Annual Report
of the Board of Governors
2013-14
Board of Governors Designation
Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School
2013/2014
Name
Category
Chairman Auxiliary Bishop of Down & Connor
Most Reverend Donal McKeown DD
(until April 2014)
Mrs Geraldine Goodall
DE Representative
Mrs Joan Cronin
DE Representative
Mr Peter Coll
Trustee
Mr Terry McDaid
Trustee Governor (Acting Chair from April 2014)
Mrs Paula Durkan
Elected Parent Governor
Mr Eugene Leneghan
Elected Teacher Governor
Mr Barry Kelly
Secretary to BOG
The Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School Community is very proud of its catholic ethos. It is
very difficult to do justice to our ethos by listing all the events that take place. It is best
experienced by being here as a pupil or a teacher on a daily basis or as a parent or friend by
attending the wide variety of celebrations that take place throughout the school year.
It is best reflected in the mutual respect that is evident between all members of our
community. As a Catholic school we welcome students from a wide variety of backgrounds –
accepting that there are different faith backgrounds and none. Nevertheless we are Catholic
in our welcome and in the Gospel values we try and live up to in our daily relationships in
school and with all our partners in the local community and beyond.
2
CONTENTS
Accounts/Finances
Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
CEIAG
Chemistry
Community Link
Drama
Page Number
4
5
8
10
13
19
21
22
English
French
Fundraising
Geography
History
Home Economics
ICT
Irish
Mathematics
Moving Image Arts
25
29
33
35
39
41
42
45
48
51
Music
Physical Education
Physics
Politics
Religious Studies
Saphara
Science
Sociology
Spanish
Technology & Design
54
56
59
61
63
66
67
69
70
74
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
Year 14
79
81
83
85
86
89
90
3
ACCOUNTS/FINANCES AGM 2013-2014
Accounts
2014
2013
£
£
INCOME
4,217,162
4,218,33
7
70,936
84,574
4,288,098
4,302,91
1
2,588,353
2,629,36
0
1,143,540
1,106,73
2
522,719
459,509
4,254,612
4,195,60
1
Operating surplus
33,486
107,310
Bank Interest Payable
(2,277)
(5,183)
SURPLUS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR
31,209
102,127
Department of Education Grants
Other Income
EXPENDITURE
Teaching Staff Costs
Non Teaching Staff Costs
Other Operating Costs
4
ART & DESIGN AGM 2013-2014
The number of students studying Art and Design in 2013/14 are as follows;
Key Stage
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
Post-16
Nos. of Students Studying Art and Design
349
44
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Staffing Structure
The department consisted of one full-time teacher and two part-time teachers in
addition to an Art and Design technician who was employed for 10 hours per week.
The department was joined by a temporary part time teacher in February 2013-June
2013 and a temporary relief technician from March 2014. A part time ancillary
member of staff was employed throughout the year sharing housekeeping roles with
general duties around the department.
Examinations
We continued to follow the CCEA specifications at GCSE, AS and A2 Levels and one of
our GCSE Level students achieved full marks at this level.
Aquinas Art and Design Results 2014
Art and Design NI Grammar School Average/Aquinas Grammar Average
NI
Grammar
School Aquinas Grammar Average
Average
(CCEA 2013 provisional)
GCSE
(A-B Grades)
80.8%
96.3%
AS Level
(A-B Grades)
75.7%
100%
A2 Level
(A-C Grades) 95.9%
100%
Celebrating Excellence
Two of our students exhibited in the CCEA “true colours” exhibition in the Ulster
Museum. This exhibition profiles the best and most interesting work from GCSE, AS
and A2 levels in Art and Design across Northern Ireland and included two units of
work; one from a GCSE student and one from an AS student. We were delighted to
attend the opening of this exhibition in January 2014 with our Year 11, 12, 13 and 14
students to celebrate the display of work of the two Aquinas students.
Focus for Department 2013-2014
The main focus for the department in 2013-2014 was in line with the school
development plan. We integrated the use of I-Pad into our planning, administration
and teaching and finalised departmental administration in preparation for uploading
on to the VLE.
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Links with Community/Outside Agencies
We fostered connections with the local community through our art workshops with
primary school children in December 2013 and we promoted the department
through the introduction of two junior lunchtime art clubs, which merged into one
after school activity later in the year. Art and Design prefects directed the Year 8 art
club for the first term and Year 12 students assisted with the art club in the second
term as part of the volunteering section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
We are grateful to classroom assistant, Sophie Rousseau, who assisted with the art
club most ably, creatively and enthusiastically.
We also promoted the art and design department through the exhibition of student
work representing year groups in the Mall area during special events relevant to
their year, such as Mass and parent teacher evenings.
Four of our A level students entered their work for the Saatchi Gallery School Art
Prize, an online competition that provides students with the opportunity to exhibit
their work on a public forum through the Saatchi website.
One of our Year 8 students was awarded “Merit” in the Texaco Children’s Art
Competition and will have her work exhibited in the Ulster Museum in Dec. 14
following its inclusion in the Texaco exhibition’s tour of Ireland.
CEIAG
The Art and Design contributed extensively to the Aquinas Careers’ Insight Evening.
A host of visitors were welcomed to the department and included milliner, Grainne
Maher; textile designer, Jude Cassidy; motion graphics/3D designer, Tom Hughes;
visual artist, Susan Hughes; freelance illustrator and photographer, Paul Fox; QUB
architecture student, Emma Dunn; curator at Satis House and assistant curator at the
MAC, Eoin Dara; artist, Christine Gormon and fine art student, Caroline McElroy. Pol
O Labhradha, UU Art Graduate also assisted at the careers’ evening.
Year 13 and 14 students gleaned insight into careers within art and design in their
visits to the RUA Exhibition in October 2013 and in their participation in workshops
in Seacourt Print Workshop in November and December. The students worked
alongside professional printers in creating their own intaglio prints as part of their
coursework units and portfolio addressing Objective 2 and Objective 3 in the CCEA
assessment criteria. Aquinas A level students were also accompanied to UU’s
Foundation Art Exhibition in addition to the Faculty of Art, Design and the Built
Environment’s Information Evening.
The department welcomed, Pol O Labhradha, who successfully completed his BA
Degree in UU, Belfast. Pol assisted and observed classes on a temporary basis in
January 2014, giving advice to the examination level classes and relating his
experiences of art at Third level. Pol later returned to the art and design department
as a temporary relief technician from March 2014 until August 2014.
Past pupil, Roisin Tinneny, visited our A-level classes in September 2013 to give a
presentation of the she work completed during her Architecture Degree course in
Glasgow University. Past pupils, Jenny Gallagher and Sarah Louise Deazley, visited
Aquinas to up-date us on their progress in Textiles in Nottingham Trent University
and Fashion Communication in Northumbria University respectively. Our students
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were delighted to welcome them all back and gleaned invaluable insight into careers
within the field of Art and Design.
KS3 students researched Graphic Design in preparation for their Graphic Design
Poster for the 2013 school production, “Les Miserables”, and Year 10 students
researched the textile industry in Northern Ireland as part of the development of
their Textile work in Year 10.
Professional development
One teacher attended the GCSE Agreement trial, the AS Agreement Trial and the A2
Agreement Trial. One teacher was employed by CCEA as an A2 Moderator and one
teacher was employed by CCEA as an AS Moderator. All members of staff were
encouraged to engage in professional development wherever relevant and possible.
Summary of main highlights:
“Les Miserables” Scenery
Ms N Gilmore, teacher of Art and Design, designed and created the scenery for “Les
Miserables” assisted by the art and design technician, art teachers and Year 13
students.
KS3
The Year 8 “Welcome to Aquinas” graphic design poster continued with the work of
the winning entrants published on the covers of the introductory booklet for our incoming Year 8 students.
The “Les Miserables” graphic design competition was very successful and was
entered by every student in KS3. The winning entrants were delighted to have their
work published on the programme and on the poster advertising the production.
KS4
Staff and all examination level students enjoyed an educational visit to the Ulster
Museum in October 2013. We viewed the RUA Exhibition, which students found to
be beneficial in addressing Objective 1 of the CCEA assessment criteria.
The department continues to offer after school tuition and support for exam
students on a weekly basis and introduced a KS3 art and design club that proved very
successful. We are delighted that art and design remains a successful choice in
Aquinas and that many of our students pursue art and design related courses in
further and higher education, leading to careers in this field.
7
BIOLOGY AGM 2013-2014
There are three specialist teachers within the Biology department. The number of
pupils taught in each year is given below.
Year
No. of pupils
2013-14
10 Bio
11 DA
11 Bio
12 DA
12 Bio
13 Bio
14 Bio
Total
119
36
61
32
59
43
35
385
2014-15
118
28
73
65
62
37
33
386
Results overview for 2014 is as follows:
A2: A* 11.5%, A*-A 38.4 %, A-B 61.5 %, A-C 80.7%
AS: A 29.3%, A-B 48.8%, A-C 73.2.1%
GCSE: A* 20.3%, A*-A % 54.2, A*-B 86.4%, A*-C 91.5%
Departmental three year average results compare favourably with N. Ireland figures
for the same time period.
At GCSE, the CCEA specification is used. The AQA specification is used for AS/A2
level.
The department continues in its efforts to raise achievement and this is reflected in
the results above. Pupils who were underachieving particularly at AS/A2 and GCSE
were identified and given additional help. Pupils taking re-sits at AS/A2 were given
additional classes at mutually agreeable times and after school. Lunch time sessions
were also given on EMPA skills and “How Science Works”. The AQA enhanced results
analysis of exam papers again proved useful in identifying specific questions which
challenged our pupils and informed support strategies. Core material in Double
Award and Biology has been supplemented with extension materials for gifted and
talented pupils and support resources were also extended for those with special
educational needs. Continued extensive use has been made of the shared area and it
has been completely reorganised in order to disseminate good practice. Selected
items from the shared area will be posted on Fronter.
The department has continued to focus on sharing good practice and improving the
quality of feedback to our pupils. Standard cover sheets for tracking assessments and
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homeworks continue to be developed. Pupil self-evaluation and peer evaluation
sheets are also in use.
Careers in biology are promoted during classroom teaching and through the
prominent display of wall posters. Reference to careers is also made in the options
booklets and has been integrated into schemes of work. Some topics in GCSE and
AS/AS have obvious vocational implications and every opportunity was taken to raise
pupil awareness of career issues. The department continues to invite speakers from
a range of backgrounds to talk about the work they do. Careers materials from the
Royal Society and the Society of Biology are being used with A’level students.
Within the department, staff development has focused on controlled assessment
and the carrying out of EMPA’s. This has met with considerable success. All members
of the department have participated in EMPA supervision which can be an all day
event involving three laboratories, depending on the topic being investigated.
Departmental members continue to be vigilant regarding staff development
opportunities.
This year, the department again hosted three students from the “Science
Ambassadors” scheme. They visited the department on four occasions. The fresh
resources developed will benefit our pupils for some time to come.
Highlights of the year have been the visiting speakers, options activities and field
work exercises conducted with Yr 12 and Yr 13. As far as “value added” is concerned,
we engage in a wide range of activities, talks, competitions and educational visits.
The school based electronic news sheet “BioBubble” was used with A’level pupils as
a means of achieving stretch and challenge. “Kerboodle Biology”, a range of web
based A’level resources including biological content, self-tests, feedback and past
exam questions was used stimulating considerable interest among the pupils.
Members of the department look forward to the future with great enthusiasm and
are eager to implement the 2014-15 school development plan. It is our aim to
continue to be a vibrant, self-improving department through the sharing of good
practice and focusing on the needs and aspirations of all our pupils. This will
continue to be achieved through the provision of high quality learning and teaching,
effective leadership and community involvement. It is our intention that every
learner will fulfil his or her full potential at each stage of her or his development. The
interests of the pupils will be at the centre of all efforts to improve educational
achievement and address under-achievement. Consequently, a child-centred
approach and provision for a diversity of need will continue to be evident in all our
work. Quality indicators will be employed in the self-evaluation cycle with the aim of
improving learning and teaching, the experiences of the pupils and the standards
they achieve.
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BUSINESS STUDIES AGM 2013-2014
The Business Studies department has 2 members of staff. In 2013-14 we taught 115
Key Stage 3 pupils (Year 10 only), 78 at Key Stage 4 and 36 at Key Stage 5.
At Advanced Level the AQA Business Studies specification is followed. In 2014 there
was an 88.2% pass rate at grades A*-C. This compares favourably with the NI
Grammar School average of 86.9%. 79% achieved grades A-C in AS Business Studies.
At GCSE level the pupils cover the CCEA specification. The results were again
favourable with 79% of the pupils achieving grades A*-B in comparison to the NI
Grammar School Average of 74%.
In line with the School Development Plan, ‘Together Towards Improvement’ and
‘Every School a Good School’ documents, one focus of the Business Studies
department in 2013-14 was to upload resources onto the VLE using Fronter. A
second focus was to embed the use of the Ipad. This was followed up with careful
evaluation of the resources to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.
Within the Business Studies department we try our best to link the subject content
to the development of career thinking. In conjunction with Young Enterprise NI the
Business Studies department runs a variety of programmes through which the pupils
have the opportunity to work and interact with people from a range of careers. The
Company Workshop enables year 13 students to meet and network with Managing
Directors, Marketing Managers, Accountants and Sales consultants as well as ICT
specialists, giving them an insight into these occupations. AS Business Studies pupils
set up and run their own company which involves applying for functional roles. Job
Descriptions and Person Specifications are available for each functional position those students wanting to hold the post of Managing Director give a presentation
and are formally interviewed by two Business Advisers. All other posts are
interviewed by the function directors from the previous year’s company who know
exactly what the post entails. This helps the pupils to develop the skills and
capabilities necessary for employability including communication, numeracy,
Information and Communications Technology (ICT), working with others, problem
solving, decision making, self-management and managing information.
Throughout KS4 and KS5 pupils investigate recruitment and retention procedures
taking into account the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers. They
consider how employers and employees might maintain an effective working
environment as well as investigating the increasing social responsibility of business in
the community.
In June the Head of Department hosted the South Belfast Area Learning Community
meeting for Business Studies. The purpose of this meeting was to share good
practice.
The highlights of our academic year included a variety of industrial visits and visiting
speakers which added value to the department.
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In 2013-14 Aquinas continued to participate in competitions. The year 13 Young
Enterprise Company held their meetings every Friday. A business advisor was also in
attendance passing on the benefit of their vast experience and expertise. The
students gained practical experience of business and enterprise through setting up
and running their own real company. The students participated in the Ballymena
Trade Fair in December. This proved to be a very successful day’s trading with the
team selling many products and receiving excellent feedback from customers. They
also participated in the Belfast and Castlereagh Area Board trade fair in the Kennedy
Shopping Centre in January, interacting with the public and a panel of judges and
winning the award for ‘Best Product’. In March the team submitted a ten page
Annual General Report to Young Enterprise and completed their trading year by
taking part in the regional presentations and interviews.
Year 12 GCSE Business Studies pupils enjoyed a field trip to Tayto Castle which
provided much relevant information regarding production and marketing. They
observed the production process and got great pleasure from tasting various types
and flavours of crisps and corn snacks! Year 12 pupils carried out their Controlled
Assessment and as part of their research they were fortunate to have a visiting
speaker, James McAlister, a past pupil who now owns his own business, Jolly Pies.
James provided them with a wealth of fascinating and inspirational information
about his business. The pupils also carried out primary research on Survey Monkey
to ascertain the relationship between price and demand for Jolly Pies.
Year 11 students completed their first GCSE unit which was worth 35% of the overall
qualification. The results were very pleasing with 71.4% achieving A*-B grades. As
part of GCSE Business Studies, year 11 students participated in the Young Enterprise
‘Enterprise in Action’ programme which was held in school in September. This
included participating in many practical activities which were extremely good fun as
students interacted and worked in teams. They also listened to inspirational talks
from a successful entrepreneur and local business people. These experiences proved
to be both enjoyable and educational.
As a department we always endeavour to make the best possible use of links and
partnerships with employers and local businesses to enhance the pupils’ learning.
With this in mind the Young Enterprise NI QuickStart programme was introduced in
year 11 for the first time. This took place in term 1 and included support and insight
from two business partners who attended weekly meetings. The programme
culminated in a trade fair in Forestside Shopping Centre in December where two
pupils won a week’s work experience in Marks & Spencer and Dunnes Stores during
the mid-term break in February. This enjoyable opportunity provided these pupils
with valuable insight into real-life business.
Year 10 pupils took part in a ‘Fantasy Share Portfolio’ competition in school,
researching various public limited companies in which they could invest a specific
sum of money. The pupils discovered for themselves how the Stock Market operates
and they developed important skills, such as working as a team, planning, budgeting,
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accountability and decision-making. The pupils also completed a group project,
planning a marketing strategy for the launch of a new packet of crisps. This involved
designing a poster, radio jingle and television advertisement. They also participated
in the Young Enterprise ‘Project Business’ programme. This ‘taster’ course enabled
each pupil to make an informed decision for GCSE, with thirty pupils choosing to
pursue their study of Business Studies to this level.
The Business Studies department also participated in the Careers Insight Evening in
February with entrepreneurs and speakers from a wide variety of businesses and
careers in attendance. This included many past pupils who came back to share their
experiences with current pupils.
Overall in 2013-14 Business Studies students were encouraged to gain a holistic
understanding of business behaviour from a variety of perspectives, generating
creative and enterprising solutions to business problems and issues throughout key
stages 3 – 5.
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CEIAG (Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance)
AGM 2013-2014
The Careers department has excellent accommodation in the form of an office and
spacious resource area for class work and research. This location off the central mall
area raises the profile of the CEIAG department, making it visible and accessible to all
year groups. The pupils from Year 10 -14 accessed careers staff to consult on a range
of issues from subject choices, university and college applications to work related
learning. The introduction of the TACT period this year worked very effectively as a
method of tutors referring pupils for careers guidance. The department has access to
the internet within two ICT suites, which is vital for relevant careers information and
exploration, university applications and choice of courses.
At the start of the academic year, a CEIAG coordinator was appointed to work
alongside the Head of CEIAG and in particular to take responsibility for the work
related learning aspects of the curriculum.
The overall profile of CEIAG has been raised with all staff this year and the Head of
Department delivered a whole staff talk on strategies for placing CEIAG at the heart
of the school curriculum. The profile was also raised with parents through a series of
careers talks which were delivered to Year 10, 12 and 14 parents. These year groups
were targeted as pupils were at key transition points in their academic lives and as
such, had important decisions to make.
In line with the school vision of placing CEIAG at the heart of the school curriculum
and responding to staff and parental feedback from the previous academic year, the
CEIAG department coordinated the delivery of a Careers Insight evening. This event
brought in excess of one hundred and sixty employers into the school and in the
region of four hundred parents who accompanied pupils from Year 10 -14. The
evening took the form of interactive workshops and talks delivered by a range of
local public and private sector employers and representatives from both Queen’s
University and University of Ulster were in attendance. Organisations such as
Bombardier Aerospace, Warner Chilcott and NI Screen gave their time generously to
talk to pupils and parents about a wide variety of career paths and engaged them in
activities to demonstrate the types of employability skills needed for these careers.
This event was a great success and strengthened links between Aquinas and the local
business community. Many of the Aquinas alumni returned to contribute to the
event. All subject departments participated in the evening and were given the
opportunity to show case the career paths that studying a specific subject could lead
to. It has been agreed with the Principal that this will be a bi-annual event.
Key Stage 3
This academic year, all pupils at Key Stage 3 received one period of CEIAG each
week. The CEIAG department has designed and regularly reviews progressive
schemes of work for each year group in line the joint Department of Education and
Department of Employment and Learning strategy for CEIAG “Preparing for Success”.
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Year 8 pupils participated in an educational visit to Titanic Belfast in June where they
attended the newly refurbished interactive STEM CEIAG workshop ‘Exploring the
Depths’. Pupils engaged in activities which included; a simulator which took them on
an underwater tour of the North Coast, marine life microscope study, an analysis of
contemporary marine exploration/archaeology, access to decommissioned marine
equipment and learning about the job of a marine scientist.
Year 9 pupils participated in a CEIAG visit to Ikea Belfast in June. This involved
careers talks from the human resources manager on recruitment and selection and
health and safety in the store. The store manager spoke to the group about annual
turnover, profit margins, customer care, buyer behaviour and sustainability in a
commercial environment.
Year 10 students participated in the Careers Insight evening in February leading up to
their choices for GCSE. Following this event, Year 10 pupils also had a half day
collapsed time table session with the CEIAG department. This session encouraged
students to reflect on the subject choices they were making and the implications for
their future progression. Year 10 also participated in a “Learn to Earn” programme
which was delivered by industry ambassadors sourced through Young Enterprise.
Key Stage 4
Year 11 and 12 pupils all participated in an 8 week CEIAG module which was
delivered by members of the careers team during the form period. The department
have designed progressive schemes of work for these modules.
Year 11 and12 pupils attended the Careers Insight evening in the lead up to their A
level option choices. In addition to this, they also had a half day training session
delivered by the CEIAG teachers and DEL careers adviser. Pupils were introduced to
the UCAS website, various careers software packages and learned how to market
themselves to potential employers and universities in the future.
Ninety eight percent of Year 12 pupils received an individual careers guidance
interview with the DEL careers adviser. The purpose of these interviews was to
develop a careers plan for post 16 study. A number of Year 12 pupils who were
considered to be at risk of not meeting the minimum entry requirements for A level
study in Aquinas were interviewed by CEIAG staff and the DEL careers adviser and
were helped in making applications to level 3 courses in Belfast Metropolitan College
and South Eastern Regional College.
A number of Year 12 pupils participated in work experience over the summer
holidays and the CEIAG department assisted in sourcing these placements and in
supplying indemnity forms.
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Key Stage 5
Year 13 and 14 pupils all have 1 period of CEIAG each week. The department have
designed progressive schemes of work for these lessons.
Year 13
Each Lower Sixth student participated in a one-week work experience placement in
December. The rationale behind the programme is to help students see what a
chosen career could offer, to gain self awareness, confidence and the sense of
responsibility needed in work and to provide greater incentive and motivation to
work in school. The experience was preceded by classes, which prepared students
for the experience. The work experience programme was very successful and has
helped students in developing their Personal Career Plans.
In addition to the set week of work experience, a number of pupils attended insight
days throughout the academic year in areas such as Engineering, Medicine,
Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Speech and Language Therapy
and Midwifery and Law.
Twelve pupils attended the QUB Medical Symposium at Methodist College and two
pupils attended the QUB Engineering Conference.
All Year 13 pupils attended the UCAS convention in the King’s Hall in March. This
event incorporated exhibits from over three hundred third level institutions and
proved to be an excellent start to the process of applying for third level study.
The CEIAG department further developed their employer networks this year forging
sustainable links with local companies such as Kainos, Schrader Electronics, Price
Waterhouse Coopers and Bombardier to name but a few. A number of past pupils
returned to give talks on Social Work, Accountancy and Nursing and Midwifery. The
department also enlisted the help of parents who assisted in offering talks and work
experience.
Year 13 pupils participated in a training day on personal presentation which was
delivered by Young Enterprise.
A number of Year 13 pupil attended additional work experience over the summer
holidays and one completed a 3 day internship in the financial services sector in
London.
Year 14
The bulk of work with Year 14 students comprised of arranging applications through
UCAS (University and Colleges Admission Service), CAO, (Central Applications Office)
and admissions to further education and higher education colleges. The enormous
administrative task was accomplished successfully by a team effort from Careers
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staff and senior management. All 114 UCAS, 42 CAO and 5 St. Mary’s College
applications were completed on-line and within the specified deadline. There were
also a number of applications to Conservatoires and Schools for Performing Arts.
Individual advice and guidance was on offer from CEIAG teachers and the DEL
careers adviser on a self, parent and Year Head referral basis.
Mock interviews were held, in association with the Knights of Columbanus, for all
Year 14 students and this proved especially beneficial for those pupils who were
applying to courses which had an interview element for admittance. This included
Social Work, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Nursing and Midwifery. In addition to
the interview evening, those students applying to Medicine were offered the
opportunity to attend a medical interview training session which was delivered by a
group of doctors in St Bride’s parish – three pupils attended.
We also had successful trips for all Year 14 students to the open days at Queen’s
University, the University of Ulster and St Mary’s College.
Talks by a range of universities across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland
and Wales were hosted in the careers room. Information on open days throughout
Ireland and the UK was disseminated through display boards in the CEIAG
department and sixth form study.
A student finance talk was delivered which focussed on the student loan application
process. In addition to this, pupils attended a session on personal economics for
university students which was delivered by Credit Action.
Year 14 were supported in applying for scholarships and bursaries. One pupil
successfully secured a full elite athlete scholarship.
Pupils were assisted in applying for and preparing for a range of entrance exams
including UKCAT, BMAT, LNAT, ELAT, HAT, HPAT(Ulster), HPAT (Ireland) and STEP
exams.
Pupils were assisted in Oxbridge applications through visiting speakers from both
Oxford and Cambridge. The Head of CEAIG attended an information session in
Cambridge University in July 2013 on supporting pupils in making Oxbridge
applications. Six pupils applied for courses at Oxbridge universities and three were
successful in their applications – one for Medicine, one for Law at Oxford and one for
Pure Mathematics at Cambridge.
All Year 14 pupils on the Special Educational Needs register were interviewed with
their parents by the SENCO, DEL careers adviser and the BELB Transition Officer to
plan for their future progression. The DEL careers adviser was present at all annual
reviews for pupils on the SEN register.
16
GCSE and A Level Options
Heads of Department contributed to a GCSE Options Booklet for pupils and parents.
This contained relevant information about all GCSE specifications and the format
under which options would be organised.
Coursework implications and
requirements were outlined.
An Advanced Level booklet was produced with contributions from Heads of
Department. This outlined comprehensively the nature and content of Advanced
Level Specifications. All students made provisional choices in March.
An options morning was held for prospective GCSE pupils and an options afternoon
for potential GCE pupils were held in March. The CEIAG department delivered a talk
on LMI and then parents and pupils were able to seek clarification from Heads of
Department and subject teachers on matters of concern.
Advice and Guidance
There was a new DEL careers adviser this year who worked with pupils and parents
on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The adviser delivered talks in September to Year
10, 12, 13 and 14 pupils to outline her guidance role in school.
The Head of CEIAG was on hand to deal with individual GCSE and A level pupil and
parent queries when results were published in August and important decisions had
to be made.
Training

