Sperrin Prospectus 2018

2018
PROSPECTUS

GRAMMAR &
ALL-ABILITY
PATHWAYS



PURSUING
EXCELLENCE

TOGETHER

WELCOME
TO SPERRIN

Sperrin Integrated College is a co-educational, all deep understanding of the richness of cultural and
ability grant maintained integrated College located religious diversity by working alongside, in the same
on the outskirts of Magherafelt. The College was school, those of different views and faiths. They
established in 2002 following parental demand are provided, within the curriculum and the extra-
for Integrated Education in the Mid-Ulster and curricular programme opportunities that cultivate
surrounding districts. Sperrin Integrated College their understanding of themselves and others. Our
now attracts pupils from a wide catchment area, pupils develop confidence and self -worth and have
across the Mid Ulster Region and beyond. To the respectful attitudes to others.
North of Magherafelt, the College educates pupils
from Maghera, Tobermore, Knockloughrim, Bellaghy, The curriculum and learning experience, engages
Tamlagh O’ Crilly, Kilrea and surrounding areas. To pupils by making relevant connections to teenage
the South, the school serves a wide geographic area life and the world of work. Assessment for and of
from Moneymore, Cookstown, the Loup, Coagh learning rests at the heart of what we do and is
and Lissan. To the East pupils travel from Toome, crucial in helping us move our pupils forward in their
Randalstown and Antrim Town and Districts. learning. In evaluating the learning experience, we
utilise the pupil and parent voice, this ensures the
As an integrated school Sperrin, strives to promote curriculum is fresh and relevant to all our learners
equality of opportunity for all pupils, a desire for needs and the needs of the economy.
learning and encourage partnerships with parents,
to ensure all pupils reach their full potential. The Our staff continuously develop their skills to respond
approach to learning focusses on pupils developing to the ever-changing landscape of education. We
the necessary dispositions required to pursue create a stimulating learning environment where
educational excellence; therefore, our College motto academic study and intellectual pursuits are
is, ‘Pursuing Excellence Together’. cherished and valued. We recognise and develop
the unique potential of each individual pupil
The integrated ethos is an integral part of College life ensuring that stretch and challenge is coupled
and permeates all aspects of the school. The College with the necessary support. This in turn enables
currently has an approved admissions number of 80 our pupils to become questioning, independent,
and an enrolment number of 500. Initially, the College reflective young people who can appropriately
opened with 51 pupils and 6 teachers. The intake use their knowledge to understand, interpret and
reflects the truly integrated nature of our College interact with today’s society.
with a religious balance of 41% Protestant ,41%
Catholic and 18% other, of the pupil population. This
religious balance is also reflected in the governance,
leadership team, and staff at Sperrin.

Sperrin College offers pupils an enriching Mrs B A Heron
experience by providing them with opportunities to Principal-B.Ed.(Hons) PQH(NI)
develop not only their own cultural identity but to
share and learn from their peers. Pupils develop a



VISION & AIMS

Our mission is: ‘Pursuing Excellence Together’, we SPERRIN INTEGRATED COLLEGE AIMS TO:
believe this statement encompasses our desire to
ensure that all our pupils are successful in fulfilling 1. Promote equality of opportunity for all
their potential, academically, socially, culturally and
spiritually, for them to become valuable members of pupils to reach their full potential.
the wider community in which they live, learn and work.
We strive to provide a child-centred ethos in which 2. Instil in pupils a strong belief in self-respect,
every pupil has an opportunity to fulfil their potential
equally, regardless of gender, race, academic ability, self-worth, independence of thought and
socio-economic background, sexual orientation or
religious group. respect for others.
We endeavour to instil in our pupils our core values
of, respectful relationships towards everyone in the 3. Celebrate and cultivate respect, knowledge
community, self-discipline and self-worth, a strong
work -ethic and high personal expectations. and understanding for one’s own cultural and
These values are under-pinned by a strong moral religious identity and that of others, becoming
purpose based on our Christian ethos and the aims of
integrated education which promote, equality, respect responsible, valued contributors to society.
for cultural diversity, respect for all religious traditions
and those with none, faith development and learning, 4. Develop self-motivated, resilient pupils who
parental involvement and the development of social display a strong work ethic that promotes high
responsibility in our pupils. personal aspiration, a curiosity for learning
The vision, values and ethos of the school are and the necessary dispositions required to
conveyed by aiming to provide an education that is
a shared commitment between dedicated teachers, pursue educational excellence.
motivated learners and enthusiastic parents with
high expectations. 5. Appreciate and value the expertise,

guidance and support of teachers, parents
and learning partners.

