The School for Boys - St Columb's College PROSPECTUS 2022
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St Columb’s College
PROSPECTUS 2022
T he S c h oo l fo r B oys
“Hold on
to Hope”
Prayer of St Columba
Be a bright flame
before me O God,
a guiding star above me.
Be a smooth path below me,
a kindly shepherd behind me
today, tonight and forever.
Alone with none
but you my God,
I journey on my way;
What need I fear when
you are near,
O Lord of night and day? The St Columb’s
More secure am I
within your hand
College way
than if a multitude
did round me stand. Be Safe ~ Be Ready
Amen Be Responsible
2
P rincip a l ’s W e lc o m e
Dear Parents and Prospective #COLLEGEBOYS
Welcome to St Columb’s College! We are delighted that you are interested in
joining our vibrant community. As you read this Prospectus and engage with
our online platforms, I know that you will get a real sense of a happy, inclusive,
progressive and successful learning community; one with the highest of
expectations; one that is determined to ‘promote in each pupil, through Catholic
education, the fullest Christian human development of which he is capable’.
St Columb’s College is a school with a well-deserved reputation as a provider of
high quality teaching and learning, focused on each learner’s particular needs.
Through our broad and balanced curriculum, we equip our pupils with the
knowledge, skills and experiences that they need to contribute fully to our ever-
changing world. Our boys’ academic achievements are proof of the quality of
teaching and learning that we provide. Our extensive extra-curricular provision
enables each #collegeboy to learn and grow beyond the classroom, fulfilling every
ounce of his potential.
St Columb’s College is renowned for enabling its students to flourish
within the framework of a nurturing and supportive pastoral care
system; one which is concerned, first and foremost, with the
wellbeing of each pupil; one with a clear emphasis on Positive
Behaviour Management and on the holistic development of
each unique individual; one that seeks to listen and to build
resilience. We seek to work in partnership with our parents to
ensure that each #collegeboy is fully supported at every stage
of his educational journey. We collaborate effectively with
Parish and community to provide our young men with every
possible opportunity to develop fully as contributors to that
same community.
The St Columb’s College Way – Be safe Be ready Be
responsible - underpins everything that we do; I welcome
each one of you to the College and to what I know will be
the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship.
FJM Madden
PRINCIPAL
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 3
A W e lc o m i n g S c h oo l
Founded in 1879, St Columb’s College is Derry’s and recreation. Our classrooms, laboratories,
oldest Catholic grammar school. We have a proud workshops and specialist rooms, all finished
tradition of scholarship and achievement - and to a very high standard, are comfortable and
the unique distinction in Ireland of being the alma exceptionally well-equipped. Our school boasts a
mater of two Nobel Laureates. modern communications network with the most
up-to-date ICT and Multimedia facilities. We are
Our maxim ‘Proud of our past; ambitious for particularly proud of our recently-opened Sports
your future’ permeates and guides all that we Centre with its state of the art Multigym.
do to help motivate and inspire our #collegeboys
to fulfil their ambitions and make the successful The aim of St Columb’s College is to ‘enable
transition, first from Primary to Post Primary school, our pupils to realise their full moral, social,
and then, onwards into their chosen career paths. intellectual, physical and aesthetic potential’.
We work tirelessly towards increasing pupils’
The College is located in the Pennyburn area self-discipline and, above all, at deepening their
of the city on a spacious campus comprising Christian faith and affirming them in its practice.
ultra-modern school buildings and 40 acres of
superbly appointed grounds, used for games We are ‘the school for boys’ in the
city of Derry – and beyond.
I was worried
about coming to such a
big school, but when you
are here you get to know
it very quickly. I am really
enjoying my first year
as a #collegeboy! St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022
4
A warm w e lc o m e fr o m o u r
H ea d P r e fe c
My name is Oran O’Kane, and as Head Prefect,
t
it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to
St Columb’s College.
I remember every moment of my first day here. The feeling of nervousness and
anticipation but most of all, the thrill of a new beginning. I was ready for the
challenge after seven years of Primary School. Every worry I had in the lead up to
starting here quickly faded. As soon as I entered the building, I was greeted by so
many like-minded students that I quickly felt at home within the college community.
I am now in my final year of studies and I have developed so much during my
time here. Navigating Key Stage 3, GCSEs and now Sixth Form, I have not only
developed academically but I have also as a leader, as a team player and as a
friend. I am more aware of my role in society as a good citizen and as an
example to others.
I am an avid sportsman and St Columb’s has provided me with so many
opportunities to hone these skills. I have represented St Columb’s on both the
soccer and Gaelic pitches and lifting the Northern Ireland Cup was an experience
I will never forget! The opportunities I have had to play sport here have been
second to none - I would not have been afforded these anywhere else.
If I were to give advice to the newest #collegeboys, it would be to enjoy
every minute of your time here as it goes by so fast. Make the most of
every opportunity you are given and always try to be the best version
of yourself. The teachers here are always welling to help and encourage
you and I have always felt supported and motivated throughout my
studies. They really just want the best of each one of us!
