St. Mary's Prospectus 2023

St. Mary’s College
Community - Faith - Excellence
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Our Principal, Mr Brendan McGinn
Welcome to our school prospectus! So,
what is St Mary’s College truly about?
From day one, your child will become the most important part of our St Mary’s
family. Our wraparound provision will support your child’s wellbeing, meet their
academic and pastoral needs and develop and celebrate their gifts and skills.
Your child will grow, flourish and mature within a vibrant, progressive and exciting
teaching and learning environment.
Furthermore, your child will be taught by an award winning and widely celebrated
staff, experience a curriculum which is unique, flexible and engaging, meet our past
pupils who continue to play a significant role in our curriculum and avail of facilities
which are simply second to none. Our extra-curricular provision is extensive and
wide ranging including a Saturday Wellbeing School.
Your child will join a school steeped in and formed by its proud and distinguished
history and it is these Sisters of Mercy and Gospel values that continue to shape
everything we do at the school. Joining St Mary’s College means your child
becomes part of a Microsoft Showcase School of Excellence, ideally placed to
support outstanding digital learning.
St Mary’s College is a hugely popular choice for our primary seven pupils and we
are fortunate to have such excellent primary schools in the Foyle area. The school
is an all-ability one and ideally placed to cater for pupils studying four A levels to
ones undertaking purely vocational courses.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read through our prospectus. Should
you wish to speak with me or any staff member about any aspect of school life at
St Mary’s College, I would really encourage you to ring (02871362154) or email us
at office@stmarysderry.com.
Finally, I wish you and your child the very best in your choice of school for
September 2023.
Brendan McGinn (Principal)
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Introducing our Junior and Senior Head Girls
Shannon Peake, Senior Head Girl
Cameron Kelly, Junior Head Girl
My name is Shannon Peake, Head Girl in my final year. I remember the process
of choosing my post primary school was challenging and I had to give careful
consideration to what the schools were offering me. I chose St Mary’s College as
my parents and I recognised it was a school leading the way in many areas that
interested me including music and drama. I was an eager 11-year-old inspired by the
illustrious past pupils and their many achievements.
St Mary’s College encourages pupils to go beyond the classroom especially with its
extra-curricular programme at lunchtime, after school and at Saturday school. As a
year 8 pupil I got involved in a range of extra-curricular activities; it was then I realised
I loved drama. I attended Saturday school and participated in dance. My experiences
influenced my A level subject choices. I am studying Performing Arts, Technology and
Religious Studies.
The education you will receive at the school will be exemplary. I have been inspired
by my teachers who have developed in me an interest in studying primary school
teaching. I am applying to the top teaching universities in the UK.
St Mary’s is a caring school and I feel I belong to a family where there is a strong
sense of community among staff and pupils.
My name is Cameron Kelly, Junior Head Girl and in year 10. Choosing St Mary’s was
easy for me as my mum is a past pupil and she received an excellent education.
My mum has very fond memories of her time at the school, and she made lifelong
friends. I was excited to start post-primary school as I wanted to explore the many
different subjects on offer. I immediately immersed myself in my subjects and the
extra-curricular activities available. The school has given me opportunities to develop
my talents in music and sport. I have achieved my Grade 5 in Speech and Drama,
Grade 5 Singing, Grade 4 piano and I was awarded Player of the Year in my Gaelic
Team. I am also a key member of our school Gaelic Team.
It was a great honour to be elected as Junior Head Girl. As Head Girl for the junior
school, I lead the Junior Leadership Team in supporting Key Stage 3 pupils. I was
recently given the opportunity to lead my team in promoting Anti-Bullying Week at the
KS3 assembly. I thoroughly enjoy the countless opportunities I am given to represent
St Mary’s College. I am really enjoying my school experience and I know I will have
many more opportunities over the next number of years to achieve my best both
academically and in my music and sport. I know I have made the right choice.
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Where pupils feel safe and are cared for
Our mission statement “A community of learners growing in faith, learning for
life and aiming for excellence” captures the essence of St Mary’s College. Our
fundamental aim is the education of the whole person, blending learning with
faith, and faith with daily life. We aspire to create an open, happy, stimulating
and mutually respectful community environment in which young people are able
to develop to the full range of their abilities and talents in a balanced, integrated
and generous way.
