by Ronan Bothwell, Michael
Murray and Fiona McCrory and a Top
Twenty placing by Ronan in the Maghera
10k. In the NEBSSA competitions, the
Year 9 Boys’ team (Mark Boyle, Matthew
Devlin,
Odhran
Totten
and
Ben
McLaughlin) performed very strongly and
they have much future promise. Orla
McCollum (Year 10) also performed very
strongly in this competition and in each of
the St. Mary’s mile challenge events.
Training took place on Wednesdays and
Fridays throughout the year with good
participation from Years 8 -11. We hope
next year to start a league competition
with local schools. This will allow more
regular competitive fixtures to take place.
We look forward to strong performances
from Catriona McGuckin, Aidan McErlane,
Fintan Devine (Year 8) and the
Intermediate Boys’ team (Ronan Bothwell,
Christopher
Henry,
Michael
Og
McCloskey, Ryan McKenna and Sean
Kennedy).
performances, especially from Patrick
McElroy who came second in the Minor
Boys’ 800m.
Patrick
qualified for the Ulster
Finals.
There were also excellent
performances from Odhran
Totten and Niall Higgins.

St. Mary’s athletes also competed in
the USSAA under 14 team competition
held in Coleraine. The Boys’ team
finished in fifth place with excellent
performances by Odhran Totten
among others.

The Girls’ team finished sixth overall
with a notable performance by Laura
Johnston who came third in the 800m.

Sixty-nine pupils were entered for the
NEBSSA Track and Field District
Championships in Antrim from Years 8
to 11. The team won twelve individual
medals. Odhran Totten (100m), Niall
Higgins (Long Jump) won gold medals,
Odhran Totten (Long Jump), Rachael
Mulholland
(800m),
Shauneen
Donaghy (800m/1500m) and Leanne
McCrystal (Shot) all won silver medals.

Twelve pupils qualified for the
NEBSSA finals where they competed
against fifty-four other schools from the
Board Area. The finals were held in
Antrim. St. Mary’s won a medal when
Odhran Totten continued his good
form in the long jump event to claim
silver. Niall Higgins and Peter Quinn in
the Long Jump and 400m respectively,
also performed very well.

Thirty-five Year 9 pupils represented
St. Mary’s at the Grand Opening of the
Meadowbank Indoor Arena in March.
They experienced a full range of
athletic
competition
and
won
numerous awards.

Working collaboratively with our
partner schools, Sperrin Integrated
College and St Pius X College, Track
and Field coaching was held for Key
Stage 3 pupils, every Thursday at the
new Meadowbank Arena. Many pupils
availed of this opportunity and were
coached by St. Mary’s staff and staff
from our partner schools.
Track and Field
This year proved a very busy year for
Track and Field Athletics with St. Mary’s
pupils competing at District, Provincial and
National level in Track and Field athletics.
A highlight of the year was the
performance of Year 8 pupil Patrick
McElroy who achieved a creditable eighth
place in Ulster at the Provincial finals held
at the Antrim Forum.
St. Mary’s athletes competed in the Ulster
Secondary Schools Athletics Association
District Championships held in Antrim in
May.
There
were
many
notable
Page 35
Annual Report
BT ULSTER COLLEGES WINNING CAPTAINS 2007
The school was represented at this awards ceremony by Conall O’Kane, captain
of our Ulster title winning Hurling team. Conall was accompanied by his parents
and school coach, Mr Kennedy.
CAMOGIE
Senior Team
The
Senior
Camogie team
competed in
the
Ulster
Senior
‘A’
Colleges Camogie Championship beating
St. Patrick’s College, Maghera in the
Semi-final. They then progressed to the
Ulster Final where they were defeated
narrowly
by
Cross
and
Passion,
Ballycastle in a very close and competitive
game played in Ballycastle.
Captain: Aileen McCusker
Junior Team
The Junior Camogie
team competed in the
Ulster
Junior
‘A’
Colleges
competition
reaching the Semi-final
stages, where they competed against St.
Patrick’s College, Maghera.
Captain: Joanne Loughlin
7-A-Side Team
The 7-a-side team competed in the All
Ireland Colleges Competition in Dublin as
Ulster Runners Up.
Captain: Danielle McCrystal
U-14 Team
The U-14 team competed for the second
year in a newly structured Ulster ‘A’ 15 a
side
competition.
This
competition
included three schools who played twice
on a League basis and despite some very
close encounters St. Patrick’s College,
Maghera and Cross and Passion,
Ballycastle progressed to contest the
final.
Captains: Rachel Mulholland and RubyMarie Rice
U-14 Development Squad
The U14 Development Squad trained
together and took part in an U14
Development Blitz in May hosted by
St. Patrick’s College, Maghera. The
existence of this team ensured that all
Year 9 and 10 girls had the opportunity to
participate in extra-curricular Camogie in
the school. It was a very enjoyable and
successful day during which the girls
played to a high level in all games.
Captain: Dearbhla Laverty
Year 8 Teams
St. Mary’s Magherafelt hosted the Group
Two section of the Ulster Colleges Year 8
Camogie Championship. Five teams
participated with visiting schools from
St. Benedict’s, Randalstown, St. Mary’s
College, Clady and St. Paul’s, Kilrea.
Many exciting games were played with
some tremendous scores from pupils of all
schools. The eventual winners of the
competition were St. Mary’s, Magherafelt
‘A’ team who were closely followed by
St. Mary’s College, Clady and St. Mary’s,
Magherafelt ‘B’ team, both finishing
second on equal points. The ‘A’ team
further progressed to the Ulster quarter
finals where they defeated St. Mark’s High
School, Warrenpoint and competed
against St. Patrick’s College, Maghera in
the semi final.
‘A’ Captain: Aine Mulholland
Camogie All Stars
St. Mary’s was awarded a record of six Ulster College All-Stars
Awards this year, a provincial record. Cathy Carey (Year 14),
Claire Laverty (Year 14), Keelin Bradley (Year 13), Eimear
McKenna (Year 13) and Christine McKenna (Year 13) all
received their first All Star Award, whilst Aileen McCusker
(Year 13) received her second. The girls competed in the Inter
Provincial Championships in April in Dublin where having
defeated Connaught comprehensively were defeated
themselves by the eventual winners of the competition, Munster.
Page 36
Annual Report
Internal Camogie Competitions
Three internal Camogie competitions were
organised to allow every girl in Year 8-10
to experience competitive Camogie in
school. Each team competed in at least
two games resulting in very entertaining
and competitive finals.