There have been two Nobel Prize winners pass through St Columb’s
and countless high profile past pupils but in my time here I’ve had the
opportunity and the privilege to have come through the school with
some of the most talented individuals I have ever met. It has been a
genuine pleasure to share the corridors with such brilliant men and
I can’t wait to see what we, as the class of 2022, achieve in the future!
Finally, I encourage every current and future student here to be
proud of the badge on your chest and to know that being a enjoy every
minute of your time
#collegeboy lasts for life!
here as it goes by
Good luck to what will be, the class of 2029!
Oran O’Kane so fast
Head Boy
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 5
The Summer
Scheme gave me a
‘taster’ of life at the
College before joining
officially in
Tr a n si ti o n
September.
It is our aim to make the transition
from primary to secondary level as
straightforward and child-centred as
possible. Our Induction programme
includes a range of activities to help and
support our new “College Boys” as they
settle into school life with us. We also offer
support and guidance to parents as they
navigate this transitional period too.
This Induction programme includes:
• Visits to feeder primary schools
Year 8 Summer Scheme
• Open Day (virtual for 2022)
• Year 8 Enrolment Days
Taking place over three days, our Summer Scheme
• Summer Scheme
is normally held at the start of the summer
• Parent Information event
holidays. This Scheme provides a fantastic
• ICT support for parents
opportunity for our new pupils to become familiar
• One to one Parent/Tutor meetings
with the school, make new friends and meet many
• Completion of transition booklet
of their teachers. Over the three days we offer a
• Service of Commitment
range of sporting activities as well as taster lessons
• Peer Mentor support
in Drama, Science, Technology, Art and Music.
6 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022
O ur S tu d e n t C o u n c i l –
O u r S tu d e n t V oi c e
St Columb’s Student Representative Council is a There is no doubt that being a Student Council
popular and useful forum for enabling students Representative has a lasting impact on the lives
to offer opinions and advice on a broad range of our pupils, increasing their confidence and
of subjects. Pupils are elected to represent their providing them with invaluable life skills. It helps
Form Class, and attend meetings with other class develop their leadership qualities, communication
representatives at various times through the and listening skills, working as part of a team to
school year. The Student Council acts as the voice effect improvement. They become more articulate
of the students, helping to put forward ideas, raise in putting their viewpoints across and grow more
issues of concern and bring about change. aware of the needs of others.
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 7
Uniform Our uniform helps pupils to identify as part of the
St Columb’s College community. We expect our pupils
will wear their uniform with pride and a neat and well-
presented appearance is important.
Parents will understand and appreciate that
judgements can be made about pupils while wearing
their uniform and we welcome parental support in
helping us to maintain high standards in this area.
Our Uniform
Black trousers
Black blazer with school crest
White shirt
Grey woollen jumper
School tie
Black shoes
Black, ankle length socks
Our PE
Uniform
St Columb’s College
jersey, shorts and
socks. A full range of
St Columb’s PE clothing
(including overcoat,
soft shell jacket,
body warmer, half
zip, hoodie, jumper,
skinnies, bobble hat,
kit bag) are available to
order online from our
supplier MFC Sports.
8 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022
Timetable School Rules
All pupils are expected to be in their Form Be Ready
Room for 9.05am I will always be ready to help someone in need,
especially if it is a classmate who is struggling with
9.10am – 9.20am Registration work. I will be ready for all my classes and extra-
curricular activities. I will be ready to represent my
9.20am – 10.00am Lesson 1 school and do my best for it.
.............................................................................................................
10.00am – 10.35am Lesson 2 Be Safe
I will keep myself safe while in school and while on
10.35am – 10.50am Break-time my way to and from school. I will endeavour to keep
myself safe while using the internet.
10.50am – 11.25am Lesson 3 .............................................................................................................
Be Responsible
11.25am – 12noon Lesson 4 I will act in a responsible way at all times. I will
exercise great care in everything I think and do
Lesson 5
12noon – 12.35pm and say. I will give due consideration to how my
1st Lunch
actions might affect others around me.
Lesson 6
12.35pm – 1.10pm .............................................................................................................
2nd Lunch
Lesson 7
Be Respectful
1.10pm – 1.45pm I will always treat others as I would like them to treat
3rd Lunch
me. I will respect other people’s rights and strive to
1.45pm – 2.20pm Lesson 8 ensure that no-one is treated unjustly. I will look out
for those who do not have the same privileges as me.
2.20pm – 2.55pm Lesson 9 I will go the extra mile to reach out to those in my local
community who need my help. I will try to support
2.55pm – 3.30pm Lesson 10
and participate in any charitable events in my school.
.............................................................................................................
Lesson times are slightly different on Be Resilient
a Tuesday to accommodate a longer I will endeavour to navigate the challenges that life
Registration period. presents me with. I will freely choose to do the right
thing in every situation. I will seek help and support
when I need it and be a listening ear for others. I will
keep on top of all my work and aim to have a good
work/life balance.