We have in place a pastoral system designed to support your daughter and
indeed yourself through all of the challenges a school and indeed life presents.
Let us introduce to you key members of the pastoral team.
Mrs Roisin Rice – Vice Principal/
Junior School
Mrs Katrina Kealey – Senior teacher
for Junior School
Roxanne Nixon, Neighbourhood
Regeneration Officer and Conor Lynch
School Co-ordinator of S.M.I.L.E
S.M.I.L.E. (St Mary’s Individual Learning Experience): This programme provides
support to our pupils in the following areas: anxiety, mental health, social isolation,
family and home life, bereavement and sexual identity. Roxanne Nixon works
closely with our pastoral care team and the co-ordinator of S.M.I.L.E. Mr Conor
Lynch. Working in collaboration with our Community Partners, St Mary’s offers
additional support to pupils and their families where they can access specialist
programmes to address their needs and help them engage in school experiences
and the wider community.
Mrs Karen Holt – Designated Teacher
for Safeguarding
Ms Roxanne Nixon, Neighbourhood
Regeneration Officer
Mr Eugene Moore – Education
Co-ordinator (SENCo)
Mr Sean McBride - Head of Year 8
Mr Conor Lynch - S.M.I.L.E Co-ordinator and Head
of Standards for KS3
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Moving to St Mary’s College: The Big Sister Programme
Transitioning from Primary School to Post-Primary School can be an understandable
challenge for pupils. At St Mary’s College, we have an engaging and effective
transition programme that begins in year 7. We have strong links with our local
primary schools and value their outstanding work and guidance.
We invite all our Year 8 pupils and their families to a Welcome Ceremony to celebrate
the beginning of a new chapter with us. Each Year 8 form class has 2 “Big Sisters”
who not only shadow the class but keep a close eye on the pupils, ensuring they
settle into new friendship groups. These “Big Sisters” are our most senior pupils who
are well versed in supporting the newest members to our school community. “Big
Sisters” communicate regularly with our pastoral team, including your child’s form
tutor and Head of Year, and it is a very effective way of monitoring every pupil, as they
become accustomed to their new school.
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Our faith in action
At St. Mary’s College, we are strongly committed to building and strengthening the
Catholic ethos of the school. Underlying our teaching and our relationships are the
Gospel Values of Trust, Respect, Understanding, Truth and Hope. This is embodied
in our Truth badge which every pupil receives in Year 8 and wears throughout their
time with us
Our aim is that pupils show respect and care for one another and for all who work
in this place of learning. As a mercy school, led by the legacy of Catherine McAuley
and the Sisters of Mercy, pupils extend their concern to those less fortunate
through prayer and charitable service. We have a continued focus on home, school
and parish links.
The Catholic ethos permeates every aspect of our school life. This begins every
morning with our morning prayer where we gather as a community of faith in
action. We celebrate the various liturgical events which punctuate the school
calendar supported by our School Chaplain, Fr. Paul Farren. Throughout the year
there are an array of opportunities of faith formation through Charitable work,
Masses of Celebration, Pope John Paul II Award, Pupil Enrichment Programme,
Assemblies and Retreats. Our school is committed to developing confident women
with a strong sense of justice who demonstrate social responsibility, care for those
in our communities and foster a spirit of inclusion.
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Where pupils are welcomed
Year 8 Induction/
Welcome ceremony
Year 8 Summer
School
Year 8 Extra-curricular
programme
Miss Emma-Jayne Kelly -
Primary Secondary Links
Coordinator
> Ceremony of Light
> Year 8 Mass
> Presentation of Truth Badge
and School Prayer
> Welcome Pack
> Introduction to The Pastoral
Team
> Safeguarding Guidelines
> Street Dance
> Cheerleading
> Drama
> Singing
> Circus Acts
> Puppet Theatre
> Outdoor/Indoor pursuits
> Choir and Orchestra
> Board and Social Games
> Netball
> Gaelic & Soccer
> Cross Country
> STEM Club
> Fun Fitness
> Gymnastics / Trampolining
> Gaming
> Chess Club
> ESPORTS
> Debating
> Gifted & Talented Maths club
> Irish Traditional Music Club
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Where pupils have fun
Saturday School - A partnership between St Mary’s College & Lisneal College
Pupils from St Marys College and Lisneal College enjoy making new friends, learning new skills and most importantly having fun together every Saturday morning!
