Welcome to your future - Holy Trinity College Prospectus
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Holy Trinity College
Prospectus
Welcome to your future…
“Inspiration, Innovation, Excellence” Holy Trinity College 9-29 Chapel Street, Cookstown BT80 8QB Tel: 02886762420 Fax: 02886763457 Email: info@holytrinityc.cookstown.ni.sch.uk Website: www.holytrinitycollege.org Page: 2
Page: 3
School Leadership Team
Mrs D. Gilvary – Vice Principal Mrs M. McDonald – Vice Principal
Mrs C. Magee- Senior Teacher Mrs M. Quinn - Senior Teacher Mrs N. McAshea - Senior Teacher
Mr A. O’Donnell - Senior Teacher Mr E. Loughran - Senior Teacher
Page: 4
Hello and Welcome to Holy Trinity College.
Choosing the right school is a significant decision for any family. We know that you want the very best, and that you want your child to thrive as a happy,
responsible young person. We take this responsibility very seriously and work tirelessly to ensure that all pupils have a sense of belonging to a strong and
vibrant school community, experience a wide range of activities on offer, and have a desire and passion for learning.
In Holy Trinity College, we believe strongly in giving pupils every opportunity possible to excel in all that they do. We expect a lot of our pupils - to work
hard, to fulfil their potential, to be challenged, to have self belief and achieve even more than they think is possible, and to prepare themselves for adult
life. As an all-ability, inclusive college, we welcome and value all pupils, and we place the highest expectations both on staff and pupils in our pursuit of
excellence.
Each child only has one chance at education and in Holy Trinity College, we aim to make that count. We work together to embed a culture of success
with high academic standards, a diverse and growing curriculum, high aspirations and our belief in ‘Inspiration, Innovation and Excellence’. However, we
believe that education is not just about examination results and as a Specialist Sports and English Academy, we offer an enriched curriculum outside the
classroom which will have activities to interest you, challenge you and give you the best possible start in life.
We pride ourselves in being a caring school with strong positive relationships between staff, pupils and parents. Our Catholic ethos permeates the life
and work of the College and we are committed to creating a positive environment where pupils enjoy coming to school, where they feel happy, safe and
motivated to achieve their personal best in a vibrant and busy school.
No booklet however, can truly show the warmth and welcoming environment within Holy Trinity College, so I invite you to judge for yourself, talk to staff
and most importantly, talk to our pupils about their experiences to date. We are very proud of our pupils and staff, and we have ambitious plans for the
future. We look forward to meeting you at Open Evening and hope you will be able to join us in September as a pupil of Holy Trinity College.
Isabel Russell
Principal
“The Senior Leadership Team, teachers & support staff recognise the centrality of developing literacy and numeracy and
they are at the heart of the school development plan and feature as a whole school objective in Performance Review and
Staff development. Additional teaching time, smaller groups and setting arrangements are practical and effective means of
enabling progression in these all important areas.”
Survey of Best Practice in English and Mathematics (ETI)
Page: 5
Page: 6
Our Students
Ema Jakabovacoca– Year 8 Pearse Og Foster – Year 10 Michelle Campbell - Year 12 Sean McClean – Year 14
I chose to come to Holy Trinity as I was at one of I am a year 10 student in Holy Trinity College I am currently in the final year of my GCSE’s I am a Year 14 student studying Maths, Biology,
the summer camps in July and I really enjoyed and am currently choosing my GCSE subjects. studying Art, Music and French, as well as the Applied Business and Applied ICT. Recently I
it. Even though the school is very big, I found At the moment I like Technology and ICT. I compulsory subjects. I hope to stay on in Holy have been involved in the Bank of Ireland
my way around it really easily. I have made new hope one day to become an architect as I like Trinity and complete my A ‘Levels, hopefully School Bank and the school production of Sister
friends, met new teachers and I am now engineering and discovering how things work. studying Art and possibly English, Moving Act, which has been one of the highlights of my
learning new subjects. I also like being in this The teachers here are very supportive and Image or a Science. I have yet to decide on my time at Holy Trinity College. I hope that with
school as I live very close to it. I think this always show an interest in helping us and future career but I know I would like to do success in my ‘A’ Levels I will progress to a career
school would be perfect for anyone, I really talking through ideas. something artistic! in finance or teaching in the future.
enjoy it. For me, the best thing in this school is
the food in the canteen (yum!)
In Partnership with Parents
Parental encouragement and support, both at home and in school, is critical to children’s education. Building Parents of Year 8 pupils who enrol with the school will be invited to attend a Pastoral meeting with their child’s
effective relationships between parents, the school and the community leads to improved learning outcomes. form teacher before mid-term to ensure their child has successfully made the transition from KS2 to KS3.
