CURRICULUM
Curriculum Information
The curriculum offered in Mount Lourdes is designed to give each student
the opportunity to realise her full potential and to develop her interests and
talents. Students follow a broad range of subjects and are given a wide variety
of learning experiences. We encourage our students to develop independent
learning strategies and to show a commitment to their studies.
In Mount Lourdes we believe that students should have equal access to all areas of the curriculum. In line with DENI’s Code of Practice 1998 and SENDO 2005, we aim to identify, assess and make provision for students who have specific learning needs and/or medical conditions. We aim to work in partnership with parents/guardians and other external agencies to ensure that each student has the opportunity to maximise her academic and personal potential.
Documents relating to the curriculum and how it is delivered, to which the
public have right of access, may be examined at the school by appointment.
Complaints regarding the curriculum shall be dealt with in accordance with
Article 33 of the Education Reform (NI) order 1989 and subsequent regulations.
Careers Education (CEIAG)
Careers Education, referred to as Employability at Key Stages 3 and 4, is offered through the Learning for Life and Work Programme in Years 8-11 and as a distinct Careers Education class in Years 12, 13 and 14.
Students are guided in their choice of subjects and are made aware of the range of career opportunities which are available to them. Individual advice on completing university and
college applications is given. Each student undertakes a work experience placement in Year 13 and is given formal training in interview technique during Year 14.
The Careers Education Department hosts speakers from Irish and UK universities who advise post sixteen students about the application processes, the writing of personal statements, the range of courses and entry requirements, campus life and relevant financial matters.
Religious Education
All students participate in the school’s Religious Education Programme throughout their time in school. This gives them opportunities to deepen their spiritual life and extend their knowledge of the Catholic Faith.
Their growth in the faith is supported and further encouraged by participation in whole school liturgies, class liturgies and school retreats. They are guided towards an appreciation of the importance of prayer and worship in their lives.
The work of the Religious Education Department is supported by the school’s chaplain. A significant number of Post 16 students undertake training as Ministers of the Eucharist and participate in the Pope John Paul Award Scheme within their own parishes.
Students who are involved in the Millennium Volunteers’ Programme have the opportunity to fulfil their obligations through participation in school based fund-raising work. This work develops a sense of commitment to others who are in need and is testament to the school community’s dedication to faith in action.
Monitoring Progress
Fostering Achievement
In Mount Lourdes we aim to foster the academic ability of each student to the highest possible degree. Through our commitment to quality learning and teaching and our robust assessment procedures, we encourage students to achieve their full potential. Each Student is expected to take increasing responsibility for her own learning by evaluating her performance and setting appropriate learning targets. A system of mentoring is in place to support students who are at risk of underachievement.
Homework
Homework helps reinforce the learning which has occurred in the classroom. It helps consolidate the student’s grasp of newly acquired knowledge and skills. We require support from parents in encouraging students to do their homework regularly and submit coursework assignments on time.
Reports and Parents’ Meetings
Two school reports are issued to the parents/ guardians of students in Years 8-11 each year. Students taking public examinations at GCSE, AS and A Level are issued with one school report in Years 12-14.
On these occasions parents and teachers can meet to discuss the progress being made by the student, or any matter of mutual concern. Parents are encouraged to come to these meetings as they allow us to build up the strong links between home
and school which are of benefit to the students. If parents wish to discuss their daughter’s progress with a member of staff at any other time, they should contact the school’s office to make the appropriate arrangements.
Behaviour Management
The school endeavours to establish a community
in which the full potential of each person can
be developed and in which understanding and
tolerance are fostered. It strives to promote
respect for the individual and to create an
atmosphere in which learning can take place.
The Behaviour Management Policy of the school
seeks to encourage students to assume personal
responsibility for their actions and to have due
regard for the well being of all other members of the school community.
Good behaviour by students is essential if the school is to fulfil its function. To encourage a high standard of behaviour the school adopts a positive approach to behaviour management employing praise, encouragement, and rewards.