Year 8 winners: 8E

Year 9 winners: 9A

Year 10 winners: 10C
COACHING MODULE
Eight lower sixth students attended a six-week coaching module taken
by Chris Collins, (Derry Development Officer). The course lasted for six
weeks and involved both theory and practical sessions. All the pupils
were awarded the GAA Foundation Level Coaching Award and are
qualified to coach underage teams.
As a follow up from the coaching award, all the participants attended a course on Child
Protection and gained a qualification in this area. Pupils from Sperrin Integrated College and
St. Pius X College, Magherafelt also attended the course.
These students and the St. Mary’s students coached Primary School
pupils from four of our local schools at a special coaching event, held
at St. Mary’s in May. All the Primary 6 pupils from Holy Family Primary
School, Magherafelt were invited to the school for Gaelic Football
Coaching taken by these same coaches.
In addition to this, last year’s coaches returned to help the Lower sixth students run the
annual Top Link Festival for our feeder primary schools.
GAELIC FOOTBALL

The Year 8 team
competed in the Ulster
Colleges blitz hosted by
St. Mary’s CBS, Belfast
in June. The team won
the Plate competition
defeating St. Michael’s
Grammar School, Enniskillen in the final.
The Year 9 team competed in the D’alton
Cup competition.
Captain: David McCann

The Year 11 team competed in the Brock
Cup competition and won the Ulster Final
beating St. Patrick’s College, Dungannon
in the final and Omagh CBS in the semi
final. This is the first time that St. Mary’s
has won the Brock Cup.
Captain: Nathan Rocks

The team also competed in a blitz, held in
Maghera and attended by the top schools
in Ulster. The ‘A’ team were defeated
by two points in the quarter final by
St. Patrick’s College, Dungannon and the
‘B’ team were defeated in the semi final
of their competition by St. Patrick’s
College, Maghera by one point.
Captain: Terence O’Brien