Pupils can choose from a range of fun activities. All activities are free of charge.
Dance
Bowling
Arts & Crafts
Home
Economics
Miss Yvonne Connolly
Senior Teacher/
Extended Schools
Coordinator
Saturday School Tutors
Mr Baird (Lisneal College),
Mrs McLaughlin,
Mrs McClements
(Lisneal College) and
Ms Smallwoods.
Saturday School Tutors
Ms McGranaghan, Mrs
Blair and Ms Murray
Boxercise
Horse Riding
Nail Art
Twisters
Swimming
Minecraft
Club
Technology
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Health and Wellbeing for Staff and Pupils
Message from Leader of Wellbeing – Mrs Molloy
I feel very privileged to have the very important role of Leader of Wellbeing in St. Mary’s College. I coordinate
and plan opportunities for every pupil and staff member to partake in the 5 ways to wellbeing. With
half of our staff trained in Mental Health First Aid, this school is taking seriously the area of wellbeing.
Positive, confident, resilient, kind, happy individuals successfully manage and overcome difficulties and live a
balanced and fulfilling life. Your Health, Wellbeing and Happiness will remain key priorities for us.
Message from Ambassador
- Kate McMonagle
Wellbeing matters because you matter. Having a positive mind-set,
being self-aware of your physical and mental wellbeing and looking out
for each other give us the power to achieve all of our dreams. At St
Mary’s College the students and staff work hard daily to address this
area and I am proud to be the school’s ambassador for 2022/23.
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Sprinkle Kindness around like Confetti
We want to recognise & celebrate our pupils not just for their academic achievements in school, but for their Compassion, Empathy and Respect
which they show to one another.
We have introduced a “Kindness Counts” Award to encourage our pupils to be kinder to themselves, each other & the wider school community.
We want to embed a culture of Kindness throughout our school so that every pupil is a “Happy Pupil” and therefore a “Successful Pupil”.
“The smallest Act of Kindness is worth more than the Greatest Intention” Kahlil Gibran
5 ways to wellbeing
Keep
active
Give
Take
notice
Connect
Keep
learning
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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A school day in the life of Stella Mc Monagle
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Hi there! My name is Stella Mc Monagle. I am
a Year 8 pupil and I am here to tell you about
a day in St Mary’s College. This is my Monday
timetable. Don’t tell anyone but this school
is absolutely brilliant and I love being a St
Mary’s girl!
ST. MARY’S COLLEGE
My Diary
Stella McMonagle - Year 8
8.10 - 8.40am: You can go to Breakfast club or
Computer Club
8.45am: My school day begins by meeting my
friends in the assembly hall. I join my
form class, listen to important notices
and say a prayer.
8.50am: I go to my form class w ith my
form tutor who w ill check to see if
everyone is doing okay and to take my
attendance.
9.00 - 10.20am: I have a double lesson in Home
Economics
10.10 - 10.20: Break time
10.20 - 11.40am: Next I have a double Information
Technology (IT) lesson
11.40: It’s lunchtime
What can I do at lunchtime? W ell, let’s
have a look:
- Orchestra
- Board & Social Games
- Cross Country
- Quiz Club
- Stem Club

12.25pm:
12.40pm:
1.20pm:
1.55pm:
2.30pm:
- Environment Club
- History Club
- Traditional Group
- Fun Fitness
- Comic & Gaming Club
15 mins w ith my form tutor who checks
in to see how we are doing and of
course our attendance and punctuality
Now I have an English lesson
Next I have a lesson in Learning for
Life & W ork (LLW)
Lesson 7 is History
And my final lesson, lesson 8, is
Mathematics. This lesson ends at 3.10pm.
After school activities - well, let’s have a look!!
