"The quality of education provided in this school is outstanding."
(The Inspectorate)
Welcome to St. Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt
Principal's Address
As Principal of St. Mary’s Grammar School, I am pleased to welcome you to our website. Whatever your interest in St. Mary’s may be, I do hope that you will find our website informative and that it will provide you with an insight into the diversity and richness of the St. Mary’s experience. As you browse these pages, I trust that you will appreciate our passion for learning and our commitment to working with young people to inspire excellence and fulfil potential.
Read moreTransfer Test 2020 & Admissions 2021
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School Prospectus
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School Calendar and Events
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Latest News
SAD NEWS
Posted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
The St. Mary’s community has been greatly saddened by the death of our esteemed colleague Mrs Sonya Monaghan (RIP) who passed away on 10 April 2020. Requiem Mass for Mrs Monaghan was celebrated in Holy Trinity Church, Cookstown on Sunday 12 April 2020.
Mrs Monaghan joined the staff of St. Mary’s in 2013 as Head of Mathematics and in 2015, she was appointed to the school’s Senior Leadership Team. The Mathematics Department flourished under Mrs Monaghan’s tenure. In her Senior Leadership role, she had primary responsibility for the academic progression of pupils at Key Stage 5. Mrs Monaghan was innovative and forward-looking in her approach to education and was pivotal in bringing about curricular reforms at both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.
Read full storyINDEPENDENT COUNSELLING SERVICE FOR SCHOOLS (ICSS)
Posted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
ICSS are providing a summer service. This is so that any young person can obtain counselling between 1 - 14 July and 17 - 31 August. All referrals can be made directly via the digital referral form on the Familyworks website or via telephone helpline numbers, which are 02891821721 and 02891820341.
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RGS EXCELLENCE
Posted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
The Royal Geographical Society (RGS) is the United Kingdom’s leading centre for geographers and geographical learning and promotes Geography by recognising and rewarding excellence in geographical examinations through the RGS Excellence Award. Barry has the distinction of being the top A-Level student in the CCEA A-Level Geography examination in June 2019 and his achievement was recognised by CCEA in December 2019 at a reception in The Titanic Centre, Belfast. Barry has now also been recognised as one of the top performing students in A Level Geography in the UK through receiving the RGS Excellence Award. He was presented with his certificate from the RGS by Mr. Dunlop (Acting Principal) and Mrs Bradley (Head of Geography).
Barry also received a cash award from the RGS.
Read full storyWORLD STAGE AWAITS ST MARY’S ECONOMISTS
Posted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
Our Year 14 Economists enjoyed resounding success in the Young Economist of the Year Competition. The competition required students to submit a research project of their choice on a current Economic topic.
Read full storyWALK A MILLION CHALLENGE
Posted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
St. Mary’s GS are working in partnership with ALPs and Talk To Tom and inviting all in our St. Mary’s community to take part in the Walk a Million Step Challenge.
Starting on the final day of Mental Health Awareness Week, this Sunday May 24th 2020, until World Suicide Prevention Day September 10th 2020, together we can assist to change lives across the country whilst promoting Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention.
By Walking, Running, Jogging, Dancing over 109 days, you are asked to achieve the million steps.
The challenge can be done on your own, in a family or a team setting- it is entirely up to you!
Registration is £12 and can only be done online through this link on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-a-million-tickets-104236899372
We look forward to walking a million together
Read full story
ESSAY COMPETITION
Posted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
For the fourth successive year, St. Mary’s students have achieved top awards in the 2020 LifeWorks Education National Life Advocate Essay Competition. Final year student, Orlaith McAuley, received high praise for a thought-provoking essay that picked up first place in the essay-writing competition. This annual competition for senior cycle students aims to encourage research and critical thinking on human rights and right to life issues.
This year students were asked to discuss the following words of Martin Luther King Jr, ‘injustice everywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’. Chloe Toner, Year 14, and James Murray, Year 13, also received Highly Commended for their essays.
Geraldine Aherne, LifeWorks Co-Ordinator noted, ‘We saw a big increase in entries to the competition this year, which was all the more impressive given the difficult conditions teachers and students are presently working under. The field was very competitive, and the judging panel praised the high standard of student’s work’.