The Year 12 team competed in the
Rannafast Cup competition and was
defeated in the quarter final, by St.
Patrick’s College, Armagh.
Captain: Emmet McKillion
The MacRory Cup team was defeated by
St. Colman’s Newry at the play-off stage
of the competition. Three of the team
went on to represent Derry in the Ulster
minor championship. Two of the team
represented Antrim in the Ulster minor
championship.
Captain: Dermot McCann
The Year 10 team competed in the Corn
na nOg competition.
Captain: Johnny McKee
Page 37
Annual Report
CENTRA SPONSORSHIP DEAL FOR
SENIOR FOOTBALL
St. Mary’s and Centra, Castledawson Road,
Magherafelt embarked on the second year
of our four year sponsorship deal. The
generous contribution from Centra is a
significant factor in the annual preparation
of our MacRory Cup team.
COACHES LUNCH
A special Lunch was held in Café Pierre in
June 2008 to thank all members of staff for
their contribution to extra-curricular sport in
the school.
DANCE
Eight Year 9 girls attended a ‘Day of
Dance’ in Limavady High School in March.
LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL
St. Mary’s enjoyed great success in Ladies
Gaelic Football this year as the sport goes
from strength to strength.
U14 girls
The U14 team needed to win all the
games in their qualifying section to
progress to the Ulster Quarter final. We
did this comprehensively defeating
St. Patrick’s College, Ballymena, St. Paul’s
College, Kilrea, St. Mary’s High School,
Limavady and St. Pius X College,
Magherafelt. We progressed into the
Ulster Quarter final where we defeated
Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry. We
were beaten by St. Catherine’s College,
Armagh in the Ulster semi-final.
Captain – Aimee Mc Guckin
Year 8
The Year 8 girls defeated St. Mary’s
College, Irvinestown and St. Mary’s High
School, Limavady in their section.
St. Mary’s was defeated by Loreto
Grammar School, Omagh who progressed
to the semi-final stage.
Captain – Chloe Campbell
U16 Girls
The U16 girls needed to win all the games
in their qualifying section to progress to
the Ulster Quarter final. We defeated
St. Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen,
Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry
and St. Catherine’s College, Armagh,
enabling the girls to progress to the Ulster
quarter final stage. We were narrowly
defeated by St. Mary’s High School,
Newry who went on to win the Ulster and
All-Ireland finals.
Captain – Grace Conway
IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
GRASSROOTS COACHING AWARD
NORTH EAST FUTURE CHAMPIONS
SPORTS ACADEMY
Nineteen pupils from
St. Mary’s completed
the
Irish
Football
Association Grassroots
Coaching Award held at
the school. The course,
a mixture of practical and theory, enables
the pupils to coach underage soccer.
Twenty-six pupils were nominated by the
school for the North East Future
Champions Sports Academy which were
held at various venues in the Board area in
February. Our pupils were nominated in a
number of sports including athletics,
tennis, swimming, soccer, squash, hurling,
rugby, badminton and camogie and
received intensive coaching in these.
Page 38
Annual Report
OUTDOOR PURSUITS
SCHOOL SPORT MATTERS
As part of their GCSE Physical Education
course, forty one students completed an
intensive course in orienteering over four full
days at the Woodhall Residential Centre,
Kilrea. This activity formed part of their
GCSE practical coursework. All the pupils
scored highly.
St. Mary’s Physical Education department
entered The Daily Telegraph School Sport
Matters Awards 2008. These awards
recognise excellence in sport and involve a
protracted application process.
RUGBY
SPORTSDAY
All the Year 12 pupils
experienced a six week
block of rugby taken by
the
local
Youth
Development Officer. A Year 12 team,
selected from PE classes, trained weekly
over the winter.
The Year 12 team was entered in the
Rainey Old Boys U-16 High Schools
Tournament, held at Hatrick Park in
December. The team won the competition
beating St. Pius X College, Magherafelt,
Cookstown High School, Magherafelt High
School and Sperrin Integrated College,
Magherafelt. Captain: Ben Niblock
Captain Ben Niblock was selected to
represent the Ulster Development Squad
after being invited to attend the regional
development programme.
Our Year 12 Rugby coaches, along with the
Local Development Officer for the sport,
hosted local primary school pupils and
provided them with two days of rugby
coaching at the school in December.
SOCCER
St Mary’s Boys played in the
U-18 Carnegie Cup Final, a
first for the school in only
their
fourth
year
of
competitive soccer! For the
record, seventy-two teams
entered the NI premier soccer competition
in September, dreaming of glory. The
journey began with a 4-1 victory against
last year’s beaten finalists Coleraine
Institute in October followed by a 3-1
defeat of St Columb’s College, Derry
after a thrilling replay. The next round of
games saw tough opponents Holy Cross
College, Strabane, Belfast High and
St Peter’s High School, Derry all
Sportsday 2008 was again a very
successful event. The development of the
event continued with a wide range of fun
activities involving all the pupils. The
awards were presented after the event at a
special prize ceremony. The Ulster Cancer
Foundation visited the school on Sports
Day and provided us with 1000 sachets of
sun cream for the pupils to use.
Victor Ludorum:
Aaron Devlin, Year 11
Victrix Ludorum:
Bronagh McGuckin, Year 8 and;
Mary T Scullion, Year 11.
succumb to the superior skills, stamina,
strength and tenacity of St. Mary’s who
were now within touching distance of
glory. The loss of two key defenders two
weeks before the final proved to be a
devastating blow for the team; (a bit like
Manchester United losing Ferdinand and
Vidic!) and ultimately it cost them dearly
against top opponents St. Mary’s Christian
Brother’s Grammar School, Belfast in the
decider. Despite a 3-0 defeat, the whole
experience had been unforgettable,
particularly in the build up, the
camaraderie amongst the players and
coaches and not least, the banter with the
GAA diehards!
Page 39
Annual Report
SPORTS HALL ATHLETICS
SQUASH
Thirty eight pupils represented the school
at a series of Sports Hall Athletics events.
St. Mary’s pupils excelled at
the County Derry finals, held
at Maghera Leisure Centre.
Thirty eight pupils represented
the school winning a range of
medals including ten gold
medals and twenty silver medals. There
were many notable performances.
Seven pupils were selected for the County
Derry team which, after intensive training,
participated in the West of Ulster
championships held in Enniskillen on
8 February 2008.
Following on from this event, four pupils
competed in the Ulster finals held at
the Valley Leisure Centre on Tuesday
26 February 2008.
A number of pupils participated at a Mixed
Squash Tournament in April at Magherafelt
Leisure Centre. Fiona McKeever played
particularly well on the day.
SWIMMING
This year, in order to further the development
of tennis in the school, an intensive one week
long coaching course was held in
September. Twenty pupils experienced top
class tennis coaching and improved their skill
levels as a consequence.
Swimmers from St. Mary’s
were entered for the Ulster
Grammar Schools Swimming
Championships,
the
Irish
Schools
Swimming Association Championships
and the Minor Schools’ Championships.
ULSTER COLLEGES ALL STARS
TENNIS
TESCO SPORT FOR SCHOOL SCHEME
The PE department re-registered in this
scheme at the start of the school year and
the pupils managed to collect 4,700 vouchers
which will help the department acquire a
range of equipment.
NORTH EASTERN BOARD SECONDARY
Dermot McCann (Year 14) was awarded an
SPORTS ASSOCIATION (NEBSSA)
Ulster Colleges All Star at a presentation
dinner held in the Europa Hotel, Belfast.
Dermot was accompanied by his parents and Mr J McElholm continued as a member of
coaching staff from the school and was later NEBSSA, a sports body that organised up to
50 competitions in a wide range of sports for
awarded a Sports Bursary from UUJ.
all post-primary schools in the North Eastern
Board Area.
Page 40
Annual Report
TOP LINK
‘Designed to enhance links between schools, TOP Link encourages 14 to
16 year olds to organise and manage sport or dance festivals in local
primary and special schools.
Part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Step into Sport
programme, TOP Link is connected to existing school leadership work
such as the Junior Sports Leader Award and the Community Sports Leader
Award.
