By Lesley Walsh
A BANGOR college is crossing its fingers in the hopes of clinching a gong in an awards programme dubbed the ‘Oscars of Education’.
Staff and pupils at St Columbanus College have been shortlisted in the UK-wide Tes Schools Award in the Secondary School of the Year category – the only school in Northern Ireland to appear among the finalists.
They are now waiting to hear if the school will be chosen as the winner, in a special gala taking place on June 20 at London’s Grosvenor Hotel, with headmaster Maria Flynn being accompanied on the trip to the capital by teachers Garreth Mitchell, Nicola Williamson, Claire McMahon, Kathryn Doyle and Conor Sweeney.
The College’s place on the shortlist follows the school’s submission to the Tes Awards which recognise the very best teachers and schools from UK state and independent schools, across early years settings, primary and secondary.
School principal Maria Flynn explained her school’s place among the best across the country.
“We applied for the TES Award as our stakeholders, especially parents, wanted the College and its staff recognised for the work they do and the enormous impact we have on their children and their pathways,” said Ms Flynn.
“Parents had to contribute to the application and they wanted to acknowledge and celebrate the amazing work that we do. The College is the only school in Northern Ireland shortlisted for this award and are delighted to be in the final top seven schools in the UK.”
She said that in its bid for the award the school highlighted how it ‘stands out through our genuine commitment to serving the whole community without exception’.
“Our approach to inclusivity goes beyond policy to practical implementation, as demonstrated by our responsiveness to student voice and needs,” she added.
“We envision education as a transformative process that removes barriers to learning rather than expecting students to overcome them unaided. This manifests in our commitment to high-quality, whole-class teaching complemented by carefully differentiated learning approaches tailored to individual needs.
The school head said all pupils are encouraged to take part in the varied after school opportunities, from the Lego Club, arts and crafts to board games clubs, many run by pupils themselves, clubs which are ‘always full, demonstrating how successful they are’.
Clubs cater for pupils with communication and social interaction issues, and those with social, emotional and wellbeing difficulties, while older SEN pupils run clubs alongside classroom assistants ‘gaining valuable experience in planning and leadership’.
Mrs Flynn concluded: “It is an honour and privilege to be the principal of St Columbanus’ College and to work with a dedicated staff. I want to thank them all for the incredible and selfless work they do for our pupils.”