The Head of CEIAG was appointed as an Associate Assessor for CEIAG and
English with ETI and has completed training in self evaluative processes.

The Head of CEIAG and CEIAG coordinator attended a UCAS training
convention.
A member of the CEIAG department attended a training session on the CAO
application process.
Two members of the department attended the autumn and the Head of
CEIAG attended the spring conferences of the NI Schools Careers Association
(NISCA).
Two members of staff completed industrial placements.
The Head of CEIAG attends meetings of the South Belfast Area Learning
Community CEIAG sub-group and acts as Vice Chair of the group
CEIAG teachers attended the annual QUB Careers Advisers Conference
CEIAG teachers attended information evenings at QUB and UU on Arts and
Humanities, Engineering and Law and also an information evening on the
Open University.






17
PR and Marketing

The Careers Insight evening received some media interest and there were
articles in both the Irish News and South Belfast News

All CEIAG activities, presentations and booklets were promoted on the
Aquinas website.
The CEIAG department have a Twitter account which they use to
communicate with pupils, parents and employers. This proved to be
particularly useful in promoting the Careers Insight event.

Self Evaluation
The CEIAG department participated in a process of rigorous self evaluation
throughout the year. The department met to evaluate the new schemes of work and
associated resources. They engaged in book looks and classroom observation.
In addition, parent, pupil and teacher surveys of CEIAG activities were conducted.
The feedback from these surveys was used to inform the CEIAG department action
plan for the academic year 2014-2015.
18
CHEMISTRY AGM 2012-2013
There are 3 full time members of staff teaching Chemistry from Years 10 -14.
 At KS3, there are 5 Chemistry classes in Year 10 with 119 pupils in total.
 At KS4, we teach both Double Award Science (1 classes in Year 11) and
Chemistry as an individual Science (3 classes Year 11).
 In Year 11, there are 14 students studying Double Award Science and 66
studying Chemistry individually.
 In Year 12, there are 35 students studying Double Award Science and 56
studying Chemistry individually.
 33 students study AS Chemistry in 2 classes.
 28 students study A2 Chemistry in 2 classes.
We follow the CCEA syllabus for Chemistry at both GCSE and AS/A2 levels.
Individual Chemistry results for the Year 2011:
5
A*
A
19
B
14
C
11
D
2
Comparison with 3 year N.I. Averages for Grammar Schools:
Aquinas
N.I.
80.5
78.3
AS Chemistry results for the Year 2011:
A
8
B
5
C
4
D
7
E
3
U
7
19
A2 Chemistry results for the Year 2011:
4
A*
A
6
B
7
C
2
D
2
Comparison with 3 year N.I. Averages for Grammar School
Aquinas
93.9
N.I.
86.5
The Chemistry Department has decided to focus its development in 3 areas:
1. Develop and implement a uniform strategy for AFL across the Chemistry
Department to include Marking and Feedback.
2. Incorporate Baseline Year 11 & Year 13 data into target setting and review.
3. Develop the use of Data loggers and ICT into the Curriculum.
Chemistry has had another great year in Aquinas with 81% of our A2 students
achieving A* -B grades. The department played a very active role in the promotion of
CEIAG by bringing in numerous speakers to take part in the Careers Night.
2013-14 saw the first results from the new GCSE Chemistry. These results were very
positive and with the implementation of new teaching and learning resources at KS4
and the whole departments focus, on AFL and feedback, I am confident that these
results will only get even better in the future.
Members of the Chemistry Department are involved in a spectrum of roles within
Aquinas. The Chemistry Department as a whole is committed to the dissemination
and implementation of good practice. The Department plays a role in the SBALC and
has links to HODs involved in the teaching of CCEA A level chemistry. This has lead to
the development of a core think tank which provides feedback to the examination
board and facilitates the transfer of new initiatives.
The Chemistry Department also further benefited from the patronage of Dr Claire
Gilligan. This allowed the department to purchase much needed chemicals and
glassware, which proved invaluable in the run up to our practical examinations, and
also the substantial purchase of Data Logging equipment which will be very
beneficial to the whole Science Department.
Lastly the Chemistry Department was proud to have a Dr Dowling promoted to the
post of Vice Principal and we wish her the best of luck in her new appointment.
20
COMMUNITY LINK AGM 2013-2014
Seventy- four Lower Sixth students participated in the Community Link Programme
and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with primary school pupils, the
elderly and the general public.
Students travelled to their respective placements on a weekly basis, committing an
hour of their private study time to do so. Within the primary schools, they engaged
in a wide range of activities such as paired reading, language classes, art, sports and
music.
In Glenveagh Special School our young people had a wonderful experience with the
students supporting music and art lessons. Our school Jazz band and other musicians
performed at Glenveagh’s Christmas Fete. In Nazareth House Care Village, students
with the support of the Music Department organised and performed at a Christmas
Carol Service and a St. Patrick’s Day Ceili.
Ten lower sixth students spent a half day supporting St. Bernard’s Parish SVP group
to organise Christmas hampers. Our sixth form students have continued to take
responsibility for recycling within school, giving freely of their break-time to collect
recyclable paper.
21
DRAMA AGM 2013-2014
Staffing:
Key Stage Three: Lisa Begley, Joanne Curran, Clare Foster, Nuala Loughrey, Ryan
McAuley, Pauline McCaul, Frances McHugh (HoD)
GCSE: Frances McHugh (Year 12) took over Mr Patrick Anderson’s Year 11 class
AS: Frances McHugh
A2: No A2 class, 2013-2014
The number of students studying Drama and Theatre Studies in 2013 to 2014 was as
follows:
Key Stage
No. of Students
Key Stage 3
330
Key Stage 4
35
Post-16
4 ( no A2 class)
The specification followed at GCSE, AS and A2 is the AQA specification. The results
are summarised below:
Level
A*
A*/A
A*/B
A*/C
NI grammar
average
GCSE
6%
31%
69%
88%
A*-B: 88%
AS Level
n/a
75%
100%
A-C: 91%
A2 Level
n/a
GCSE
AS Level
2012 to 2013
A to C: 91%
n/a
2013 to 2014
A to C: 87%
A to C: 100%
22
Thank you to the Key Stage Three Teachers who enthusiastically and vigorously
delivered the Key Stage Three programme. The focus of the year was on up-dating
the Schemes of Work and the Drama Handbook, with further focus on a more coordinated delivery to all students.
At Key Stage Three, Drama was taught to all classes (approximately 110 pupils in
each year group). The subject was delivered during one double period per class, each
week, by three teachers in Year 8 and by three teachers in Year 9. In Year 10, Drama
was taught by two teachers for one period each week to each of the four classes;
this was one period fewer than other Practical subjects but this has now been
addressed.
At Key Stage Four, in Year 11, there were 19 pupils taught by one teacher and in the
Year 12 GCSE class, Mr Patrick Anderson’s class of 16 pupils were taken over in Year
12 and were taught by one teacher for five periods per week. In the Year 13 AS class,
four pupils were taught by one teacher for nine periods per week; there was no A2
class.
The AQA Drama Subject Specification is used at both GCSE and Advanced Level.
The focus for the Drama and Theatre Studies Department for 2012 to 2013 was to
update the Schemes of Work. There was an additional focus on the teaching of
Drama in Year 10 and a drive to achieve the same allocated time for Drama as other
Practical subjects, in order to make the subject a more appealing option for study at
GCSE level.
Professional development was enhanced during the year through attendance at
three on-line Conference calls with AQA.
The highlights of the academic year included:



The Drama Department’s bi-annual Production; this year it was Les
Miserables with a cast of 130 pupils from Years 9 to 14, plus 30 pupils who
worked with lighting, costume and make-up and most Staff members; the
Show was seen by over 1200 people and extracts and an interview were
featured on U105’s Johnny Hero Show. Thank you very much to all the
Production Staff.
Three new Drama Clubs were established with 90 members, led by the Senior
Theatre Studies pupils: Ryan Foy, Domhnall Herdman, Lauren Mc Donnell and
Sarah Mellotte who won First and Second Places in their category at the
Belfast Festival and they were photographed with the famous Television, Film
and Stage Actor, Adrian Dunbar (whether he wanted it or not!);
Theatre trips to see: Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Friel’s Philadelphia,
Here I Come, Tom (starring Domhnall Herdman, U6) at the Crumlin Road Jail
23







(Domhnall revived this play this summer as the play’s Protagonist and
Director); and Bruiser Theatre Company’s Melmoth the Wanderer;
Casting Calls from and auditions with: Georgia Simpson Casting: The Sparticle
Mystery (series 3, BBC); Cinemagic: The Christmas Star (film; Actors); Nerve
Belfast: Original Short Film (Actors/Directors/Film-Editors); Rose Wicksteed
Casting: The Survivalist (film; Actors) and The Raiders (film; Actors)
Careers Open Evening: The Drama Department organized the staging, lighting
and sound for ‘Supremes’ Star, Marie Wilson and all of the Senior Theatre
Studies pupils performed with her on-stage; our speakers included: lighting,
costume, audio and Acting experts and the pupils spoke to West-End Actor,
Patrick Smyth via Skype (Patrick is an Aquinas Drama alumnus);
All of our Year Eight pupils attended The Lyric Theatre’s Christmas
Pantomime, Cinderella;
20 of our pupils had a Theatre Lighting Workshop with Production Services,
Ireland;
The Shakespeare Festival with Year 9;
Many of our pupils have performed in and worked backstage with Theatre
companies all over Belfast this year and over the summer; they are too
numerous to mention but the latest include: Fusion Theatre’s Miss Saigon
(with Lauren McDonnell U6 and Connor Taggart, L6) and Belvoir Player’s The
Keening (starring Sarah Mellotte, U6)
Moderated Performances of Cagebirds and four Devised plays from Year 12
pupils and a Moderated Performance of All My Sons from Year 13 pupils.
24
ENGLISH AGM 2013-2014
Staffing structure
The English department was comprised of five subject specialists who delivered the
KS3 English and Media Strand of the curriculum to approximately 120 students in
each year group in junior school.
Results
The English Department continues to follow CCEA specifications at GCSE, AS and A2.
Overall, the results for 2012/2013 compare favourably with NI Grammar school
results; at GCSE, 119 students successfully gained impressive results in both GCSE
English Literature and English Language. The results illustrate a continuing trend in
the department’s results of moving pupils effectively from the lower grades to the
grade B and above. Next year we aim to increase the number of A* to be in line with
the school’s overall percentage, and help all our GCSE students to pass the important
subject of English Language. This year the department secured top candidate in NI in
GCSE English Language.
2014 Aquinas GCSE English Language 116 students
Aquinas English Dept
2013
2014
school
%
Grade A*
13 (12%)
16(14%)
23%
-9
Grade A*-A
56(48%)
53(39%)
55
-2
Grade A*-B
101(86%) 109(94%) 83
+11
Grade A*-C
114(96%) 114(98%) 95.8
+2.5
NI Av
2013 Aquinas GCSE English Literature 112 students
Aquinas Eng Dept
2013
2014
school
%
Grade A*
23(19*%)
21(19%) 23
-2
Grade A*-A
59 (50%)
29(47%) 55
-7
NI Av
25
Grade A*-B
97(82%)
47(86%) 83
+3
77.7%
Grade A*-C
111(94%)
14(99%) 95.8
+3.5
95.1%
2014 Aquinas A2 English Literature 32 students
Aquinas Eng Dept
2013
2014
school
%
Grade A*
4(16%)
6 (19%)
19*%
equal
Grade A*-A
6(18%)
14(64%
50%
+14
39%
Grade A*-B
14(66%) 6(70%)
82%
+12
81%
Grade A*-C
22
(95%)
94%
+6
96%
32(100)%
NI Av
2014 Aquinas AS English Literature 31 students
Aquinas
2013
2014
school%
%
Grade A
8 (39)
16(31%)
33.9%
-2.9
Grade A-B
25(81%
23(74%)
57%
+17
Grade A-C
35(96)
30(97)
76%
+21
NI Av
Departmental Action plan:
The focus for the English department within the School Development Plan was
threefold: use the new i-pads to develop learning and teaching; to upload
departmental resources on the VLE ;and to formalise lesson observation as part of
sharing good practice and professional development within the department. We
26
continue to develop links with our feeder primary schools by auditing the novels and
the writing experiences of p5/6 pupils and using the same base lining methods as
KS2.
Extra curricular/enrichment & CEAIG
The success of the department rests not only upon the specialist knowledge of the
staff but the opportunities to enrich the learning experiences of the students and
prepare them for further education and the workplace.
For the inaugural Careers Insight Evening the English department provided eleven
experts from a wide variety of professions to share their career paths and provide
workshops for our pupils and parents.
This year Aquinas won The prestigious Bar Mock Trial competition at regional level
for the 3rd time in five years, and at national level for the 1st time in Cardiff! The
students work closely with barristers, including a past pupil, to enact and deliver 2
mock criminal cases at Belfast High court. This competition has become an annual
event in the sixth year calendar. The English department also entered junior and
senior teams to high profile debating competitions at QUB, winning best individual
speaker at senior level.
A range of external writing competitions were entered by pupils with a large
percentage of their work being published. Our Year eight pupils continue to write
letters to their feeder primary schools sharing their experiences and progress in
Aquinas.
The Shakespeare Festival continues to be the longest standing curricular and annual
event in the school, rallying year 9 into ensemble performances of the bard’s work in
a lively fashion. Junior & Senior pupils alike a performed their poems before
audiences during National Poetry Day.
We continue to promote the subject through QUB Lectures, the annual Book Fair,
visits from playwrights, children’s authors & illustrators, performance poets and
theatre visits to live performances of ‘Othello,’‘Private Peaceful’, and ‘Warhorse.’
27
Professional Development
Members of the department continue to develop their expertise in the following
ways; marking, moderating and preparing units of work for CCEA; associate
inspectorship; attending subject Agreement Trials; being on PGCE interview panels;
PRSD; Participation in The SBALC Literacy & Numeracy Strategy has allowed for a
joint approach with Wellington College; Teaching & Learning NI; and by becoming
Heads of English!
The English Department continues to thrive and challenge it self and students to
perform to the highest of standards while enjoying a central role in the school’s
ethos.
28
FRENCH AGM 2013-2014
STAFF 2013-2014


Mrs S Lambon (HOD) Mrs T Maguire, Miss E Smyth, Ms J Gould
Mrs N Wilson (French Assistant)
PUPIL NUMBERS



No. of students KS3: 293,
No. of students KS4: 83
No. of students KS5: 27
RESULTS
CCEA SPECIFICATION
.
A2 Results –14 students
Aquinas
No.
%
NI Av
Grade A*
7
58
17.6%
Grade A*-A
8
67
41.2%
Grade A*-B
9
75
62.8%
Grade A*-C
11
92
81.1%
Grade A*-D
12
100
Aquinas 3 year Average A*-C
94.7%
NI 3 year Average A*-C 85.6%
AS Results –12 students
Aquinas
No.
%
NI Av
Grade A
6
50
34.3%
Grade A-B
11
92
63.7%
Grade A-C
12
100
82.1%
Grade A-D
94.8%
Grade A-E
99.3%
Aquinas AS Average A-B over 3 years 95.6%
29
GCSE–50 Students
Aquinas
No.
%
NI Av
Grade A*
15
30
14.0%
Grade A*-A
21
42
33.0%
Grade A*-B
32
64
57.1%
Grade A-C
37
74
83.6%
Grade A*-D
49
98
Grade A*-F
1
100
Aquinas Average A*-C over 3 years 78.7%
NI Average A*-C over 3 years 67.3%
DEPARTMENTAL FOCUS 2013-2014
The main focus of the department in 2013 -14 was in line with the targets for
High Quality Teaching and Learning as stated in the SDP.
1. Assessment and monitoring of pupil achievement.
2. Self-evaluation through effective analysis of assessment and feedback
at A’level.
3. Professional development of department through sharing of good
practice.
4. Development and evaluation of Assessment tasks and methods.
CEAIG
The destinations and careers achievements of past students of languages are
highlighted on a departmental notice board to promote careers awareness.
Information the importance of languages was sent to the Careers
department by Queens University, this was presented to Year 10 pupils.
There was a focus in year 10 on the world of work and awareness of French
speaking countries throughout the world to coincide with Options Day.
The French department invited Dr Nigel Harkness from Queens University
to give a talk on careers in languages as part of the CEAIG evening in February. Past
students Dermot Dignam, a post-graduate in Law and French and Orlaith Downey, an
under-graduate in International Business and French, currently on a graduate trainee
30
scheme in Brussels came to talk to pupils about their experiences in the world of
work and the opportunities afforded by further study of a language.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Participation in SBALC
The HOD Mrs Lambon attended the SBALC meeting in Hunterhouse College in June,
chaired by Mrs G. Mulvenna. The purpose of this meeting was to share good
practice, ascertain common goals, audit practices in controlled assessment and
structures for language provision, and investigate the sharing of expertise in order to
promote language learning in the South Belfast area.
The HOD Mrs Lambon completed the Learning NI OLEEVI inset course in the autumn
term. The latter took place in Aquinas, St. Louise’s and Ashfield Girl’s High School.
The focus of this course was the development of outstanding classroom practice.
Mrs Lambon was asked to present her experience of the programme at the
graduation ceremony.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACADEMIC YEAR 2013-2014
Collaborative Activities
European Day of Languages
Sixth Form Students visited local Primary Schools to teach French and promote
language learning. Years 9 pupils watched ‘Les Choristes’ and all pupils were invited
to attend a celebration of languages in Aquinas in the library.
French Exchange : Partner School :Lycée Marguerite de Flandres in Gondecourt, Lille
in the region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
European Day of Languages
Sixth Form Students visited local Primary Schools to teach French and promote
language learning. Years 9 pupils watched ‘Les Choristes’ and all pupils were invited
to attend a celebration of languages in Aquinas in the library.
European Day of Languages
Sixth Form Students visited local Primary Schools to teach French and promote
language learning. Years 9 pupils watched ‘Les Choristes’ and all pupils were invited
to attend a celebration of languages in Aquinas in the library.
French Exchange : Lycée Marguerite de Flandres in Gondecourt, near Lille in the
Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.
31
In September Aquinas hosted a group of 29 French exchange students from
Gondecourt near Lille. In March 29 Aquinas students travelled to Lille accompanied
by Mrs Lambon, Mr McAuley and Mrs Wilson .
In Belfast the students spent time in school and went on cultural visits around
Northern Ireland, including the Titanic Centre and Stormont. In Lille Aquinas
students spent time in lessons in the partner school and spent time on cultural visits
of the city of Lille, a mining museum andnew museum Louvre-Lens. The highlight of
the visit was a day trip to Paris. Pupils had a boat trip on the Seine , visited the SacréCoeur cathedral, the Place du Tertre, the Orangerie museum, where they saw
Monet’s Waterlilies, the Tuileries gardens, Notre-Dame, the Sorbonne in the Latin
quarter, and the Eiffel tower.
In March Aquinas also hosted another group of 53 French exchange students from
our partner school in Gondecourt, Lille while they were on a visit to Dublin. The
French students had a tour of the school and took part in some lessons. They saw a
display of Irish dancing , tried some Irish dancing themselves in the mall along with
Aquinas sixth year French students and had a bus tour of Belfast in the afternoon.
Curriculum Enrichment
AS Study Day in QUB
In January AS pupils attended a day of seminars and lectures with workshops on
translation and oral skills at AS.
French Film
The French assistant takes a class on French film.
French Debate
The French debating society did not compete externally this year as the QUB
competition did not take place.
French Exchange : The ongoing links and planning for the exchange with our partner
school the Lycée Marguerite de Flandres Gondecourt, Lille, Nord-Pas-de-Calais
continued in 2013-14, the next exchange is planned for 2015-16.
Cross-Curricular Activities ; ICT, Numeracy and Literacy Tasks are in place in schemes
of work at KS3.
The French department continues to work hard to promote healthy numbers at all
key stages and to promote a positive experience of language learning, and cultural
awareness and a high level of competence and performance at all levels.
32
FUNDRAISING AGM 2013-2014
The annual Macmillan Coffee Morning was held in September. This morning is
designed for the senior pupils of the school, along with the staff, to raise funds for
the Macmillan nurses looking after cancer patients. The fundraising committee
organised tea and coffee for this event. The event ran for a break time and visiting
sixth form pupils from Wellington College and St. Joseph's College participated. A
total of £563.46 was raised
A food Collection was held to support a local food bank which is a cross community
charity organised by Storehouse. Food bags are supplied to families and individuals
in need. Non-perishable items such as pasta, cereal, long life milk and tinned foods
were collected by prefects and donated in October. A number of Sixth form students
also volunteered to help pack bags on the first Tuesday of every month. They also
witnessed the work of storehouse and gained greater understanding into the
emerging food poverty situation in the greater Belfast area.
Year 13 and 14 students helped as volunteer street collectors to assist with the NI
hospice Flag Day collection in Belfast City Centre for the main hospice and the
children’s hospice horizon.
In November, the annual 'Aquinas Christmas Appeal' was officially launched. This
campaign is designed to aid people living closer to home. Pupils work together with
SVP, Bryson House and the Salvation Army to bring Santa to those less fortunate
than them. Hampers were prepared for families and gifts provided for 70 children.
Food hampers and gifts were also given to Social Services and the Morning Star
hostel. The appeal realised approx £4,000 of gifts and presents which were mainly
provided by fund raising efforts of each tutor class. This year we also provided 11
boxes of food to Storehouse charity .
In early March, as Lent was fast approaching, the Trocaire campaign was launched.
At the Ash Wednesday services, members of the fundraising committee presented a
PowerPoint to the members of the school, making them aware of the impoverished
conditions in which some children live. This year saw the first ever Aquinas Great
Bake off which was very successful in many ways. Teams competed each week and
the teams with the lowest profits were duly eliminated until the final four were left.
The finale was a very successful and musical event. The overall total raised from the
Bake Off alone was £7500.
A total of Eleven Sixth form pupils were supported in their trip with Habitat in
Humanity to build houses.
A total of £17,466 was raised by students involved in Saphara. Nine Year 13 pupils
travelled to India to experience life in Dehradun and to distribute new school
uniforms and teaching resources. Most the money was raised outside school.
33
Summary of funds raised in school throughout the year;