Read full storyPOSITIVE IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Posted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
St. Mary’s Art & Design Department were delighted with all the entries to their Positive Image Photography Competition. The winning entries, in all categories, were chosen by Dr Ruth McGonagle, an A&E Doctor at Antrim Area Hospital. She said the photographs fitted the brief perfectly and she was very impressed by the high standard and quality of our pupil’s photographs.
The winners in each category are as follows;
Year 8 Winner – Aoibhinn Lloyd Evans
Year 9 Winner – Lorcan Tohill
Year 10 Winner –Frances Creighan
Year 11 Winner – Eryn McManus
Please click here to view photographs.
Read full storyPPE EQUIPMENT
Posted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
We are very proud of Mr O’Connor, Miss Coburn and Mr Teague from our Technology and Design Department as they produced almost 350 PPE facemasks!
Read full storyCCEA EXAMINATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT
Posted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
Please click here for Guidance for students, parents and teachers
Please click here for Message to students and families
Read full storyUPDATE ON CORONAVIRUS (COVID 19)
Posted on 18 Mar 2020 | News
Please click here to see attached letter from the Minister of Education.
Read full storyUPDATE ON CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) as of 11 March 2020
Posted on 12 Mar 2020 | News
Please see link for Public Health England below, for information purpose only
Read full storyMENTAL HEALTH AWARD FOR ST. MARY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Posted on 12 Mar 2020 | News
AWARE Northern Ireland launched its inaugural Investors in Mental Health Awards on Friday 6 March 2020 in the Bridge Suite of the iconic Titanic Belfast. St. Mary’s GS were delighted to receive an Investors in Mental Health Award in recognition of our strong pastoral care system and promotion of positive Mental Health in our school community. Pictured are Mr Dunlop and Mrs. McNeill, Head of Year 13, alongside Year 13 pupils who participated in the recent Mood Matter programme coordinated by AWARE.
Read full storyREADY STEADY STUDY PROGRAMME
Posted on 12 Mar 2020 | News
To help pupils prepare for their AS Modules, all Year 13 pupils attended the ‘Ready Steady Study programme’ on 9 March, delivered by Paul Gray, Company Director of Learn Spark. This course provided students with the attitudes, confidence and skill to study effectively and to A Level standard. It set out tried-and-tested techniques, strategies and approaches to support revision, and detailed the key steps required to effectively plan and manage learning and revision time. The day placed a strong emphasis on the students learning to think, act and study independently, all of which are essential life skills to implement in their learning and study.
Read full storyCROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPION!
Posted on 12 Mar 2020 | News
We are extremely proud of our Year 10 pupil Charlie Curley who finished 46th place at the recent Irish Life Health All-Ireland Cross Country Championships. With over 100 competitors from schools throughout the country, Charlie ran 3.5k in just over 14 minutes which was a tremendous pace and demonstrated great work rate and tenacity. Charlie is pictured with his proud P.E teacher, Miss Donnelly.
Read full story
Young People Planting Trees
Posted on 09 Mar 2020 | News
Twenty year 8 pupils were chosen to attend “Young People Planting Trees” event on Monday 9 March in Loughry Campus Cookstown.
Read full storyUPDATE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) As of 3rd March 2020
Posted on 04 Mar 2020 | News
Schools are asked to note the following advice in relation to school trips and the Coronavirus (COVID – 19) outbreak.
Please click on the link below:
Read full storyStay Awake/Sleep Out
Posted on 02 Mar 2020 | News
Eight Year 12 St. Mary’s pupils participated in the Stay Awake/Sleep Out in St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry on Friday 28th February 2020 from 9:00pm until Saturday 29th February 7:00am.
Read full storyART ILUSTRATION
Posted on 28 Feb 2020 | News
Year 11 Art and Design pupils attended a comic book and character design workshop with comic artist, Tanya Roberts, organised by Scottish Book Trust, as part of their Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour.
Read full storyTAKE 5 LAUNCH
Posted on 28 Feb 2020 | News
Year 9 pupils in St. Mary’s Grammar School attended an introduction to the Take 5 Steps to Well-Being model.
Read full storyMichaela Foundation 2020
Posted on 14 Feb 2020 | News
Thank you to Orla McIntyre who spoke to our Sixth Form girls today about volunteering at one of their Summer Camps. A fantastic opportunity!