- Gymnastics &
Trampolining Tumbling
Club
- Gaelic Football
- Soccer
- Esports Club (gaming)
- Netball
- Choir
Home time is 3.10pm but if you stay after
school and attend a club, transport is
organised.
I also study:
- Science
- Religious Education (RE)
- Music
- Geography
- Physical Education (PE)
- Art & Design
- Technology & Design
- Enrichment
- Drama
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Where pupils learn best
St Mary’s College is an innovative, forward thinking school, embracing new and emerging technologies. Our teaching staff engage in Continuous Professional
Development to ensure we are up to date with research on the effectiveness of different teaching methodologies. Excellence in teaching and learning ensures each pupil is
given the ideal opportunities to reach their potential.
Religious Studies
Science
Home Economics & Child Development
PE
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

In the classroom
Maths Geography ICT
English
Drama
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Where pupils achieve the outstanding
History
English
Learning for
Life and Work
Art
Technology
& Design
Languages
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Key Stage 3 Rewarding
Learners
In St Mary’s College we recognise that learning
is a process. Our young people need guidance
and nurture to achieve their full potential. We
have introduced an innovative reward scheme
that recognises pupils when they display a
positive learning behaviour. Pupils earn merit
stickers from their teachers in class and parents
can follow their child’s progress by checking
the merit stickers collected in the homework
diary. Pupils are motivated to learn by our Merit
Badges. Pupils receive a merit badge to wear
proudly on their blazer
Learner of the Month
We celebrate our pupils every month at St
Mary’s College when we award a ‘Learner of
the Month’ to some pupils from each form class
in Year 8, 9 and 10. This is based on the merit
stickers they have collected that month and
other positive learning behaviours.
Rewarding Learners
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Unlocking the potential
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Pupils with dreams become young women with vision
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Inspiring
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Engaging
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Guiding
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Motivating
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Achieving
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Preparing
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Extra-curricular clubs
Music Club
ESPORTS Club
DIY blue tooth speakers
Students building their own blue tooth speakers
to provide the music whilst working on an Arduino
electronic kit. The girls are working on a project which
shows how to convert a Binary number into a decimal
number, using circuits and programming code.
Irish Club
Eco Club
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

St Mary’s Quiz Club
Here are some of the newest members of the St. Mary’s Quiz club. All KS3 pupils
can attend weekly to test their general knowledge, memory, speed and have a
chance to make new friends.
Art Workshop
B40: Amelia Coul Kelly, Casey Hegarty. B16: Ava-Rose McBride, Rhyleigh J Harris, Keeley Reed
McFeely, Eimear Barr. B21: Bella Doherty, Abbie Rose McGeady. B04: Anna Nelis.
Year 8 Gifted and Talented Maths Club
Gym and Netball
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Where STEM pupils learn best
BT Young Scientist 2021 St Mary’s
College ‘Best School in Northern Ireland
Award 2021’
BT Young Scientist of the Year - Finalists
Four projects have qualified for the finals of the BTYSTE
competition to be held in the RDS Dublin in January. All projects
are in the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Category.
Investigating the effect of activated charcoal on the absorption of
glucose in the digestive system by Lexie Melrose.
Investigating the
effect of different
pHs on the use of
hydrogels as drug
carriers part II by
Nikita Morrison and
Becca Connolly.
Aisling Campbell won the award at the Big Bang Competition in June 2022 to represent the UK at the
International Youth Science Forum held in London; she was also runner-up in her age group.
Investigating the effect
of acid rain on metals
used in construction
and metal compounds
found in soil by
Rebecca Lewis
The investigation,
development and
evaluation of different
sunscreen preparations
by Kaycee Deery.
Kaycee also won the
Junior Science section
of the Young Innovators
Competition in October.
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Preparing our pupils for a ‘digitised future’
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Empowering digital leaders
Our students are equipped to collaborate, communicate and create using the latest digital technology. We recognise that
each learner is growing up in an ever more connected world. They have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips and learning
what to do with it is a vital skill. Throughout the curriculum at St Mary’s College we help young people navigate the connected
world we live in and use it to their advantage.