As well as developing school links, TOP Link also uses PE and sport to
train and encourage young people to become leaders who can use their
skills to benefit the wider community’.
For the third year St. Mary’s students
medals by Monsignor O’ Byrne and Derry
became
Link
player and former pupil, Michael McIver.
Programme. The Year 13 A Level students
Assistance was given by the Derry County
attended a one day training conference at
coaching staff. Paul Whitten from the
UUJ while Mr J McElholm attended a
Youth Sport Trust presented the school
Professional Development day at the
with a plaque in recognition of our
same venue. The department organised a
contribution to the Top Link Programme.
involved
in
the
Top
Year 8 Gaelic football event which was run
by our Year 13 and 14 students, all of
The
whom had attained coaching qualifications
International Dimension of Top Link: the
in Gaelic Football and Child Protection
Dreams and Teams programme. We
Certificates.
Eight of our larger feeder
initially hosted a visiting group from
primary schools took part with a total of
Holland and then visited their school. Our
one hundred and fifty Primary 7 pupils
four pupils, when in Holland, experienced
experiencing a comprehensive coaching
a range of Professional Development
programme, lunch and a competitive blitz.
opportunities, organised a sporting festival
Holy Family ‘A’ beat Holy Family ‘B’ in the
for primary school pupils and made lasting
final and were presented with a trophy and
friendships.
school
also
participated
in
Page 41
the
Annual Report
CAREERS EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE
Careers Guidance forms an
integral part of all pupils’
studies from Year 10 to Year
14. Formal careers classes
are timetabled one period per
fortnight
from
Year
10
upwards. During these classes
pupils take part in a taught
programme
incorporating
elements
of
both
Careers
Education and Education for
Employability.
options which they may consider on
completion of their GCSE examinations.
In Years 13 and 14 pupils have classes in
Careers Education and Interview Skills. As
well as attending the taught classes, pupils
are encouraged to use the Resources in the
Careers Library for private research.
Individual and group interviews take place
with all pupils in Years 13 and 14 to help
guide them towards making suitable
choices for third level courses for the world
of work.
Throughout all Year Groups, pupils are
guided towards being able to make informed
decisions in relation to their future. Specific
guidance is given on subject choice in Year
10 and Year 12. In Years 11 and 12 pupils
have the opportunity to investigate all the
All pupils in the school have access to a
purpose built Careers Suite which includes
a well stocked and regularly updated
Careers Library and nine computers which
have Internet Access and a range of up-todate Computer Packages.
PERSONAL CAREERS PLANNING
GUIDANCE INTERVIEWS
All pupils are encouraged
to develop their own
Personal Career Plans to
which
they
are
introduced in Year 8. By
being involved in small
group interviews with their Careers
teacher, as well as having a taught
programme of Careers Guidance, they
gain confidence in making an informed
choice of subjects which they choose to
take at GCSE Level.
EDUCATION FOR EMPLOYABILITY
All Year 8 and 9 pupils took part in a
Programme of Education for Employability
linked to Learning for Life and Work. As
well as engaging in taught classes, all
pupils in Year 8 took part in an Activity
Day
focusing
on
Entrepreneurship
delivered
by
‘Eastwood
Business
Mentoring’, as a conclusion to the
Programme. Year 9 pupils engaged in a
Project
Based
Assignment
which
concluded with presentations from
Ms Natasha Sayeé, BBC Television and
Mr John Murtagh, Magherafelt District
Council.
Guidance Counselling forms a very
important part of all the work carried out in
the Careers Department and this is
particularly important with pupils in Years
12, 13 and 14. All Year 12 pupils have the
opportunity to be interviewed by a
representative from the Careers Service
who visits the school one morning per
week.
On obtaining GCSE
and ‘A’ Level results,
all pupils in Year 12
and
14
receive
extensive support and
guidance. The Head of Careers works
closely with Year 14 pupils in August
helping them to secure places in Third
Level Education. In Year 10, pupils are
interviewed before making their final
subject
choices
and
parents
are
encouraged
to
meet
with
their
son’s/daughter’s Careers teacher if they
have any concerns about their choices.
Guidance interviews can be arranged at
any time for pupils either through referral
from any member of the teaching staff or at
the specific request of an individual pupil.
Page 42
Annual Report
LINKS WITH EXTERNAL AGENCIES
Alongside the taught programme of
Careers
Education,
there
is
a
comprehensive programme of extracurricular activities organised by the
Careers Department.
The school
organises a large Careers Convention on
a biennial basis. This brings together
representatives
from
business
and
education from all parts of Ireland as well
as from Scotland and England.
The Careers Department has developed
close links with many outside agencies
and Northern Ireland Companies who visit
the school regularly to give presentations
to the pupils.
As a conclusion to the programme of
classes in Interview Skills, all Year 14
pupils take part in a Mock Interview carried
out by panels of professionals from a wide
range of career areas as well as
representative from universities.
A
detailed assessment of the pupil’s
performance in this event helps pupils to
identify their strengths and can also point
to areas for improvement.
Specific
interview preparation is also conducted for
pupils who are applying to Oxbridge.
All pupils in Year 13 take part in a Work
Shadowing Scheme organised and
monitored by the Careers Department.
This scheme provides pupils with the
opportunity to spend time in some of the
largest companies and organisations
across Northern Ireland and beyond.
A programme of Careers Presentations
from invited speakers targeting Year 12,
13 and 14 pupils is on-going throughout
the year, ensuring pupils are kept fully
informed of new opportunities in both the
world of Employment and Further and
Higher Education.
All Year 14 students have the opportunity
to attend Medical and Paramedical Open
Days organised by a number of Health
Trusts as well as the Programme of
University Open Days which take place in
early September.
Linked to Specialist School for Science
status an additional programme of
activities was planned by the Careers
Department. This included a programme
of ‘Lunch-time Lectures’ targeting all pupils
from
Years
8-14
and
additional
employability activity days for Year 8 and 9
pupils.
Page 43
Annual Report
THE CURRICULUM 2007/2008
KEY STAGE 3 (YEARS 8-10)
YEAR 8
NUMBER OF
PERIODS PER
FORTNIGHT
YEAR 9
NUMBER OF
PERIODS
PER
FORTNIGHT
YEAR 10
NUMBER OF
PERIODS PER
FORTNIGHT
5
5
7
1
1
Mathematics
7
7
8
Science
6
6
6
3
3
3
Information Technology
2
2
History
4
4
5
Geography
4
4
5
Home Economics
3
3
3
Physical Education
4
5
4
Art
2
2
2
Music
3
2
2
French
5
5
4
Irish
4
5
5
German
4
5
Spanish
4
5
5
Religious Studies
Learning for Life and
Work in Year 8
5
4
4
2
2
2
60
60
60
AREAS OF
STUDY
SUBJECTS
English
English with Library Skills
Drama
Mathematics
Science and
Technology
Environment
and Society
Creative and
Expressive
Studies
Two from:
Language
Studies
TOTALS
Class Period = 50 minutes
Page 44
Annual Report
KEY STAGE 4 (YEARS 11-12)
AREAS OF STUDY
English
Mathematics
Science and
Technology
Environment and
Society
SUBJECTS
English
English Literature
Mathematics
*Additional Mathematics
Language Studies
7 or 8
See below
12
Or:
Chemistry
+ Physics
or
6
6
+ Biology
6
Technology & Design
6
ICT
6
Child Development
6
History
6
Geography
6
Home Economics
6
Economics
6
2
Art
6
Drama
6
Music
6
Physical Education (GCSE)
6
At least one of:
French
6
Or:
Irish
or
6
Or:
or
German
6
Or:
or
Spanish
6
Religious Studies
Learning of Life and
Work/Careers and PSE
TOTALS
OPTIONS
NUMBER OF
PERIODS PER
FORTNIGHT
7
Either:
Double Award
Physical Education
Creative and
Expressive Studies
ALL PUPILS
NUMBER OF
PERIODS
PER
FORTNIGHT
6 or 5
1 (Yr 11)
2 (Yr 12)
60
60
Class Period = 50 minutes
*Additional Mathematics = Two groups study Mathematics and Additional Mathematics in the allocated time over the fortnight.
Page 45
Annual Report
STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING
Throughout 2007/08, the main focus of Staff Development and
Training activity was on:

Revised Curriculum – Into Year 9
Middle Management Training
Assessment for Learning
Specialist School – Into Year 9
In August 2007, all staff participated in a three day programme of
departmental, pastoral and committee development work. All St. Mary’s teaching staff joined
with the staff of St. Pius X College for a day on the “Catholic Ethos” of a school, facilitated by
Archbishop Sean Brady. Mr O Graham continued with the six-month Middle Management
Training programme, focusing on “Your Department as a Self-Evaluating Team.”
Mr J Smith, Learning Unlimited, facilitated a session on Assessment for Learning, focusing
on “Making Feedback Count”, and “Promoting Assessment by Pupils.”
Preparations were made for the 80th Anniversary Musical “Oliver!” in the Grand Opera
House, Belfast in November 2007.
In December 2007 and January 2008, Departments focused on continuing preparations for
extending the Revised Curriculum into Year 9.
A number of administrative staff attended Management Information System courses with the
C2K Project, Health and Hygiene, NILGOSC, Cashless Payment System and Management
Display Systems. Updated training courses run by the Equality Commission have also been
completed.
A number of staff also undertook GAA coaching courses. A number of teaching support staff
completed training in Epipen, First Aid and use of a Defibrillator.
In June 2008, Mr O Graham, NEELB finished the Middle Management Training and
Mr McAuley, Specialist School Co-ordinator, led staff in preparing to take the Specialist
School initiative into Year 2. All Heads of Year completed a one-day course on pastoral
issues in June 2008, facilitated by Mrs O’Brien, Vice Principal.
ICT
There were several opportunities throughout the year for staff to develop their competence in
ICT. These included:

Interactive Whiteboard Training (all teaching staff and subject technicians)
Induction to C2K system for Beginning Teachers
Attendance
Reports
Sims
Assessment Management
Desktop Publishing (Making Application Forms, Leaflets)
Spreadsheets
CAFÉ BORDEAUX
The staff of Café Bordeaux completed training in:
Nutritional Awareness Training
Till Operator Training
CHILD PROTECTION
All staff completed an update course on Child Protection (Policy and Procedures),
January/February 2008, facilitated by Mrs O’Brien, Designated Teacher for Child Protection.
Page 46
Annual Report
SPECIALIST SCHOOL
YEAR 1 2007/2008
St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt was designated a Specialist School for Science on
31 May 2007. Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane acknowledged the strength of the
school’s application and its willingness to ‘engage meaningfully with other education partners
and the wider community to enrich the learning experiences and life opportunities of young
people and for the benefit of their local community.’
PARTNERS
‘We welcome the opportunity to network with other schools with the aim of
raising attainment and access and making relevant connections between
the school experience and the world of life and employment.’
St. Mary’s Specialist School Application
St. Mary’s established close partnerships with a number of local schools and businesses:

Local Schools
St. Pius X College, Magherafelt
Sperrin Integrated, Magherafelt
Holy Family Primary School, Magherafelt
New Row Primary School, Castledawson
St. Patrick’s Primary School, Loup

Businesses
F. G. Wilson
Genesis
Northgate
Bank of Ireland
Chambers
RESOURCES
In order to support the Specialist School work, there was initial investment in resources:
In St. Mary’s:
a new, fully-equipped Science laboratory;
a new, fully-equipped ICT suite to support Science and Careers;
the provision of two mentoring rooms;
the recruitment of an extra Science teacher;
the recruitment of an IT technician to support Biology, in the first instance, and Science,
thereafter.
In Our Partner Primary Schools:
a fully-equipped Science box for each school.

COMMUNITY LINKS
‘We have links with many employers and businesses in terms of our
existing Careers Education and Guidance and St. Mary’s is highly regarded
in the local and wider community.’
In Term 1, our links with our partner Primary Schools focused on a
Science Day on Forces and Energy; a Science Fair in Term 2 and a
Science Day on Biodiversity: Hedgerows and Pond Life in Term 3.
With our partner Post-Primary Schools, we collaborated on the Revised Curriculum for Key
Stage 3; the development of resources for the new AS specification, which included a
teaching resource pack produced by Dr T Henry, Greenmount Agricultural College, a former
member of staff in St. Mary’s Science Department. St. Mary’s staff facilitated training in
Interactive Whiteboard, the use of LNI and the sharing of Science software.
Page 47
Annual Report

A breakfast meeting was held in October 2007 with our Business Partners to develop an
action plan.