Applications are available via this link: https://michaelafoundation.com/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/summer-camp-volunteering-roles/
Read full story
ST. MARY’S JOINS THE #REFILLUTION
Posted on 11 Feb 2020 | News
NI Water’s Pat McCauley recently visited Year 8 and Year 9 assemblies in St. Mary’s to highlight the impact single use plastic water bottles are having on our water environments.
Read full storyYoung People’s Mental Health Week
Posted on 07 Feb 2020 | News
ST. MARY’S PUPILS ATTEND NICCY WEBINAR
Read full storyBPW Public Speaking Competition
Posted on 07 Feb 2020 | News
Congratulations to Year 12 pupils - Shea Heaney, Holly Dougan and Nayana Chauhan - who were awarded 1st Place at the Northern Ireland final of the prestigious BPW Public Speaking Competition.
Read full storyChildren and Young People’s Mental Health Awareness Week
Posted on 03 Feb 2020 | News
The Student Leadership Team in St. Mary’s were delighted to welcome Raymond Love and his colleague from Sperrin Cultural Awareness Association (SCAA) in school last week.
Read full storySt. Mary’s Open Evening 2020
Posted on 23 Jan 2020 | News
STEPPING INTO ST.MARY’S
Hundreds of Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils from across three counties visited St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt this week.
Read full storyCatholic Schools Week
Posted on 21 Jan 2020 | News
Catholic Schools Week 2020
St. Mary’s is joining schools across the globe in celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2020 from 26 January to 3 February 2020.
Read full story
Trócaire Gifts of Love
Posted on 20 Jan 2020 | News
During the month of December, staff and pupils from St. Mary’s Grammar School supported Trócaire’s Christmas Appeal by purchasing and promoting Gifts of Love.
Read full storyST. MARY’S GIRLS CLAIM ULSTER TITLE
Posted on 14 Jan 2020 | News
The Ulster U16B Final took place on Friday 10 January in MUSA where St. Mary’s and St. Dominic’s battled it out to be crowned Ulster Champions.
Read full storyA TRIBUTE TO AN OUTSTANDING FORMER ST. MARY’S TEACHER
Posted on 10 Jan 2020 | News
The St. Mary’s community has been saddened by the death of a highly esteemed former member of teaching staff. Mrs Deirdre McCann (RIP) passed away on 1 January 2020.
Read full storyST. VINCENT DE PAUL FAMILY GIFT APPEAL
Posted on 20 Dec 2019 | News
Key Stage 4 pupils, under the direction of Mr Francis and Mrs Higgins, donated a range of presents for the annual St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Family Gift Appeal.
Read full storyST. MARY’S CHRISTMAS CARD
Posted on 11 Dec 2019 | News
This year’s school Christmas card was designed by Adam Rocks, Year 13. Thank you to Adam for giving of his time and talent in creating the artwork for the card.
Read full storyST. MARY’S GIRLS AMONG THE DERRY U14 GIRLS HONOURED BY LORD MAYOR AT GUILD HALL
Posted on 03 Dec 2019 | News
Congratulations to our 2019 Derry U14 girls who were presented with their All-Ireland medals.
Read full storyThe NEBSSA Cross Country Championships
Posted on 28 Nov 2019 | News
The NEBSSA Cross Country Championships were held at Six Mile Water Park, Ballyclare on Wednesday 27 November 2019.
Read full storySOROPTIMIST SUCCESS FOR ST. MARY’S STUDENTS
Posted on 27 Nov 2019 | News
On 21 November 2019, six pupils represented St. Mary’s in the Regional Heat of the 38th Annual Soroptimist International Public Speaking competition, held at Ballymoney Health Centre.
Read full storyTALKING RUBBISH
Posted on 21 Nov 2019 | News
Year 8 pupils had a fun morning on 21 November 2019 when they participated in the ‘Bin It!’ workshop in St. Mary’s.
Read full storySOMETHING’S COOKING
Posted on 21 Nov 2019 | News
Pupils across all key stages in St. Mary’s recently enjoyed cookery demonstrations delivered by Patricia Mitchell from the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC).
Read full storyPART OF THE ACTION
Posted on 20 Nov 2019 | News
Action MS Chief Executive, Ann Walker, recently visited St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt as part of a special awards presentation to thank Year 10 pupils for their tremendous efforts on behalf of people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Read full storyTaekwondo World Championships 2019
Posted on 18 Nov 2019 | News
Taekwondo World Championships 2019
Read full storySure Start Visit St.Mary’s
Posted on 18 Nov 2019 | News
GCSE Child Development students in St. Mary’s recently welcomed Rachel Scroogie from Sure Start Northern Ireland to their class.