A formal Parent/ Teacher meeting will follow in Term 2. Should parents wish to meet with teachers or the
Parents who are considering sending their child to Holy Trinity College may attend the school’s Open Night. This Principal at other times appointments can be made through the general office.
is an opportunity to receive detailed information about the school and view the facilities.
Additional support is available from the Education Welfare Officer and Pastoral Support Officer.
Page: 7
Page: 8
Uniform
Aims of Holy Trinity College
π To be a community inspired by the Catholic faith, living out Gospel Values and reflecting all traditions of our
Irish Cultural Heritage
π To enable pupils to acquire a sense of purpose and have a good opinion of themselves by giving everyone
access to a religious, academic, moral and social and physical education.
π To provide a wide, varied and effective curriculum to meet the needs of all pupils and with appropriate provi -
sion for pupils with special and additional needs, in an attractive school environment.
π To provide all staff – both teaching and support – with the necessary accommodation, equipment and train -
ing to achieve our Vision.
π To maintain a safe and healthy work environment where everyone will feel valued and their creative and
innovative ideas will flourish.
π To involve Parents, Educational Agencies and Industry in the work of the school which in turn will benefit the
greater Cookstown Community.
π To foster a spirit of cheerful co-operation and provide a caring environment which promotes high achieve -
ment and self-esteem amongst both staff and pupils.
College Mission Statement
“Holy Trinity College is a Catholic, maintained school committed to providing
high quality educational opportunities for each pupil to develop his/her
unique talents to the full in a secure, caring environment.”
School uniform is available to buy in the following stockists:
In discussions with the pupils, they report that they feel safe Robert Kee, 36 James St., Cookstown (Tel. 028 8676 2331)
and secure in school and they are aware of what to do if they Sophie’s Draper, 27 Main St., Pomeroy (Tel. 028 8775 8560)
have any concerns about their safety or well-being.
Frank McGirr’s Menswear and Mecca Boutique, 27A, The Square
ETI Inspection 2016 Coalisland (Tel. 028 8774 9752)
P.E. Uniform Stockist:
Intersport, 16 William St., Cookstown (Tel. 028 8675 8686)
Page: 9
Pastoral Care and Support
The general welfare and personal development of all structure in place for all pupils. We believe that positive Preparation for transfer to Holy Trinity College begins aptitudes. These initial steps are followed by an
pupils is of paramount importance to all who work values enable pupils to become responsible, grow in in Primary school via subject sampling, talking to invitation to participate in the Year 8 Summer Scheme
within Holy Trinity College. We are a caring school confidence, show respect and become worthy citizens P7 pupils and parents, and liaising with the Primary and Summer Reading Challenge. A further Year 8
with positive relationships and an excellent support of their community. Principal / Teacher to discuss pupils’ needs and Induction Programme occurs in September. All of
these initiatives are designed to ease transition from
Primary to Holy Trinity College.
Each pupil is a unique member of a Tutor group,
receiving personal attention from a Form Teacher with
responsibility for attending to pupils’ well-being and
progress on a daily basis. This work is co-ordinated
by the Head of Year who has overall responsibility for
progress and who works with parents /guardians to
address any concerns. Year 8 pupils may also avail of
specially trained student mentors who are on hand to
offer practical help and advice, as well as helping with
Literacy, Numeracy, and School Clubs. The School
Matron is available at all times, along with a Pastoral
Support Officer, trained counsellors and external
agencies to provide support to meet our pupils’ needs.
In addition, a unique initiative in the form of Nurture
Provision now offers pupils, a short- term focused
intervention strategy to address barriers to learning
arising from social, emotional and/or behavioural
difficulties.
Safeguarding Procedures
All staff have a duty to refer disclosures of abuse /
neglect to the Designated Senior Teacher (Mrs Quinn)
and in her absence, the Deputy Designated Teacher
( Mrs Coleman). Further details are available in the
College’s Child Protection / Safeguarding Policy
“Sarah has settled in well
at Holy Trinity and is very
happy”.
Quote from parent
Page: 10The Haven
“The recently established nurture unit provides a
caring environment for those pupils identified by the
school as requiring support.”
Susan Irwin, Educational Psychologist
Page: 11The School Curriculum
Key Stage 3
The Curriculum for Years 8, 9 and 10 reflects the Revised Curriculum. Students will learn about a broad range of subjects to
prepare them for future choices in life. An extensive Careers Programme complements the Key Stage 3 curriculum in Year 10.