6. Provide a stimulating, challenging, caring

and enriching curricular and extra-curricular

learning environment where pupils thrive.

PURSUING The interlocking rings of our school logo,
EXCELLENCE reflects the importance we place on
interdependence, connectivity and cooperation
TOGETHER - Pupils, Parents and Educators. Our pupils, past
and present, are making positive contributions
to society and are helping shape the future of
our province and beyond.

GRAMMAR &
ALL-ABILITY
PATHWAYS

SPERRIN -A SCHOOL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY ability bands. All pupils follow the Northern Ireland
Curriculum and enjoy a wide range of subjects
Sperrin College prides itself on our unique capacity delivered using innovate learning and teaching
to educate pupils from the most academically strategies. Pupils engage in formal assessments
able to those who require support in their learning. at four points in the year, this allows for monitoring
Every pupil is equally valued and their curriculum of pupil progress, raise pupil achievement and
experience at Sperrin, provides an appropriate ensure academic targets are met. At the end of
blend of support and challenge enabling all pupils each academic year the Banding Team within the
to reach their full potential. school meet and review the class bands. Parents are
informed if their child’s banded group is changed for
Sperrin College is the only school in Magherafelt the next academic year.
offering this duel entry approach providing a Grammar
and All Ability Pathway entry. This allows all children in OUR AIM IS TO ENSURE EVERY CHILD REACHES
the family to be educated to the highest standards, at THEIR FULL ACADEMIC POTENTIAL
the same school, regardless of their academic ability.
At Sperrin, our aim is to ensure that every child,
GRAMMAR ENTRY regardless of their academic ability at the point of entry,
reaches their full academic potential, developing their
Since September 2015, 35% of places at Sperrin skills and talents. A strong work ethic, coupled with
College are available for pupils for Grammar Entry. the appropriate learning dispositions are excepted
Parents of academically able pupils wishing to be from all pupils. Pupils in all ability bands are provided
considered for grammar pathway entry must clearly with opportunities to thrive, reaching success and
indicate this on the Green Transfer Form. On this meet personal and academic goals.
application form, parents must provide supporting
evidence of their child’s academic ability, based THE GRAMMAR AND TOP BANDS
on primary school assessments such as scores
from progress tests in English and Mathematics. Academically gifted pupils are provided with a
(PTE and PTM) The College will carefully consider stimulating curriculum model that will challenge and
all applications, apply the admissions criteria, and inspire their interests and talents. In addition to the
award a place at Sperrin College. The school will then subjects within the Northern Ireland curriculum, pupils
conduct baseline assessments and place pupils in in the upper academic stratum study two languages
the ability band in accordance with all relevant data. and a further subject in Computer Studies. This
A significant number of pupils at Sperrin are programme allows pupils to learn at an accelerated
academically gifted and enjoy the challenge and pace in line with their ability. All pupils within this
experience the grammar pathway offers. pathway are expected to transfer to Sixth Form study
at Sperrin, progressing onto third level education.
CLASS BANDING STRUCTURE
ALL-ABILITY BANDS
To develop the diverse talents of our pupils, we band
classes in Year 8 onwards, based on groups of similar At Sperrin, pupils in the Middle and Supported band
academic ability. In Key Stage Three we have Four are highly valued and are provided with an enriching

and inspiring curriculum. Pupils are taught the full PADRAIG TOTTEN - CLASS OF 2017 4 A GRADES @ A LEVEL
range of subjects outlined in the Northern Ireland STUDYING MEDICINE @ BRISTOL UNIVERSITY
curriculum. Pupils are provided with opportunities to
develop their skills and talents with an appropriate
blend of support and challenge. Pupils in these banded
groups have achieved high levels of success at GCSE
with a significant number transferring onto Sixth Form
study both academic and vocational courses.