Future proof learning & teaching
We are embracing the challenge of preparing St Mary’s pupils for futures in the
digital world. Our innovative skills based curriculum develops the pupils creative
problem solving, agility, communication, collaborating and information analysis
skills. We are at the forefront of educational development and we continue to add
to our innovative curriculum that will support and inspire all of our pupils to learn
and achieve. In Year 8 pupils will be introduced to coding, games development
and have the opportunity to design and develop their very own Apps.
The IT department offer a range of clubs and invite pupils to take part in numerous
competitions.
These include:
• Code Club
• Games Development Club
• Sentinus App Development
Competition
• UCode
• Comic Club
• Minecraft Club
Chelsea Brady practising her digital photography skills.
St Mary’s College is a Digital Schoolhouse
• Saint Mary’s College has been selected to take part in an award-winning
national programme, Digital School House, powered by PlayStation®. This
exciting programme offers support to teachers in delivering the computing
curriculum. St. Mary’s College is the Digital Schoolhouse hub for the
Northwest.
Ms Deirdre McElholm, Head of RE, Ms Roisin Rice, Vice Principal and Mrs Paula Quinn, teacher of Art
and MIA (Three of our Microsoft Innovative Expert Educators).
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

We are a Microsoft Showcase School
As a Showcase school we have been recognised for our commitment to transforming education through digital learning. St Mary’s has been a Microsoft Showcase
school since 2014 and is one of only three Showcase Schools in the Northern Ireland.
We really value our Microsoft Showcase School status. It is a privilege to be a part of this exclusive, global community. An integral part of our vision is to empower learners
and teachers to use digital technology seamlessly, supporting learning and teaching so that it improves achievement, engagement and experience.
We have 4 Microsoft Innovative Expert Educators on staff.
• Mrs Clare Doherty, Head of Technology and Design
• Miss Deirdre McElholm, Head of Religious Studies
• Mrs Roisin Rice, Vice Principal
• Mrs Paula Quinn, Teacher of Art and Moving Image Art
Freya Cummings using her coding skills to instruct a Drone during an ICT lesson.
Mrs Clare Melaugh, Head of ICT pictured with Alex Herron.
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Where pupils prepare for their future career
“The top skills which employers see as rising
in prominence include critical thinking and
analysis as well as problem-solving, and
skills in self-management such as active
learning, resilience, stress tolerance and
flexibility.” World Economic Forum - The Future
of Jobs Report
Innovative careers
education
When our young people enter the workplace, it will
most likely be in a career that does not yet exist. At St
Mary’s we ensure that every pupil learns and develops
vital employability skills throughout their school
journey. Year 8 pupils explore futures in the local
and global economy; personal career planning; and
entrepreneurship. All pupils are equipped to identify
their individual interests and aspirations helping them
make better informed choices and ultimately have
fulfilling careers in the future. In recent years St Mary’s
College have won the Irish News ‘Careers Inspiration
Award’ which acknowledges the strong links we have
developed with local employers and business leaders.
This achievement is shared by all staff of the school
who promote work skills and encourage careers
exploration in their subject areas.
Learning to be leaders
Pupils have progressed on to courses in Aerospace
Engineering; Architecture; Biomedical Engineering;
Computer Forensics; History; Marketing; Personalised
Medicine; Midwifery; Radiography; and Teaching to
name a few.
We offer an extensive programme of work experience in
partnership with our local businesses and virtually. This
gives young people an insight into the world of work
and allows them to build their employability skills.
We welcome a host of inspirational speakers and
successful work-related events for pupils to learn from.
This included Role Model Day, Entrepreneur talks,
Career insight visits, STEM Ambassador training and
the Females in IT partnership.
Opportunities for all
In St Mary’s College we encourage all pupils to study
at University and stay local. We are proud supporters
of our local colleges: Ulster University, North West
Regional College, Atlantic Technological University
(Letterkenny) and Queen’s University.
Each year we take part in the ‘Queen’s University
Pathway Opportunity Programme’ providing support
to the talented young people of St Mary’s College.
Pupils spend one week on campus having fun,
partaking in lectures and doing assignments. There
were 5 pupils who took part this year, each receiving
a guaranteed offer with lower grades for their chosen
specialism of Psychology and Humanities. They will
also receive a £1000 bursary in their first year.
