Comenius

· As part of their Lifelong Learning Programme, Comenius seeks to develop knowledge and understanding among young people and educational staff of the diversity of European cultures, languages and values. The Comenius Project commenced with St Mary’s hosting the first planning meeting in September. The title of the project is ‘Equal by Law but not in Reality’. Teachers from schools in Germany, Turkey, Spain, Poland, Lithuania and Birmingham attended the meeting to plan a programme of activities for the project for the first year. During their visit Downpatrick District Council hosted a dinner for the visiting schools and entertainment was provided by St Mary’s students who gave a wonderful display of Irish Dancing.

· The meeting was concluded in Broadway College, Birmingham attended by the Principal, International Links Coordinator and one teacher. Nine Year 11 students are participating in the project.

· In April two teachers and three students traveled to Izmir Science High School in Turkey in April where they met all the students participating in the project. A range of activities was planned for the week. This turned out to be an eventual but successful visit in more ways than one!

Jordan

In November, as part of the British Council’s International Inspirations Programme, a delegation of teachers from our partner school, Princess Alia School in Jordan, visited St Mary’s. A two year programme has been agreed and both schools are currently working on the project. It was agreed to use PE and Sport to raise standards and improve the physical fitness of young girls. It was also agreed to carry out a fitness award programme with selected students and gradually extend this to the rest of the students within the schools. St Mary’s students presented Princess Alia School with a Gaelic strip, a video of a 7-a-side Gaelic match and a training manual.

St Mary’s offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities to it's pupils, many of which focus on a programme of after-school activities which has been in operation since 2001.

The activities run from 3.30pm to 4.30 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Activities include:

These activities are arranged by staff members to suit the requirements of pupils both in relation to timing and content. In most areas sessions are organised periodically which are geared towards examinations and coursework.

Many of the school’s teaching staff take part in the after-school programme over the course of the year.  Pupil uptake is high during many weeks. This level of response testifies to the positive view the pupils take of the provision.