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.
Pastoral Provision
Personal Development
The pastoral curriculum is designed to assist the personal development of each student in order that she may take full advantage of the opportunities offered to her in school, and be prepared for adult life. On entering Mount Lourdes each student is assigned to a form teacher who delivers the school’s Learning for Life and Work Programme. This enables the teacher to establish a close relationship with a small group of students, and so allows for the development of trust and support within the form group. This system enables each student to play
her full part in the life of the school and permits her academic progress to be monitored. Relationships and Sexuality Education, Drug Awareness and advice on personal safety measures are included in the Personal Development Programme. We appreciate the challenge that the transition to our school poses for new students in Years 8 and 13. The Heads of Year, form teachers and subject teachers aim to help these students manage this change with ease, giving them support, encouragement, guidance and advice on personal safety measures are an inherent part of PD Programmes at all Key Stages. A Pastoral Evening is held for all Year 8 Students during Term 1.
Child Protection
A Child Protection Policy operates in Mount Lourdes. We aim to protect the students in our care by ensuring that all personnel have clear guidance on the detection and management of situations where abuse or neglect of a child is suspected. In all their contact with students, staff in Mount Lourdes follow the guidance and procedures described in the DENI publication 1999/10 ‘Pastoral Care in schools - Child Protection’. Copies of the school’s Child Protection, Pastoral Care, Electronic Information and Substance Use and Misuse Policies are made available to parents/ guardians biannually.
Mentoring
An Anti- Bullying Policy operates in the school. To make it easier for students to raise concerns about bullying behaviours, a group of senior students have been trained as mentors. Referrals are treated in a confidential manner and reports of bullying incidents are dealt with according to agreed procedures.
School Counselling Service
New Life Counselling offers a school based counselling service which operates in line with DENI guidelines.
The school’s Safeguarding Team
Chair of the Board of Governors: Monsignor Peter O’Reilly
Designated Governor for Child Protection: Mrs Teresa Murray
Principal: Mrs Sinead Cullen
Designated Teacher: Mrs Michelle Judge
Deputy Designated Teacher: Mrs Sinead Cullen (Principal)
Head of Learning Support: Mrs Mary Keaney
ICT Co-Ordinator: Mrs Marcella O’Reilly
Senior Teacher: Mrs Shauna Rice
Extra Curricular Provision
Participation in extra-curricular activities is activelyencouraged in Mount Lourdes. It helps developpositive relationships between students, staff,parents, the wider community and other schoolsand helps students develop confidence and apositive self-image. A varied and challenging rangeof activities is provided in which students maychoose to participate. Some of these activities areoffered at lunchtime and others are available afterschool.
• An Cumann Gaelach
• Badminton
• Ceili Band
• Craft
• Cross-Country
• Current Affairs
(Junior and Senior)
• Dance
• Drama
• ECO Club
• French, Irish and
Spanish Clubs
• Gaelic Football
• History
• Homework Club
• Junior and Senior
Grupa Ceoil
• Netball
• Orchestra
• Public Speaking
and Debating
• Science/Gardening
Clubs
• Senior and Junior
Choirs
• Sports Hall Athletics
• String Orchestra
• Taekwondo
• Theatre Visits
• Track and Field
• Tuition in a range
of instruments
• Vocal Tuition
• Volunteering
• Wind Band
Subjects Offered
Optional Subjects at Key Stage 3 (Years 8 - 10)
• Art and Design
• Citizenship
• English
• French
• Geography
• German
• 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
four 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
All students sit nine subjects at GCSE level.
Subjects Offered at AS/A level
• Applied Business Studies
• Applied Health and Social Care
(Single & Double Award)
• Applied moving images Art*
• Applied Science
• Art and Design
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Creative Media Productions (BTEC Level 3)*
• Digital Technology
• Economics
• Engineering (BTEC Level 3)*
• English Literature
• French
• Geography
• German
Optional Subjects
• Art and Design
• Digital Technology
• Drama
• Economics
• English Literature
• French
• Geography
• German
• History
• Home Economics
• Irish
• Music
• Spanish
• Technology and Design
• Government and Politics
• History
• Home Economics
• Irish
• Mathematics
• Moving Images Art*
• Music
• Performing Arts (BTEC Level 3)*
• Physics
• Physical Education
• Religious Studies
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Technology & Design
(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
Uniform
The wearing of the regulation school uniform is compulsory. All items must be school regulation style and colours. The school blazer must be worn daily by all students. All articles of clothing and shoes should be clearly marked with the owner's name.
Compulsory
School Blazer
Dark Navy Knee Length Skirt*
Turquoise Blouse (Long Sleeved or Short Sleeved)
School Tie (clip-on version)
Navy Cardigan (Key Stage 3)
V-Neck School Pullover (Key Stage 4 and Post 16)
Plain Black Leather Shoes**
Navy Knee Length Socks or Navy Tights
Optional
Plain Navy/Black Outdoor Coat/Jacket
School Scarf (non-regulation scarves are not permitted)
*Double Pleated Version for KS3 and KS4 Students
** Canvas, coloured or ornamented shoes, boots, stilettos or trainers are not permitted
Suppliers
G Hicks & Son, Lisnaskea
S D Kells & Co, Enniskillen, Irvinestown, Lisnaskea
Physical Education Kit
Compulsory
Mount Lourdes T-shirt
Mount Lourdes Shorts
All students must wear suitable trainers and white sports socks for PE
Optional
Mount Lourdes Half-Zip Hoody
Plain Navy Track Bottoms
Mount Lourdes Kit Bag
Supplier
O'Neills, Enniskillen
