The school’s consistently excellent academic results reflect the high standards of teaching. Teaching is organised through academic departments led by a Head of Department. Schemes of work which comply with current statutory regulations are also designed to ensure a breadth of knowledge, an enjoyment of learning and the skills and values necessary for life. There is a culture of self evaluation within all departments which ensures that they remain responsive to changes in education and are open to the individual needs of pupils. In addition,departments stimulate individual interests and abilities by regular involvement in a wide variety of competitions. Key Stage 3 The school offers a range of subjects over and above the statutory requirements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and lays particular emphasis on the pastoral dimension in the curriculum. Our aim is to empower our pupils to achieve the very best of which they are capable, by enabling them to develop as individuals and as contributors to society, the economy and the environment. Pupils with identified Special Educational Needs are supported and provided for in school in order that they can fulfil their potential.  In addition, the school assists those who are experiencing difficulties with their studies through our Academic and Pastoral Tutoring schemes. The cross-curricular skills of Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT are developed across the curriculum.  Opportunities to develop Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities are embedded in the schemes of work of each subject area.  Emphasis is placed on transferring, applying and using these skills effectively.

Although aspects of Learning for Life and Work (LLW) are addressed through the Areas of Study, the school delivers Personal Development (RSE), Home Economics, Local and Global Citizenship and Employability as discrete areas.  (Citizenship in Year 8 is delivered within Religion).

ICT and Latin are still delivered as part of our KS3 provision.

Year 8 pupils have one period a week to develop ICT skills which they will employ in the Learning Areas. Years 9 and 10 have a modular class of ICT.

The pupils are also trained in Library Skills by a qualified Librarian. 

Languages at Key Stage 3

Year 8 pupils study French, Spanish and Latin.

(Pupils who have come from a bunscoil study Irish in Year 8 instead of Latin)

Year 9 pupils study two languages from the three they studied in first year as well as Irish.

Year 10 pupils study two languages from the three they studied in second year.

Music at Key Stage 3

Year 8 pupils have a choral singing class for 10 weeks in addition to their music lesson.

A Music Theory course is available to those Year 9 pupils who receive instrumental lessons.  These pupils continue Music Theory into a Year 10 module session. 

Peripatetic teachers tutor pupils in a wide range of instruments, including brass, woodwind, strings and percussion.

Lessons in voice training are also available.

At the end of Key Stage 3 pupils are awarded a certificate based on their attainment in their summative examinations in June.

Year 10 pupils are entered for the Key Stage 3 examinations in English, Mathematics and Science.

Girls enter Sixth Form after successful completion of GCSE. An extensive range of 30 subjects (including both academic and applied) is available and pupils choose 3 or 4 of these to AS and A2 level.

The Sixth Form curriculum is designed to give students the maximum academic opportunities in subject choice and careers options. While there is astrong emphasis on the academic side of the student’s life, we also aim to develop the skills and personal competencies necessary for the vocational dimension. Over and above these, we look for the emergence of a mature, well balanced and happy person.

The subjects available in our Sixth Form are:

Pupils are encouraged to maintain breadth of interests through the curriculum enrichment programme which we offer. This includes a range of courses: Cooking for Pleasure and a Healthy Lifestyle; First Aid; European Studies; Deaf Awareness and Sign Language; Engineering Education; Leadership Training (ASPIRE); Certificate of Personal Effectiveness and Leisure Activities which include Aerobics, Bowling, Ice Skating, Horse riding, Swimming and Fitness Training.

Pupils are prepared for entry into Universities and colleges of further education. Over 90% proceed to higher education. A number of Sixth Form pupils apply for Oxbridge Universities and each year a growing number of pupils is accepted. In addition to GCSE and A Levels, pupils are prepared for various other external qualifications such as Associated Board Examinations of the Royal School of Music and accredited courses in European Studies and Deaf Awareness.