Genesis contributed to our Science Lecture Series with a talk on Transfats to Year 13
Chemistry students, and Effective Food Labelling to Year 11 Biology pupils.

Four engineers from F G Wilson contributed to the Science Lecture
Series with a talk on the Generation of Electricity to Year 12 Triple
Award Science pupils. Year 11 Science pupils were all highly motivated
by a talk on Career pathways by representatives from F G Wilson.

A number of Year 13 pupils from St. Mary’s, Sperrin Integrated and St. Pius X
successfully completed the GAA Foundation Level Coaching Qualification. These pupils
subsequently hosted a coaching event on 29 October 2007 for all Primary 6 pupils from
Holy Family Primary School, Magherafelt.

In December 2007, our Year 14 A2 Physical Education students hosted a GAA coaching
clinic for pupils from local primary schools.

In December 2007, our Year 12 Rugby players, under the direction of the
local Rugby Development Officer, hosted an afternoon of rugby coaching
for primary 7 pupils, Holy Family Primary School, Magherafelt.

Sharon Madigan, nutritionalist, contributed to our Physical Education Lecture series by
addressing our elite athletes on diet, nutrition and hydration.

Aileen Tohill (Ulster Council) contributed to our Physical Education Lecture series by
addressing Year 12 pupils from all schools in the Magherafelt area on diet, nutrition,
smoking and alcohol related issues.

St. Mary’s became an accredited Sports Leader UK Centre. It is hoped, in Year 2 of the
Specialism, to offer the Sports Leader UK (Level 1) Award to GCSE Physical Education
students.

As part of the Dreams and Teams initiative (a component of the international
division of the Top Link programme, run each year by St. Mary’s), a group of
four A Level Physical Education students and their teacher, Ms C Donnelly,
travelled to Holland in February 2008. During the trip our pupils led
workshops and organised sporting events for younger pupils. The visit
gave them and opportunity to develop their coaching, inter-personal and
organisational skills and afforded them the opportunity to work in collaboration with pupils
of the same age from Holland.

The Careers Department organised a Lunchtime Lecture Series; ‘So You Want to be a
…. ?’ and speakers included:
-
Mr Con Law, Senior Flight Captain with Thomas Cook Airlines
Representatives from Scottish Universities
Mr Michael Noble, Momentum
Mr Aidan Bradley, Manor Architects, Moneymore
Social Workers from the Special Needs Summer Scheme
Mr Sean Moran, Senior Physiotherapist with Home First
Community Trust

The work shadowing choices of Lower Sixth pupils indicated a 30% increase in those
interested in the Science / Health Professions.

Form Teachers in Years 8 and 9 successfully delivered an Employability programme and
Year 9 pupils participated in an Employability project on Recycling. The presentations to
prize-winners took place in June 2008, and were made by Natasha Sayee, BBC a former
pupil and Head Girl.
Page 48
Annual Report
ICT
‘St. Mary’s is committed to further investment in the school’s ICT
infrastructure in order to enrich the teaching and learning experience for
teachers, pupils, parents, partner schools and Businesses.’
There was considerable investment in Professional Development and resources in ICT:

New data logging equipment and servers were purchased and used effectively in a range
of experiments across each Key Stage;

A range of Interactive PowerPoint presentations were purchased – Foot Print Science –
and used effectively at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4;

Open Mind software was purchased and used effectively within the Science Department
to create mind maps and web pages. The staff of the Science Department trained the
Head of Departments in a number of other Departments in its use;

Linda Archer, NEELB, facilitated a training session on the use of
Interactive Whiteboards in Science for the Science Departments of St.
Mary’s and our partner Post-Primary schools;

Every teacher in St. Mary’s completed Interactive Whiteboard
Training, Level 1 and nine progressed to Level 2;

St. Mary’s Science Department subsequently trained staff from our
Partner Primary schools in the use of Interactive White boards.
PERSONALISED LEARNING
‘St. Mary’s vision for the future is to create an environment of personalised
teaching and learning in order to enhance progress, achievement and
participation.’
Mentoring was established in the Science Department with each pupil in Year 8, 11 and 13
being assigned a Learning Guide ie a Science teacher who used examination results
analysis to inform target setting and focussed revision. Each pupil in Year 8 had one
mentoring session throughout the year and those in Year 11 and 13 had two. A mentoring
record system was developed.
St. Mary’s was very pleased with the findings of the Standard Inspection, February 2008:
‘Science as a Specialism: The strengths include:

The setting of appropriate and measurable targets for improvement to
demonstrate how the science specialism will be used to develop
existing links with other schools, colleges of Further Education and the
wider community; and