Macmillan
£563.46

Danielle McGrisken Brain Tumour Charity
£445.40

NI hospice Flag Day
£812.90

SVP Christmas Appeal – extra cash
£1800

Trocaire
£11,340

Habitat for Humanity raffles
£996

Valentine’s day sale for saphara
£580
34
GEOGRAPHY AGM 2013-2014
EVALUATION OF GEOGRAPHY DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2012-2013
The academic year 2013-14 had a total of four different teachers teaching across the
seven year groups. The Head of Department continued to take the A’ Level classes
with a total of thirteen students at A2 Level and twenty seven students at AS level which included, for the first time, a student from St Joseph's College. The two GCSE
classes shared between two teachers, with a total number comprising thirty-four
students. All KS3 students were taught by three members of staff.
GCSE
AS
Grade
2014
Grade
2013
A*
5
A*
1
A
9
A
8
A
3
B
9
B
4
B
5
C
9
C
7
C
3
D
2
D
3
D
1
E
5
E
E
Grade
A2
2013
Total
34
Total
27
13
%A*
15
%A
30
% A*
8
%A*- A
41
%A - B
44
%A
23
%A* - B
68
%A - C
67
%A - B
69
%A - C
92
All public examinations in Geography are serviced through the CCEA. We were
particularly pleased with the quality of grade in the GCSE group this year with higher
percentages attaining the A*/A grade. Similarly, the quality of A2 grade increased as
well with only one student falling below the C threshold. Extenuating circumstances
can explain this.
35
However, it was notable that the AS grades were down on previous years, which
appears to be a trend throughout but the St Joseph's student gained a B which he,
his mum and the teacher were delighted with!
In keeping with the Every School a Good School (ESaGS) document, where one of the
foci is High Quality Teaching and Learning, the Geography Department made its
main target for the year, “To maintain the 100% A* to C at both GCSE and A Level”.
Every effort was taken to achieve high standards by using classroom visits and
sharing good practice and resources between everyone. Although the department
fell short of this target, it will remain in place for the following academic year.
The department embraced the whole school monitoring of pupil assessment, known
as data tracking. This allowed colleagues to identify pupils at risk of falling below a
grade C in either their GCSE or A Level exams.
Finally, the five Key Questions shown in the document Together Towards
Improvement was the stimulus for evaluating units of work. The five points are:
1. How effective are leadership and management in
raising achievement and supporting learners?
2. How effective are teaching, learning and
assessment?
3. How well do the learning experiences, programmes,
and activities meet the needs of the learners and the
wider community?
4. How well are learners cared for, guided and
supported?
5. How well do learners develop and achieve?
The Department responded to these points by directly asking pupils for their opinion
of lessons and units. Surveys were used, along with group discussions and
evaluation sections in worksheets. The responses from this evaluation formed the
basis of an over-haul of the KS3 schemes. The PRSD target for the year 2014-15 will
be to monitor progress through the schemes and re-evaluate their effectiveness at
the end of the academic year. A year group will be delegated to individual staff
members tasked with this review.
The department also brought in external speakers to further engage with the Year
14s. Colleagues in the Department have been trained in using the school VLE and
have successfully posted updates to the Geography section continually editing and
changing information as necessary, as well as uploading student resources.
A Level
In Year 13, we continued with the Belvoir Park Forest Woodland Study in preparation
for the Fieldwork section of the AS1 paper; this continues to work well. The Year 14
students also enjoyed the experience of observing Belfast’s Peacelines, a free tour
36
given by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. This gives the students an
important insight to their own city as well as valuable background information for
the Ethnic Diversity Module in the A21 paper. Year 14 students also prepare and
execute a tourism questionnaire to visiting tourists at Belfast’s Christmas Market.
This is a prerequisite, again for the A2 module sat in January. All these experiences
add a lot to the course.
We continued to bring students to evening lectures at the Queen’s Geography
Department in the first term. These are lectures especially organised for sixth
formers by the local Geographical Association.
Dr S Royal from QUB addressed the A2 group before Christmas about studying
Geography at Queens. He also gave advice to the studetns re exam technique, which
was prudent given that he is the Chief Examiner for Geography at CCEA.
GCSE
In Year 12, the students completed another three day / two night residential
fieldwork course in Fermanagh at the Gortatole Outdoor Education Centre. Students
found this experience really enjoyable and their time was fully utilised both during
and after the fieldwork on the River Cladagh. Pupils worked until around 8 o’clock
each evening and then participated in orienteering or climbing wall activities. On the
last day, pupils engaged in wet caving, which was certainly a character building
experience; but very worthwhile. All activities are led by fully trained outdoor
instructors with health and safety important throughout. We aimed to meet the end
of January deadline as the submission date for the task.
Curriculum and Schemes of Work at KS 3
The topics at Key Stage 3 are relevant and thought provoking and colleagues within
the department continually reviewed the topics taught and assessed how they could
be best taught to engage pupils. To that end, the Head of Department has stressed
to colleagues that the department should consider pupil experiential learning in line
with the Revised Curriculum. The rewritten schemes now have this at the heart of
learning in KS3. Life-long values of mutual respect for all (for example, Ethnic
Diversity and issues of migration) will also form the basis of "Developing pupils as
Contributors to Society".
Fieldwork was a significant part of the learning within Geography at KS3 but because
of time constraints, the only year group to experience fieldwork were the Year 9s
who were brought on a tour of the River Dun, The waterfalls of Glenariff and coastal
scenery around Cushendun. This activity was enjoyed by all and was clearly
reiterated in the evaluation feedbacks from the pupils. The school timetable has
been populated for 2014-15 with fieldwork dates for the KS3s with Y8 having a
better and more involved investigation around the school, the Y9's continuing to The
Glens and the Y10s doing the Peaceline Tour.
37
In terms of Value Added, the Geography Department helped assess the pupils’ ICT
skills in Year 10 which helped part assess their e-portfolio for the Key Stage 3 ICT
Accreditation.
In conclusion, the Geography Department has contributed positively to the new SDP
and has fully embraced aspects of DE documents such as ESaGS and TTI. The
Department was successful in meeting its primary examination targets and takes
pride in the students who achieve not just to the highest standards but who also
enjoy the lifelong learning experience.
38
HISTORY AGM 2013-2014
There are two full-time teachers of History and a teacher of History and Politics
within the department. 360 pupils were taught at Key Stage 3. At Key Stage 4 84
pupils were taught and 55 pupils at Advanced Level.
NICCEA GCE History is the specification followed for Advanced Level History. In 2014
there was a 96.9% pass rate at grades A*-C. This compares favourably with the NI
Grammar School average of 87%. 82.6% achieved grades A-C in AS History. At GCSE
level the pupils also cover the NICCEA specification. The results were again
favourable with 89.8% of the pupils achieving grades A*-B in comparison with the NI
Grammar School Average of 81.8%.
In line with the School Development Plan, Together Towards Improvement and Every
School a Good School documents, one focus of the History department was on
ensuring that the KS3 schemes were updated in line with advice given on some
excellent courses attended by the Head of Department. We also worked hard to
extend and improve our resources for our AS and A2 pupils.
As always, CEIAG was promoted by all staff within the department through
discussions prompted by new topics, pupil questions and option decisions at GCSE
and A level. Through our participation in the Options Days we have worked with the
pupils and their parents to facilitate well-informed subject choices. We have
continued to have a notice board displaying Careers Advice and information. The
pupils who applied to courses requiring HLAT examinations and interviews in which
their choice of Advanced Level History was in focus were well supported and given
individual help. Our schemes of work highlight different topics and areas where
careers and related issues can be discussed, such as employment trends and their
impact on politics. One major highlight of the year was our participation in the
Careers Insight Evening. Fourteen speakers attended and the evening was a huge
success.
All teachers were encouraged to attend courses as appropriate to update their
knowledge and skills. In November 2013 one teacher attended a GCSE History
Support Event. One member of the department has continued to mark AS scripts for
NICCEA, giving him excellent insight which he has disseminated to the rest of the
department. He attended two AS Level Examiner standardisation meetings in
January and June 2013 respectively. One member of staff attended the Facing Our
History Shaping the Future event in January 2014. One member of the department
continued to participate in the Assessment Working Group. Another member
contributed significantly the Pastoral Working Group, focusing in particular on a new
Positive Behaviour Policy. All members of the department participated in i-Pad
training and in the use of i-Doceo.
During the year a variety of projects and trips were undertaken to enrich the learning
experience of our pupils. At Key Stage 3 our Year 8 pupils Attended workshops
provided by the Anglo-Norman Outreach Programme based in Armagh. Our Year 9
pupils were the first to study the First World War and in June they enjoyed a trip to
39
the Somme Heritage Centre in Newtownards. Our Year 10 pupils continued to
produce extremely high quality work on a range of topics. At Key Stage 4 our Year 11
pupils sat 50% of their GCSE course in the summer term and achieved superb results.
The Year 12 pupils completed controlled assessment to a very high standard and also
are to be commended for their excellent results. At A2 level the achievements of our
students were tremendous. In Year 14, 5 pupils gained an A* grade and a further 16
out of a total of 32 pupils gained A grade.s Both year groups attended excellent
AS/A2 lectures and workshops directly related to their advanced level courses at the
Somme Heritage Centre in Newtownards, Co. Down. The History department
continued to offer support and opportunities to all students, within a positive and
active environment, liaising with the SEN team where necessary.
During the year daily, informal meetings continued to be a vital and practical aspect
of ongoing evaluation and planning within the department. These discussions
regularly led to examples of good practice and successful teaching techniques being
shared. This undoubtedly contributed to the outstanding achievements and progress
of our pupils.
In addition, outside of the classroom teachers from our department were involved in
a range of extra-curricular activities, school trips and fundraising events. These
activities brought an extra dimension to pupil-teacher interaction, contributing to
the positive relationships which characterise our department, making the academic
year 2014-15 so productive for our department.
40
HOME ECONOMICS AGM 2013-2014
Staffing
Two full time teachers and one technician who is a student on work placement from
UUC.
The number of students studying Home Economics in 2013/14 are as follows:
Key Stage
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
Post-16
No. of Students
350
58
24
The specification followed at GCSE, AS and A2 is CCEA Home Economics for Food and
Nutrition. The results are summarised below;
Level
A*
A*/A
A*/B
A*/C
GCSE
22%
53%
83%
100%
NI
grammar
average
A*/B
87%
AS Level
NA
38%
69%
76%
63%
45%
78%
100%
62%
A2 Level
The focus of the year was to focus on improving feedback to students and to update
resources for the teaching and learning to develop greater independent learning.
Target setting and self improvement was addressed for all year groups. UCIT skills
were also introduced into Year 10 as part of the ccea pilot.
Loughry College visited the department as part of STEM week. Links have been
established with SBALC and this will continue. Visits were made by the Dairy Council
to give cookery demonstrations to GCSE students. Past pupils visited A’ Level
students to give their experience of studying food and nutrition at UUC. Nine
different agencies visited the department at the career evening.
All pupils at Key Stage 3 completed practical exams and coursework. Ninety five Year
10 pupils passed the Royal Society of Health Food Hygiene exam.
One student from year 12 won the overall competition in Northern Ireland after
winning the Belfast and key stage 4 sections. History was made after a student from
Aquinas grammar has won this competition two years in a row.
Ms Celine Watson who had on placement from UUC left in June and will be replaced
by Ms Shannon Kerr.
41
ICT AGM 2013-2014
Staff
2 full time
Pupils at KS3
118
(Yr 8 pupils)
Pupils at KS4
96
(40 in Yr 11 and 55 in Yr 12)
Pupils at KS5
64
(35 in Yr 13; 32 Aquinas and 3 St Joseph’s pupils and
26 in Yr 14)
At GCSE, AS and A Level the department follows the CCEA ICT Specifications.
Results for Summer 2014 are as follows:
A*
A
B
C
D
E
<E
GCSE ICT
45.5%
31%
14.5%
7.3%
0%
0%
1.7% (F)
AS ICT
N/A
28%
34.3%
21.9%
6.25%
0%
9.37% (U)
A Level ICT
11.5%
46.2%
27%
3.8%
7.7%
3.8%
0%
Year 11 pupils were entered for a Module, allowing pupils to complete a 30% unit
of work. The results were encouraging with 50% gaining the A* grade, 32.5% a
grade A, 10% a grade B and 7.5% a grade C.
Results Compared with NI Grammar School Average
Aquinas Grammar School
NI Grammar School
(Summer 2014)
(3 Year Average)
90.9%
90%
+0.9%
A Level (A* - C) 88.5%
83%
+5.5%
GCSE (A* - B)
Differential
The ICT department collaborated with St Joseph’s College, Belfast at AS Level. Three
pupils attended ICT lessons in Aquinas Grammar School; one pupil gained a grade C
and the other two pupils grade D.
42
Departmental focus for 2013 / 2014
The ICT department contributed to the implementation of existing School
Development Plan and the development of the new Plan. The main focus was to
improve Teaching and Learning within the department. This was fulfilled by fully
embracing the Data Tracking facility available on SIMs and by examining assessment
across KS3, GCSE and A Level. This meant that the department was fully informed on
academic achievement by every pupil and was able to monitor and put into place
strategies for pupils that were not reaching their potential. A programming element
was introduced at KS3 to reflect the job opportunities available in this sector. The
Head of Department was an active member of Assessment Working Group attending
meetings with regard to the robustness and consistency of assessments across
departments. The department established links with past pupils, Queen’s University,
Belfast and local ICT companies to disseminate appropriate careers advice. The
department started to use iPads and investigated the use of Fronter as a VLE.
Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG)
The ICT department realises the importance of educating pupils with regard to
Careers. Pupils received opportunities to investigate rewarding careers in ICT
throughout the 2013 – 2014 academic year.
Advice on ICT as a GCSE or ‘A’ level and career paths was also disseminated to
parents and pupils during the Options Days in March 2014.
The ICT Department made a significant contribution to the Careers’ Insight Evening
in February, with nine local ICT companies being represented on the night. In
October, A Level Pupils in Yrs 13 and 14 visited Allstate to hear about ICT careers in
Northern Ireland. These A Level pupils also received a talk, in December, from
Andrew Norton of Queen’s University, Belfast on available Computing / ICT courses.
In January, Year 12 pupils were involved in an ICT Roadshow using ‘Makey Makey’
and Yr 9 pupils entered an App Development competition in June. Both these
opportunities allowed pupils to experience programming.
Professional Development
The department attended a Smart Environments Workshop in October 2013. Smart
environments harness mobile technology developments to produce intelligent
systems that are able to sense human and environmental behaviour. This course
offered insights into some research projects at the University of Ulster exploring the
provision of ICT to support applications in health. This course included theory,
practical insight and a tour of the SERG labs were prototype solutions, developed
through UU research, were demonstrated. The course provided an overview of
contemporary approaches to software design and development. In June 2014
Allstate delivered a follow-up programming course on C# allowing a member of the
ICT department to complete some theory and practical projects relevant to the new
Software Development ‘A’ Level.
43
The year 2013 – 2014 again saw a high level of academic achievement at all levels;
GCSE, AS and A2 level. ICT continued to be a very popular subject with three Yr 11
and two Yr 12 GCSE ICT classes and strong numbers at both AS and A2 level. The
Junior ICT program continued to give pupils the skills required to make full use of the
ICT provision within Aquinas and the new programming content allowed pupils to
gain a taste for the ever expanding software development industry. Links with
Allstate were established and investigation into the new ‘A’ Level in Software
Development took place. The ICT department played a lead role in the successful
collaboration with 3 AS pupils from St Joseph’s College joining the ICT classes and we
look forward to further collaboration in the coming years. We welcomed Miss C
McGowan as a permanent member of the ICT department.
44
IRISH AGM 2013-2014
The academic year 2013-2014 was a busy and successful one. The teaching staff in
the department consisted of two teachers and an assistant. 89 students were
studying Irish in Key Stage 3, 38 were preparing GCSE Irish and 5 students were
studying in sixth form. It was pleasing to note that the total number studying Irish in
school remains consistent. We also have a cohort of students who come from
Bunscoil and Irish speaking backgrounds and they contribute significantly to Irish in
the school and participate in the activities run by the Irish Department. They also
attend extra classes run by the Department and sit public exams.
The Irish department follows the exam specifications laid out by CCEA. The
department was very pleased with the results attained by the Irish students in public
examinations. 92% of our GCSE students gained A-C grades, 100% of our AS students
gained a grade A and 100% of our A2 students gained an A grade in their
examinations.
We continued to work collaboratively with our neighbouring primary schools. As part
of the celebrations for European Day of Languages, students of Irish delivered
lessons in local primary schools. Pupils from the Bunscoil ‘An Droichead’ took part in
a quiz with our pupils and enjoyed taster sessions of Spanish and French which were
delivered by our Modern Language Assistants and Form 6 students. We are delighted
that our links with the Bunscoil continued throughout the year with some of our Year
13 pupils going to the Bunscoil every week to help out as part of the Community Link
programme. A teacher in the department also delivered taster lessons in Irish to
pupils from local primary schools when they visited Aquinas on familiarisation days.
The Irish department, in accordance with the spirit of the School Development Plan,
rolled out data tracking across all year groups. Data tracking proved to be a
worthwhile strategy to add to those already used by the department. The
assessments and data collated were used to effectively inform teaching. All pupils
are encouraged to participate fully in their learning and a variety of teaching
strategies are used to encourage teachers and pupils to share their experience with
their peers. The Irish department employed various strategies to ensure that
effective feedback was given to our Form 6 pupils and the teachers participated in
self-evaluation processes. The Irish department also further developed resources for
controlled assessment for the revised GCSE specification.
45
The teachers in the Irish department are very aware of preparing their students to
take up the challenges of the world of work and efforts have been made to
incorporate useful careers information at relevant stages of the pupils’ progress.
Pupils are told about courses available to them and they are also made aware of the
wide opportunities available to language graduates. Our form 6 pupils attended Alevel Irish courses in St Mary’s College, Belfast and Queen’s University, Belfast.
Emphasis is put on the value of the transferable skills acquired when learning a
language. The topic of professions and work is also studied in Year 10 to coincide
with the work of the Careers department.
The Department also fully participated in the Careers Evening in February. We were
delighted to welcome The Lord Mayor, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir to the Department on the
night where he gave talks to students and parents. Domhnall Mac Murchaidh, a
training and production officer from Raidió Fáilte also gave a presentation. It was
very pleasing to also welcome back two of our past pupils. Caoimhe Ní Chathail who
is a graduate of Irish from UUC and has done broadcasting for BBC NI and Raidió
Fáilte and who is now working as an Irish language development officer for Conradh
na Gaeilge spoke about her experience studying Irish at third level and using Irish as
an everyday language in the workplace. Áine Robinson is an Accounting graduate
from QUB and she is a member of Chartered Accountants,Ireland. She is currently
working as N.I.T.B. finance officer and she highlighted the transferable skills she