During Years 8, 9 and 10, pupils will have the opportunity to study the following subjects:
Art and Design Irish
Careers(Year 10) Literacy
Drama Mathematics
Environment and Society (comprising Geography and Music
History)
English and Media Numeracy
Employability Personal, Social and Health Education
European Studies Physical Education
French Religious Education
Home Economics Science
Information and Communication Technology Technology and Design
…..Pupils engage enthusiastically with, and display positive
attitudes to, their learning…..they co-operate and support one
another well in pairs and groups.
ETI Inspection 2016
Page: 12Key Stage 4
The GCSE core subjects are compulsory in Years 11 and 12.
π Religious Education
π English
π Mathematics
π Science (Single and Double Award Science)
π ICT
π Learning for Life and Work
In addition to the list of subjects below, Edexcel BTEC Level 2 qualifications are offered in Information and
Communication Technology, Business, Construction, Agriculture and Sports Studies. (Equivalent to GCSE Status).
Some students are offered Essential Skills in Communication, Application of Number and all students attend
classes in Careers Education and Physical Education.
The following optional GCSE subjects are offered to pupils in Key Stage 4:
Additional Mathematics Hospitality
Art and Design Irish
Business and Communication Media Studies
Child Development Moving Image Arts
Construction Music
Contemporary Crafts Physical Education
Double-Award Science Polish
Drama Portuguese
“By focussing on emotional well-being and resilience,
English Literature Preparation for Life and Work
Holy Trinity College are aiming to equip their young
Engineering Religious Education
people with the resources to meet diverse challenges
French Sociology
and enhance their capacity to engage more fully in
Geography Success and Personal Well-Being
learning. The Nurture Group is a warm and vibrant
History Technology and Design
area, staffed by a dedicated and enthusiastic team
Home Economics Travel and Tourism
who care about the young people on a level beyond
their academic development”
ETI Inspection 2016
Page: 13The School Curriculum SUBJECT AS A2 APPLIED
Art and Design •
Years 13 and 14 Biology • • •
Business Studies •
All Year 13 pupils are offered a choice of three or four A Level subjects or Applied GCE courses from the table opposite.
Chemistry • • •
In Year 14 students are expected to study at least three A.S subjects to A2 level. Double - Award Science • •
Pupils in Year 13 also sample enrichment opportunities, including GAA and Coaching Awards, Driving Lessons, Personal Engineering •
and Social Development Courses, Peer Mentoring, Paired Reading, COPE (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness), First Aid, English Literature • • •
Heartstart and many Career orientated activities.
French ** • • •
Geography** • • •
History • • •
Home Economics** • • •
ICT •
Mathematics • • •
Media •
Music (Performing) •
Moving Image Art • • •
Physics** • • •
Physical Education • • •
Portuguese • • •
Psychology • • •
Religious Education • • •
Russian •
Sociology • • •
Software Systems Development • • •
Sports Studies •
Technology and Design** • • •
BTEC National Certificate in Travel and Tourism •
BTEC National Certificate in Agriculture •
BTEC National Certificate and Diploma in Children’s Care, •
Learning and Development (Double and Triple Award)
BTEC National Subsidiary and National Diploma in Health •
and Social Care**
(** These courses are offered in collaboration with Cookstown High School)
Page: 14“I first joined Holy Trinity College at the end of 3rd year and have loved every minute of
being here. The school has provided me with many opportunities to develop both
personally and academically. At the beginning of this year I was given the role of Deputy
Head Boy, a position which I feel honored to have received and I hope I have fulfilled the
duties of this role to the best of my ability. I am currently studying for my A’ Levels in ICT,
Business and Sports Studies and I hope to continue onto a degree in Primary Teaching. I
know I would not be where I am now without the help and advice of the staff within this
school.”
Tiernan McVey
“The school and staff are very
encouraging about my child’s
personal and social development”.
Quote from Parent
In Mathematics, the pupils attain very good standards. At GCSE, the
percentage of pupils who attain at grades A* to C is consistently well
above the corresponding three year average for non-selective schools.
ETI Inspection 2016
Page: 15Alternative Vocational
Curriculum
A number of students in Years 11 and 12 avail of the opportunity to pursue
curriculum initiatives established between Holy Trinity College and South
West College. These initiatives enable students to begin their transition to
the world of work. Students benefit greatly from their experiences, leading
to an increase in self-esteem and promotion of their self-confidence. Each
initiative offers the individual student external accreditation. In addition, and
in consultation with parents, individualised work-related packages can be
arranged that fulfil Department of Education guidelines. Pupils also work
closely with the EA Youth Services in Personal Development.
Learning Support
Holy Trinity College adopts a whole school approach to Special Educational
Needs. We aim to create an environment that is understanding and
sympathetic to pupils who may exhibit learning difficulties during their school
careers. Student needs are the shared responsibility of the entire staff.