FORMER HEAD GIRL
NIAMH CLARKE

FINAL YEAR STUDENT
IN FASHION DESIGN

BEIJING FASHION WEEK
2017 FINALIST

‘An excellent school with a high quality
teaching staff who get to know and
care for their pupils.’ ASPERRINPARENT2017

HEAD BOY, RYAN MARTIN - CLASS OF 2017 4 A GRADES @ A LEVEL
STUDYING MATHEMATICS @ QUEENS UNIVERSITY, BELFAST

DOMINIQUE MOONEY - CLASS OF 2017 A LEVEL SUCCESS
STUDYING DRAMA @ QUEENS UNIVERSITY

A LEVEL EXAM SUCCESS - AUGUST 2017

THE ATTRIBUTES OF A
SPERRIN LEARNER

21ST MISS L MCCLOSKEY - PEARSON UK BEGINNING
CENTURY TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2017 SILVER AWARD
LEARNING

Learning and Teaching at Sperrin College is EXCELLENCE
underpinned by our mission statement ‘Pursuing
Excellence Together’. Motivated by these principles, High aspirations in all aspects of school life are
our school climate is one which provides our promoted and expected at Sperrin College. We
students with the educational nourishment needed to believe that ability is not fixed and encourage all
ensure that they grow in confidence, capability and learners to strive towards ambitious outcomes in
character. Our aim is to ensure that our young people their learning. Aspiration is built on the foundation
are provided with a stimulating learning experience of developing learners’ subject and skills knowledge
which fully prepares them to embrace the challenges and encouraging further, independent learning
of 21st Century life. A genuine integrated ethos rests which builds on the classroom experience. In our
at the heart of the educational experience. Children view, successful learners are committed learners.
learn in an environment which celebrates and utilises Therefore, we promote the importance of hard work,
our diversity as a valuable resource in the learning engagement and readiness to learn. In order to
process. The principles of respect, understanding develop high-quality learners, who achieve excellent
and cohesion are woven into the fabric of the learning outcomes, our students are educated in a manner
and, as a consequence, Sperrin learners become which fosters their active participation and nurtures
valued contributors to our evolving society. their ability to become critical thinkers.
21st Century Learners at Sperrin College
TOGETHER
PURSUING
At Sperrin College, opportunities for working and
We nurture learners who realise the importance of learning together are viewed as enhancing the
resilience as a necessary attribute of successful learning and developing valuable life skills. A culture
learning. Therefore, we encourage learners to view of talking for learning, which promotes and respects
setbacks as a valuable part of the journey towards the inclusion of all opinions, is a well embedded
excellence. A culture of trying, reflecting and part of the learning experience. Our learners are
persevering plays an important part in building this encouraged to openly express their viewpoints, offer
necessary resilience. Our students are supported in challenge and respond to challenge from their peers.
a process of bespoke target setting which motivates In working with others, students enhance their own
them to constantly pursue their own level of learning, learn from their peers and help support the
excellence. We believe that unlocking curious minds learning of others. The concept of team spirit, allowing
is key to ensuring the continued thirst for knowledge freedom of thought, as well as fostering an ability to
our students will need as they progress through their compromise, is an important element of learning at
education and career. Sperrin College.

PARTNERSHIP KEY STAGE 4
As an Integrated school the College endeavors to
Learning is most effective when it based on a provide a curriculum that meets the needs of all
partnership involving teachers, learners and parents. learners. The Key stage 4 curriculum model is carefully
For this reason, Sperrin College adopts an approach constructed to provide pupils with a success pathway
to learning which is based on relationships of trust, that meets their learning needs and enables them to
respect and commitment between all those who play achieve successful outcomes at GCSE and level 2
a part in the journey towards success. pathways. The college uses a range of performance
data to offer pupils a 4 tiered pathway to GCSE.
PLANNING KEY STAGE 5
As an all ability school the college offers a range of
Our teachers are committed to ensuring that learning traditional and applied pathways to suit the abilities
is meticulously planned. This involves ensuring and aspirations of those who stay on at 6th form.
that progression and challenge are in place, that Students can choose pathways that consist of three
connections are made with life and work and that A Level subjects or a Double Award pathway which
opportunity is provided for the development of wider consists of one double Award subject and one other.
skills and dispositions. Sperrin College is also part of the very successful
Magherafelt Learning Partnership whereby pupils can
PASTORAL choose one subject offered by another school.