Read full storyTOP PERFORMERS IN ST. MARY’S
Posted on 12 Nov 2019 | News
Students from St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt are among the highest achieving students in this year’s GCSE and A-Level examinations in a number of subjects.
Read full storyClimate Change Conference
Posted on 11 Nov 2019 | News
On Saturday 9 Novemeber 2019, 15 pupils from St.Mary’s travelled to the Cardinal ÓFiaich Memorial Library to participate in a Climate Change Conference.
Read full story
ST. MARY’S PUPILS AWARDED TOP PRIZES IN UK WIDE COMPETITION
Posted on 08 Nov 2019 | News
The new term started exceptionally well for some St. Mary’s pupils. In June 2019, pupils in Years 8-11 were given the opportunity to enter a competition entry to the Schools Bible Project. Thousands of pupils from schools across the UK enter each year and four St. Mary’s pupils have been awarded prizes in this year’s competition.
Read full storyDiocese of Derry Lourdes Pilgrimage
Posted on 08 Nov 2019 | News
Five pupils from St. Mary’s participated in the annual Derry Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage which took place during Summer 2019.
Read full storyCROSS COUNTRY SUCCESS
Posted on 07 Nov 2019 | News
26 pupils from St. Mary’s attended the Mid Ulster Council Cross Country event on Tuesday 5 November 2019 at MUSA, Cookstown.
Read full storyST. MARY’S PUPILS RAISE FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE HOLY FAMILY SISTERS OF BORDEAUX
Posted on 07 Nov 2019 | News
Year 9 and Year 11 pupils in St. Mary’s have been raising funds to support the work of the Holy Family Sisters of Bordeaux.
Read full storyYEAR 10 SUCCESS IN POETRY COMPETITION
Posted on 04 Nov 2019 | News
Year 10 pupils, Georgia Lavelle and Zoe McAllister have been awarded Highly Commended in the prestigious Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Competition.
Read full storyCELEBRATING SUCCESS IN ST. MARY’S
Posted on 04 Nov 2019 | News
The achievements of pupils in St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt during 2018/19 have been rewarded during a number of internal awards ceremonies for pupils from Year 9 to Year 12.
Read full storyROAD OF HOPE SHOE BOX APPEAL
Posted on 21 Oct 2019 | News
St. Mary’s Grammar School once again took part in the annual Road of Hope Shoe Box Appeal. Road of Hope is a voluntary charity organisation that relies on the goodwill of local people to help support those under privileged in countries such as Bosnia, Croatia, Romania and Africa.
ALL STAR AWARD FOR ST. MARY’S STUDENT
Posted on 15 Oct 2019 | News
Congratulations to Year 13 student, Caitriona Toner, who was awarded an Ulster Schools Camogie All Star for 2019/20 following her participation in trials at the Ulster University, Jordanstown last week.
Read full storyGIDEONS INTERNATIONAL VISIT TO ST. MARY’S
Posted on 15 Oct 2019 | News
On Monday 14 October 2019, St. Mary’s was delighted to welcome representatives from Gideons International to speak to Year Eight during their weekly assembly.
Read full storyDRAMA STUDENTS ATTEND LYRIC THEATRE PRODUCTION OF ‘BLACKOUT’
Posted on 10 Oct 2019 | News
On 9 October 2019, A Level Drama students attended a performance of Blackout at Sperrin Integrated College, Magherafelt.
Read full storySt.Mary’s School Formal 2019
Posted on 24 Sep 2019 | News
It was an evening of sophistication and sartorial splendour as students from St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt attended the annual Year 14 Formal.
Read full storyAwards Ceremony 2019
Posted on 18 Sep 2019 | News
ST.MARY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL - ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt has held its annual Awards Ceremony to recognise and reward the academic and extra-curricular achievements of pupils. The event took place in the school on the evening of Tuesday 10 September 2019 in the presence of Guest Speaker, Professor Roderick Paisley, who holds the Chair of Scots Law at the University of Aberdeen.
Read full storyDrama Workshop with the Lyric Theatre 2019
Posted on 17 Sep 2019 | News
On Thursday 12 September 2019, Year 11 and Year 13 Drama students took part in a physical theatre workshop facilitated by the Creative Learning Department of the Lyric Theatre, Belfast.