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 9
Home - School tion
Communica
Effective home-school
• Google
communication is a vital part of our Classroom/
practice in St Columb’s College and Meet
we do this in a number of ways: We committed to providing
continuity of learning for all our pupils
and the remote learning platforms that
we use are Google Classroom and Google
• The Daybook Meet. We have found these platforms to be
To ensure clear lines of St Col
accessible and user-friendly, allowing for
umb
Colleg ’s
communication between e the posting of homework, tasks, resources
Daybo
home and school, each ok 2021 and the assessment and submitting of
pupil is given a daybook work. Google Meet also allows for the
that they use to record delivery of face-to-face lessons. Teachers
homework, teacher comments, and pupils have been trained in the use of
assessment marks and reasons for absence. these platforms and we have found them
The daybook will be monitored regularly to be powerful accompaniments, especially
by the Form Tutor and parents are asked to during extended periods of remote
sign the daybook weekly. teaching and learning.
• SIMS Parent App
The SIMS Parent App is available for Smartphones and Tablets and can be downloaded
from the App or Google Play Store. After downloading the Parent(s)/Guardian(s)Carer(s)
should profile themselves as a Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
SIMS Parent App is used as our primary method of home/school communication,
allowing parents to keep well-informed throughout the school Year.
10 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022• Our Social Media platforms
We use Twitter and Facebook to keep everyone within our St Columb’s College Community
and beyond updated about the range of activities and events taking place within
the school. Some Departments have their own social media presence!
Follow us on Facebook StColumbsCollegeDerry, Twitter @ColumbCollege
and Instagram @stcolumbscollege to keep up to date!
• Parent/Teacher • Truancy
Meetings Call
At the beginning of Year 8, we invite each Truancy Call is the digital system used to
parent to meet with their son’s Form Tutor contact parents by text message in the
so that that initial home-school relationship event that their child is recorded as absent
can be established straight away. During from school.
the second term, all parents/guardians/ Notification is sent only when a parent has
carers will have an opportunity to meet with not reported the child’s absence to the
subject teachers and discuss pupil progress. school on the first day of non-attendance.
We believe that these meetings are vital This system allows us to monitor pupil
to ensure all parties are well-informed and attendance, ensuring accurate and up to
doing all they can to support our pupils. date records are kept.
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 11M e n t a l H ea lth
& Well-being
Aware Investors in
Mental Health Award 2020
In recognition of the steps we have taken to We take the mental, physical and emotional
actively promote good mental health, we received well-being of our pupils very seriously and have
the Investors in Mental Health Award, developed implemented a range of strategies and initiatives
by AWARE. This is an initiative that provides into our normal practice to ensure that our pupils
recognition to our staff and pupils who are always feel that their personal needs are being met.
making a significant contribution to the
promotion of positive mental health within our
school community.
12 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022These steps include: Counselling
• Presentations from ZEST, Cancer Focus and
AWARE While the support given by our pastoral care staff is
of the highest standard we are very conscious that
• Mood Matters programme
some young people appreciate the opportunity
• Mental Health Awareness Week to speak to an adult who is not directly involved
• Anti-bullying workshops with their education. Independent school-based
counselling provides this opportunity.
• Sport and exercise challenges
• Familyworks counselling services The counselling support provided conforms to
• Drug and Alcohol Awareness workshops high professional standards and current best
practice for school-based counselling. Our current
• Collaboration with CAMHS (Child and
provider is Familyworks and our counsellor is Ms
Adolescent Mental Health Service)
Tina Power.
• Collaboration with ASD (Autism Spectrum
Disorder) Service and AAIS (Autism Advisory
and Intervention Service).
The Iona Room
The Iona Room is the Nurturing Hub inside St
Columb’s College. Four members of staff have been
trained in the administration of the Boxall profile
and in nurturing provision. Since its inception at
the beginning of 2019, many pupils have benefited
from the mentoring and nurturing programme.
We also work in partnership with the Bogside
and Brandywell Health Forum who run a F.A.C.T.
(Families Achieving Change Together) programme
in the Iona Room twice each week. Again, many of
our pupils have been supported and developed
in positive ways through this programme. Pupils
are taught how to manage change, how to be
resilient in the face of adversity and challenge, how
to organise themselves and have a healthy work/
life balance and how to look after their physical,
emotional and mental health.