At the heart of successful learning, rests warm SUBJECTS STUDIED @ KS3, KS4 & KS5
and caring relationships which give learners the • ART & DESIGN
confidence to take risks for learning in a secure and • BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
safe environment. Providing quality feedback, which • BUSINESS & HOSPITALITY
commends effective learning and indicates the steps • BIOLOGY
towards further improvement, forms an important • CHILD DEVELOPMENT
part of our pastoral approach. We also believe that • COMPUTING
good learning should be recognised and rewarded in • CONSTRUCTION
order to encourage the sustained motivation of our • DRAMA
young people. • ENGLISH
• ENGLISH LITERATURE
KEY STAGE 3 • FRENCH
• FURTHER MATHEMATICS
Pupils at Sperrin are offered a rich curriculum • GEOGRAPHY
experience at KS3 that is in line with the Northern • HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE DOUBLE AWARD
Ireland statutory curriculum. The purpose of the • HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE SINGLE AWARD
curriculum is to expose pupils to learning experiences • HISTORY
in all disciplines to enable them to develop a wide • HOME ECONOMICS
range of cross curricular skills. Lessons at the • ICT
college are well planned with a focus on developing • IRISH
transferable skills and form the foundation of learning • LEARNING FOR LIFE AND WORK
and achievement at KS4 and 5. • MATHEMATICS
• MOTOR VEHICLE AND ROAD USERS STUDIES
• MOVING IMAGE ARTS
• MUSIC
• DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
• SPORT AND LEISURE
• PERFORMANCE SKILLS
• PERFORMING ARTS
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• RELIGIOUS STUDIES
• SCIENCE – DOUBLE AWARD
• SCIENCE – SINGLE AWARD
• SPANISH
• TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN
• TRAVEL & TOURISM

LESSON STRUCTURE
IN SPERRIN COLLEGE

PASTORAL
CARE

Sperrin Integrated College is a Child Centred school very highest levels of positive behaviour in class,
in which the care, welfare and needs of its pupils is a during free time and travelling to and from school.
high priority. The College believes that the well being Pupils who are accepted into the College must
of its pupils is paramount to their overall academic adhere to the Pupil Code of Conduct and the Positive
progress and success. Learning Behaviour Policy.

All members of staff at Sperrin have responsibility for PUPIL VOICE
the care and well-being of pupils. We operate a well
structured system to ensure that pupils are looked At Sperrin the opinions of our pupils are valued. The
after. Every pupil belongs to a Form Group who Pupils’ Council is the forum in which pupils can express
are guided by a Learning Tutor. The Learning Tutor their views and voice ideas on issues that relate to
leads the class, and is responsible for monitoring them and our College community. The Council is
the welfare needs, attendance, academic progress made up of two elected representatives from each
and behaviour of each child in their group. This class who act as spokespersons. Comments from
teacher also delivers the Positive Learning Behaviour this forum will be given serious consideration.
programme on a fortnightly basis. Learning Tutors
are supported by their Year Head who monitor their The Head of Learning for Life and Work organises
Year Group’s progress. the meetings and the Principal is invited to attend
by the pupils.
Pupils are additionally supported by a specialist team
including our Senior Leader for Learning Support and PASTORAL POLICY
the Vice Principal.
Staff, pupils and pupils follow procedures and
Pupils who require extra support can access the New protocals as set out in our pastoral policies. These
Life Counseling Service and Behaviour support from allow pupils to thrive in a positive learning environment.
the Education Authority. All policies can be viewed on our school website and
include the school’s Behaviour for Learning policy,
Pupils at Sperrin are expected to demonstrate the Relationships and Sexuality policy and Drug Policy.