Read full storyGCSE EXAMINATION SUCCESS FOR ST. MARY’S
Posted on 23 Aug 2019 | News
Students at St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt have excelled in 2019 GCSE examinations. Following the publication of results, Ms Gillespie, Principal, described the grades achieved by students as “truly remarkable” and reported that 98% of students achieved A*-C grades in at least 7 subjects, including English and Mathematics. An impressive 60% of all grades were A*-A.
Read full storyA LEVEL EXCELLENCE AT ST. MARY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Posted on 20 Aug 2019 | News
St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt is celebrating another year of exceptional performance in A-Level examinations.
Read full storyST. MARY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL, MAGHERAFELT WINS FINAL OF NATIONAL LEGAL COMPETITION
Posted on 26 Jun 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
Two Year 13 pupils from St. Mary’s have been crowned the winning team in a prestigious national legal competition.
Una Campbell and Luke McCallion competed against 8 other finalists from three schools across the UK in the “The Legal Apprentice” competition, hosted by law firm Kingsley Napley LLP in partnership with The Times.
Read full story5* NEWS EXPERIENCE DAY WITH THE IRISH NEWS
Posted on 19 Jun 2019 | GeneralNews
All Year 8 pupils participated enthusiastically in The Critical Literacy Project through The Irish News earlier in the year. This involved reading weekly student editions of The Irish News and completing various activities based on that week’s newspaper. The aim of the project was to develop pupils’ literacy skills and 8C were the worthy winners of a day spent at The Irish News Offices, in Belfast and at Inter-press, on the 18th June, learning all about how the different sections of the paper are planned and put together.
Read full storyLIFEWORKS ESSAY COMPETITION
Posted on 03 Jun 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
For the third successive year, a St. Mary’s student achieved a top award in the LifeWorks Education National Life Advocate Essay Competition. Year 14 student, Anne McCoy, was Highly Commended for the excellent essay she submitted in response to the words of Pope Francis: “The right to life is the first among human rights.”
Read full storyMARTIN O’FARRELL CUP CHAMPIONS 2019
Posted on 03 Jun 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
After losing their opening game to Omagh CBS by one point, the Year 8 boys dusted themselves down to go on a run that would lead them all the way to the Martin O’Farrell Cup.
Read full storyST. MARY’S STUDENTS NAMED FINALISTS IN NATIONAL LEGAL COMPETITION
Posted on 24 May 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
Two Year 13 students from St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt have successfully reached the final of the ‘Legal Apprentice’ competition.
Una Campbell and Luke McCallion will compete against three other schools from the UK to be crowned the winning team in the final at News UK (Headquarters of The Times) on 19 June 2019.
Read full storyIRISH NEWS CRITICAL LITERACY PROJECT
Posted on 20 May 2019 | AwardsGeneral
In English, Year 8 pupils enjoyed their student edition of The Irish News every Wednesday for eight weeks as part of the Irish News Critical Literacy Project. The project is designed to deliver news and develop literacy understanding in the classroom. Highlights involved Student Bingo and The Scavenger Hunt which required pupils to compete to find articles on various topics. St. Mary’s was one of just three schools to win a day trip to The Irish News headquarters in June. We are confident that we have a number of future journalists in our midst.
Read full storyLAUNCH OF VERTICAL TUTOR GROUPS
Posted on 30 Apr 2019 | GeneralNews
As a development of the Pastoral House System in St. Mary’s, Term Two saw the introduction of Vertical Tutor Groups. Led by Mrs Higgins, the aim of the vertical group structure is to enhance and encourage greater pupil interaction between pupils from different Year Groups within the same Pastoral House Group and promote a richer pupil experience and sense of House identity.
Read full storySTEP BACK IN TIME
Posted on 25 Apr 2019 | GeneralNews
History students enjoyed a number of visits to places of historical interest. Year 14 students visited Glasnevin Cemetery and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin as part of their study of Ireland Under the Union 1800-1900 and the Partition of Ireland 1900-25. Meanwhile, Year 11 pupils travelled to Derry to visit the Siege Museum and the Museum of Free Derry, before enjoying a walking tour of the Bogside as part of their study of Northern Ireland 1965-98.