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 13Results
A LEVEL A*-C A LEVEL A*-C A LEVEL A*-C
1002021
%
1002021
%
100%2021
ENGINEERING PHYSICS POLITICS
2 02 1
GCSE A*-C GCSE A*-C
100
2021
%
100% 2021
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SINGLE AWARD SCIENCE
GCSE Examination Results - Summer 2021
PERCENTAGE OF PUPILS ACHIEVING PERCENTAGE OF PUPILS ACHIEVING PERCENTAGE OF PUPILS ACHIEVING
7+ 5+ 7+
G R AD E S GR A D ES GR A D ES
A*-C A*-C A*-A
85% 98% 16%
YEAR 12 GCSE RESULTS
Summer 2021
SUBJECT ENTRIES % A*-A % A*-B % A*-C* % A*-C % A*-E
ART & DESIGN 26 39 69 73 96 100
BUSINESS STUDIES 34 32 65 88 94 100
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 76 50 72 90 100 100
ENGINEERING 32 28 69 84 88 100
ENGLISH LANGUAGE 200 41 85 95 100 100
ENGLISH LITERATURE 180 41 74 93 99 100
FRENCH 27 30 52 67 89 100
GEOGRAPHY 113 29 57 78 90 100
GERMAN 18 22 50 83 89 100
HISTORY 91 30 63 76 92 100
IRISH 18 39 83 83 100 100
MOVING IMAGE ARTS 15 27 47 67 80 100
MATHEMATICS 200 32 70 91 97 100
MATHEMATICS FURTHER 66 27 58 76 91 100
MUSIC 1 0 100 100 100 100
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 200 26 50 62 87 100
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 35 66 91 94 97 100
SCIENCE DOUBLE AWARD 368 27 52 64 85 98
SCIENCE SINGLE AWARD 16 0 38 94 100 100
SPANISH 58 24 45 53 74 100
TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN 58 35 74 88 98 100
14 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022A Level Examination Results - Summer 2021
PERCENTAGE OF PUPILS ACHIEVING PERCENTAGE OF PUPILS ACHIEVING PERCENTAGE OF PUPILS ACHIEVING
3+ 3+ 3+
G R AD E S GR A DES GR A D ES
A*-C A*-E A*-A
91% 99.4% 21%
YEAR 14 A-LEVEL RESULTS
Summer 2021
SUBJECT ENTRIES % A*- A % A*- B % A*- C % A*- E
ART & DESIGN 11 46 82 100 100
BIOLOGY 25 36 68 96 100
CHEMISTRY 25 36 80 100 100
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY 7 43 100 100 100
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 16 81 100 100 100
ENGLISH LITERATURE 24 25 71 88 100
FRENCH 3 100 100 100 100
GEOGRAPHY 52 29 65 94 100
GERMAN 6 0 50 83 100
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS 13 39 77 100 100
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 20 25 70 95 100
HISTORY 49 41 71 98 100
IRISH 2 0 100 100 100
JOURNALISM 2 0 50 50 100
MOVING IMAGE ARTS 4 75 75 75 100
MATHEMATICS 30 63 77 97 100
MUSIC 1 100 100 100 100
PHYSICS 14 57 79 100 100
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES 9 67 100 100 100
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 27 33 78 93 100
SCIENCE LIFE AND HEALTH 2 0 50 100 100
SPANISH 5 60 100 100 100
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 13 77 100 100 100
B TEC BUSINESS CERTIFICATE 12 75 75 100 100
B TEC BUSINESS DIPLOMA 18 78 100 100 100
B TEC CONSTRUCTION 26 69 77 85 96
B TEC ENGINEERING 11 100 100 100 100
B TEC SPORT 42 33 52 100 100
CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL IT 19 74 74 95 100
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 15Assessment for
Learning
Integrated into our learning and teaching practice,
we use both formative and summative assessment
procedures to ensure that the progress of each
individual pupil is monitored and reported on
bi-monthly. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on
their own learning by setting SMART targets for
themselves and identifying areas for improvement.
In this way, pupils are encouraged to take
ownership of their academic progress.
The outcomes of assessments will be recorded
in the form of a mark out of 100 for each of the
subject areas. Results of assessments are digitally
communicated to parents via our school App.
Homework
ASSESSMENT 1 October Homework is a vital and integral part of pupil
learning within St Columb’s and we place great
ASSESSMENT 2 December importance on its value. Homework can take
many forms and can include: notes/diagrams,
WINTER EXAMS writing or preparing essays, preparing for class
February
(in-house)
tests, completing classwork, projects, creative
ASSESSMENT 3 April or descriptive writing. Each Department has
a homework policy outlining the amount of
SUMMER EXAMS homework set per week and its structure.
June
(in-house for KS3 only)
We believe that homework encourages a self-
In addition, to our bi-monthly Assessment Reports, disciplined and self-motivating attitude to
a full Annual Report of pupil progress will be issued study, qualities we aim to instil in all of our pupils.
to parents/carers once a year.
16 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022Rewardin g Ex c e l le n c e
In St Columb’s College we fully recognise the • Letters home recognising effort and
importance of celebrating the many and diverse achievement
achievements of our pupils. We have high • Display of pupil work
expectations of our pupils and in turn we reward • Reward notice boards
their motivation, effort and many outstanding • Pictures displayed on Pastoral and subject
achievements in all aspects of school life. notice boards
• Attendance awards
Some of the ways in which we reward are pupils • Junior and Senior Prizegiving
are listed below: • Recognition on our social media platforms
• Positive Rewards at all Key Stages • Awarded positions of responsibility
• Recognition at Year Group assemblies – prefects, mentors, student council
representatives
• Verbal recognition both formally and
informally • Local media coverage
• Positive postcards • Pupil of the Month in subject and Year Group
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 17Extra-cu r r i c u la r A c ti vi ti e s
In St Columb’s, a wide range of extra-curricular and is a fantastic way to meet new people,
activities are available to our pupils. At the beginning develop relationships outside of the classroom and
of each academic year, this list is published and ensure a healthy, balanced lifestyle. While we are
shared with all in the school community. renowned for our sports clubs and teams, we also
offer a range of additional clubs and activities.
