Pastoral Team

Pastoral Team

Pastoral care in a school exists to assist each child in reaching his/her full potential in all areas of their development, through the provision of a supportive, caring and nurturing environment which allows each young person to thrive and succeed. In this school, pastoral care refers to the care of the child at all stages of their education. It refers to providing a safe, secure and supportive environment at each educational stage, whilst preparing them for moving into the world of work or further study. In all of these processes the child is, and should always be, at the centre of the educational and caring processes.

Children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, secure and where they believe that they will be respected and cared for within their school community. Pastoral care involves;

  • establishing quality relationships within the school,
  • developing appropriate and satisfying learning experiences for each child and
  • providing an effective and embracing care network for pupils if and when they need support.

Heads of Year  

Head of Year 8             Mrs J Watterson

Head of Year 9             Mrs J Vance

Head of Year 10           Miss N Cahoon

Head of Year 11           Mr Charles

Head of Year 12           Mrs McFarland

Head of 6th Form        Mrs G Wishart

   

Discipline  

Teacher-in-charge of Girls Discipline   Mrs E Beckett

Teacher-in-charge of Boys Discipline   Mr S Fleming

   

Child Protection Team

Designated Child Protection Officer     Mrs E Beckett

Deputy Child Protection Officer            Mrs A McFarland

Deputy Child Protection Officer            Mr S Fleming

   

Counselling Team    

School Counselling Co-ordinator         Mrs R Potter

Education Authority Youth Worker       Terry Hamill

Family Works Counsellor                      Tommy Marron

 

Uniform

Uniform Details

Pupils are expected to:

  • Be neat and tidy and maintain a high standard of personal appearance at all times.
  • Have their uniform items, including their PE kit and equipment clearly labelled with their full name and form class.
  • Shirts/blouses must be tucked in, top buttons and cuffs of shirts must be fastened at all times. Ties must be knotted neatly and touch the waistband of the skirt or trousers. 
  • Blazers MUST be worn in corridors and at break and lunch times and ONLY a school regulation jumper is permissible in cold weather.

Girls:

Black blazer with school badge, white blouse buttoned to the neck with a shirt collar, school tie, knee-length dark grey kick pleat skirt (Yrs8-12), black knee socks or plain black opaque tights, plain style black leather sensible shoes.  Heels must be under 4cms for safety reasons. (slingback shoes, platforms, stilettos, trainers, canvas, Vans, Converse, plimsolls or ballet pumps are NOT allowed.) A black regulation V-necked school jumper must be worn during cold weather NO alternative version of a hoodie or black zip up top is permissible.  It is necessary that parents purchase a regulation jumper at the start of the school year to use during the winter months.

Pupils in Year 11 and 12 must have a senior tie

Girls in Year 13 and 14 must wear a revered blouse (no tie to be worn)

Girls hair should be neat and tidy, for guidance it should NOT be worn over the eyes or obscure vision at any time.  Hair should not be tinted or dyed to extremes that are in blatant contrast to the natural hair colour.  Girls with long hair MUST ensure they have an elastic hair band to tie hair back in ALL practical subjects to meet Health and Safety risk assessment requirements.

 

Boys:

Black blazer with school badge, black/dark grey school trousers, a plain black leather belt, black/dark grey ankle socks, plain black leather school shoes. (Trainers are ONLY permitted for PE or lunchtime activities but MUST be changed before returning to class.) A black regulation V-necked school jumper must be worn during cold weather NO alternative version of a hoodie or black zip up top is permissible.  It is necessary that parents purchase a regulation jumper at the start of the school year to use during the winter months.

Pupils in Year 11 and 12 must have a senior tie

Boys in Year 13 and 14 must wear a white shirt with a sixth form tie.

Boys must be close shaven and hair should be neat and tidy (no shorter than Number 2) for guidance it should NOT be worn over the eyes or obscure vision at any time. Boys hair must be well groomed, short to the collar and not tinted or dyed to extremes that are in blatant contrast to the natural hair colour.

Hair braids and hair extensions are NOT permitted.  Pupils should avoid all extremes of fashion in hairstyles. 

Optional: A school regulation scarf may be worn during cold weather. This can be purchased from local suppliers. No other scarf may be worn.

