All pupils in Key stages 3 and 4 follow the programmes of study as set out by N. I. Curriculum guidelines.

"We strive to ensure that the programme followed by our students not only allows for individuality and different literacy skills but also stimulates interest, and challenges each pupil to respond in a positive fashion".

 

At the end of Year 12, it is departmental policy to enter every pupil for a public examination. Hence, each boy will receive recognition for his academic endeavours.

 

We strive to ensure that the programme followed by our students not only allows for individuality and different literacy skills, but also stimulates interest, and challenges each pupil to respond in a positive fashion. All units of work, through a variety of tasks and teaching methods, address the three attainment targets:

(i) Reading

(ii) Writing

(iii) Talking/Listening

Central to the task and work undertaken in class and at home is pupil enjoyment and a sense of achievement, which is celebrated when pupils are working to the best of their ability. To ease the transformation from primary school our year 8 pupils follow an induction programme, “The Road Ahead” for the first six weeks of term. The programme allows a “settling in” period and paves the way for the study of the novel and associated units of work by mid-term.

Throughout the academic year we provide and encourage experience of theatre/ cinema visits and utilise outside agencies to give our pupils as wide a range of literary experiences as possible. The school has a wealth of ‘up to date’ I.T. facilities which is used regularly by pupils for word processing. Now, with the arrival of the Internet, we are confident that our pupils will be able to market their literary skills to a world wide audience!

Across all year groups our boys are entered for various extra curricular competitions - with notable successes of late. In 2004 our sixth form team won the prestigious N.I. Amnesty International Debating Competition.

At Post 16 English Literature is offered at Advanced level and AS level where both programmes are proving most popular with our Sixth Formers.

Drama is an integral part of English. In the College all boys are given an opportunity to interpret and act out different roles from the world of literature. The emphasis upon developing and building pupil self-confidence ultimately leads to more effective communication both verbally and non-verbally.

The College Drama club operates as an extra-curricular activity. The success of recent productions signals an exciting time ahead for all our aspiring young actors. In every sense we encourage our pupils to be creative and expressive through both written work and live stage performances.