It is our aim that the activities on offer reflect the
interests of our pupils and we believe that there is Individual and Team sports
something for everyone! • ATHLETICS
• BASKETBALL
Getting involved in extra-curricular activities
promotes the development of the whole person • CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING
• FOOTBALL
• GAELIC FOOTBALL
• HURLING
• RUGBY
• SWIMMING
18 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022Beyond the classroom
• CHOIR • POPE JOHN PAUL II AWARD
• CONVERSATIONAL LANGUAGE CLASSES • PUBLIC SPEAKING AND DEBATING
• CREATIVE WRITING CLUB • ROBOTICS CLUB
• DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD • SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
• ECO CLUB • SCIENCE CLUB
• HOMEWORK CLUB • STEAM CLUB
• PEER MENTOR CLUB • SUBJECT CLINICS FOR ALL KEY STAGES
• POLITICS SOCIETY • YOUNG ENTERPRISE
New ideas for clubs and societies are always welcome!
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 19O ur F a n ta sti c F a c i li ti e s
Canteen and Our canteen offers a supervised Breakfast Club for pupils
Breakfast Club from 8.30am every morning. Here pupils can avail of a
wide variety of breakfast options to start the day.
Music
Here at St Columb’s we offer a wide variety of
opportunities to incoming Year 8 pupils to develop
their musical capabilities. If a pupil has been learning
an instrument in Primary School with the Education
Authority, then tuition can be continued here. Pupils will
also have the opportunity to start learning an instrument.
We offer tuition for guitar, piano, drums and DJing.
Any pupil who has a taste for Traditional Music can also
play in our Trad group. All welcome!
20 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022Library
Our library is one of the best resourced libraries
in the North of Ireland. It hosts a wide ranging
selection of both fiction and non-fiction books for
all our avid readers.
All Year 8 pupils receive a library induction and
are given a tour to help understand how books
are categorised and how to find the works of their
favourite authors.
Homework Club
St Columb’s offers a supervised Homework Club
facility on Monday-Thursday every week from
3.30pm – 4.40pm. Pupils can avail of teacher
guidance as well as state of the art ICT facilities in
order to support their academic development and Sporting
confidence.
• 3G full size Soccer pitch • Full size grass
(fully floodlit), also used for Soccer pitch
Gaelic football. • Full size grass GAA pitch
• Large Sports Centre with • Full size grass
state of the art Rugby pitch
multi-gym attached
• 4 x Tennis courts
• Two smaller halls (used for
basketball, badminton and • Outdoor Basketball
table tennis) court
Winning the 5 Nations
trophy in soccer was
the best experience
for our team.
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 21Commun i ty O u tr ea c h
St Columb’s College has a long tradition of social
and charitable outreach. One can tell a lot about
a school community by the way it treats its most
vulnerable members or those who live in the local
community. We strive to support local charities
such as St Vincent de Paul, Foyle Search and
Rescue, Foyle Hospice and Children in Crossfire, as
well as national, international and global charities
such as Trócaire. Our pupils engage in events
such as fasts, runs, draws, soccer competitions,
foodbank collections, no-uniform days, gaming
competitions and bun sales, to name a few, in
order to help raise the much needed funds which
support these charities. Our pupils take seriously
Christ’s command to love their neighbour,
especially those who are poor or downtrodden.
22 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022Supporting
L oc a l C ha r i ty
Our charity
activities help
so many local
people
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 23ns
I have had three so
What parents are saying go through St Colu
and they are all no
mb’s College
w working in
fields. They
their chosen career
with varying
entered The College
at I t their
I am so happy th degrees of ability bu
Columb’s to get the
sent my son to St teachers managed
hed to achieve most out of each
College. He is pus
and he is also one of them.
his full potential
to play the
getting a chance
sports he loves!
My son loves going
to school every day.
He walks to school with
a group of friends and is
thoroughly enjoying life as
a #collegeboy!
My son has settled well into
and the
Year 8. He enjoys his classes
ble. I like the
My son has settled teachers seem very approacha
ly report –
really well and has met some fact that we receive a bi-month
son’s progress.
new friends. He is growing in this really helps us monitor our
or is happy to
confidence and I am proud I have found that his Form Tut
ns I might have –
of the young man he discuss any worries or concer
t
is becoming. this has given me great comfor
as a parent.