‘I cannot rate the pastoral care at the school highly enough.
The commitment of the teaching staff to the individual child
is exceptional. It is clear they care about all aspects of the
child’s school experience.’ ASPERRINPARENT2017

INDUCTION PROGRAMMES

The College recognises that transition from
Primary to post primary can be challenging
therefore a comprehensive induction programme
is in place for new year 8 pupils to support their first
term in the College. Transition between key stages is
also planned for and induction programmes are carried
out by the Key Stage 4 and 5 Year Teams.

HOUSE & REWARDS SYSTEM

The College acknowledges the success of its
pupils in all areas. The College rewards pupils for
excellent academic achievement, positive behaviour,
involvement in sport and positive contribution to
school life. Rewards are given to pupils on a regular
basis and help to enhance the positive atmosphere in
the College.

In addition, all pupils are members of one of four
houses – Moyola, Gallion, Sawel and Dart. House
competitions are held throughout the year with Sports
Day being the most significant event. House winners
are rewarded at the end of the school year.

BI-ANNUAL SKI TRIP EXTRA -

SPERRIN DANCE TROUP ‘LINKED’ Pupils have the opportunity to take part in a wide range
of extra-curricular activities at Sperrin. The College
YEAR 8 NEEBSA CAMOGIE CHAMPIONS believes that participation in extracurricular activities
NOVEMBER 2017 helps students to develop social skills, encourages a
healthy mind, body and spirit and develops them as
YEAR 8 BOYS GAELIC TEAM - FIRST confident, articulate young people who will contribute
INTEGRATED WINNERS OF THE OISIN to their community positively in the future.
MCGRATH CUP - JUNE 2017
SPORT

Physical Education and the use of sport to develop
physical health as well as Leadership skills is very
important to our College. Our excellent facilities,
added to those which are available to us locally
through Greenvale Leisure Centre and Meadowbank
Sports Arena mean that we have the opportunity to
develop many sports that appeal to pupils cultural
identity and personal preferences. Participation in
After School Sports is strongly encouraged. A large
percentage of our pupils get the opportunity to play
in a team by attending weekly training sessions. The
college has a successful profile in many sports at
club, county and national level.

SPORTS OFFERED CURRENTLY INCLUDE:

Athletics || Dance Class || Netball || Table Tennis
Badminton || Gaelic Football || Orienteering
Tennis || Basketball || Girls Soccer || Rugby
Volleyball || Camogie || Gymnastics || Soccer
Cross Country || Hockey || Swimming

Our PE staff have established links with coaching
bodies for all major sports and representatives of
these bodies assist with some Extra Curricular Sport.

Athletics, indoor and outdoor
Integrated Schools Netball
Rugby competitions || Hockey Tournaments
Soccer Leagues || Inter Schools’ Cross Country
Integrated Schools Gaelic || Ulster Schools Gaelic
NEBSSA Camogie Championships

1ST XV - ULSTER HIGH SCHOOL’S CUP FINALISTS
JANUARY 2018

- CURRICULAR

MUSIC AND CULTURE WORK BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCE

At Sperrin, Music is promoted as something with Pupils in Year 12 and Year 13 each get an opportunity
intrinsic value, and as a way of broadening the pupils’ to have a placement in an employment situation of
cultural experience. As a result our choir is very active their choice. This helps them to focus their thinking
and the school organises tuition in singing, clarinet, on possible future careers.
flute, percussion, drums, electric and acoustic guitar,
Traditional Irish music and piano. The school has an
Orchestra featuring a wide range of string, wind and
percussion instrumentalists.

ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES

In order to enhance learning, the College provides ‘IGNITE ‘ - SCRIPTURE UNION
pupils with a wealth of opportunities to learn and YEAR 8 VISITING SEAMUS HEANEY ‘HOMEPLACE’
achieve beyond the classroom. Many of our pupils
participate in these extra-curricular activities.
These include:

History Trip to Poland || House Competitions
Art competitions || Sponsored Walk
Nerve Centre Links || Young Enterprise
Poetry Competition || Computer Club
Public Speaking Competitions
Drama Club || Pupils’ Council
Educational Trips || Subject based workshops
Film and Media Competitions
Story Writing Competitions || Ignite (SU)
Theatre Visits || Foyle Film Festival
Homework Club/Study support
School Production Autumn every three years
Ski Trip for Year 9/10 & Sixth Form every two years
Sixth Form Habitat for Humanity Overseas Project
June every two years