gained from studying Irish at A level. We greatly appreciated the help and support of
all the speakers.
The teachers in the department kept themselves appraised of any new materials
provided by CCEA to provide guidance on carrying out the controlled assessment
elements of the revised GCSE specification. Both members of the teaching staff are
senior members of the senior examining teams with CCEA. Their experience of
working for CCEA adds to the quality of the teaching and sharing of good practice
within the department. This year the Department also facilitated a one day NICILT
conference for teachers of Irish. The event was held in Aquinas and was very well
attended. A number of guest speakers gave presentations on a range of interesting
topics pertinent to the teaching of Irish.
Some students participated in Feis Bhéal Feirste and several gained medals
recognising their levels of fluency. This year we continued to emphasise the
importance of motivating our pupils to use their Irish. Special congratulations go to
46
our Year 10 pupils who achieved the ‘Fáinne Airgid’ ( silver fáinne ) at the end of Key
Stage 3 and all Year 9 students sat an oral exam for the ‘Cúpla Focal’ fáinne.
In February pupils took part in making St Brigid crosses. Seachtain na Gaeilge again
proved to be one of the highlights of the academic year. Céilís were organised for
our Keystage 3 students and there were traditional music and storytelling sessions.
An event celebrating linguistic diversity was also held in the library. The Irish
department also participated in Language Film Day and the Year 8 pupils enjoyed a
special showing of ‘Yu Ming Is Ainm Dom’.
Apart from striving for academic excellence, all pupils are encouraged to use their
Irish as much as possible and enjoy the wide range of cultural and linguistic
experiences open to them. In June, we invited the organisers of courses in Rannafast
to speak to parents of those interested in going to the Gaeltacht and we were
delighted with the response. A number of our junior pupils attended the summer
course for juniors in Coláiste Bhríde, Rann na Feirste in the Donegal Gaeltacht. A
number of our older pupils attended Loch an Iúir courses and one of our pupils
attended Coláiste na bhFiann in Connemara. We were delighted that two of our
senior pupils also worked in the Gaeltacht during the summer as ‘ceannaire’. One of
our form 6 pupils who attended a Gaeltacht course was awarded the coveted prize
‘Corn Mhig Eachaidh’ for notable levels of oral competency. In order to keep our
pupils updated with useful information and any opportunities available to them the
Irish department also has a Twitter account.
We are very pleased that so many of our students not only performed well
academically, but also embraced the opportunities provided by the department to
use and improve their Irish in cultural and social settings outside the classroom.
Rath Dé ar an obair.
47
MATHEMATICS AGM 2013-2014
In 2013 – 2014, there were a total of 7 teachers contributing to the teaching of
Mathematics. This included 4 full-time Mathematics, 1 teacher with a small amount
of junior Mathematics and 2 Mathematics Specialist Learning Support teachers.
Pupil numbers were 350 at KS3, 235 at KS4, including 78 students who have chosen
to study both Mathematics and GCSE Further Mathematics, (29 of whom have
already completed GCSE Mathematics) and 78 at KS5 (including Mathematics and
Further Mathematics students). GCSE Further Mathematics and KS5 Mathematics
numbers both show a significant increase from last year.
Results in the Mathematics department were as follows:
GCSE
Aquinas
A*-B 2014
Aquinas 3 yr Average
A*-B
NI 3 yr Average A*-B
CCEA GCSE
Mathematics
89.8 %
89.1%
79.60 %
CCEA Additional
Mathematics
80.8 %
83.8%
78.60%
A level
A*-C
Aquinas 3 yr Average
A*-C
NI 3 yr Average A*-C
Edexcel AS
Mathematics
64.1 %
81.5 %
-
Edexcel A2
Mathematics
93.1 %
91.0 %
87.80 %
Edexcel AS
Further Maths
100 %
91.7 %
-
Edexcel A2
Further Maths
100 % (1 pupil,
self-taught,
some support)
100 %
97.80 %
The Mathematics department was pleased with the continued high standard of
achievement at GCSE and A2 level and of the outstanding standard achieved by
students in AS and A2 Further Mathematics. AS Mathematics results were noticeably
lower than in previous years. Although this was reflected to some extent across AS
results in other subjects it was also a reflection of the greatly increased number of
students without GCSE Further Mathematics who had selected to do this course. A
small number of these students dropped out during the year. While some of the rest
went on to achieve excellent results, many did not appreciate the effort required to
achieve success.
48
At KS3 the Mathematics Department delivered one of three end-of-key-stage Using
Mathematics tasks. Engagement in this task enhanced pupil learning and students
were provided with appropriate feedback. The remaining tasks, as well as the Years 8
and 9 tasks, were again cross-curricular.
While on-going changes in personnel impacted this year on links with Wellington
College, communication has continued and it is hoped that these will be reestablished over time.
In 2013-2014 students were selected for the up-coming STEM Florida exchange trip.
The Head of Mathematics will be travelling with the group and the Mathematics
Department is very excited that enthusiastic students of Mathematics are getting the
opportunity to participate in this wonderful opportunity.
In line with the School Development Plan, ‘Together Towards Improvement’, ‘Every
School a Good School’ and Count, Read, Succeed, the Mathematics Department set
short, medium and long-term targets with main foci for 2013 – 2014 as follows:
 To support Physics and Biology in the delivery of Year 10 Using Maths Tasks
 To work with the English Department to lead staff in addressing
underachievement in Literacy and Numeracy
 To use link with local primary school to inform Year 8 learning intentions, use
PIM/PIE as a diagnostic tool to support transition and progress, and use
mentoring to build confidence and encourage / support learning
 To maintain and develop further the established link with Wellington College and
participate in the planning and development of an exchange link with a High
School in Florida
 To include whole-school specified reference materials for students and parents
on Fronter and to use Ipads to enhance Teaching and Learning
 To share good practice at Departmental Meetings
 To contribute to CEIAG within Aquinas
 To Provide an up-to-date Departmental Handbook which contains clear schemes,
guidance, targets and expectations for the Mathematics Department and reflects
the ethos and ongoing development of Aquinas
All of these were reviewed, with progress reflecting the constant striving for
improvement within the department.
The most exciting CEIAG event was the Careers Inset Evening and on the night the
hard work and commitment of the Mathematics Department came together when it
hosted representatives from nine different careers, including Aerospace, Software,
Civil, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Statistician and Actuary as well as a
past A level student in the Mathematics Department who is currently studying
Mechanical Engineering. Students had the opportunity to attend talks by and to talk
with these representatives and the atmosphere during the evening was a clear
indicator of how much the event was appreciated by all students.
49
Additional to this, one teacher spent a week in industry in order to be able to enrich
classroom teaching through personal experience and career opportunities and paths
were highlighted by all staff within the department through discussions prompted by
new topics, pupil questions and option decisions at GCSE and A level. The Head of
Mathematics again spoke to Year 10 and Year 12 students about the career benefits
of GCSE Further Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics.
Staff in the Mathematics Department embraced a range of opportunities for
professional discussion and development. The Using Mathematics Coordinator
participated in the Teaching and Learning NI programme and the Head of
Mathematics attended the launch by the inspectorate of their latest report on Best
Practice and was a member of the selection panel for the PGCE in Mathematics at
Queen’s University. As always, there was participation in CCEA training, participation
in and organisation of school trips and visits and marking of GCSE scripts by some
staff. As best practise is shared from all of these, the department looks forward to
on-going improvement of the pupil experience in the Mathematics department.
At Key Stage 3, Year 8 students were the first group to be bench-marked using PIMS
and Year 8 and Year 10 pupils benefitted from a talk by the voluntary Financial
Capability group, The Money Charity.
Some Key Stage 4 and 5 students were selected to participate in the school Florida
exchange trip and all Key Stage 4 and 5 students participated in the Aquinas Careers
Insight Evening. A number of KS5 students also provided support as Mathematics
mentors for KS3 and KS4 students.
The Mathematics department continued to monitor student progress carefully,
offering support and opportunity to all students. This was done through organisation
and facilitation of enrichment opportunities such as the Careers Insight Evening,
guest speakers and school trips, the provision of Further Mathematics at GCSE and A
Level for very able students as well as a January module for Foundation students, the
coordination of the student mentoring programme, liaison with the SEN team and
liaison with anxious parents. All teachers offered an ‘open door policy’ which was
used at the start of break or lunch or in free periods by interested or worried
students of all years as well as by examination classes during study leave. Once
again the annual Pi Day competition generated enthusiasm and provided the
opportunity for students to shine outside the constraints of the curriculum. Students
from across all key stages participated in Open Morning, engaging with P7 pupils and
parents in a variety of activities in the Mathematics rooms, gaining confidence from
the experience and ensuring by their enthusiasm that the experience of those
visiting was extremely positive.
The introduction of a weekly departmental period proved very successful, providing
opportunity for better planning, communication and coordination and the on-going
professional development, commitment and enthusiasm of all staff and pupil
awareness and appreciation of this continues to be clearly seen in the high number
of enthusiastic students choosing to study GCSE Further Mathematics and A level
Mathematics.
50
MOVING IMAGE ARTS AGM 2013-2014
The numbers of students studying Moving Image Arts in 2013/14 are as follows:
Key Stage
No. of Students Studying Moving Image
Arts
N/A
30
15
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
Post-16
Staffing Structure
One teacher has been teaching this subject on a Full-time basis over 5 days per week
Examinations
We continued to follow the CCEA specifications at GCSE and AS Levels and we’re
delighted with our results;
Aquinas Moving Image Arts Results 2014
Level
Grade A-C
Level
Grade A-C
Level
Grade A-C
GCSE
100%
AS
90%
A2
100%
Celebrating Excellence
Two GCSE and two AS Level students’ films have been short listed and entered into
the annual CCEA Moving Image Arts Awards Showcase. This unique event has is
sponsored by City of Derry Crystal as part of the Foyle Film Festival. Additional
awards screenings are now also hosted at the Queens Film Theatre as part of the
annual Cinemagic film festival in Belfast.
Focus for Department 2013-2014
The main focus for the department in 2013-2014 was to further embed Moving
Image Arts as a new subject offered at GCSE and A-Level into the curriculum at
Aquinas. The department developed links with Nerve Belfast where teaching staff
took part in Mobile technology in the classroom and Ipad training. In line with the
school development plan the department concentrated on developing the
departmental VLE and the use of Ipad into everyday teaching and learning. We
developed and integrated relevant teaching resources and assessment procedures in
accordance with school guidance and the requirements of the GCSE, AS and A2
specifications.
We focused on child-centred provision in high quality teaching and learning, offering
individual and group tuition for examination students in after-school sessions
throughout the year. We developed links with other departments and the wider
school community through the filming of ‘Workforce of the Future’ careers focused
film that was showcased at the careers insight evening. This short film was shared on
51
the departmental Twitter account as part of National Careers Week and the school
website.
CEIAG
Year 13 and 14 attended University of Ulster’s Faculty of Art, Design and the Built
Environment’s Information Evening in October 2013 and later these year groups
attended the end of year degree shows.
Perspective year 14 students also attended Queens University, Belfast Open day for
film and media based degree courses in March 2014.
They gained an insight into careers within Moving Image Arts in their visits to the
Coca Cola Cinemagic film festival and took part on National Film week events in
November 2013. The festival later gave four A Level students an opportunity to take
part in a week long film camp. The ‘Unite project’ was funded by the OFMDFM and
seen a short film being produced which will later be showcased on the Cinemagic
International festival.
Year 11 students took part in an Animation based workshop with Belfast City Council,
the team from the council visited the department and short animations focusing on
littering in the council area were produced and later showcased on their website to
the wider public.
The department welcomed Bernard McCloskey, Director of Education at Northern
Ireland Screen as part of the “Careers Insight Evening”. Students and Parents
enjoyed Bernard’s seminar and workshop on the work of Northern Ireland Screen
and film production here in Northern Ireland. The welcome was also extended to
Mark Case, Director of Whitenoise Media, Belfast. Mr Case Showcased the work
produced by his company and gave advice to those interested in a career in the
creative industries.
KS3 students took part in “Creative South” this event took place in the Lyric Theatre,
Belfast and showcased new and establish creative industries based in the South
Belfast area. This event was organised be the South Belfast Partnership Board and
the students enjoyed learning alongside other school and community groups from
the South Belfast area. This year seen the development of Film Club, the after school
club for all KS3 students. All members meet afterschool on a weekly basis to enjoy
and discuss film and short animations. A number of
Links with Community/Outside Agencies
The department continues to develop links with other post primary schools that
offer Moving Image Arts at GCSE and A-Level. This link enables participating schools
to share best practice and teaching resources. The department continues to be an
active member in the MIA teacher Google group. This year saw exciting relationships
being built with the South Belfast Partnership Board who organised careers based
events for students focusing on the Creative Industries.
52
Professional Development
Mr McClean successfully completed the Teaching and Learning NI – Outstanding
Teacher Programme, working in collaboration with two other post-primary schools in
Belfast.
One teacher attended the GCSE, AS and A2 Level Moving Image Arts agreement trial
at CCEA. One teacher attended a week long training programme at Nerve Belfast
focusing on the practical elements of filming and editing skills. Further training was
completed on the use of Adobe After effects in the Moving Image Classroom.
53
MUSIC AGM 2013-2014
There are currently three full-time teaching staff and 12 part-time peripatetic tutors
working in the music department. We offer peripatetic tuition to all students and
currently have 230 students receiving this tuition, attending an individual half-hour
weekly lesson on a rotational basis. The fee, which is 13 pounds 50 per half hour
lesson, is paid directly to the relevant tutor. The entire KS3 student body at Aquinas,
approximately 360 pupils, studies music in one hour long timetabled lesson per
week. At GCSE this year there were 15 students in our year 12 music class and 15 in
our year 11 class. We had 12 in our A2 class and 6 in our AS, showing a healthy
interest in music in Aquinas.
We currently follow the CCEA specifications for music at both GCSE and A Level. Our
results are excellent and are well above the Northern Ireland average for our subject.
In the last 3 years: 84.4% of our GCSE students achieved grades A*-B (with 97.6%
achieving A*-C) and 100% of our A Level students achieved grades A*-C. This year
(summer 2014), at A2 level, 83.3% achieved an A/A*, a remarkable achievement.
Whilst we are obviously delighted with these results we are continuously striving to
both maintain and improve on these. We continue to enter students for external
instrumental and vocal exams with both the ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall exam
boards and the results are excellent. In April 2014 our ABRSM average result was
123/150 (equivalent to a Merit) well above the National ABRSM average of 117, with
many Merits and Distinctions awarded at all levels. We make a large contribution to
the extra curricular life of the school and, last October, we enjoyed huge success
with our production of Les Miserables and will embark in the audition process for our
next one in April 2015. We also held our annual Carol Service (in the Good Shepherd
Church for the first time) and Spring Concert to capacity audiences, as well as
providing music for the Macmillan Coffee Morning, Open Morning, two senior
Celebrations of Achievement, Year 8 Ceilidh, Masses for years 8 and 14, Masses to
mark the Ulster Project and one for Grandparents and a Whole School Mass, again at
the Good Shepherd Church. Our senior students also take music outside the school
and into the local community, including seasonal events in Nazareth Care Village and
Willowfield Parish Centre.
The music department fully supports the School Development Plan. The three
permanent members of department are members of the following working groups:
Central Leadership Team, Assessment and Reporting, Lesson Monitor and Gifted and
Talented, and we endeavour to help everyone as much as we can. We are constantly
evaluating our teaching and the learning experiences of our students and we set
annual Targets: we will continue to address cross-curricular themes at key stage
three; consolidation of Music Technology into the Year 9 Scheme of Work through
the use of Sibelius 6 to compose; we will also look at, and devise, a policy for Gifted
and Talented and their provision in Music; we would like all tutors to think carefully
about performance programmes for external exams and, in particular, this year we
will focus on improving communication through the use of the pupil practice
notebook which should be signed each and every week by a parent/guardian. We
54
also encourage our students to be independent learners by reading and listening
‘around’ the subject.
We promote music at third level and careers in music through a designated notice
board at the back of N02. Here students can find out about a range of future career
paths and options regarding music, including the specialist area of CUKAS. We also
have strong links with several external agencies, including CBSM, CBYO, UYO, UYJO,
UYC, National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, National Youth Orchestra of Ireland,
MT4Uth, St Peter’s Schola Cantorum, St. Anne’s Cathedral Choir, Fortwilliam Musical
Society and the Belvoir Players. We actively encourage our students in their music
making both in outside school and Aquinas Students from all year groups were
involved in these successes, meaning that we are a wholly-inclusive department.
Notices and information are renewed on a regular basis and are available for perusal
all around the Music Department. The Head of Department is an Examiner for Music
at both GCSE and GCE levels and is also involved in the SBALC.
Our students are very successful both in and outside school. This September several
students went on to study third level music at The Royal Northern College of Music,
the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester University
and Queen’s University, Belfast. Many of our present Year 13 and 14 musicians are
seriously considering a career in music, and are just beginning the application
process to do so, including the Conservatoire route.
Last year was another busy one. This year gets off on a high as all our extra curricular
activities resume and we prepare for this year’s performances and achievements.
We are very proud of all of our students and their musical abilities.
55
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AGM 2013-2014
The Aquinas Physical Education Department has 4 full time members of staff.
Physical Education is a compulsory subject in key stages 3 and 4.
At sixth form level Physical Education is an optional recreational activity. Physical
Education is offered at both GCSE and A Level.
At GCSE Level the specification followed is CCEA. 15 candidates sat the 2014 exam
with 100% achieving A*-C compared to the NI Grammar School Average of 90.2% A*C. At A Level Aquinas follows the OCR specification. At A2 Level 5 candidates sat the
2014 June exam with 100% achieving A*-C compared to the NI Grammar School
Average of 66%
Physical Education in Aquinas Grammar makes a unique contribution to the overall
education of every student by providing meaningful movement experiences which
will challenge the physical and intellectual development of the students through
relevant cultural activities.
Each student participates in a broad balanced Physical Education programme
which, at key stage 3, includes Gymnastics, Games, Swimming and Athletics as the
minimum entitlement. The skills, knowledge and understanding developed build on
the learning already achieved in key stages 1 and 2. At Key Stage 4 and Sixth form,
students will progress gradually towards more adult forms of activity and cope with
increased physical demands. As they continue to experience success in the full
range of movement contexts, they should begin to identify personal preferences
and areas where higher levels of performance may be achieved.
Continued achievement and progress in physical performance should maintain a