Jewellery – A watch and only ONE signet ring may be worn. Girls with pierced ears may wear ONE stud in each earlobe. For reasons promoting Health and Safety, students are NOT to wear any other visible piercings or retainers and will be expected to remove them if they are worn in school.  If a student refuses to remove a visible piercing or retainer, work will be provided and he/she will be sent to HOY or Form teacher to be withdrawn. Continual refusal to remove piercings or retainers will result in suspension from school.  (Pupils are advised that sufficient time during holidays should be allowed for healing of piercings.  Retainers are NOT permitted to be worn in place of studs.)

Nail/gel polish, acrylic, artificial or gel nails are NOT allowed and, for reasons promoting Health and Safety, nails should be kept short and tidy. Parents MUST submit a request in writing to the Head of Year for any unavoidable reason where temporary deviation from this regulation may arise but must understand that nails should be removed before any return to school.

Makeup - Discreet makeup is acceptable ONLY from Year 11.  Obvious or extreme makeup (including eye makeup and mascara) will be required to be removed. 

There are no prescribed hats or gloves, but, if worn, they should be plain and black or dark grey in colour.

There are no prescribed Top coats, but, if worn, coats should be plain and dark grey or black in colour.  Hoodies of any colour or description are not to be worn in place of a coat, under the school blazer when travelling to or from school.

The regulations about uniform will be enforced and pupils who infringe them may be withdrawn from circulation at break and/or lunchtime or during the school day.  These uniform details are to be adhered to at all times.  Necessary sanctions will be imposed by staff in accordance with the school’s positive behaviour policy for failure to comply with guidelines. 

GCSE ICT (CCEA)

GCSE ICT (CCEA)

Through studying our GCSE in ICT, students become more independent and discerning users of ICT who can make informed decisions about its use. They have opportunities to acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts. They also develop their understanding of new technologies and their impact on society. They take a practical approach, developing and evaluating ICT-based solutions of their own to solve problems. At the same time, they focus on ensuring that their practice is safe, secure and responsible.

 GCSE ICT is a practical, skills-based qualification that builds on the Key Stage 3 Curriculum and provides a foundation for students intending to study ICT at a higher level.

The course consists of three units- Units 1 & 2 are assessed entirely on Controlled Assessment tasks and Unit 3 is assessed with an end of Unit exam. Both controlled assessment modules contribute 30% each to the final mark with Unit 3 contributing 40% of the final mark.

 

Content

Assessment Weighting Availability
Unit 1: 
Tools and 
Applications
Controlled Assessment 30% Summer

Unit 2:

Using Multimedia 
and Games 
Technology

Controlled Assessment 30% Summer

Unit 3: 

Theory: Understanding ICT 

Systems in Everyday 
Life and Its 
Implications for 
Individuals, 
Organisations, 
Society and the 
Wider World

External Exam

40%

External Exam (2 hours)

Terminal

Synoptic

Summer

 

Controlled Assessment

Unit 1

This unit consists of three controlled assessments:

Assessment Area Software used Time allowed
Databases Microsoft Access 9 hours [11 periods]
Spreadsheets Microsoft Excel 6 hours [7 periods]
Presentation Microsoft PowerPoint 7.5 hours [9 Periods]

 

 

Unit 2

This unit consists of two controlled assessments:

Assessment area Software used Time allowed
Website design

Microsoft Expression Web 4/iMovie

 11 hours [13 preiods]
Games development Gamemaker  11.5 hours [14 periods] 

 





 

 

 

Key Stage 3

ICT is part of the taught curriculum in Years 8-10, with students having at least one period per fortnight.   

In Year 8 students have an ICT 'blitz' day during which students are off normal timetable and are given time to ensure they have at the very least, the basic ICT skils required for beginning their secondary school chapter of their young lives. This blitz is also repeated towards the end of their st year in the school normally towards the end of June. This second day is used to top-up on any skill areas where students would appear to be deficient based on the requirements of those subjects who will be assessing their levels of progression in "Using ICT".

The aims of this 'blitz' day:

  • To increase awareness of ICT provision in Magherafelt High School i.e. number and location of ICT rooms, types of ICT equipment etc;
  • To overview the school network, Social Media and Virtual Learning Environment;
  • To explain how the printing system i.e. 'Follow-me' printers, work around the school;
  • Refresh the basic skills in the main Microsoft Office Applications i.e. Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint;
  • An introduction to eSafety.

The curriculum taught in ICT at Key Stage 3 is determined by the assessment requirements of those subjects that are required to report on students levels of progression in Using ICT. ICT periods are used to support the 'acquisition' and 'development' of skills at Key Stage 3.