CHARITY WORK

As part of our ongoing work with our pupils,
raising awareness for the needs of others both
in our community and beyond is very important.
We encourage our pupils to be active in charitable
organisations and fund raising activities. Our pupils
contribute to, and have fund-raised for:

Macmillan Cancer Care || Marie Curie Cancer Care WHOLE SCHOOL PRODUCTION
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal ‘GREASE’
The Salvation Army Christmas Hamper Appeal
Habitat for Humanity

YEAR 8

We recognise that whilst the transition from primary building activities including ‘Segway Body Zorbing
school can be exciting, it can be stressful for both and archery (to name but a few). This is an excellent
pupils and parents. The welfare, care and support of opportunity to establish firm, supportive friendships
our First Year pupils are of paramount importance to and helps to bond the year group.
us, therefore we have a carefully structured Induction
Programme led by a specialist Head of First Year. THE WELCOME SERVICE

PARENT INDUCTION EVENT - JUNE The Welcome Service marks the end of the Induction
Programme for First Year pupils. Pupils showcase
All parents of First Year pupils are invited to the College their work and perform music and drama pieces.
in June before their child starts. This is an excellent Parents, grandparents and the whole family enjoy this
opportunity for parents to familiarise themselves with wonderful evening of celebration.
school policies, subjects which their child will study,
and provides parents with an opportunity to share ASSESSMENT, EXAMINATIONS, REPORTING
information with us at Sperrin. A Parent Handbook will AND PARENT TEACHER CONSULATION
provide parents with all the information they require.
Pupils are assessed regularly during the school year
THE FIRST DAY - AUGUST and receive two reports annually. Formal assessments
take place at four points of each year, this allows for
The first ‘official’ school day starts in late August monitoring of pupil progress and facilities learning
for First Year pupils and is organised solely for their and teaching planning. All parents are invited to the
needs. First Year pupils will work with their Form College for a Parent Teacher Meeting each year and
Teacher who will support and familiarise them by individual meetings are arranged as necessary to
addressing things such as timetables and use of the monitor progress.
refectory. They will also be given a tour of the College.

TEAM BUILDING DAY

A highlight of the Induction Programme is our
Outdoor Activity Day in early September. First Year
pupils, their Form Teacher and Year Head go to an
Outdoor Pursuits Centre and do all kinds of team

“Sperrin College gives outstanding
care for every individual, no matter who,
where or when.”
ATHENA BRUCE - SPERRIN PUPIL

SCHOOL SCHOOL UNIFORM
LIFE
Sperrin College Blazer
White shirt & College clip-on tie
Compulsory College Navy Jumper
Girls, grey College skirt with navy tights

Boys, grey trousers
Black shoes

A DAY IN SPERRIN COLLEGE

09:00 - 09:15 AM REGISTRATION 8AL

09:15 - 10:07 AM PERIOD 1 ART 8P1

10:07 - 11:00 AM PERIOD 2 MATHS 8GM
11:00 - 11:15 AM BREAK
11:15 - 12:07 PM PERIOD 3 ENGLISH 8GE
12:07 - 12:50 PM PERIOD 4 LUNCH

12:50 - 13:38 PM PERIOD 5 SPANISH 8GE

13:38 - 14:33 PM PERIOD 6 SCIENCE 8GM

14:33 - 15:25 PM PERIOD 7 R.S. 8GE

END OF SCHOOL DAY
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

‘My child has attended for over 6 years. He is extremely
happy in the school environment and I have always found the
staff very approachable about any of my concerns.
An excellent school.’ A SPERRIN PARENT 2017

Distinctive Girls & Boys PE Top Official school uniforms available from
Uni-sex shorts and tracksuit bottoms Sportique, Magherafelt and Cuddy’s , Magherafelt
Official Sperrin College 1/4 Zip
Navy Socks

REACHING
EVERY
CHILD’S
POTENTIAL

SUPPORTING LEARNING AT SPERRIN This blend of support and challenge is centeral to
our school aims and ethos. We aim to instil in all our
At Sperrin we believe that every child can reach their pupils a strong belief in self-respect and self worth.
full potential when they fully engage in the learning We aim to help all learners to develop a strong work
experience we offer within the classroom and beyond. ethic that promotes high personal aspiration.
We aim to provide a stimulating and interesting
learning environment that allows every pupil to reach
their full potential. Pupils with additional learning
needs benefit from targeted support by giving them
encouragement and confidence to develop as
independent learners. This will allow pupils to achieve
personal goals, develop skills and provide them with
qualifications and opportunities for them to become
effective contributors to society.