24 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022I was really nervous on my
first day at St Columb’s and I was
What pupils are saying
worried that I wouldn’t fit in. Some
of my
friends from Primary School are actuall
y in
my class and my Form Tutor is very frie
ndly I really enjoy all the diffe
and approachable. I now have my old rent
Primary subjects we study here in
school friends as well as and I have new
‘College’ friends from different parts St Columb’s. Technology
of Derry. and Design is definitely my
favourite and I hope to
become an engineer one
day!
ming
I absolutely love co
y. I like my
to school every da
ates and the
teachers, my classm
e study. If I
range of subjects w
I always go to
have any problems,
help.
my Form Tutor for
my
Home Economics is
favourite subject!
I’m a real sports fa
natic but I am Our class peer mentors were
good at my school
work too so I’m re e to our
glad I came St Colu ally always really helpful. They cam
mb’s as we have a d to us
great mix of activi
ties to choose from class at break time and chatte
. questions
You are expected to
work very hard in about settling in. If we had any
class which I don’t ask them
mind. I get to play or concerns, we were about to
football and Gaelic really
which I really love. for advice. The peer mentors
I hope to play for tle in to
St Columb’s in the helped me and my friends set
MacLarnon cup som
e day! College life.
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 25Trips & Our pupils have the opportunity to
gain a wide range of experiences
Visits outside of the traditional classroom
setting. These opportunities include:
International Trips Local Trips
• KS3 Spanish trip to Valencia • Geography: KS3 Field Trip to Giants
Causeway
• KS3 Ski Trip to Switzerland, and more
recently, Italy. • History: KS3 visit the Tower Museum
and Derry City Walls
• KS3 trip to Koblenz
• Art: Visit the Ulster Museum
• Geography International Field Trip
to Rome and Sorrento • Science: Trips to the W5 Centre
• Euroscola visit to Strasburg • Home Economics: Visit to the
and Frankfurt Balmoral Show
Having a
chance to speak
at the European
Parliament was
amazing
26 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022T he Friends of e
St C o lu m b ’s Co l le g
Formerly known as the Parent-Teachers The proceeds from these events are used to
Association, the Friends of St Columb’s College is support and enhance the overall experience of
made up of current members of staff and some of pupils at the school. The highlight of the school
the parents, guardians and carers of our current calendar is the Rickety Wheel and Christmas Draw.
pupils. They meet once a month to organise and
implement various fundraising activities.
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 27Admissions criteria for entry September 2022
ST COLUMB’S COLLEGE Voluntary Grammar School
Buncrana Road, Derry. BT48 8NH Boys Age Range: 11–18
Telephone: 028 7128 5000
E-mail: info@stcolumbs.com Admissions Number: 220
Principal: Mr FJM Madden BA, MSc, PGCE, PQH (NI) Enrolment Number: 1540
Chairperson of the Board of Governors: Mr P Kelly BA Roll: 1343
academic year shall be admitted before applicants who
Open Day are not domiciled in Northern Ireland or who will not be
As we are not able to hold our usual Open Day for so domiciled by the start of the 2022/2023 academic year.
our September 2022 intake, we will be making
use of our digital platforms to reach out to our ADMISSIONS CRITERIA 2022
prospective parents and pupils right throughout The Board of Governors has determined that, in the
January, February and March 2022. event of the number of applicants being greater than
the Admissions Number for the school, applicants shall
In this way we will offer you a variety of be selected in the order of priority set down below,
opportunities to discover what life is like at St based on the information provided at the date of
Columb’s College. application.
1. Applicants of whom a brother* is a pupil in the
Please follow us on school or will be in the coming year.
Facebook (StColumbsCollegeDerry) and
2. (i) Applicants who are the eldest/first** boy of the
Twitter (@ColumbCollege) for further information.
family or,
(ii) in the case of a family which has arrived on or
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION after 1 January 2017 in the College’s traditional
The College seeks a Parental Contribution of £50 per catchment area (details of which are to be found in
family, which is used to enhance and enrich pupils’ a leaflet available from the College), applicants who
educational experience through activities that otherwise are the first boy to reach transfer age of that family
could not be financed from the school budget. since its arrival in the College’s traditional catchment
area; or
RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD (iii) Applicants of whom a brother* previously
OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN attended the school but has since left; or
RELATION TO ADMISSIONS
In order to select pupils for admission in 2022, the Board (iv) Applicants with elder brothers*, all of whom have
of Governors has delegated to the authorised Sub- already completed their post-primary education at a
Committee, including the Principal and three Governors, school other than St Columb’s College.
the responsibility for applying these criteria. 3. Applicants of whom a parent or step-parent or
legally adopted parent is a permanent member of
ADMISSIONS OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 staff of St Columb’s College.
Boys who have a Statement of Special Educational
4. Applicants other than those satisfying any one of the
Needs will have their application dealt with by the
criteria (1) – (3) above.