Specialist subject teachers give support in the most integrated setting possible
– in the ordinary classroom, using a range of appropriate support strategies.
Holy Trinity College has a Learning Support Team, which provides additional
individualised help for these pupils, through in-class support and/ or
withdrawal for specialist tuition with parental support and involvement at all
times.
The standards achieved by the pupils in
science are very good…..the standards
achieved by the pupils at GCSE are
outstanding, being consistently above the
corresponding NI average.
ETI Inspection 2016
Page: 16Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance
The College CEIAG programme is a key element in the curriculum provision
across all Key Stages and is designed to equip students with the skills and
experience to make sound career choices and to progress to third level
education or the world of work.
The College provides a high quality Careers Education Programme with
guidance at key transition points.
A range of work-related learning activities complements the Curriculum,
whilst Post 16 students participate in work experience and work shadowing.
The involvement of employers and the business community, further
enhances learning opportunities via work placements, industrial visits,
sponsorship and support for students involved in a range of academic and
vocational courses.
Our Sponsors: Steelweld Fabrications, Tesco, O’Neills, McAleer & Rushe
group, CDE, Copeland, Bank of Ireland, CAFRE, Rocwell, ASDA, Mc Donald’s,
Lissan Coal Company
Raising Standards:
The Professional Development of
Staff
The centrality of continuous professional development for teaching and
support staff has been recognised by the awarding of the prestigious
Investors in People (Bronze) to the college. All staff are offered a
comprehensive programme of Continuous Professional Development. This, in
turn, will result in:
π Capacity building
π Innovative approaches to learning and teaching
π Provision of engaging and challenging experiences for all students in
every aspect of college life.
CEIAG is afforded a high profile in
the school; this is evident in the well-
developed role of individual subjects
in the promotion of careers, which is
robustly monitored and mapped.
ETI Inspection 2016
Page: 17Sports
Holy Trinity College is keen to promote healthy lifestyles and a lifelong love of sport and physical activity. Therefore As well as participating in a range of sports our pupils are also given the opportunity to achieve coaching
students are given opportunities to sample a diverse range of sporting activities such as canoeing, archery and qualifications. Accredited courses such as Foundation Level GAA, Young Referees, Performance Analysis,
golf to name but a few. The discipline and skills pupils acquire through their participation in sport are readily Leadership and Heart Start all allow for personal development and contribute to pupils’ Record of Achievement.
transferable to their studies in school and to their community and will benefit the quality of their life and their
general health and well- being.
All pupils in KS3 and KS4 take part in Physical Education classes as well as participating in sports orientated extra-
Sporting Facilities and Resources:
curricular activities. Pupils can choose to pursue this pathway at KS4 by opting for GCSE PE and Edexcel Level two π Gymnasium
in Sports Studies. At Post -16 both A Level and Edexcel Level 3 Sports Studies are also available. π Fitness Suite
π Outdoor tennis court and table tennis tables
These accredited qualifications allow students to combine a love of sport with an opportunity to gain relevant and π All weather pitch
productive formal qualifications. π Indoor and Outdoor Handball Courts
π Access to local Leisure Centre, including swimming pool
Traditional Irish games including camogie, hurling, handball and Gaelic football are central to the school’s PE π Access to Mid-Ulster Sports Arena
programme. Indeed all our teams are competing at a high level within the Ulster Colleges’ framework, the most π Access to local Equestrian Centre
recent success this year being, the victory of our Year 8 Boys’ Team who won the Oisin Mc Grath Shield, and
the U-16 Team who won the Rafferty Cup. Both Teams are very worthy winners of their Ulster Colleges’ titles. Sports available to students in Holy Trinity College:
Individuals are given opportunities to develop their creative and expressive talents. With our numbers ever
increasing so too is the range of sporting activities. Dance, Cross-country, Darts, Olympic handball, Jujitsu are all Archery Athletics
proving to be popular with our pupils. The rise to prominence of our Basketball and Netball teams this year is a
result of the hard work from a dedicated coaching staff. We also look forward with much optimism as our newly Basketball Badminton
formed Golf team continue to impress in the Darren Clarke League.
Camogie Canoeing
Cross Country Running Dance
Darts Equestrian
Fishing Gaelic Football (Boys and Girls)
Golf Gymnastics
Netball Olympic Handball
Orienteering Outdoor Persuits
Soccer Softball
Swimming Table Tennis
Tennis UniHoc
Volleyball.
“My child needs to be stimulated and encouraged. His
teachers constantly do this and this has brought about a
positive effect”.