ASSESSMENT

USING ASSESSMENT TO MAXIMISE POTENTIAL PROGRESSION
OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL
Pupils are assessed formally four times per year in
Assessment is an integral part of the learning process each subject. With guidance from their teachers,
at Sperrin College. As an all ability School we use pupils set their own personal targets for each subject.
a variety of assessment tools to track every pupil’s After each Assessment point pupils reflect on the
progress in learning. A ‘whole pupil approach’ is various aspects of their learning that contributed to
taken where a range of data is taken into account, their level of success in a Personal Learning Log.
along with the professional judgement of our teachers Their progress is then discussed with their Learning
to make a decision on progress of an individual in Tutor and signed off by their parent/guardian.
relation to their ability.
Pupils also complete Progress Tests in English (PTE)and
SETTING A BASELINE Maths (PTM) each summer. These standardised tests
further identify strengths and potential for improvement
Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT4) are standardised in specific skill areas of these key subjects.
tests that are used to indicate a pupil’s potential
performance on entry to the school and again mid- REWARD AND CHALLENGE
way through Year 10. This data reveals strengths and
weaknesses in terms of their raw ability along with Assessment data is reviewed after each assessment
the application of words and number and compares point by subject teachers, Heads of Department,
pupils with their peers and the whole population. Learning Tutors and Heads of Year. Pupils are
rewarded when they consistently meet and exceed
their personal targets. If pupils fall short of their
personal targets, then barriers to learning would be
identified and addressed to enable them to overcome
challenges and make progress.

REPORTING

Parents/guardians of Key Stage 3 pupils will receive
a progress summary at Christmas and a full report at
the end of each academic year.

Grammar Band 100%
GCSE Maths
results PASS RATE FOR 2 OR MORE
A LEVELS - AUGUST 2017
100%

A*- C

67%
achieving

A* - A

2017

100% ART, BUSINESS STUDIES, CHEMISTRY,
ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES,
GEOGRAPHY, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE,
HISTORY, ICT, MATHEMATICS, MOVING
IMAGES ARTS, PERFORMING ARTS,
A LEVEL A*-C GRADES IN: POLISH AND SPORTS STUDIES

81% 81% OF ALL PUPILS ACHIEVING GCSE
GRADES IN THE A*-C RANGE
GCSE A*-C GRADES
WELL ABOVE THE NORTHERN IRELAND
AVERAGE FOR SIMILAR SCHOOLS

A 2017 SURVEY INDICATED THAT STUDENTS
CONSIDERED THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT WITHIN
SPERRIN INTEGRATED COLLEGE TO BE

OUTSTANDING

SIXTH FORM

Our Sixth Form is a vibrant hub within our school MLP PARENT AND PUPIL INFORMATION EVENING
community where enthusiastic 16 – 18 year old
students relish the opportunities we offer to them at Students who choose to study a subject in one of our
this stage of their education. We welcome students partner schools have the opportunity to meet their
who have a positive attitude to work, and who aim to new teachers before embarking on collaboration.
benefit from, and make a positive contribution to Sixth
Form Life. Our Sixth Form students set the tone and SENIOR STUDENTS PRIZE GIVING
standard for the school, they are examples of good
behaviour, positive support and community spirit. All students and their families are invited to celebrate
their GCSE achievements. This event takes places
THE AIMS OF SIXTH FORM ARE: early in September.

• To empower our learners to achieve their potential SIXTH FORM FORMAL
and to make informed and responsible decisions
throughout their lives. The highlight of the Sixth Form Induction is the
Formal Night. Year 13 and 14 students attend the
• To ensure all our students leave Sperrin Integrated school formal which is usually held in the Glenavon
College with transferable skills. Hotel, Cookstown.