To ensure the safety of the students and the smooth running of the school there are rules which we require the students to follow. Failure to observe these rules incurs sanctions. These sanctions are applied as part of the school’s referral system, the aim of which is to bring about a positive change in students’ behaviour.
Subjects Offered
Optional Subjects at Key Stage 3 (Years 8 - 10)
• Art and Design
• Citizenship
• English
• French
• Geography
• History
• Home Economics
• Information and Communication Technology
• Irish
• Learning for Life and Work
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Religious Education
• Science
• Spanish
• Technology and Design
Students are arranged in classes without reference to ability. The range of subjects studied in each class differs only in the area of modern languages, where students take two languages from the three which are offered.
Subjects offered at Key Stage 4 (Years 11 & 12)
Core Programme
• Careers (CEAIG)
• English Language
• Learning for Life and Work
• Mathematics
• Religious Studies
• Physical Education
• Science - Double Award
The majority of students take nine subjects at GCSE level.
Optional Subjects
• Art and Design
• Digital Technology
• Drama
• Economics
• English Literature
• French
• Geography
• History
• Home Economics
• Irish
• Music
• Spanish
• Technology and Design
Subjects Offered at AS/A level
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Applied Business Studies
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Applied Health and Social Care (Single & Double Award)
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Applied moving images Art (BTEC Level 3) *
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Applied Science
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Art and Design
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Biology
-
Chemistry
-
Creative Media Productions
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Digital Technology
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Economics
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Engineering (BTEC Level 3) *
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English Literature
-
French
-
Geography
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Government & Politics
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History
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Mathematics
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Moving Image Arts *
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Modern Languages (French, Irish, Spanish)
-
Music
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Nutrition and Food Science
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Performing Arts (BTEC) *
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Physics
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Religious Studies
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Sociology
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Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry
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Technology & Design
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Travel & Tourism *
(Subjects marked * are currently offered through the Fermanagh Learning Community)
Students may study three or four subjects to AS Level and three subjects to A Level.
In specific circumstances a student may be permitted to study four A2 subjects.
Students are normally expected to have achieved a minimum of a B grade in a subject at GCSE if
they want to pursue it at AS/A Level. (This guideline applies to subjects that are normally available
on the Key Stage 4 curriculum)
Choice of subjects at AS/A level is unrestricted, but in practice certain combinations are not
available due to organisational challenges.
All Year 13 and 14 students follow the Religious Education and Living, Careers Education
Information and Guidance and Personal Development Programmes.
Examination Boards
• CEA
• AQA
• Edexcel
Mannok – Mount Lourdes Partnership in Sustainability
Mount Lourdes have a five year ‘Partnership in Sustainability’ with local company Mannok. Mannok supports the work of the school by providing opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, with educational and work experience visits. Through the partnership, students gain valuable insights into a wide range of career pathways which are available within the local area. Students and the school’s capacity for environmentally positive action has also been increased through various innovative projects.
Listed below are some examples of how the partnership has directly benefitted Mount Lourdes students:
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Sponsorship of ICT equipment to support learning and teaching
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Sponsorship of recycling bins throughout the school, enabling 97% of all school waste to be totally recycled
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Promotion and facilitation of engaging cross-curricular learning projects eg, the Key Stage 3 Kestral Project between the Science and Art departments
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Provision of educational talks for students eg, Year 9 Sustainability Talk, Yr 10 Honeybees Talk, Yr 13 Business Finance and Marketing Talk
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Post-16 Career’s Department support eg, Careers Speakers Fair, Interview Skills Day, work experience visits
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Facilitation of visits to Mannok Headquarters and factories by students and staff
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Inclusion of Mount Lourdes in key environmental projects eg, Mannok’s Ulster Wildlife Plan launch, Flueflex low carbon technology launch
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Sponsorship of the Mannok Cup for highest achievement in GCSE Geography.