positive attitude towards participation. They should reach a clear understanding of
the place of regular exercise in everyday life.
In line with the Northern Ireland Curriculum Aquinas Physical Education Department
aims to empower pupils to achieve their potential and to make informed and
responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives. It is about
Helping all pupils prepare for life and work:
1.
2.
3.
as individuals;
as contributors to society;
As contributors to the economy and the environment.
Physical Education has a significant role to play in this. Schools are now seen as the
most important context for promoting healthy lifestyles in pupils. Health Related
Physical Education (HRPE) in Northern Ireland has been shown to positively influence
children’s knowledge of and attitudes towards physical activity. The Curriculum at
Aquinas emphasises Physical Education’s role in:
56
Providing pupils with regular, frequent and appropriate physical activity
opportunities, information and guidance; encouraging and empowering pupils to
make informed and responsible choices about the role of physical activity in their
lives.
In order to contribute to the curriculum objectives during Key Stages 3 and 4 in
Aquinas we want our pupils in Physical Education to:
1.
2.
3.
Know (knowledge and understand)
Be able to do (skills)
Be like (attitudes and dispositions)
At present the extra-curricular profile at Aquinas is vibrant. A wide range of activities
is on offer. This is the result of the dedication and commitment of the PE department
and other members of staff. Our main activities include Cross Country, Basketball,
Gaelic Football and Netball, with teams entered annually at all age levels. Alongside
this we field teams in a range of other activities. We continue to develop coaching
standards with the use of external coaches and coach education with Senior and past
pupils. Our aim is to bank a pool of dedicated coaches for extracurricular activities. In
2013-4 other extra-curricular activities included Tag Rugby (Ladies), Rugby, a senior,
Ladies Basketball and Special Olympics Basketball was supported by Queen’s
Basketball Club, Camogie and Hurling.
The vision is cyclical, from the school curriculum to extra –curricular to club coaches
to the extended use of facilities providing a framework whereby the physical activity
has a place in school and extends in partnership with the local community. Hence,
community links are vital and can be realized. Aquinas has a prime site within the
South Belfast area, providing high quality education to local children. The vision is to
develop our site facilities and to offer access to them out of school hours. But this is
not in isolation. It is a partnership which will bring forth seen and unseen
opportunities for all.
Highlights of the school year include the annual events of ‘Fitness Freddie’, Sports
Day for years 8-10 at Pirrie Park and the accreditation of all Year 12 students in the’
British Heart Foundation’ CPR course
Netball
Seven Aquinas teams were entered for the Belfast League with two teams reaching
the finals. Year 8 was marginally defeated at the semi-final stage. Four teams were
entered for NI Cup and Plate. All teams had an excellent season reaching the semifinal stage and with marginal one goal defeats for the senior and intermediate
squads. At regional U13 and U15 levels, Aquinas had four representatives in both
squads. Both Belfast squads won the regional NI titles. Congratulations to Olivia
Boyle in her continued success at NI U19 Netball as she played in ENA championships
2014 gaining another international cap. The season ended with the Rockport
invitational tournament with the year 9 team collecting runners up title.
57
Basketball
Aquinas entered five teams this year in the Ulster League and various competitions.
All teams had an excellent season. The Year 8 team were runners-up in the Vince
Halloran tournament. A special mention to Eoin Nagle who was captain of the
Basketball NI U15 team.
Athletics
20 competitors represented Aquinas at the Co Down Athletics Championship held on
8th May at the Mary Peters Track.
Cross Country
A number of races were entered this season. The St Genevieves Years 8-10 race
helps to prepare competitors for the Co Down Championship.
Well done to all runners who competed in the Districts on Thursday 30th January at
Delamont Park. M.O’Hare, A. Hackett, P. Gracey and K. O’ Hare all qualified for the
Ulster Cross Country Championship at Mallusk Playing Fields on Tuesday 11 th
February. At the Ulsters, P. Gracey finished 10th. This is the highest placing in the
history of Aquinas. He qualified for the Irish Cross Country Championship which was
held in Cork.
The season was completed at the Ormeau Park Race organised by Belfast City
Council. The Year 8 boys team finished well. Year 10 individual runners A. Hackett
and P. Gracey finished in the top 3.
58
PHYSICS AGM 2013-2014
Pupils study KS3 physics in Year 10, CCEA GCSE and Double Award Physics in year 11
and 12. In years 13 and 14, pupils study CCEA A level physics.
Year group
10
11 Double Award
11 GCSE Physics
12 Double Award
12 GCSE Physics
13 AS Physics
14 A2 Physics
Number studying
115
35
48
35
51
23
17
There are 3 subject specialist staff in the Physics department
RESULTS FOR 2014
A2 Level
Physics
No.
A*
A
B
C
D
17
2
11.8
4
23.5
8
47.1
3
17.6
0
No.
A
B
C
D
E
U
23
6
26
1
4
4
17
4
17
5
22
3
13
%
AS level
Physics
%
GCSE
Physics
%
No.
A*
A
B
C
D
46
8
17.4
21
45.7
9
19.6
7
15.2
1
2.2
A*& A
A*-C %
A*-E
%
NI Gr
av
A*-C
35.3
100
100
81.83
A-C
%
A-E
%
NI Gr av
A-C
47
76.6
A*&A
%
A*-B
%
A*-C
%
NI Gr Av
A* – C
63.1
82.7
97.8
92.71
In keeping with the School Development Plan, “Together Towards Improvement”
and “Every School a Good School”, the department focussed on improving written
feedback on pupils’ work for all year groups.
A number of visits helped give students a wider appreciation of physics in the real
world. The Year 8 students all visited the Planetarium.
59
Three year 13 pupils participated in the Sentinus Team R&D scheme. Starting in
September, the team worked with Phoenix Natural Gas to develop a smart phone
app which can be used to record and verify the test data taken by installation teams.
The team presented their work at the presentation day at the Braid centre in
Ballymena on 10th April. The pupils were awarded the Crest Gold Award for their
work. In addition, the team presented their project at the Young Innovators
competition at The Odyssey on 25th June
In June 2014 we said goodbye to Mrs Teresa Quinn. Since joining the department in
January 2010, Mrs Quinn had shown herself to be an inspirational and dedicated
teacher who made a huge difference to the pupils she taught. We wish her well in
her retirement in the coming years.
60
POLITICS AGM 2013-2014
The Politics department consists of one teacher and is taught at AS & A2. There are
thirty students studying politics at post-16 in this new academic year.
We have continued to out-perform the NI Grammar averages significantly. At A2 we
achieved:
100% A*-C versus the NI Grammar Ave of 94%.
92.3% A*-B versus NI Grammar Average of 72%.
At AS-level thirteen students out of fourteen achieved A*-C. This is 92.8% versus the
Grammar school average (for Politics) of 83%.
The department continues to embrace documents such as Together Towards
Improvement and provide support for our learners through mentoring, discussion
and extending the high academic achievers, we set high expectations and standards
for our students.
As well as the high academic performance of our students, two of the highlights of
the academic year were:
1. Our annual trip to Parliament Buildings at Stormont.
We organised a question and answer session, for all politics students, with MLAs
from Alliance, Sinn Fein, DUP, UUP, SDLP and the Green Party. The students
posed an array of questions to the political representatives and gained a lot from
the experience. The students were also given a tour of Stormont and an
educational talk on the mechanics and politics of the Northern Ireland Executive
& Assembly.
2. Taking the students to Wellington College for an audience with the
inspirational Aung San Suu Kyi.
In the classroom and in line with the policy document Every School a Good School
(April 2009) a variety of teaching strategies and methodologies continue to be
deployed to ensure that political information is accessible and enjoyable for a broad
range of academic abilities. Group work, peer assessment, individual learning, one
to one feedback from the classroom teacher are all strategies deployed to improve
the quality of teaching and learning in the Politics classroom.
61
The use of multimedia is a continuing example of an approach to bringing US, UK &
local politics to the classroom. I have set up a website for the politics students to
access resources and comment or ask questions – jmgpolitics.wordpress.com.
Students can now follow A-level politics via a custom made twitter feed for them.
I set a target of increasing A* and A grades in Politics last year and this remains a
target, along with 100% A*-C.
JMcGrath
62
RELIGIOUS STUDIES AGM 2013-2014
Staffing
 HOD - Mrs Naoishe Hampsey, Mrs Emma Niblock,(Mrs Kathleen Doherty) Ms
Pauline Mc Anulty, Fr Colin Grant
 Non specialist teaching staff – Mrs Marie Mc Cool, Mrs Cathy Mc Crossan, Mr
Kieran Murphy.
 No. of students KS3: 360,
 No. of students KS4: 234
 No. of students KS5: 34
At Key Stage 3, the Fully Alive programme was followed.
Our GCSE students followed the AQA programme of study:–
Unit 5: A study of Mark’s Gospel – Year 11
Unit 4: Roman Catholicism: Ethics – Year 12
GCSE Grade
2014
Grade
%
AQUINAS N.I. 3 Year
3
Year Average
Average
A*
51
A*
44%
91.4%
78.6%
A
38
A*-A
76.7%
B
13
A*-B
87.9%
C
12
A*-C
D
1
A* - D
E
1
A* -E
94.8%
78.8%
F
Total
A* -F
118
Our A Level students followed the CCEA programme of study:Unit 2 – Acts of the Apostles
Unit 3 – Old Testament Prophecy
The department enjoyed excellent results as outlined below:
63
A2 Grade
2014
Grade
%
AQUINAS N.I. 3 Year
3
Year Average
Average
A*
2
% A*
0.15%
98.7%
A
5
% A*- A
53.8%
B
4
%A*- B
84.6%
C
2
% A* - C
100%
Total
13
89.6%
Sixth Form Religious Programme
As in previous years, the programme was delivered on a modular, rotational basis. In
the delivery of this programme, we have chosen topics which will hopefully enable
us to prepare our students morally and spiritually for an increasingly secular world.
This programme has been enhanced with the use of guest speakers.
Departmental Focus
Our focus for 2013 -2014 was to improve feedback given to GCSE students. This was
done successfully with detailed feedback given to all students, individually and as a
group. Teachers adopted a strategy of PEE (a strategy students have been familiar
with from literacy studies) to assist with extended evaluation questions and answers.
At KS3 and 4, and to comply with ‘Together Toward Improvement’ the department
also used a wide range of assessment for learning strategies, including self and peer
assessment, and formative use of summative assessment outcomes. Pupils work
was marked frequently and consistently in ways which highlighted the strengths of
the work and gave feedback on what the pupil needed to do in order to improve.
The Department again employed a new strategy to formalise this (WWW/EBI).
Pupils themselves identified personal learning targets which were monitored by
pupils, parents and staff. The department made efforts to ensure that learning
experiences were of a high quality and were matched to the individual needs,
inspirations and interests of the pupils.
Careers advice and guidance was given to our KS4 and 5 students throughout the
year. The Department enjoyed huge success on The Careers Insight Evening. We
hosted representatives from a number of professions: St Mary’s Teacher Training
College, Social Work, Law, Mediation and Nursing are just a few. As always, prior to
the options afternoon, our GCSE students were advised on how A Level RE can be
useful for particular professions, with emphasis on how the skills required in the
subject make it attractive for certain career prospects.
64
The department continued to support the spiritual life of our students with daily
Mass, Advent services, Christmas celebrations, Penitential services and other
liturgies. The Year 8 Welcome Mass was held in September and in April, the
department again facilitated a Grandparents Mass. Years 10, 12 and 14 tutor groups
went on retreat and all our students found the experience very positive and
worthwhile. The department hosted one student teacher from St. Mary’s University
College during the year. Individual Class Masses were also celebrated by all Year 8
classes, with huge pupil involvement in preparation. This was an enormous success.
The RE Department also celebrated the Eucharistic Congress by bringing all Year 8
students to the GIFT seminar in the Waterfront in September.
65
SAPHARA AGM 2013-14
Nine Year 13 pupils were selected to represent Aquinas on the Saphara North and
East team, which went to India in July 2014 accompanied by Mrs McCrossan.
Saphara is a charity which is directed by Dr. Christine Burnett which gives young
people the opportunity to engage in issues of justice and global citizenship through
working with educationally disadvantaged children in India. It is a non-profit, nondenominational Christian organisation which welcomes young people from all
backgrounds, races and religions. The North and East team consisted of nine pupils
from Aquinas Grammar School, three pupils from Antrim Grammar and six pupils
form Coleraine Inst. The flights and accommodation was funded by parent and the
Aquinas pupils' raised an amazing £17, 464 that was used to help the Indian
children. It was very moving day when each child was presented with a new uniform
and shoes, particularly when it was the first pair of shoes that some of children had
ever owned. Fundraising money was used to provide hot school meals for all of
children for the next academic year. Scholarships were also awarded to girls who
would have not been able to go to school otherwise.
The pupils travelled to India via Dubai and spent the first weekend in Delhi
sightseeing and visited the Taj Mahal. The first week of teaching was in a High School
in Kaplani, Mussoorie; 7000 feet up in the foothills of the Himalayas. During this
week the student also trekked to a village primary school in Donk. This was followed
by, a Global Awareness Weekend with trekking in Himalayas and a week in Dehradun
teaching in SNEHA, a school located in a marginalised urban community(slum)
serving one thousand children who would have no other access to education. The
pupils also visited the area where some of the children lived and witnessed the
effects of poverty first hand.
This has opened our pupils’ eyes to issues such as poverty, caste system, gender bias
and social justice which will undoubtedly have an long term impact on them. It was a
most rewarding opportunity, which has enriched not only the lives of the Indian
pupils, but also the Aquinas pupils who have gained so much from this life-changing
experience. The Aquinas were truly amazing and made very positive contributions to
the North East group. Their efforts and behaviour were exemplary in every way and
it was very interesting working with pupils from Coleraine and getting used to
dialects from within Northern Ireland before coping with pupils who spoke English as
a second or third language.
66
SCIENCE AGM 2013-2014
Key stage 3 Science is taught by the nine subject specialists. In years 8 and 9, pupils
are taught an integrated curriculum and in year 10 they study the separate sciences
of biology, chemistry and physics.
At GCSE level the students follow the CCEA GCSE Double Award specifications, being
taught by subject specialists during ten periods each week.
Year group
No of pupils
Year 8 science
116
Year 9 science
120
Year 10 sciences
120
Year 11 Double award science
36
Year 12 Double award science
35
Double award science results 2014
2014
%
No
**
A*A
AA
AB
BB
BC
CC
CD
35
1
2.9
5
5
9
7
4
3
1
14.3 14.3 25.7 20.0 11.4 8.6 2.9
DD
A*& A
%
A*-C
%
NI Gr 3yr
av
2010-12
A*– B
NI Gr
3yr av
201012
A* – C
44.3
98.6
68.6
94.1
0
In keeping with the School Development Plan, “Together Towards Improvement”
and “Every School a Good School”, the department focused on ensuring effective
feedback to pupils in all year groups and sharing good practice. During the academic
year, when the occasion arose after assessments had been set and marked, feedback
was given to students on an individual basis. In addition, this provided the
opportunity for pupils to evaluate their performance in each assessment and set
targets.
The Science department have continued to be very active in the promotion of CEIAG.
On Thursday 28th February, pupils in years 10 to 14 year 10 had the opportunity to
meet scientists and engineers from organisations such as NIBEC (The
67
Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre at UUJ), Warner Chilcott, The
School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at QUB and CAFRE Food
Technology as part of the Aquinas Careers Insight day. Pupils attended
presentations by the organisations which helped them to make informed choices
about GCSE and A level subjects and future careers.
During Science week in March, the year 8 pupils enjoyed a visit to the Armagh
Planetarium. They experienced star shows, interactive exhibitions and rocket
building and testing which consolidated the theory they had learnt in the Earth and
Space topic of the year 8 curriculum.
The Science department has continued to work to improve our delivery of the
Revised Curriculum and to educate and enthuse our pupils in the subjects they study
with a view to making informed subject and career choices.
68
SOCIOLOGY AGM 2013-2014
Academic year 2013-2014 was another highly successful year for the Sociology
department.
The subject continues as one of the most popular A Level subjects and all returning
students chose to continue their studies through to A2 Level.
Once again the examination results were pleasing at both AS and A2 Level.
The A2 students were particularly successful with 100% achieving Grade A-C and
within that group 95% achieved A*- B grades.
As expected, this year also saw many students decide to study the subject in more
depth at degree level highlighting the enjoyment and value they found in their ALevel studies.
69
SPANISH AGM 2013-2014
The Spanish Department is made up of two full-time and two part-time Spanish
specialists. The language assistant plays a key role in the preparation of A level
pupils for the Speaking element of the exam. We also work with our Teaching and
Learning assistant from Mexico. Mr Dobbin, former Head of Spanish took up his
position as Principal of Assumption Grammar School Ballynahinch and the
department wishes him well in his new venture.
Key Stage 3: 315
Key Stage 4: 132
Key Stage 5: 32
September 2013 commenced with 14 Year 14 students entering A2 level Spanish and
18 beginning AS level. It was decided to continue with the CCEA syllabus at A Level.
Results
GCSE ( 51 Pupils)
Aquinas
Cumulative %
NI Cumulative Average
A*
27.4
21.2
A*-A
41.1
45.7
A*-B
62.7
73.1
A*-C
84.3
93.6
A*-D
98
99
A*-E
100
99.8
AS Level (18 Pupils)
70
Aquinas %
A
NI Cumulative Average
9
50
33.7
A-B
13
72.2
70.6
A-C
18
100
93.5
A2 Level (15 Pupils)
Aquinas %
A*
NI Cumulative Average
5
41
9.5
A*-A
10
70.4
41.4
A*-B
12
82.1
72.7
A*-C
13
88
93.4
A*-D
15
100
97.4
The focus of the department was to review self-evaluation procedures and feedback
in line with whole school policies as well as a focus on lesson starters.
Ms P Rivas provides the Department’s ongoing link with QUB Spanish and
Portuguese Dept as lectora de conversación there also. Her role with Final Year
students provides great insight for a level pupils.
CEIAG is promoted throughout the Schemes of Work in each Key Stage as well as
through a variety of activities which include visiting guests to the Department to
raise pupil awareness of the many opportunities open to them through the study of
languages. For the Careers Insight evening, the Spanish department hosted Laura
Connolly, Axiom Law, Anne-Marie Fleming, Education Service Northern Ireland
Assembly, Jeremy Shaw, Iberian Wines and our colleague Emma Smyth who brings
with her a background in J.P Morgan and McAfee.
71
The department has linked up with a journalist and editor in Spain to pilot a learning
resource in Spain from The Spain Report. Initial Skype conversations with junior
pupils took place with the aim to linking up for discussion of A level and current
affairs issues.
Staff attended a variety of Professional Development courses throughout the year.
These included:
CCEA Speaking Agreement trials for GCSE controlled assessment;
CCEA Examiners for AS Speaking Module 1.
CCEA Examiners for AS Speaking Module 2.
ML training day in Grosvenor Grammar June 2014.
Staff are using Twitter as a source of online CPD for Spanish.
Colleagues disseminated the information to the department on the various courses.
KS3
As part of the European Day of Languages the Spanish Film ‘Pan’s Labyrinth” was
shown to the Year 10 students. The Aquinas Spanish Society continued as an
opportunity for pupils to practise their Spanish outside of the classroom through
films, games, quizzes and competitions.
KS4
The fourth cohort of pupils successfully completed the new GCSE with controlled
assessment.
AS/A2 level
The Spanish class of 2014 included 3 pupils who were fast-tracked through the A2
course in 1 academic year (2013) and all 3 obtained an A* at A2.
Amaia Moore came 1st in A2 Spanish CCEA NI and received her prize at an award
ceremony in Stormont Hotel, December 2013.
72
Year 13 pupils taught Spanish lessons in our feeder Primary Schools as part of
European Day of Languages. A level pupils had the opportunity to attend the AS
Study Day at QUB
The Spanish Department wiki http://aquinasgrammarspanish.wikispaces.com/ was
continued to allow pupils to access learning resources outside school. This was
complimented by the AS/A2 level online textbook and VLE material from Kerboodle.
This continues to be a worthwhile initiative which leaves the Spanish Department
ready to build its presence on Fronter.
The Spanish Department is a vibrant, dynamic one which aims to offer our pupils a
variety of interesting and challenging learning opportunities. Through the study of
language and Hispanic culture, the department strives to equip Aquinas pupils with a
learning experience which allows them to develop as effective, responsible and
ethical contributors to their local and global community.
73
TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN AGM 2013-2014




