DUNDONALD HIGH SCHOOL CONTROLLED SECONDARY SCHOOL
764 UPPER NEWTOWNARDS ROAD ADMISSIONS NO 55
DUNDONALD ENROLMENT NO 296
BT16
1TH
Principal Mrs
M Woods BA Dip Ed
Fax No 90482051
Vice Principals Mrs J McDowell Web site: www.dundonaldhigh.co.uk
Mr D Prentice
e-mail:info@dundonald.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Introduction
“ A caring school at the heart of the community ”
Dundonald
High School is a caring co-educational 11-16 school providing a wide range of
academic, vocational and occupational courses for pupils of all ability levels.
Possible provision of post -16 courses is regularly kept under review. Our
priority is to enable each of our pupils to achieve their full potential in a
caring, supportive environment and to prepare them for lifelong learning.
The
school is situated on a spacious site on the outskirts of Dundonald to the left
of the dual carriageway to Newtownards. It is therefore easily accessible and we
attract pupils from the greater Dundonald, East Belfast and North Down areas.
Facilities
The
building is divided into six blocks providing good quality accommodation for the
delivery of all aspects of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. This includes
specialist facilities for Art, Drama, Home Economics, Information and
Communication Technology, Music, Science and Special Needs. We also have a
central Library and Careers resource area and a completely refurbished
Technology suite.
Our
Physical Education facilities are of a high order with three gymnasia, a heated
indoor swimming pool and excellent playing fields extending to 30 acres.
Aims
Dundonald
High School is a caring school at the heart of the community which seeks to
critically examine new ideas and respond appropriately. We aim to ensure that
our pupils:
-
are provided with demanding, stimulating, rewarding and enjoyable
experiences;
-
have access to relevant teaching and learning that will realise their
full
potential;
-
learn to take responsibility for work and behaviour through the
development of
their personal, social, intellectual, physical and creative abilities
-
gain in confidence and self worth in a community based on mutual respect.
Curriculum
The
curriculum is regularly reviewed and developed so that it can meet the needs of
our pupils. We feel it is important that all pupils have access to externally
accredited courses suited to their ability.
At
Key Stage 3 all pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum enhanced by
information technology, singing and instrumental tuition, personal and social
education and vocational guidance.
Children
with special educational needs are well catered for through our learning support
programme, where dedicated specialist staff use modern integrated learning
systems and a corrective reading programme to provide extra support in literacy,
numeracy and social development. Where appropriate, special arrangements are
provided for internal and external examinations.
We
also have Special Unit classes for pupils in years 8,9 and 10 who have
statements for moderate learning difficulties. These special unit classes are
taught by specialist teachers for English, Mathematics, Geography and History
and integrated with their peers for most of their other subjects. We are
delighted to report that the Head of our Special Unit, Mrs Davey, received a
Teaching Award 2003 for Excellence in Special Needs Teaching.
At
Key Stage 4 all pupils study for recognised national qualifications consisting
of GCSEs and other National Qualification Framework accredited courses.
All
Key Stage 4 pupils follow a core curriculum which includes English, Mathematics,
Science, French, RE, PE and Careers. Pupils further select from an optional
package consisting of GCSEs in Art and Design, Business Studies, Child
Development, Double Award Leisure and Tourism, Double Award Science, Geography,
History, Hospitality, Information and Communication Technology, Music, Physical
Education ,Technology and Design and
Social and Environmental Studies. We also provide the option of choosing the new
CCEA Occupational Studies course which is offered in partnership with North Down
and Ards Institute of Higher Education. Some pupils also take part in our xl
club under the auspices of the Prince’s Trust. The aim of the xl club is to
promote Personal and Social Development.
Careers
Education and Guidance.
The
Careers Department is well staffed and resourced and pupils have access to a
well stocked library including computer software which enables students to
retrieve the latest information. Year 12 pupils participate in a Work Experience
Week and a Careers Convention is held annually. All pupils complete a Personal
Career Plan and receive training in interview skills. The curriculum of the
school is designed to encourage pupils to progress into further and higher
education so that they may obtain well paid jobs in the growing industrial,
business and service sectors.
Homework
All
pupils are supplied with a homework diary. This is used to record homework set
but it is also a useful vehicle for communication between parents and staff. A
homework timetable is drawn up to ensure a spread of homework over the week.
Pupils are also encouraged to use the school’s computer and library facilities
and our after school Homework Club. At Key Stage 4, our committed staff also
provide coursework classes and additional tuition after school hours in many
subject areas.
Pastoral
Care
We
have a well-deserved reputation as a caring school. Each pupil is assigned to a
Form Teacher who is concerned for the progress, behaviour, attendance and
welfare of each pupil in the class. We aim to provide guidance and support to
each of our pupils so that they achieve success and develop a sense of personal
worth. The school also has dedicated pupil welfare auxiliary personnel available
throughout the day to attend to children who feel unwell or require assistance.
Rewards
System
In
attempting to achieve our aims we recognise the importance of encouragement and
praise and, as a staff, we seek to reward the efforts of pupils through the use
of:-
-
words of encouragement - both oral and written.
-
classroom merit systems and displays of good work.
- referral to more senior members of staff for commendation.
- public praise in front of classes, year groups or the whole school.
-
public acknowledgement through presentations at assembly.
- the award of positions of responsibility or opportunity to represent
the school.
-
the school report system to comment on behaviour and on involvement in
school activities as well as academic success.
-
prizes which reflect achievement, progress and good attendance.
- certificates to celebrate
work, progress and services to the school.
- school outings for pupils who uphold the Code of Discipline.
-
mention on the school web site.
In
the Senior School, pupils who have upheld the Code of Discipline are invited to
participate in a number of social outings:-
-
Year 11 Christmas Dinner in a local restaurant
- Years 11 and 12 Barbecue at Crawfordsburn Country Park
-
Year 12 Formal
-
Prefects’ Evening Dinner
Prefects
are appointed each year to represent the school, assist staff, befriend younger
pupils and act as a School Council
Uniform,
Discipline, Attendance and Punctuality
At
Dundonald High School we are proud of our school uniform which must be worn by
all our pupils. Our uniform creates a community identity and encourages our
pupils to take pride in themselves and in their school.
To
enable our pupils to achieve their full potential we expect regular attendance,
punctuality to school and classes and a high standard of behaviour at all times.
A Code of Discipline is made available to all parents.
Extra
Curricular Activities
A
wide range of activities is available before school, at lunchtime and after
school. These include a Breakfast Club, the Internet Club, the Homework Club,
Scripture Union, Football for boys and girls, Guitar Club, School Choir, School
Band, Library Club and Drama Club, as well as subject based support clubs and
many other sporting activities. Pupils are encouraged to develop their portfolio
of interests which are recorded in their School Record of Achievement.
There
are many opportunities for European travel through the annual Ski-trip, European
Trip and links with Norway through the European Awareness Programme.
Opportunities are also available for pupils to become involved with a
Co-operation Ireland Civic Links Programme.
Home-School
Links
Parents
receive two reports per year ( January and June ). A Parents’ Night is held
for each year group and in September there is a special Information Evening for
parents of year 12 pupils. Last year we introduced our Newsletter which we hope
to produce once a term. Parents are encouraged to contact the school to keep us
informed of information relevant to their son or daughter and interviews can be
arranged with appropriate members of staff by appointment. We recommend to all
parents our most supportive Parent Teacher Association which meets monthly and
we appreciate the support we get from parents at school functions such as our
Carol Service, Christmas Fair and School Show. Parents can also visit our
website at www.dundonaldhigh.co.uk.