The curriculum for Key Stage 3 is set out in nine Areas of Learning comprised of subject strands. Each subject strand is defined as a minimum requirement and is structured to facilitate more collaborative learning. Although subject strands are organised within specified Areas of Learning this does not preclude connections being made with other Areas of Learning or subject strands.

Information and Communications Technology, across the curriculum, has the potential to transform and enrich pupils’ learning experiences and environments. It can empower pupils, develop self-esteem and promote positive attitudes to learning. Additionally, the creative use of ICT has the potential to improve pupils’ thinking skills, providing them with opportunities to become independent, self-motivated and flexible learners.

usingICT

Cross-curricular ICT: Using ICT

Pupils are encouraged to develop the skills of Using ICT by engaging in meaningful research and purposeful activities set in relevant contexts. They should use ICT to handle and communicate information, solve problems, pose questions and take risks. They should process, present and exchange their ideas and translate their thinking into creative outcomes that show an awareness of audience and purpose. They should also use ICT to collaborate within and beyond the classroom, to share and exchange their work and to exhibit and showcase their learning.

Across the curriculum, at a level appropriate to their ability, pupils are encouraged to develop skills to:

Explore

Pupils are encouraged to:

  • access and manage data and information;
  • research, select, process and interpret information;
  • investigate, make predictions and solve problems through interaction with electronic tools;
  • understand how to keep safe and display acceptable online behaviour.

Express

Pupils are encouraged to:

  • create, develop, present and publish ideas and information using a range of digital media;
  • manipulate information and multimedia products using a range of assets.

Exchange

Pupils are encouraged to:

  • communicate using a range of contemporary methods and tools;
  • share, collaborate, exchange and develop ideas digitally.

Evaluate

Pupils are encouraged to:

  • talk about, review and make improvements to work, reflecting on the process and outcome;
  • consider the sources and resources used;

Exhibit

Pupils are encouraged to:

  • manage and present their stored work;
  • showcase their learning across the curriculum.

 

Politics

Politics

 

Welcome to the Magherafelt High School Politics department homepage.

Aims:

The study of politics encourages pupils to develop an understanding and knowledge of the political system they live in.  It helps to prepare students for careers in law, business, education and government services and politics.

 

Curriculum:    

Students study CCEA A Level Politics consisting of four modules over two years and is delivered by both members of staff.  Students sit public exams in January and June.

AS:                 

Module 1 – The Government and Politics of Northern Ireland

1 hour 15 minutes exam. 

40% AS + 20% A Level.
                       

Module 2 – The British Political Process

1 hour 15 minutes exam

60% AS + 30% A Level.

A2:                 

Module 1 – Comporate Government of UK and US

2 hour 15 minutes exam

30% A Level

 

Module 2 – Political Power & Political Ideas

1 hour and 15 minutes exam

20% A Level.

Exam Boards

Examination Timetables

Please click on the following links to see examination dates and times for GCSE and A Level subjects. All students are reminded to seek confirmation of exam board for each of respective subject. If there are any exam clashes please notify either Mrs Watterson or Mrs McGinnis immediately.

 

 

Clubs and Societies

Clubs and Societies

Magherafelt High School has a proud tradition of providing a wide range of extra-curricular activities for our students, actively encouraging all pupils to participate in clubs and societies. Involvement in extra-curricular activities provide opportunities for students to develop essential life skills while also providing students with an opportunity to pursue interests beyond the confines of the classroom. 

 

Drama Club 

Teacher-in-chargeMrs Poole

When: Wednesdays 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Where: Drama room/Hall

 

Netball Club

Teacher-in-chargeMrs Wade

When: TBC, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Where: Multi-purpose hall

 

Girls Football

Teacher-in-chargeMr Charles

When: Fridays, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Where: Sports hall

 

Hockey Club

Teacher-in-chargeMrs McGinnis

When: Tuesdays, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Where: School hockey pitches

 

Rugby Club

Teacher-in-chargeMr Irvine

When: Wednesdays, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Where: School hockey pitches

 

School Newspaper

Teacher-in-chargeMiss Huey

When: As directed by teacher-in-charge

Where: Miss Huey's room

 

Scripture Union

Teacher-in-chargeMiss Cahoon /Mrs McBride

When: Wednesdays, 1:15pm - 1:30pm

Where: Miss Alexander's Room

 

Homework Club

Teacher-in-chargeVarious staff

When: After School 

Where: Library

  

Basketball Club

Teacher-in-chargeMr Thompson

Where: Sports hall