Staffing: 3 staff members
No. of students KS3: 360
No. of students KS4: 46
No. of students KS5: 4
Results Analysis 2013/14

CCEA board is studied from GCSE to GCE AS/A2
A2 Results –4 students
Aquinas
No.
%
R
NI A-C
NI Gr school average
Grade A*
-
-
-5.1
5.1%
Grade A
1
25
-2.2
27.2%
60.1%
Grade A-B
2(1B)
50
-10.1
Grade A-C
2(2C)
100
+14
Grade A-D
4
100
Grade A-E
4
100
GCSE–17 students
Aquinas
No.
%
R
Grade A*
4
23.5
+16.4
7.1%
Grade A*-A
8 (4A)
47
+8.2
38.8%
Grade A-B
15 (7B)
88.2
+9.6
Grade A-C
17 (2C)
100
+5.4
86.5%
85.9%
98.6%
NI A-C
78.1%
NI Gr school average
78.6%
94.6%
Grade A-D
100
98.9%
Grade A-E
100
-
99.8
Grade A-G
100
-
100
74
Focus of T&D department in 2012 -13
The focus of T&D department in 2013 -14 was in line with these targets:1. “ensures that self-evaluation is rigorous, effective and leads to improvement and
is underpinned by effective analysis and interpretation of relevant qualitative
and quantitative data;”
This year the Department continued to focus was on all pupils achieving 100%
A* - C with emphasis effective feedback. This involved interpreting analysis of
UMS for all students and setting realistic targets to achieve those scores. There
was a focus on better use of verbal and written feedback on past paper practice
and coursework completion. Data tracking was used to identify students who
were falling behind targets and good communication between pupil, parents,
form teacher and mentor was paramount to ensure all were aware of
procedures in place to aid students to achieve their target grade. All parents
were very receptive of this communication largely by email.
We also reflected on the results obtained through the written & oral evaluations
conducted in KS3 to reflect how we could improve the T&D experience of our
KS3 students as well as their CEAIG advice and amended our schemes
accordingly.
2. “sets, shares and reviews realistic objectives and targets through an effective
school development planning process which is underpinned by rigorous selfevaluation; developing and evaluating tasks.”
There was continued Focus on development and evaluation of tasks for data
tracking in years 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 & 14. This evaluation ensured tasks were
pitched at the right level to reflect accurately the progression of students
especially at GCSE and therefore make data tracking results meaningful. In
particular the data tracking marks in yr12 aimed to reflect a balance of exam
modules and coursework completed. We also tried to communicate to the
pupils the exact breakdown of their data tracking mark. The aim this year at KS3
was to ensure that that data tracking marks as a whole over the year reflected
the 50% coursework; 50% theory in T&D. AFL was improved by introducing a
clear written feedback sheet reflecting clear communication of the breakdown
of marks and written feedback on how to improve
75
We also developed more ICT resources at KS3 using CAD package Solidworks (i.e.
yr8 – 10) to focus on the SDP for developing tasks for KS3 ICT, Using Maths &
Communication. T&D reported on Using ICT for yr10 in 2013.
3.
“provide all staff with appropriate opportunities to undertake continuing
professional development, evaluate its influence on learning and teaching and
share best practice;”
We continually strive to ensure that all staff have up to date Health & Safety training
and participate in work related courses according to their interests. Mrs O’Brien,
Dr, McHugh & Mr. Moyna attended a circular saw H&S course.
4.
“ the accommodation and facilities provide a safe and stimulating environment
well-suited to supporting the curricular activities of pupils, the work of staff and
social and leisure activities where applicable;”
We were successful in our objective to purchase a laser cutter. This will be installed
in the summer of 2014. and further promotion of the STEM Club. The
introduction of the ipads has allowed development of interesting resources
using Explain Everything amongst other apps.
5.
“the school makes best use of links and partnerships with employers and external
bodies to inform, plan and meet economic awareness, sustainability,
development and employability needs at both local and regional levels.”
We developed stimulating and meaningful CEAIG resources and tasks to improve
Learning for Life and work within the department. This was in line with an
analysis of GCSE numbers and strategy to increase uptake of T&D to address
gender and local business/community.

Promotion of CEIAG within the department
CEIAG remains an important focus within the Technology & Design
department; there was a particular focus on developing stimulating resources
for use in the classroom during term 2 in 2013. in line with the targeted CEAIG
tasks Work related learning vocabulary is used daily in the delivery of lessons
as each task is related to the role of a product designer, manufacturer, and
76
engineer in the work place. There is provision through the STEM club (yr8-14)
for the students to meet with engineers from NIE, Thales & Bombardier and
participate in the STEM Bus on a regular basis at various times throughout the
year in their pursuit of STEM related activities. The Technology & Design
department also works closely with the Careers department to attend STEM
related careers talks when available. We had a very busy night at our Careers
Insight Evening with the T&D department presenting many STEM employers
from Bombardier, Thales; QUB EEE; IKEA; amongst many others. All of our
A’level graduates have gone on to pursue careers in STEM areas ranging from
Engineering, Product Design & teaching.

Professional Development within department
Staff are encouraged to attend courses as and when the need arises to obtain
knowledge of new equipment/computer programmes and to update skills in
accordance with Health & Safety requirements. The HOD continues to be an
A2/AS Assistant Principal Examiner with CCEA and prepares and presents
material for agreement trials.
Summary of the main highlights of the academic year
In the school year 2013/14 Aquinas Technology & Design Department continued to
be successful in their participation in regional competitions. The STEM club met
every Monday from 3.30 – 4.30pm and Friday (early lunch) for the purposes of
promoting STEM and encouraging participation in STEM related competitions.