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Queen’s University Belfast - pathway opportunity
In 2022 there were 5 pupils who graduated from The Queen’s University Pathway programme. Each received a guaranteed offer for a place at Queen’s
and lower grades for admission.
Jodie Lavery and Sabina Cawley were successful in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Leah Ward, Katie-Leigh Robertson and Robyn
Smith graduated on the Psychology Pathway.
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Pupils who volunteer
Some of the girls who volunteer weekly in St Eithne’s
Primary School.
Kate Havlin, Kasey Webb and Caitlin Harkin volunteer
every Monday and Kate Clarke and Rachel Doherty
every Tuesday.
“We volunteer our time at St Ethine’s Primary School
every Monday and Tuesday afternoon. During this
time we help the teachers run their after-school clubs.
In particular, we help with the IT club that the school
recently started. Within this club we help the students
develop new and current IT skills through the use of
Scratch that the children can use to develop their own
games. They also use Minecraft, and the students build
and create their own worlds. Here they develop many
new skills and talents that they will continue to use in
Secondary School”. (Kate Havlin, year 13)
Katie Burnside, Aimee boast and Niamh Mc Clean
from year 13 recently spent four days in the Glen Oaks
Disability day centre painting Christmas windows in the
building for the patients.
Paige Shiels is a member of the Northland’s Cadet
Unit. “ I have been a member of St John Ambulance
since I was 6 years old but started doing duties recently
because of Covid. Once a week on a Wednesday
evening, we meet up at the Model Primary School and
as a unit we split into our two groups and learn first aid
and how to act in an emergency out on duty”.
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Marwa Alberro, Year 12
“I do voluntary work outside school. It is in my Islamic
community. I help in a classroom where there are
children trying to learn Arabic language and how they
write Arabic. I help the teacher with that”.
Zara O Reilly and Kate Clarke have been volunteering
with the BUD Club every week since January. Sarah
Carlin, Lisa Kennedy and Aoife Ferry have just finished
their training and have just begun their volunteering
work.
Alyssa Campbell
“I volunteer at studio 2 on a Saturday and volunteer
over the summer with them”.
Aoibheann Barr, Year 14
“I volunteer in a charity shop in the town called
ForSight. The charity helps raise funds for opportunities
to enhance and empower the lives of children and
adults who are blind or visually impaired. It assists
children and their families, by providing sporting
opportunities through Vision Sports Ireland and
contributing to research for the advancement of sight
loss treatment.
In the shop, I help to stock and price the clothes,
accessories and homeware. I work on the till, greet
customers, tidy up and make creative displays. I
volunteer in the shop every Saturday afternoon”.
”My name is Danielle Glackin. I am in Year 8 and I am
an altar server, every Sunday in St Eugene’s Cathedral.
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Prize giving
Eilise Anderson
Overall First Place GCSE Award Winner
Zara O’ Reilly
Joint Overall Third Place GCSE Award Winners
Megan Scott
Top Awards in Year 11 for: Art & Design, Maths,
Technology & Design, Double Award Science, ICT
Sarah Carlin
Overall Second Place GCSE Award Winner
Aoife Organ
Joint Overall Third Place GCSE Award Winners
Kate Clarke
Gerardine Doherty Trophy for Faith Development.
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Examination Success
St Mary’s College is renowned for its outstanding academic success both at GCSE and A Level (and equivalents). Our curriculum is extensive and versatile, and we are
unafraid of adapting our examination offer to meet the needs of all of our pupils.
Each pupil pathway is specifically tailored to meet every learning need and, as a result, currently we have students undertaking purely academic or vocational pathways or
indeed a mixture of both. This approach applies to GCSE / Level 2 equivalents, too. Below is a summary of our examination results from 2018 – 2022.