Education Authority under separate arrangements and
If there are more applicants who satisfy any one of
are supernumerary to the College’s Admissions and
criteria (1) – (4) when they are being applied in the
Enrolment Numbers.
order of priority set down above than there are places
available, the authorised Sub-Committee shall fill the
NORTHERN IRELAND RESIDENTS remaining places by selecting on the basis of the initial
Applicants who are domiciled in Northern Ireland or
letter of the surname (as appears on the birth/adoption
who will be so domiciled by the start of the 2022/2023
certificate) in the order set out below:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
28 E X G N K F T I U B O C R Y D P L A S Z W Q V H M JAdmissions criteria for entry September 2022
The order was determined by a random selection, DUTY TO VERIFY
witnessed by the Board of Governors. In the event of The authorised Sub-Committee of the Board
surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the of Governors reserves the right to require such
subsequent letters of the surnames will be used in the supplementary evidence as it may determine to
order set out above. support or verify information on any EA Post-Primary
Application. Therefore, information contained
In the event of two identical surnames, the initial and within an application that qualifies the applicant for
the subsequent letters of the forenames as they appear admission will be verified (See above: ‘Advice re the
on the birth certificate etc. will be used in the order set Submission to the Governors of Relevant Information
out above. In the event of over-subscription in the last and Documentary Evidence’).
criterion that can be applied, selection for available
places will be decided by lot. VERIFYING INFORMATION
To enable the Board of Governors to verify information
* Brother refers to the phrase ‘child of the family’ as regarding an applicant’s name and date of birth,
defined in Article 2 (2) of the Domestic Proceedings (NI) information will be requested. At the time of Online Transfer
Order 1980. The term covers: Application, one of the following should be provided:
• a child born to a married couple; • The child’s Birth Certificate;
• a child born to a co-habiting couple; • The child’s Adoption Certificate.
• a child of either of those people by a previous
In the case of an applicant whom it is claimed is the
marriage or relationship;
eldest/first boy of the family, a verifying letter must be
• a child living with same sex partners whether there attached or uploaded to the Online Transfer Application.
is a civil partnership under the Civil Partnership Act This letter must state that the child is the eldest/first boy
2004 or not;
of the family and that the child and family are known
• an adopted or fostered child; to the verifier. The letter must be written on headed
• a situation where for example an orphaned cousin is notepaper and signed by one of the following who is not
being brought up with a family. a member of the applicant’s family and who has known
the applicant for at least two years:
The child should be a child of the family as at the date a a primary school Principal;
of application since these complex living arrangements
b a medical practitioner;
may change rapidly.
c a solicitor;
** This would include cases where an older brother d a member of the clergy or equivalent.
cannot attend mainstream school, for example attends a
special school. To enable the Board of Governors to verify information
regarding an applicant’s address, information will
Advice re the Submission to the Governors of be requested from those applicants who have been
Relevant Information and Documentary Evidence admitted to St Columb’s when they are being notified
To enable the Board of Governors to apply the above of their allocation of a place in the school. (This
criteria, it is the responsibility of parent(s)/guardian(s) information does not need to be supplied with the EA
to ensure that all relevant information is given on, or Post-Primary Application). Any two of the following
attached to, the EA Post-Primary Application (with the eight documents should be provided:
exception of information required to verify an applicant’s • A bank or building society statement of the
address). This is particularly important for Criteria (1), parent(s)/guardian(s) or child which shows the
(2i) and (2iii) where full details should be provided address at which the child is resident;
of brothers who are/will be/have been pupils at the • A utility bill (electricity, gas, Television Licence,
College. Also, for Criterion (2iv), full details should be telephone {excluding mobiles}) of the parent(s)/
provided of brothers who have been pupils at a school guardian(s) which shows the address at which the
other than St Columb’s College. child is resident;
• A letter awarding Child Benefit to the child or
another letter relating to this benefit;
St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 29• Driving Licence; ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO
• Addressed payslip; YEARS 9 – 12
• Mortgage Statement;
CRITERIA FOR THE ADMISSION OF BROKEN
• Rental agreement; COURSE PUPILS (YEARS NINE-TWELVE INCLUSIVE)
• Land and Property Services Rate demand. The school wishes to accept boys who are suitable for
the type of education it offers, and whose parents are in
Original documents are required and not facsimiles or agreement with the Philosophy and Aims of the school
photocopies. and who will give an undertaking of continuing support
**************** of the aims and acceptance of responsibility for the
All supporting documentary evidence should be pupil’s meeting the school’s standard of behaviour.
supplied to the Education Authority in time for
its dispatch together with the EA Post-Primary Applications for admission to the school will normally
Applications of first preference to post-primary schools. be considered by the Board of Governors in late August.
An application for admission to the school for a pupil
All verifying information regarding an application whose family are arriving from outside the Traditional
should be supplied as requested by the authorised sub- Catchment Area (see current Prospectus) to reside within
committee of the Board of Governors. it will be considered by the Board of Governors as soon
as practicable after the application is received.