Stem Bus
Once again we had the STEM Bus visit Aquinas this year in February when the
STEM bus was equipped with up to date CNC manufacturing machines and all
GCSE & GCE students had the opportunity to convert their Computer Aided
Drawings (CAD) to real life models on the various Computer Numerical Control
(CNC) machines. This completed a major part of their coursework.
77
 KS3 & 4
Lego League competition – December 2013
This regional competition was part of a worldwide organisation the 1 st Lego league
firsthandtechnology.org.uk. As part of the challenge the team had to:
·
Program a robot to complete tasks relating to the Challenge using LEGO®
MINDSTORMS® technology.
·Research and prepare a presentation on the theme of ‘Senior Solutions’.
The team worked very hard with our engineer from NIE and a great day was had by
all.
The overall vision of the Technology & Design department is to actively promote a
positive perception of Technology & Design within its role as a STEM subject. To
promote its relevance in many career choices by providing inspirational teaching &
learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom that will engage and
enthuse the students to further develop their studies in this area.
78
Year 8 AGM 2013-2014
Staffing for the year included Year Head, four Tutors and four Teaching and Learning
Assistants. There were 114 pupils in year 8 allocated into four class groups (8E, 8R,
8S and 8T).
As in previous years the early focus for Year Head and Staff was the induction of the
Year 8s into Aquinas school life. This was helped by the first day, when the students
met their tutors, senior members of staff and prefects from the senior school. The
students were given a tour of the school, essential stationary and advice on the early
days at the school. During the first months of Form Period the tutors covered topics
to aid the successful introduction into secondary school, such as organisation,
acceptable behaviour and expectations. The Year 8 Welcome Mass and Induction for
parents took place on Thursday 3rd October, as usual this was very well attended and
gave parents and tutors an early chance to meet.
During Form Period throughout the year the Tutors covered a number of topics such
as Bullying, Healthy Lifestyle and Exam preparation (this included a revision booklet
pre November and June exams which offered advice and hints to students on
preparing and coping with exams and the facility to record their own revision lists for
each subject). The Year group was heavily involved in Fundraising throughout the
year for causes both within and outside the school. They must be commended for
their enthusiasm for charity events, support they gave to participants and the large
total of money they raised.
Data Tracking was actively used during the year to record academic achievement and
behavioural issues. This was very useful for tutors, enabling them to easily oversee
the progress of each student and highlight any concerns early. It should be noted
that the Homework Diary is still vitally important at this stage as an essential form of
communication with parents. Identification of Needs took place at the end of term
one and again proved a very useful tool in assessing the new intake of students and
identifying any early issues. Any students highlighted with concerns were recorded
and action was taken in the following term depending on the needs of the student.
On Friday 13th September the Year8 group took part in the Young Enterprise
Programme “Your School Your Business”, which was an excellent introduction to
school life and a great way for them to mix friendship groups. The year 8 students
later in November had the opportunity to avail of the “Safety Bus” which was a very
informative and enjoyable session provided by Translink. We also had our annual
79
visit from the Gideons who presented each student with their copy of the bible
during a special assembly.
The year group were set the task at the start of their year to join at least one of the
many extra curricular clubs within the school. The uptake was very pleasing across
the year group and activities. We had many successes including excellent progress
in, girls and boys basketball and cross country and gaelic football. Musical activities
were also widely attended and the students displayed excellent talent which bodes
well for the future. The internal exams during December and June demonstrated the
excellent academic ability of the students across the curriculum and there was much
improvement throughout the year.
The vast majority of the year group settled quickly and gave time and effort
throughout the year to school activities and their subjects. They began to develop a
culture of achievement, improvement and ambition to succeed as the year
progresses, which was excellent in comparison to the 114 individuals that stared on
Tuesday 3rd September 2012. Year 8 was completed with a celebration assembly and
fun afternoon. The year 8 group went bowling to the Odyssey Complex which was a
great success.
80
Year 9 AGM 2013-2014
Staffing for the year included the Year Head, four Tutors and seven Teaching and
Learning Assistants. There were 116 students in Year 9 allocated into four class
groups (9J, 9L, 9M and 9P). The students’ academic progress and their general
welfare are monitored by the Tutor. Students attend weekly tutorial periods to
discuss their progress and a Year assembly took place every Friday with the Senior
Teacher and Year Head.
The focus for Year 9 in accordance with the Aquinas School Development Plan
ensured that the students in the Year Group where central to the delivering of the
pastoral programme.
Each student started the year with a reflection on his/her performance in Year 8.
Targets were set to enable progress. Targets were reviewed when each student
individually met with his/her Tutor. This may have meant looking at organisation,
attendance, acceptable behaviour and expectations.
Throughout the year in Tutor period and/or during assembly a range of topics were
discussed – study skills, exam preparation, managing influences and making
decisions, bullying, health and personal development related to feelings. CEAIG
became an integral part of Year 9 with one timetabled class per week.
Student progress was mapped using the SIMS tracking system and an Identification
of Need staff day at the end of the first term. The analysis of these results enabled
the Pastoral Team to ascertain which students would benefit from an individualised
study plan. Communication with parents is regular and supportive. The analysis of
Data Tracking and SIMS Lesson Monitor continued each term to record academic
achievement and behavioural issues. This was very useful for Tutors and Year Head,
enabling them to easily oversee the progress of each student and allow for early
intervention to address any concerns. It should be noted that the Homework Diary is
still vitally important at this stage as an essential form of communication with
parents. Parents attended the annual parent – teacher meeting and received
reports on their child’s progress.
Alongside academic achievement Year 9 embraced all aspects of Aquinas life. The
Year group was heavily involved in Fundraising throughout the year for causes both
within and outside the school. They must be commended for their enthusiasm for
charity events and the large amount of money they raised.
The year group was set the task at the start of their year to join at least one of the
many extra-curricular clubs within the school. The uptake was very pleasing across
the year group ranging from music, sports, book club, IT and science clubs to name
but a few.
81
To conclude the year all students celebrated the year with an end of term assembly
and social trip to the Odyssey for either bowling or the cinema. This was an
enjoyable day to celebrate the end of a great year.
82
Year 10 AGM 2013-2014
Staffing for the year included Year Head, four Tutors and two Teaching and Learning
Assistants. There were 120 pupils in year 10 allocated into four class groups (10F,
10J, 10N &10T).
The early focus for Year Head and Staff was the pastoral care programme with a
focus on the evaluation of year 9 and how students could adopt practical solutions to
improve. These included looking at their organisation, acceptable behaviour and
expectations. During Form Period the Tutors covered a number of topics such as
Study Skills, Drugs, Bullying, Healthy lifestyles, Love for Life and Exam preparation.
Additional assistance was given by the school librarian who offered advice and hints
to students on preparing and coping with exams, and the facility to record their own
revision lists for each subject. They were also shown how to produce study notes in
various forms and asked to complete a study folder containing notes summarising
the topics for all their subjects. All Year 10 students completed a personal record of
achievement and this has been stored electronically to be updated as the student
moves through senior school The Year Head was involved with senior staff and other
Year Heads in the evaluation of the current provision of pastoral resources and the
inclusion of outside agencies to deliver parts of the pastoral programme in the
academic year 2014-5. Ceaig continues to be a strong feature this year with one
timetabled class
The Year group was heavily involved in Fundraising throughout the year for causes
both within and outside the school. They must be commended for their enthusiasm
for charity events and the large amount of money they raised.
Data Tracking and the SIMS Lesson Monitor were actively used during the year to
record academic achievement and behavioural issues. This was very useful for
tutors, enabling them to easily oversee the progress of each student and allow for
early intervention to address any concerns. It should be noted that the Homework
Diary is still vitally important at this stage as an essential form of communication
with parents. Identification of Needs took place at the end of term one and again
proved a very useful tool in assessing the students and identifying any early issues.
Any students highlighted with concerns were recorded and action was taken in the
following term depending on the needs of the student.
The Year Head met with all the students after the January and June exams to discuss
their academic progress and to give the students a voice to express any issues that
they felt needed to be addressed. Many important points were raised and the Year
Team did their best to address these throughout the year.
The year group was set the task at the start of their year to join at least one of the
many extracurricular clubs within the school. The uptake was very pleasing across
the year group we had many successes including excellent progress athletics in boys’
basketball, Gaelic football girl’ netball. Musical activities were also widely attended
and the students displayed excellent talent which bodes well for the future. There
83
was an excellent representation of the year 10 students in the school production Les
Miseables. Full attendance at the year 10 Sports day was an excellent end to the
school term. The internal exams during January and June demonstrated the excellent
academic ability of the students across the curriculum and there was much
improvement throughout the year.
The vast majority of the year group settled quickly and gave time and effort
throughout the year to school activities and their subjects. They began to develop a
culture of achievement, improvement and ambition to succeed as the year
progressed.
At the end of the year all pupils celebrated the year with an end of term celebration
in the school chaplaincy with a thank you to Fr Grant who has been a great
inspiration to the yr. 10 students throughout their Junior school and social trip to
the Odyssey where they participated in bowling. This was a lovely event to celebrate
the end of a great year.
84
Year 11 AGM 2013-1014
Year 11 consisted of one hundred and fifteen students divided into five form classes:
11E – Miss Smyth
11C – Mrs McCrossan
11J – Mr Duffy
11M – Miss McGowan
11S – Mr Sames
Our students participated fully in the GCSE curriculum and continued to engage in
numerous extra-curricular activities. Student achievements ranged from music to
academic to sporting activities. Among the list of achievements are the successes of
the school netball, basketball and Gaelic footballers as well as excellent fundraising
totals for Trocaire and other charities. This is by no means an exhaustive list and
individual subject related activities are listed in the departmental AGM reports for
this academic year. However, it is worth mentioning the strength of our girls in sport
with netballers reaching a semi-final and the girls Gaelic footballers winning an
Ulster Final.
Some notable highlights for our students were – participating in the Duke of
Edinburgh Awards, attending the school trip to Rome and participating in the Ulster
Project in the summer. The students who successfully got on to the Ulster Project
were Eoin Nagle, Tom McVeigh, Hannah Healey, Luke Devlin, Ruairi Cormican, Andy
Harney, Lucia McLaughlin, Anna Foster, Lucy Nixon, Aoife Murnaghan and Aoife
Bannon.
The main focus for this academic year was successfully steering the students through
their external GCSE examinations. The examination results have proven to be very
good for many students and others now realise what they have to do in 2014-15 in
order to achieve their GCSE goals.
The end of the school year was marked with a fun day of games and activities in the
school Sports Hall and back outside pitch.
J McGrath
85
Year 12 AGM 2013-2014
Staffing:
Key Stage Three: Lisa Begley, Joanne Curran, Clare Foster, Nuala Loughrey, Ryan
McAuley, Pauline McCaul, Frances McHugh (HoD)
GCSE: Frances McHugh (Year 12) took over Mr Patrick Anderson’s Year 11 class
AS: Frances McHugh
A2: No A2 class, 2013-2014
The number of students studying Drama and Theatre Studies in 2013 to 2014 was as
follows:
Key Stage
No. of Students
Key Stage 3
330
Key Stage 4
35
Post-16
4 ( no A2 class)
The specification followed at GCSE, AS and A2 is the AQA specification. The results
are summarised below:
Level
A*
A*/A
A*/B
A*/C
NI grammar
average
GCSE
6%
31%
69%
88%
A*-B: 88%
AS Level
n/a
75%
100%
A-C: 91%
A2 Level
n/a
GCSE
AS Level
2012 to 2013
A to C: 91%
n/a
2013 to 2014
A to C: 87%
A to C: 100%
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Thank you to the Key Stage Three Teachers who enthusiastically and vigorously
delivered the Key Stage Three programme. The focus of the year was on up-dating
the Schemes of Work and the Drama Handbook, with further focus on a more coordinated delivery to all students.
At Key Stage Three, Drama was taught to all classes (approximately 110 pupils in
each year group). The subject was delivered during one double period per class, each
week, by three teachers in Year 8 and by three teachers in Year 9. In Year 10, Drama
was taught by two teachers for one period each week to each of the four classes;
this was one period fewer than other Practical subjects but this has now been
addressed.
At Key Stage Four, in Year 11, there were 19 pupils taught by one teacher and in the
Year 12 GCSE class, Mr Patrick Anderson’s class of 16 pupils were taken over in Year
12 and were taught by one teacher for five periods per week. In the Year 13 AS class,
four pupils were taught by one teacher for nine periods per week; there was no A2
class.
The AQA Drama Subject Specification is used at both GCSE and Advanced Level.
The focus for the Drama and Theatre Studies Department for 2012 to 2013 was to
update the Schemes of Work. There was an additional focus on the teaching of
Drama in Year 10 and a drive to achieve the same allocated time for Drama as other
Practical subjects, in order to make the subject a more appealing option for study at
GCSE level.
Professional development was enhanced during the year through attendance at
three on-line Conference calls with AQA.
The highlights of the academic year included:



The Drama Department’s bi-annual Production; this year it was Les
Miserables with a cast of 130 pupils from Years 9 to 14, plus 30 pupils who
worked with lighting, costume and make-up and most Staff members; the
Show was seen by over 1200 people and extracts and an interview were
featured on U105’s Johnny Hero Show. Thank you very much to all the
Production Staff.
Three new Drama Clubs were established with 90 members, led by the Senior
Theatre Studies pupils: Ryan Foy, Domhnall Herdman, Lauren Mc Donnell and
Sarah Mellotte who won First and Second Places in their category at the
Belfast Festival and they were photographed with the famous Television, Film
and Stage Actor, Adrian Dunbar (whether he wanted it or not!);
Theatre trips to see: Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Friel’s Philadelphia,
Here I Come, Tom (starring Domhnall Herdman, U6) at the Crumlin Road Jail
87







(Domhnall revived this play this summer as the play’s Protagonist and
Director); and Bruiser Theatre Company’s Melmoth the Wanderer;
Casting Calls from and auditions with: Georgia Simpson Casting: The Sparticle
Mystery (series 3, BBC); Cinemagic: The Christmas Star (film; Actors); Nerve
Belfast: Original Short Film (Actors/Directors/Film-Editors); Rose Wicksteed
Casting: The Survivalist (film; Actors) and The Raiders (film; Actors)
Careers Open Evening: The Drama Department organized the staging, lighting
and sound for ‘Supremes’ Star, Marie Wilson and all of the Senior Theatre
Studies pupils performed with her on-stage; our speakers included: lighting,
costume, audio and Acting experts and the pupils spoke to West-End Actor,
Patrick Smyth via Skype (Patrick is an Aquinas Drama alumnus);
All of our Year Eight pupils attended The Lyric Theatre’s Christmas
Pantomime, Cinderella;
20 of our pupils had a Theatre Lighting Workshop with Production Services,
Ireland;
The Shakespeare Festival with Year 9;
Many of our pupils have performed in and worked backstage with Theatre
companies all over Belfast this year and over the summer; they are too
numerous to mention but the latest include: Fusion Theatre’s Miss Saigon
(with Lauren McDonnell U6 and Connor Taggart, L6) and Belvoir Player’s The
Keening (starring Sarah Mellotte, U6)
Moderated Performances of Cagebirds and four Devised plays from Year 12
pupils and a Moderated Performance of All My Sons from Year 13 pupils.
88
Year 13 AGM 2013-2014
Year 13 consisted of a year head, four tutors and a student body of 117. Six new
students entered the Aquinas VI form in September 2013 and four repeated the
Year. The four Tutor groups were 13J, 13M, 13L and 13S. Each tutor monitored the
academic progress and the general welfare of his or her tutees. Students attend
weekly tutorial periods to discuss their progress and take part in group discussions
on a range of pastoral and social issues.
The tutors worked closely with the students and subject teachers to track and review
academic progress. Continuous evaluation was carried out by the Pastoral Team
from the analysis of the data tracking, winter and module examination results, they
were able to provide support for students for whom it was deemed necessary.
Communication with parents was regular and supportive and positive achievements
were congratulated.
The Pastoral Team, recognised the increasing maturity and independence of our
students. With his in mind during form period a number of areas of personal
development were covered including; Relationships and friendships, cyber bullying,
target setting and study skills. Year 14 students provided a Pupil Voice, informing the
Year 13 students of what was required at AS both socially and academically. We
invited guest speakers, to address the students on specific topics, including Mental
Health, Study Skills and Road Safety. All students also attended an excellent Road
Safety Exhibition held In Wellington College in April. The students were also very
proactive in all the fundraising campaigns including the shoebox appeal, StoreHouse
and the Trocaire campaign.
Many exciting opportunities were available to the Yr13 students this year. We
advertise these opportunities widely and encourage students to participate. A few
examples are: the Young Enterprise Scheme, Bar Mock Trials, Pope John Paul II, Ski
Trip and Aquinas Community links. Also, 12 students were successful in their
selection for the Belfast Saphara team. The students and Ms McCrossan went to
India during July and taught English in three schools. Alongside this, extra-curricular
activities in sport, drama and music were well attended by Year 13 students.
An Induction evening for parents and students was held in September 2013. The talk
addressed the requirements for A level courses, career development and the role of
the sixth former. In December the parents and students celebrated the Year 13
students’ GCSE achievements. In December 2013 all Year 13 students successfully
completed one week in the work place.
89
Year 14 AGM 2013-2014
Year 14 consisted of, the Year Head, four tutors and four Teaching and Learning
Assistants. There were of 108 students in Yr14 allocated into four Tutor groups 14C,
14J, 14F and 14P. Each tutor monitored the academic progress and the general
welfare of his or her tutees. Students attended weekly tutorial periods to discuss
their progress and take part in group discussions on a range of pastoral and social
issues. Students were also allocated two lessons per week in Modular RE and one
lesson per week for career guidance and support with regard to UCAS choices.
For most students their priority was the consolidating of their, AS examination
performance and gaining entry to university in particularly challenging times. To this
end, students participated in university visits in September and were well supported
by, the Careers department through the application process. Parents and students
were invited to attend an information evening in September, where the Careers
Department highlighted the key issues involved in the UCAS and CAO processes.
The Year Head and tutors worked closely with the students and subject teachers to
track and review, academic progress. Continuous evaluation was carried out by the
Pastoral Team, from the analysis of the data tracking, winter and module
examination results, they were able to provide support for students for whom it was
deemed necessary. Communication with parents was regular and supportive and
positive achievements were congratulated. In April, all the students, along with their
parents were interviewed, to ensure that all students were in a position to maximize
their achievements in A2 examinations.
The Pastoral Team recognised the increasing maturity and independence of our
students. With this in mind during form period a number of areas of personal
development were covered including; Relationships and friendships, cyber bullying,
target setting and study skills. We invited guest speakers to address the students on
specific topics, these included The Amazing Brains and Love For Life. The students
were also very proactive in all the fundraising campaigns including the shoebox
appeal, the Catholics Caring Christmas appeal and the Trocaire campaign. The
students were encouraged to develop good leadership qualities through active
involvement in the daily life of Aquinas, through their role of Prefect. The Senior
Prefect team demonstrated this through their role in leading the Student Council.
The Leavers’ Dinner was held on April 10th and a poignant night was held for the Year
14 students at their Thanksgiving Mass on May 9th. Many fond memories were
exchanged, by students, parents and teachers.
Students were offered and studied a wide range of subjects and 87% of our students
achieved A*-C at A Level. Over 53% of all grades awarded were at A*/A standard.
These results are just reward for a group of students who have worked hard. The
students have been supported by their families and benefited from the excellent
teaching and pastoral support offered by their teachers.
90
Alongside academic achievement Year 14 embraced all aspects of Aquinas life. They
have left many footprints. As seniors, they were great ambassadors for the school.
They were perfect role models to the junior school, inspirational to many. We wish
all our students success and happiness in the next stage of their educational journey
at university or in their chosen career path.
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