GCSE and Level 2 equivalents: Year 12
Achieving five or more subjects A* - C College
Year
% of Pupils achieving
2018 99.2%
*2019 97.5%
2020 100%
2021 97.5%
2022 93%
*2019 comparative data (last available data) for five or more
GCSEs (or equiv.) A*-C
Non-grammar schools 79.7%
Grammar schools 96.1%
GCE and Level 3 equivalents: Year 14
Achieving three or more subjects A* - C
Year
% of Pupils achieving
2018 84%
*2019 81.4%
2020 84%
2021 81.7%
2022 67%
*2019 comparative data (last available data) for three or more
A Levels (or equiv.) A*-C
Non-grammar schools 58.8%
Grammar schools 79.7%
Please note that the last unaffected public examination series took place in 2019. In 2020 & 2021, all post primary schools engaged in internal processes
involving Centre Assessment / Determined Grades while the examination process in 2022 involved unit omissions and adaptations.
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Admissions criteria for entry September 2023-2024
St Mary’s College
Open Day
35 Northland Road
Derry
BT48 0AN
Telephone: 028 7136 2154
Email: office@stmarysderry.com
Web: www.stmarysderry.com
Twitter: @SaintMarysDerry
Facebook: facebook.com/
stmarysderry
Principal: Mr Brendan McGinn
Chairperson of the Board of
Governors: Mrs Sarah Kelly
Voluntary Maintained
Secondary School
Girls
Age Range: 11 – 18
Admissions No: 130
Enrolment No: 825
Roll: 856
Saturday 7th January 2023
(10am - 1pm)
St Mary’s College will be
open to visit in person at
the above date and time
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

Respective functions of the Board of
Governors and Principal in relation to
admissions
The Board of Governors draws up the admissions criteria and delegates to an
Admissions Sub-Committee, which includes the Principal, the responsibility
for applying these criteria. Any reference herein to the term the Board of
Governors includes any Committee or Sub-Committee appointed by the
Board of Governors for the purposes of applying the Admissions Criteria set
out herein.
Admissions criteria 2023-2024
As currently required by the law, priority will be given to pupils normally resident
in Northern Ireland, before children who normally reside elsewhere. In the event
of over-subscription, the following criteria, which was drawn up by the Board of
Governors of St Mary’s College, will be applied in the order set down, to select
pupils for Year 8 entry in 2023/24.
1. Pupils whose sister(s), half-sister(s), step sister(s) or foster sister(s) are presently
or were formerly enrolled at the school.
2. Pupils who presently reside in the following parishes (in no particular order) and
who have chosen St Mary’s College as their first preference school:
Ardmore
Claudy (Cumber Upper & Learmount) Culmore
Faughanvale
Glendermott/Waterside (St Columb’s, Chapel Road, Immaculate Conception,
Trench Road, St Mary’s, Newbuildings)
Holy Family, Ballymagroarty
Our Lady of Lourdes (Steelstown) St Mary’s (Creggan)
Strathfoyle, Strathfoyle/Enagh Lough
Templemore (St Eugene’s, St Columba’s Long Tower)
Three Patrons (St Patrick’s Pennyburn, St Brigid’s Carnhill, St Joseph’s
Galliagh)
3. Pupils presently resident in the above named parishes (in no particular order)
who have chosen St Mary’s College as their first preference all ability school.
4. Pupils presently resident in the above named parishes (in no particular order).
5. Pupils who are presently resident in other parishes in Northern Ireland.
Sister(s) to be defined as girls who, at the date of their application, have a sister of
the family ‘presently or were formerly enrolled at the school’.
The permitted admission number for Year 8 as determined by the Department of
Education for the academic year 2023/2024 is 130.
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of
Governors will only consider information which is detailed on the Transfer Form (or
on-line equivalent as directed by the Education Authority / Department of Education).
Parents should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and
relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the Transfer Form (or online
equivalent). Examples of such information include the child’s name as it appears on
the birth certificate and whether the child has sisters attending the school.
In the event of over-subscription in any one criterion when applied in the order
set, the selection of available places will be carried out using a method of random
selection.
The following random selection process will be applied in the event of over
subscription in any of the criteria listed based on the initial letter of the pupil’s
surname as stated on their long birth certificate in the order set out below.
T K V Mc B A C Y R G D L W M O’ S H F J X O N I Q Mac E Z U P
The order was determined by a random selection of the letters of the
alphabet and witnessed by Board of Governors.