Read full storyANNUAL SPRING CONCERT
Posted on 22 Apr 2019 | GeneralNews
The Music Department’s Spring Concert showcased the exceptional musical talents of St. Mary’s pupils. Soloists, choirs and instrumentalists entertained the large crowd with music from across a range of genres, including traditional, classical and contemporary compositions. Organised by Miss Donnelly, Head of Music, the evening was compered by Year 14 students, Orla O’Kane and Claire Kearney, who entertained the audience with their charm and wit.
Read full storyIN THE DRAGON’S DEN
Posted on 15 Apr 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
On Friday 12 April 2019, Year 12 students - Declan Larkin, Mark Donnelly, Niall McAuley, Allana Campbell, Evelina McElhone, Beth Dixon and Helen Doherty - along with 500 other post-primary school students from across Northern Ireland travelled to Titanic Belfast for BelTech’s Education Day.
Read full storyHISTORY DEPARTMENT HOSTS TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION PLATFORM
Posted on 10 Apr 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
As part of the Shared Education Programme, the History Department was privileged to host the Truth and Reconciliation Platform which was established to give victims of the Northern Ireland ‘Troubles’, regardless of their political, religious or cultural background, an opportunity to tell their stories. On this occasion, we heard Alan Mc Bride, Eugene Reavey and Stephen Travers speak.
Read full storySTUDENT COUNCIL
Posted on 03 Apr 2019 | GeneralNews
Throughout the year, members of the St. Mary’s Student Council have been actively involved in inviting and representing the views and ideas of the wider student body to the Principal and Senior Leadership Team. Various matters of pupil interest were discussed through regular Year Group Council meetings, Student Council meetings and meetings with Ms Gillespie and Mr Quinn. The issues raised by pupils were discussed at Senior Leadership meetings and feedback was provided to the Student Council.
Read full storyTALK THE TALK
Posted on 01 Apr 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
Following the success of the first year of the cross-phase literacy project, the English Department was pleased to work with partner primary schools for a second year.
Read full storyFORWARD IN FAITH
Posted on 01 Apr 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
Almost 80 pupils from St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt have been presented with a faith award by Archbishop Eamon Martin in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. The Pope John Paul II Award and the Muiredach Cross Award were presented to the young people at a special ceremony on Thursday 28 March 2019 in recognition of their volunteering work in parishes, communities and schools.
Read full storyLAYING DOWN THE LAW
Posted on 29 Mar 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
In December 2018, a team of 15 Year 13 and 14 pupils participated in the Regional Heat of the National Bar Mock Trial Competition. The competition is facilitated by the Citizenship Foundation, a charity that aims to enable and encourage young people across the UK to actively participate in, and make a positive difference to, the societies in which they live. The team engaged in a simulated criminal trial - an immersive, active learning experience which afforded the team the opportunity to take on the roles of barristers, witnesses and court staff to prosecute and defend specially adapted, real life legal cases, against other schools.
Read full storyST. MARY’S PUPIL SPREADS HER WINGS AND WINS MICHAELA FOUNDATION AWARD
Posted on 28 Mar 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
A Year 13 student from St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt has won the top prize in this year’s Michaela Foundation Wings Award Programme.
Laura Diamond was announced as the winner of the award at an Awards Ceremony in St. Mary’s University College, Belfast on Wednesday 27 March 2019. Nominating Laura for the award, Miss Burns (Head of Religion) described her as “a kind, compassionate and inspirational young lady, who has been a true example of living faith in the twenty-first century.”
Read full storyGAEL LINN SUCCESS
Posted on 27 Mar 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
On 27 March 2019, Year 13 pupil, Ella McKenna, was placed First overall in the A Level group of the prestigious Gael Linn public speaking competition, Abair.
Ella, along with Treasa Ni Chathain, made it through to the All-Ireland finals, held in the Crumlin Road Jail, after qualifying in Letterkenny in January. The girls spoke exceptionally well and Mr McPhilomey and Miss McGouran are extremely proud of their achievements.
Read full storyBATTLEFIELDS TRIP
Posted on 20 Mar 2019 | GeneralNews
In March, Year 10 students - Matthew Lynn and Aine Heaney - had the opportunity to take part in the Battlefields Project trip alongside pupils from a number of other schools across Northern Ireland to commemorate the centenary of World War 1. Accompanied by Mrs McCormick, Head of History, the pupils visited a number of key World War 1 sites, including the Menin Gate, Peace with Ireland Park, the Ulster Tower and Thiepval Memorial.