Quote from parent
Page: 18Page: 19
Promoting Quality Teaching and
Learning
π Recognising the importance of every lesson
π Employing a range of active learning and teaching strategies to engage and
challenge all students
π Enabling students to acquire the skills and dispositions needed to become
successful lifelong learners.
Assessment for Learning
π Involving pupils in their learning by focusing on the learning process as well as the
product.
π Sharing of information with learners via learning intentions, agreed success criteria
and quality feedback.
π Providing opportunities for peer and self-assessment and self-evaluation.
Raising Standards
π Additional support for pupils with special educational needs and for whom English
is an additional language
π Provision of extension resources for Gifted and Talented pupils
π Personalised targets in each subject
π Key Stage 4 pupils meet with their Form Teachers to discuss results from
Cognitive Ability Tests
π Principal academic progress meetings
π Intervention and mentoring programmes
Tracking Pupil Progress:
π Making effective use of baseline data to gauge the potential of each pupil on entry
to the college.
π Setting, monitoring and reviewing challenging personalised targets for academic
achievement.
π Employing an electronic tracking system to ensure students are on track to
achieve their academic goals and fulfil their potential.
“My daughter has settled and taken to Year
8 really well. It is such a change from a small
Primary school but I am delighted with the
support she is getting”.
Quote from Parent
Page: 20Page: 21
Young People at all Key Stages will be
provided with experiences which will :
π Build confidence and self esteem
π Promote enjoyment and participation in curricular and extra-curricular aspects of
college life
π Develop personal capabilities and thinking skills, particularly ICT, communication
and numeracy skills
π Develop positive attitudes to lifelong learning and the emotional resilience and
intelligence to become responsible members of society
Pathways to Success
π Pupils will be given a wide range of opportunities allowing them to experience
success.
π Pupils will undergo a comprehensive programme of Careers Education,
Information, Advice and Guidance to develop their ability to make well-informed
career choices.
π The involvement of local businesses and employers will enrich the college’s
vocational, employability and careers programme.
Using e-learning technologies
π Ongoing development of a Virtual Learning Environment
π Regularly updated Website
π Develop independent learning skills through the use of software packages
and programming
π Increased use of iPads and laptops
π Effective digital communication with parents and stakeholders
In the most effective practice in English,
the teachers establish good working
relationships with the pupils which underpin
the positive, supportive ethos in the
classrooms.
ETI Inspection 2016
Page: 22Information and Communication Technology
In Holy Trinity College we recognise the constant changes taking place in
computer and communication technology and now, more than ever, realise
the need to introduce courses that will empower our students to be able to
apply for a wide range of jobs in the ICT industry currently available here
in Northern Ireland. New jobs vacancies exist with worldwide technology
companies such as Kainos, Liberty IT and Allstate as computer operators,
technicians and highly paid ICT professionals.
To achieve this we have set about the steady introduction of computer
programming, enabling our students to attain a high level of coding skills
beginning when they are in our partner primary schools through the
Rainforest and Titanic projects. As a result when students begin school life
in Holy Trinity College they will already have a good basic knowledge of
spreadsheets, databases, presentation software and coding.
We aim to take this basic knowledge further and introduce courses that
provide programming skills useful for app, game and web development.
Beginning in year 8 our aim is to build programming skills through the use
of software such as Scratch, Gamemaker, HTML, JavaScript, Python, C
Sharp, Ruby game development, Appy Pie, Minecraft etc
We believe that students can learn from hands on experimenting with
hardware and robotics using the Raspberry Pis, Makey Makey kits,
Microbits, breadboards, LED panels etc. We believe in teaching students
how to code and create their own programmes; not just how to work a
computer; but how a computer works, and how best to make it work for
them.
We have an active ICT club who meet weekly and have recently produced
an arcade gaming machine, table football game and LED e.safety signage
for each department using our new 3D printer and design software. We
have recently purchased a Phantom 4 Drone and used it extensively to
produce a whole school e safety movie which the students filmed and
edited using I Movie and Sony Vegas. In addition to this they produced
all the publicity material using Photoshop and advertised it through the
website and app development software.
All our classrooms are equipped with the latest computer hardware and
software which is continually updated and courses currently on offer to our
students are constantly being revised.
We continually look at ICT career prospects and work with the Careers
Department, universities and local employers to ensure our students are
well informed of the possible career paths available to them.
Page: 23Page: 24
The pupil community will benefit We will provide:
A feature of the most effective
from a whole school experience π A high quality learning and teaching experience for all pupils at all
lessons is the high quality teacher
Key Stages
which: π A rich and varied enrichment programme which will allow pupils to exposition and the opportunities for
participate in a range of recreational and competitive activities.