It is emphasised that the onus is on the parent(s)/
guardian(s) to ensure that the above verifying or A pupil will be considered for enrolment at the school
other information is provided. PARENTS/GUARDIANS provided that:
SHOULD NOTE THAT THE PROVISION OF FALSE OR (1) his admission will not cause the school to exceed its
INCORRECT INFORMATION, OR THE FAILURE TO approved enrolment number; and
PROVIDE VERIFYING OR OTHER DOCUMENTARY
(2) in the opinion of the Board of Governors, his
EVIDENCE BY THE REQUIRED DEADLINE, MAY RESULT
enrolment would not prejudice the efficient use of
IN EITHER THE WITHDRAWAL OF A PLACE OR THE
the school’s resources; e.g. the admissions number
INABILITY OF THE COLLEGE TO OFFER A PLACE.
set for a particular year group would be exceeded.
WAITING LIST POLICY
If, at the time of consideration of applications, there
If a place(s) become(s) available in Year 8 between
are more eligible applicants than there are places
Saturday 21st May 2022 and Friday 30th September
available, pupils will be admitted to the school in the
2022 and there are more applicants than there are places
order determined by the application of Criteria (1) to
available in Year 8, pupils will be selected to fill the
(4) of the school’s Admission Criteria to Year 8, applied
available place(s) by applying the criteria for admission
in the order of priority set down therein. If a place
of pupils in Year 8. Thereafter, parents/guardians who
(places) subsequently becomes (become) available
wish their child to be considered, should a place become
after 1st September in any academic year and there are
available, must make a new application in writing. Should
more eligible applicants that there are places available,
a vacancy arise following this, the admissions criteria
pupils will be selected to fill the available place(s) by the
above will be applied to select pupils from this waiting list.
application of Criteria (1) to (4) of the school’s Admission
Criteria to Year 8, applied in the order of priority set
NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS AND
down therein.
ADMISSIONS
Admissions Total Applications Total No accommodation will be made for a pupil to repeat
Year
No. All Preferences Admissions
Year 12 except where the Governors deem that ‘special
2019/20 220 197 197 circumstances’ (i.e. medical or other problems which,
in the opinion of the Board of Governors, may have
2020/21 220 205 205
affected a pupil’s performance in Year 12 or in the GCSE
2021/22 220 239 218 examinations) pertain.
30 St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022St Columbs College | Prospectus 2022 31
Ten Reasons to Choose St Columb’s College
1 Student-centred ethos 6 International dimension
St Columb’s College has a long-standing and distinctive Throughout all Key Stages, our pupils get the chance
Catholic ethos that we are very proud of. We are an to experience the life, language and culture of other
inclusive and student-centred community where every countries within the EU - and further afield. The
boy is encouraged to reach his full potential. opportunity to travel to France, Germany, Italy, Spain
2
and the Gaeltacht are annual events - as are our ski trip
Broad and balanced to Switzerland and our Year 13 visit to the European
curriculum provision Parliament in Strasbourg. Our students even get the
chance to learn Mandarin Chinese and Arabic!
We offer a wide and varied range of subjects to suit all
7
interests and we equip our pupils with the skills and
experiences that they need to contribute fully to an Achieving excellence
ever-changing society.
We provide high quality learning and teaching. We
3 Sporting excellence
believe that every boy wants to learn and can learn if
provided with the right support and challenge. We
believe that we can provide a first-class education for
We offer a diverse range of sporting activities including
every boy entrusted to us - whatever his ability, interests
soccer, Gaelic football, hurling, basketball, athletics,
and aspirations. We provide a learning environment that
swimming and rugby. There is something for everyone!
values participation and challenge.
We have a strong tradition of excellence in sport and last
8
year alone our Year 8 soccer squad were successful in
securing the Northern Ireland Cup! Social and community
4 Outstanding facilities
St Columb’s has a strong tradition of social outreach,
giving every boy the opportunity to volunteer and
engage in a wide range of charity work. Our pupils show
Based on a spacious campus, St Columb’s can boast
that they are able to empathise with the needy and offer
modern buildings and facilities. Our extensive grounds
them support and encouragement.
are superbly appointed for both games and recreation.
9
Our 3G pitches and state-of-the-art new Sports Centre
are second to none. CEIAG and Employability
5 Nurturing environment
We know that we are preparing future leaders, innovators
and problem-solvers ready to take on the challenges of
the 21st century global economy. Beginning in Year 8,
Our boys flourish within the framework of a caring and
our pupils work through an Employability and Careers
supportive pastoral care system. Through the daily work
Education programme that ensures they are fully
of the Form Tutor and Peer Mentors, the encouragement
equipped for the demands that lie ahead.
of the Year Head, the support of our highly-qualified
10
independent Counsellors, or the work of our
Safeguarding Team, each pupil is enabled to reach his Strong tradition
full potential in a whole school nurturing environment.
St Columb’s College is a Catholic school that is proud of its
past but ambitious for its future. It is our privilege to send
out young men who are strong in faith, firm in hope and
active in charity – boys who are intent on living out our
motto of ‘Seeking First the Kingdom of God’You can also read