The viable financial planning to allocate funding for the science
specialism.’
Page 49
Annual Report
SECURITY
The school continues to monitor and measure the effectiveness of all existing security
measures undertaken, and balances personal freedom with the need to provide adequate
security for staff, pupils and the school premises.
The school has invested in updating the intruder alarm panel in the last financial year.
An extension to the school’s CCTV system has provided greater security in the school site
giving added reassurance for the safety of staff, pupils and the school estate.
Page 50
Annual Report
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Financial Statement for the Financial Year Ending March 2008
INCOME
Department of Education Northern Ireland
Other Income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Teaching Staff Costs
£
4,863,900
59,196
4,923,096
£
3,260,769
Support Staff Costs
666,992
Other operating costs
949,024
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
4,876,785
OPERATING SURPLUS
46,311
The operating surplus of £46,311 shows a managed surplus. This balance reflects the
objectives in the School Development Plan and the need to move towards a balanced
financial statement.
Page 51
ST. MARY’S SOUVENIR LEAFLET
Mass of Thanksgiving….2
Souvenir
December
2007
Oliver! November 2007..3
In Dulce Jubilate………..4
Carousel of Celebration
ST. MARY’S GRAMMAR
SCHOOL,
MAGHERAFELT
80 Years!
O
OFF E
XC
CE
ELLLLE
EX
EN
NC
CE
E
St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt was founded in December 1927 under
the direction of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux. This term we have
celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the school’s foundation with a carousel of
events.
1
Mass of Thanksgiving..
On Friday, 7th December, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in St. Mary’s to mark
the anniversary of the school’s foundation. Bishop Gerard Clifford, Auxiliary Bishop
of Armagh concelebrated with Monsignor O'Byrne, Fr. P. Murphy, Fr. J. McKeever and
Fr. H. McCann, the latter two priests being past pupils. Master of Ceremonies was Fr. D.
Moore, our School Chaplain. St. Mary’s welcomed guests from the Holy Family Sisters,
past staff, local Principals and our education and business partners. Mrs Pauline McGurk
and the staff of Café Bordeaux provided a celebratory meal which was much enjoyed by
all. Afterwards, the Music Department presented a short programme of musical
entertainment.
2
Oliver! November 2007..
Rehearsals began at the end of August with a cast of just over one
hundred performers.
Oliver! gave everyone in the St. Mary’s
community the opportunity to get involved in the 80th anniversary
celebrations as a performer, member of a support team or as a member
of the audience.
In November, St. Mary’s became the
first school in Northern Ireland to take its
musical to the stage of the Grand Opera
House, Belfast, the most prestigious
theatre in Ireland. Oliver! played to
capacity audiences during its week’s run
13th-17th November, welcoming over
seven thousand patrons from the North
and South of Ireland, England, Scotland
and Spain. We also had an email
enquiry from an Italian gentleman who
wished to know if we were going on
tour! Mr John Botteley, Chief Executive
of the Grand Opera House attended the
Friday evening performance and
remarked that he was “amazed and
delighted” with the
standard, which
he said was higher than some
professional companies. Behind the
scenes, Mr Brian McMahon, the Opera
House’s Stage Manager, confided on
the morning of Sunday 11th November,
We had future pupils cast how apprehensive he was about
from
feeder
Primary working with a school for a week. By
the afternoon, when the “get-in” of the
Schools including:
set
had
been
successfully
accomplished, he was full of praise –
Holy Family Primary
“This
is
some
outfit!”
He
School, Magherafelt
repeated this often throughout the week,
Derrychrin Primary
to our obvious delight.
School, Ballinderry
Creggan Primary
School, Toomebridge
Cookstown Primary
“This is some
School, Cookstown
outfit!”
present pupils and a past
pupil, Gary Trainor in the
cast. By the end of the run,
we
had
as
many
students again helping in
support teams.
The
Production Team and cast
spent many hours after
school and on Saturdays
perfecting this production
of Oliver!
Mr. Brian McMahon
(Stage Manager,
Grand Opera House)
3
St. Mary’s enjoyed much
very
positive
press
coverage about Oliver!
Features appeared in:

The Mid-Ulster Mail

The Mid Ulster Observer

The Northern Constitution

The Tyrone Courier

The Belfast Telegraph

The Derry Post

The Ulster Talter
(December edition)
Mrs O’Brien and cast
members were interviewed
for:
Citybeat Radio
The Alan Simpson
Radio show
The Gerry Anderson
Radio show
BBC Newsline
In Dulce Jubilate – December 2007
On the evening of Monday 17th December 2007, pupils from St. Mary’s presented their
annual Carol Service In Dulce Jubilate in the Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre,
Cookstown. In keeping with our theme of past, present and future, we welcomed our
guest choir from Holy Family Primary School, Magherafelt. Two past pupils, Adrian
Margey and Bronagh Conlon, shared their wonderful musical talent with us again. This
single public performance was a sell-out and the performance was presented twice in
school to allow everyone in the school community to share and enjoy it.
Christmas Card
Mrs. Christine Chivers, former Head of Art & Design, painted a special water colour for
the December 2007 Christmas Card, two thousand of which have been sold, with
proceeds going to the St. Vincent de Paul, Magherafelt.
Ad Multos Annos
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