• To develop students who are confident, motivated PASTORAL SUPPORT
and who maximise their potential.
Sixth Form students are placed in Form Classes –
• To give all students the opportunity for high quality there are two form classes in Lower Sixth and two in
academic study at A level leading to entrance to Upper Sixth. These form classes are led by specially
University/College. trained teachers who cater for the pastoral needs
of older students. During the Induction Programme,
• To prepare our students for the challenges of the Form Teachers meet with the students and set
working world beyond the school. individual targets.

• To develop a culture of self-evaluation, reflection
and target setting.

• To provide opportunities in Vocational
qualifications which can lead to College or
directly to employment.

• To celebrate success.

SIXTH FORM WELCOME DAY

Lower Sixth students participate in a Welcome Day
early in September. The structure of the day includes
Integration in Action, Assessment for Learning
including identifying Learning Styles, and a session
on Study Skills.

TEAM BUILDING

All Lower Sixth students along with their Form
Teachers and Year Head go to an Outdoor Activity
Centre and participate in team building activities.

INDUCTION TO A LEVELS

At the start of each new Key Stage in your child’s life,
we invite parents to an Information Session where we
give them an overview of the Key Stage their child is
commencing. Introduction to A Levels takes place in
early September.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SIXTH FORM WHAT EXTRA OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
AT SPERRIN?
At Sperrin Integrated College we encourage our Sixth
• A dedicated 6th Form Study and Form students to participate in Extra-Curricular and
Recreational Room Super-Curricular activities. These enrichment tasks
show you are interested in your studies beyond what
• A fully Integrated environment is on the school syllabus. Extra-Curricular and Super-
• Committed teachers Curricular activities are specially chosen to enhance
• Excellent ICT facilities which support a modern our students’ chances of entry into highly competitive
• approach to Teaching and Learning third level education courses. We emphasise the
• Extensive Extra-Curricular provision need for our students to participate in these activities
• Focussed UCAS preparation in order to build a strong individual profile.
• Flexible use of Refectory for Sixth Form students
• Outstanding Careers Support and Career Path Some of the additional opportunities we offer to Sixth
Form Students include:
Advice (CEIAG)
• Significant Enrichment Programme • Building Homes with Habitat for Humanity
• State of the Art facilities on a beautifully • Poland Trip
• Driving Lesson opportunities
landscaped site • Mentoring Programme for younger students
• Wide range of subjects offered • Prefect System
• Pupil Leadership Opportunities
LEADERSHIP & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT • School Formal
• Theatre Visits
All Sixth Form students are expected to be role • Sporting Activities
models and potential leaders. The development of
leadership skills is a particular strength of our Sixth MAGHERAFELT LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
Form pupils. A wide variety of opportunities are
available to develop and demonstrate leadership At Sixth Form the curriculum is further extended
and responsibility skills, such as participation in through Magherafelt Learning Partnership (MLP). All
the Rotary Youth Leadership Competition. All Sixth post primary schools in Magherafelt are members
Form students will have the opportunity to become of MLP. MLP are fully committed to making the
prefects, and the Head Boy & Girl team are elected educational experience of all our students something
after a rigorous interview process. Sixth Form that is second to none. Our partner schools within
prefects are expected to run the School Council, MLP are committed to ensuring that Sixth Form
organise the school Formal and assist in a multitude pupils experience diverse Teaching and Learning
of whole school activities such as lunchtime clubs, styles. Collaboration at Sixth Form level benefits all
charity events, conduct guided tours and embody the our students by increasing the number of courses
ethos of Sperrin Integrated College. Participation in available to them.
such activities enables the students to develop skills
which will be extremely useful in their futures.

“I love my school - the teachers are very
helpful, caring, supportive and always
manage to get the best out of us all”

A YEAR 13 STUDENT - 2017

UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, ALL QUOTATIONS ARE TAKEN FROM A WHOLESCHOOL SURVEY CONDUCTED IN 2017

www.sperrincollege.com

Sperrin College 39 Pound Road
Magherafelt BT45 6NR
Tel No: 028 7963 4177

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