π Encourages young people to strive for excellence. π Opportunities for students to gain accreditation and awards in a the pupils to engage in a wide range
π Encourages pupils to assume responsibility for their learning and plan number of courses and competitions. of learning activities, including
positively for their future. π A programme for Gifted and Talented students.
π Actively encourages healthy lifestyles practical and investigative work.
π Promotes physical and emotional well-being.
π Enables young people to aim high and achieve their personal best. ETI Inspection 2016
Primary School Links
Holy Trinity College is ideally placed to share its professional expertise and
facilities with the local community. We are currently involved in exciting
and innovative Sport, Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Technology & Design,
ICT and Art & Design programmes with a number of our Partner Primary
Schools.
Partners will benefit from:
π Access to the college’s resources, facilities and expertise in a wide
range of subjects.
π Opportunities to participate in a range of projects and activities
designed to ease transition, provide curricular continuity and
strengthen Area Learning Partnerships.
Raising Pupil Self-esteem and
The recently established nurture
Self-belief unit provides a caring environment
π Creating a school environment which will inspire and encourage for those pupils identified by the
young people to succeed.
π Recognising and celebrating success and endeavour. school as requiring support.
π Encouraging pupils to accept responsibility for their learning, set “There is a warm and welcoming
targets for themselves and aim high. ETI Inspection 2016 atmosphere in the school. I am
kept up to date through reports,
Pastoral Support for Learning meetings and the school website,
π Providing a structured pastoral support programme and a pastoral
particularly the principal’s weekly
support network which values and supports all students. updates”.
π Providing a range of support structures such as mentoring and
coaching to address the pastoral and academic needs of students. Quote from parent
π Providing a dedicated Pastoral Support Officer.
Page: 25Spiritual Dimension
‘Holy Trinity College is a community inspired by the Catholic
faith, living out Gospel values and reflecting all traditions of
our Irish Cultural Heritage.’
Aims of Holy Trinity College
Holy Trinity College is an inclusive school where diversity is respected with a vibrant
liturgical life and value system rooted in our Catholic faith. The ethos is evident in all
relationships which are based on mutual respect and understanding. Central to school
life is our dedicated prayer to the Holy Trinity which is recited daily in registration and in
class. Morning assemblies also allow us to pray in community and faith with each other.
Religious Education is delivered in Key Stage 3 using the Fully Alive Programme which
promotes listening, understanding, trust and reconciliation. Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils
study CCEA GCSE and A Level Religion which facilitates faith development, and
challenges and equips them to lead constructive and meaningful Catholic lives in the
modern world. Post-16 pupils may participate in Diocesan Faith Development through
the Pope John Paul 11 Award which enables them to take an active part in the life of their
Church and to develop spiritually and socially through participation in school, parish and
community life.
Our ethos extends beyond our school through our close links with the St Vincent de Paul
Society, MacMillan Trust and Trocaire. More recently, events have included Christmas
hampers, Coffee Morning and a Spinathon to raise awareness and fund-raise for local
and national charities. The priests of Holy Trinity parish and the parishes of our partner
primary schools support the College in liturgical and sacramental events.
In these lessons, the teachers have high
expectations of what the pupils can and
ultimately do achieve.
ETI Inspection 2016
Page: 26Achievements and Assessments
The College believes in the importance of celebrating the many achievements of our
students; academic, sporting, musical and personal.
There is a clear commitment
Sporting achievements, Key Stage 3, GCCE and A Level successes are recognised at the
Annual Prize-Giving in the Autumn Term.
to the welfare and holistic
development of the pupils.
The academic and pastoral achievement of each student is acknowledged by the
College’s newly revised ‘Promoting Positive Behaviour for Learning Policy’, which ETI Inspection 2016
recognises and rewards pupils’ positive attitude to work, contribution to school life in
addition to promoting good attendance.
Assessments are carried out in an ongoing way, and each pupil completes two informal
assessments throughout the year as well as two formal exams. Student progress
is monitored via the College’s electronic tracking system which allows for early
identification of under achievement and appropriate intervention strategies to be put in
place.
Homework, which reinforces class work, is used to monitor progress.
Internal examinations are held twice annually. Parents are issued with formal reports
which include results, place in class and individualised comments from teachers. During
the course of the school year, plasma screens and notice boards publicly recognise and
promote individual and collective achievements.
The classroom assistants make a valuable
contribution to supporting pupils with
additional needs in their learning.
ETI Inspection 2016
Page: 27Community and Cultural Awareness
Holy Trinity College Staff and students are fully committed to involvement in community activity, developing The school has forged links with many community groups and organisations and can sign post pupils and
cultural awareness and working to build a united community. parents to these when they need to avail of more specialised services.
During the year fund-raising is organised with many local and national charities receiving significant The school works in conjunction with various organisations to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness of health and well-
donations as a result of our students’ hard work and the generosity of the wider community. Year 8 pupils being issues. Workshops are delivered by Action Mental Health, Aware Defeat Depression, Womens’ Aid, Love 4 Life and other
annually raise money for MS by taking part in a sponsored walk. Year 8 pupils also take part in the now agencies.
annual cross-community Public Speaking event in partnership with Cookstown High School. Every class
contributes to Trocaire during their Lenten Appeal and at Christmas our pupils create hampers for St Positive cross-community relationships, inclusion and diversity are also very important issues which are addressed in the school’s
Vincent de Paul. Recently, our Year 10 pupils were involved in a cross-community event involving The HUB Shared Education Project with Cookstown High School. During a recent ETI visit the schools’ joint shared education project was
in Cookstown and prepared ‘Blessing Bags’ for people in the local community. Year 12 pupils organised a described as ‘an effective and productive partnership’ which has ‘tremendous’ potential.’
very successful coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer, and it was a whole school effort in raising money
for the Southern Area Hospice by taking part in our ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ along with Post 16 students Holy Trinity College’s community work allows our school to serve our community and make significant differences to the lives of
participating in their ‘Santa Run’ which they thoroughly enjoyed. Our senior pupils regularly visit local our pupils and their families, strengthening the home-school bonds with innovative, inspirational and excellent standards.
residential homes as part of their enriched curriculum programme.
Pupils are encouraged to be aware of environmental issues. Testimony to this increased awareness is
the College’s award for ‘Most Inspiring Environmental Project’ awarded by Sustainable Ireland and more
Irish Gaeltacht Trip
recently, the securing of the ‘Green Flag Award’. Both staff and pupils are enthusiastic about managing An overnight trip to the Donegal Gaeltacht proved to be very popular with 30 of our Year 10 pupils in November.
sustainability and conserving the natural and built environment.
We enjoyed a visit to the beautiful Glenveagh National Park and Castle and a tour of the Raidió na Gaeltachta
As part of our Extended Schools Programme and community classes the College is open throughout
studio in Bunbeg. Teach Leo the homestead of the famous band “Clannad” provided us with a beautiful meal and
the week providing a range of activities for parents and other community members. These activities
entertainment where the pupils definitely experienced the ceol agus craic!
include: Fitness Classes, Zumba, Circuit training, jewellery making, ICT for beginners, Cookery, Parenting
Programmes, First Aid Courses and Art Projects.
A very enjoyable trip where the pupils heard our native language and made the effort to use what they knew!
Beidh muid ar ais!!
Halloween Fundraiser
Page: 28Extra-Curricular Activities
Holy Trinity College has a tradition of providing extra-curricular activities equipping pupils with opportunities
to enhance their self-esteem and to strengthen friendships outside of the school environment.
These activities often involve partnership with organisations such as Ballyronan Watersports Marina,
Beechhill Stables, Burnavon Arts and Tourist Centre, Cookstown Leisure Centre, Killowen Outdoor Education
Centre, Mid-Ulster Sports Arena and Slatequarry Golf Club.
Students can also access the following
activities:
Drama, Jewellery Making, School Musicals/ Productions, Dance, Theatre Visits, Creative Writing
competitions, Environmental projects, Fashion Club, Film Club, Entrepreneurs’ Club, Bookworm Club,
Ceramics, European Handball, Raspberry PI / Micro Bit Club, Animation, Early Birds, Traditional Music Club
Pictured is Year 9 pupil Cara Monaghan who is part of the Beyond Skin Intercultural Arts Organisation. Cara
Educational Trips Include: spent last Summer participating in the project where she wrote and performed her own song, ‘What If’ to a
selected audience during her workshops. Indeed, some of these performances were shared with the partner
organisation in Sri Lanka via social media links.
Bi-annual ski trip to European resorts, Pilgrimages to Knock, Lourdes, Outdoor Pursuits, Geography
Fieldwork, Visits to Irish language colleges in the Donegal Gaeltacht, Educational trips to London and France, Cara is pictured here with Shalini Wickramasuriya (Director of partner organisation in Sri Lanka – ‘The Music
Amma Centre, STEM related activities, Business Trips, CAFRE, Agricultural shows, Visits to Croke Park and Project’), Amada Benavides (President of Schools of Peace in Columbia), Mr Darren Ferguson, Head of Year 9
Mrs Conway and Head of Junior School Mr O’Donnell, Good Relations Officer from Cookstown & Mid-Ulster
Carrickfergus Castle, and participation in the Widening Participation Programme. District Council, Mr. Oliver Morgan and a selection of Ambassadors for Peace guest speakers.
“Holy Trinity has excellent provision
for my child who is dyslexic. His
progress has been brilliant since
going to the College”.
Quote from parent
Donal McAnallen visiting author Christmas Jumper Day
Page: 29Sporting Triumphs
Rafferty Cup Champions 2017
The Yr 12 footballers in Holy Trinity made history this year by
winning the Rafferty Cup for the first time.
Their campaign began back in late September with a victory
over St Eunans Letterkenny. After coming through a tough
group the boys defeated St Malachys Belfast in the quarter final
and then played superbly to edge out St Pats Armagh after
extra- time. This left them facing St Pats Keady in the final. Once
again the lads rose to the occasion and on a cold night in St
Pauls Lurgan they clinched victory on a scoreline of 2-12 v to
1-7. It was left to joint captains Oran Mulgrew and Mark Devlin
to hoist the Rafferty Cup amid much celebration. The team was
managed by Mr Canavan and Mr McKeever ably assisted by
Mark Bradley and Ethan Bloomer.
“It was a great honour to captain such a great
group of players. This was the team’s first
success; we have been beaten in finals and
semi-finals from year 8, so to win was just
brilliant. I would like to thank my managers Mr
Canavan and Mr McKeever for helping us to
achieve this.”
Team Captain: Oran Mulgrew
Oisin McGrath Champions
Holy Trinity secured their second Oisin McGrath title in three years with
an emphatic performance against a determined St Marys Belfast at
Ardboe on 28th November.
Holy Trinity were in the ascendancy from the outset and with four
minutes on the clock, captain and corner-forward Michael McElhatton
burst onto a loose ball on the deck and had the composure to fire past
Conor Corr in the St. Mary’s goals and give the Cookstown men a dream
start to the decider.
With less than ten minutes remaining in the game Shay McCann
successfully converted a free before Eoghan Canavan drove the ball over
the bar for the final score of the afternoon as Holy Trinity ran out
convincing 3-09-2-02 winners to lift the Oisin McGrath Shield for the
second time, having lost last year’s final to St. Pats, Armagh. Well done
to all the staff and players involved.
Page: 30Sister Act
In November Holy Trinity College presented ‘Sister Act-A Divine Musical
Comedy’. Produced and directed by our musical department duo Roisin
McCurry and Plunkett McGartland, in collaboration with English and
Drama teachers Abigail Hyndman and Eimear Gervin, it proved to be a
huge success featuring dazzling dance routines and songs inspired by
the Motown, soul and disco era. Nearly 90 pupils had the opportunity to
get involved either on stage, in the choir or helping backstage over the
course of a very exciting week. We had brilliant audiences at each of our
performances and the great feedback was very befitting for all of our
hardwork. We’ll remember the experience for years to come.
Page: 31Our proposed new school
It is with great excitement that we can publicly announce that our current/existing school site has been deemed the most suitable to facilitate the proposed new school building, external hard and soft play areas and car-parking.
The new school project, when complete will provide pupils with state of the art teaching facilities and resources, thereby continuing to provide a first class, quality education for our children and for future generations, within a
modern, inspiring and innovative bespoke learning environment.
The proposed new school will be designed to ensure quality post-primary education provision in both academic and vocational pathways, with a very simple aim – that of enabling pupils of Holy Trinity College to achieve their very
best not only in terms of education, but also personally, socially and emotionally. The range of facilities will successfully serve our local school community for many years to come.
Early design works continue on the proposed new school project and we would envisage that a planning application will be submitted to Mid-Ulster Council around mid-2018, (subject to funding) when there will be an opportunity
for everyone to comment on all of the proposals for the new school project as part of the planning consultation process.
Feasibility/concept designs will be available to view at the College Open Evening.
Key Features:
New cutting–edge facilities to benefit pupils & staff across the curriculum
Specially designed parking bays for buses & cars
Academic & Vocational Curriculum
Synthetic GAA Pitch & MUGA
Integrated Canteen and Snack bar
Learning Support Centre
1300 pupil capacity
Page: 32Page: 33
January February
P7 Taster Days, Open Night Year 13 Work Experience
March April
Post 16 Options Evening, Easter Holidays
Assessment Week 2
May June
Pilgrimage to Lourdes, GCSE and Exams, Sports Day, P7 Parents
A’ Level Examinations Information EveningJuly August
Relax and enjoy your Holidays! Year 8 Summer Scheme, GCSE and
A ‘Level Results
September October
Assessment Week 1
Back to School!, Annual Prizegiving
29
November December
Exam Revision Winter Exams, UCAS Deadline
Interim Reports, Quality Assurance“Inspiration, Innovation, Excellence”
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