Read full storyON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW – PUPILS PARTICIPATE IN SUPREME COURT’S ASK A JUSTICE PROGRAMME
Posted on 20 Mar 2019 | GeneralNews
Students from St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt have had the opportunity to speak to Lord Kerr as part of the Supreme Court’s Ask a Justice initiative.
The programme provides young people with a keen interest in law with the chance to engage in a live question and answer session with a Justice from within the comfort of their own school.
Read full storyVOCAL ABOUT VOCATIONS
Posted on 19 Mar 2019 | GeneralNews
On Tuesday 19 March 2019, St. Mary’s was delighted to welcome Fr. Damien Quigley to speak to Year Eleven General RE pupils.
Read full storyTRAGIC EVENT
Posted on 18 Mar 2019 | NewsGeneral
The Governors, Principal, staff and pupils of St. Mary’s Grammar School extend their sincere sympathy and prayers to the families, friends and communities of those who lost loved ones following the tragedy in Cookstown on St. Patrick’s day.
Our Lady of Sorrows pray for them.
Read full storyUK CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD
Posted on 15 Mar 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
Miss McCloskey (Head of Chemistry) pictured with participants in the recent UK Chemistry Olympiad competition.
Pupils Barry McErlean, Ella McKenna, Ciara Cassidy, Conor Bradley & John McMorrow (missing from picture) displayed a wide and diverse range of chemical knowledge and expertise to answer some very challenging questions - well beyond the scope of the Chemistry studied in the classroom. Congratulation in particular to Barry McErlean who achieved a prestigious Gold Award.
Read full storyLESSONS FROM AUSCHWITZ
Posted on 14 Mar 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
In March, four Year 13 and Year 14 History students - Mirren Mc Kenna, Una Campbell, Caoimhe Mullan and Cate Bateson - participated in the Lessons from Auschwitz project. This amazing opportunity allowed the girls to meet a Holocaust survivor and visit Birkenau, the death camp at Auschwitz. On their return, the girls delivered a presentation to all Year Groups during Assembly to share their experience of being involved in the project with other pupils.
Read full storyST. MARY’S STUDENTS LAUNCH CROPSAFE APP
Posted on 12 Mar 2019 | GeneralNews
Two young students from St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt have launched an innovative new “CropSafe” app that could help fight crop disease around the world.
Read full storyYEAR 8 READATHON 2019
Posted on 07 Mar 2019 | GeneralNews
To celebrate World Book Day in March, Year 8 pupils took part in a sponsored Readathon. As well as developing pupils’ interest in reading, the Readathon raised £1923.41 for the Holy Family Sisters of Bordeaux.
Read full storySILVER FÁINNE AND BRÍD DEVLIN CUP FOR EXCELLENCE IN IRISH
Posted on 04 Mar 2019 | AwardsGeneralNews
Examinations for the Silver Fáinne took place in March with pupils in 10C and 10D also competing to win the Bríd Devlin Cup for excellence in Irish.
Read full story
ST. MARY’S BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIR APPOINTED
Posted on 01 Mar 2019 | GeneralNews
The new Chair of the Board of Governors of St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt has been introduced to the staff of the school.
Mrs Anne-Marie Campbell (née Pimley) addressed teaching and teaching support staff to outline the Governors’ vision for the continued success and development of the school in the years ahead.
Read full storyPRIMARY SCHOOLS GAELIC TOURNAMENT
Posted on 27 Feb 2019 | GeneralNews
St. Mary’s hosted its annual Primary School Gaelic Football Tournament on Wednesday 27 February 2019 in Meadowbank Sports Arena
Read full storyJUNIOR CHOIR SUCCESS IN BALLYMENA FESTIVAL
Posted on 15 Feb 2019 | GeneralAwardsNews
Made up of more than 50 pupils from Year 8 – Year 10, the Junior Choir was awarded First Place in their competition at the Ballymena Festival. Conducted by Miss Donnelly, Head of Music, and accompanied by Miss G Meyers, the choir delighted the adjudicator by singing the ethereal ‘Hushabye Mountain’ from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and ‘Hail Holy Queen’ from ‘Sister Act’. The adjudicator praised the pupils on their beautiful tone and enthusiastic singing.
Read full story
