English Department achievements in 2014-15 include:
Siobhan Comer won Rotary International Young Leaders of the Future Competition and spends a week in Strasbourg and given the opportunity to debate in the European Parliament as part of the prize;
Soroptomist Public Speaking Competition: 5 students participated and two Year 13 students, Estella Tohill-Reid and Niamh Martin were awarded third place (Joint).
Cian McStocker (Year 10) is selected as one of 12 UK Finalists for the Poetry Games Poetry Competition; he goes on to win 2nd place in the UK (Mrs Reid).
Three students ( Declan Murray, Olivia Harney & Eva Hirst) were highly commended at the Awards ceremony in September and had their poems published in the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Awards Anthology 2015; and
A group of Year 9 take part in the Young Writer’s Poetry Competition and The Poetry Games Writing Competition and some have poems published.
The range of activities provided by the English Department in 2014-15 includes:
Two Year 12 students designed and sketched a Seamus Heaney Mural on the English corridor to celebrate the influence of the poet’s work on our teachers and students. It was described as ‘simply breath-taking and inspirational’ by visiting English Inspector, Mr John McCusker.
Author, Sheena Wilkinson visits Year 8 and 9 students;
Lunchtime Book Club with Year 8 runs from September to December in the school library.
Various members of the English Department contribute to the School Musical Meet Me in St. Louis (Production/Stage Management/Show Programme/Props/Front of House);
BBC New Report began in February and ran every Wednesday at lunchtime for Year 10.
In March, CLAN support (Raising Standards in Literacy and Numeracy) is successfully implemented for targeted Year 12 students;
To celebrate World Book Day on 6 March, all Key Stage 3 students received a £1 book token and participated in a range of activities including creation of a Recommendations board, Speed Book-Dating, book presentations, making a book mark, visits to assemblies by Literature staff and students, games, quizzes and World Book Day Art Competition;
Senior Book Club met monthly with Mrs Keenan, Librarian,
A Read Write Café was launched.
Successful moderation and completion of Year 10 Communication Portfolios, Year 12 Controlled Assessment and Year 13 Coursework; and