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In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent
letters of the surnames will be used in alphabetical order. In the event of 2 identical
surnames, the alphabetical order of the initials of the forename will be used. In the
event of forenames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of
the forename will be used in alphabetical order. In the event of identical surnames
and forename, the initial of the second forename will be used. If any of these
applicants do not have a second forename, they will be placed ahead of those with
a second forename. If applicants have identical surnames and forenames, they
will be placed in rank order of eldest child by date of birth as stated on their birth
certificate and admitted in this order.
If, after this process, any applicants still tie for a final place, the place(s) will be
allocated by random computerised selection.
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence
as it may determine to support or verify information on any application/transfer
form. All applicants should note that all information within an application that
qualifies a child for admission will be verified before the child is admitted to the
College. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide
verifying documents within the deadlines set may result in the withdrawal of a place
or the inability of the College to offer a place. Original verification documents are
required.
To enable the Board of Governors to verify the applicant’s address the following
documents, in their original form, must be supplied within the timeframe set by St
Mary’s College following a provisional offer of a place. In on-line applications please
follow the requirements as set out in the online guidance provided; electronic
copies of the required documentation will suffice.
1. To verify the applicants name and date of birth, the long version of the
applicant’s birth certificate is required.
2. To verify the applicant’s address any two of the following is required:
• A current letter awarding Child Benefit, Tax credit or Universal credits in
respect of the applicant or another letter relating to this benefit
• The applicant’s Medical Card showing the applicant’s current normal place
of residence
• A current bank, post office, Credit Union or Building Society statement
which shows the address at which the applicant is resident
• An addressed payslip
• A current utility bill (e.g. electricity, gas, television licence, telephone) which
shows the address at which the applicant is resident
Please note that other documents equally capable of verifying your
information, or other equally capable means of verification, will be considered
at the discretion of the Board of Governors. If, therefore, you are unable to
provide the specific documents listed above, please contact St Mary’s College to
establish how you can verify your application.
Your provision of these documents is essential if we are to offer your child a place
at St Mary’s College. By law, St Mary’s College’s Board of Governors has a duty to
verify the important information within your child’s application in order to ensure that
it has applied its admissions criteria correctly and that the admissions process is
accurate
and fair. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide
information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the
withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any school
nominated on the applicants transfer form.
The published criteria (1-5) will be applied to late applications to Year 8 or where
new information has been provided in order to place these applicants in the correct
position on the waiting list after those already on the waiting list but ahead of those
resident outside of Northern Ireland. This waiting list will be in place until 30th June
2023. Should a vacancy arise, the published criteria will be applied to select the
pupil at the top of our waiting list.
Please note the formal EA admissions procedure for Year 8 closes on
Wednesday 17th May 2023. Formal notification of outcomes will take place
on Saturday 20th May 2023.
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Procedures for operating a waiting list for
admission to year 8 in 2023/24
St Mary’s College retains a waiting list for admissions where a place becomes
available outside the normal admissions process. The waiting list will be drawn
up in accordance with St Mary’s College Admissions Criteria 2023-24 as outlined
above. In the event of a place becoming available, the pupil at the top of the list will
be offered a place.
On 1st September 2023, a new waiting list will be drawn up, replacing the previous
one, consisting only of those who have:
• appealed for admission to Year 8 in St Mary’s College in 2023-24
• applied to the Exceptional Circumstances Body for admission in 2023-24
• made known their wish to remain on the waiting list after 1st September 2023
The rank order of the new waiting list will follow that laid out in our Admissions
Criteria 2023-24. The waiting list will cease to operate after 30 June 2024.
Numbers of applications and admissions
Year
Admissions No.
Total
Applications
All Preferences
Total
Admissions
2020/2021 130 145 133*
2021/2022 130 127 127*
2022/2023 130 181 152*
*includes statemented pupils
Admission criteria for entry to years 9 – 12
For admission to years 9-12 please complete an AP1 form and
contact the school directly.
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2023
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Opening school Mass at St Eugene’s Cathedral
Principal: Mr Brendan McGinn
35 Northland Road, Derry, Northern Ireland, BT48 0AN.
e: office@stmarysderry.com
t: (028) 7136 2154
www.stmarysderry.com
www.bigfishdesign-ad.com
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE