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Technology INTRODUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT The Design and Technology Department strives to provide a safe, friendly, happy working environment, where every student can achieve his/her full potential. Design and Technology equips students with ‘real life’ skills and knowledge, which will enable them to contribute to an increasingly technological society. WHO STUDY'S TECHNOLOGY? Technology is a compulsory element of the National Curriculum at KeyStage 3. Therefore, all students study it throughout Yrs. 8-10. At GCSE level and above Design and Technology along with Engineering are optional subject choices. At KS3, students learn to develop their skills through a series of focused projects. Students are assessed for skills shown in communicating their design ideas and the quality of the products they manufacture. They cover five project strands including: Research, Design Ideas, Planning for Manufacturing, Manufacturing and Evaluation. Pupils work to set design briefs and also carry out focused practical tasks and learn a wide range of technical and creative skills. At KS4 (GCSE Level), students build on the skills they have previously developed at KS3 and can opt to study one of the following specialist options: Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology AQA GCSE Engineering. At A-Level, students can develop their Design and Manufacturing skills further through the development of an extended personal project. At A-Level, students study: Edexcel Design and Technology – Product Design. DEPARTMENT AIMS The Technology Department aims to provide students with a broad range of experiences, working with a variety of materials, technologies and resources. We aim to enable students to develop and fulfil their whole potential by: Nurturing their creativity through the continual development of design and manufacturing skills. Developing competence in the safe application of tools, equipment and machinery. Developing communication skills, including verbal, graphical and modelling skills. Using Design and Technology to develop Key Skills in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT. Drawing on student knowledge and experiences from across the curriculum. Preparing pupils to effectively contribute to live and work in a technological society. DEPARTMENT AIMS The Design and Technology department comprises two well-resourced workshops and two Systems/Planning Rooms with a full complement of Desktop Computers and associated software including Solidworks, AutoCAD, PCB Wizard and LiveWire. The selection of equipment available to students in the workshops include: Laser Cutter 3D Printer Wood and Metal Lathes 3-Axis Mill Pillar Drills Belt Sanders Pedestal Polishers Strip Heaters KEY STAGE 3 OVERVIEW The Design and Technology Syllabus in KeyStage 3 is designed to give students a basic understanding of the key skills required for continuing attainment in the subject. In our department we aim is to give students an understanding of the need for, and requirement of, well-designed and manufactured products in all aspects of modern society. Throughout KeyStage 3 our aim is to introduce and develop student competency in the fundamental elements of Design & Technology through a range of age appropriate design tasks and practical projects. Each element of the design process is imbedded in practical projects so that students not only develop an understanding of each aspect of the process in isolation but also so that they can apply this to the manufacture of a product that they can take home and use. All of the projects and tasks undertaken at KeyStage 3 have been designed specifically to appeal to the designated year group and can be further personalised to suit the individual, meaning everyone is able to design and manufacture something that is functional and fun. Topics/Units of work covered in each year at KS3: STAFF Mr. A Nelson (Head of Department) Miss. V Orr Mr. A Surgenor Dr. I Walker Mr. D Reed (Technician) KEY STAGE 4 OVERVIEW Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology Overview This is a two year course that builds on all the knowledge and Skills Developed throughout KeyStage 3 Design and Technology. Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology is a qualification with creative design and manufacturing at its heart. Throughout the course students are encouraged to take design risks and to innovate through inspiring contextual challenges, helping students to develop the practical skills needed to succeed. This qualification Is Linear; meaning that students will sit their exam and submit their non-examined assessment at the end of the Course. In Yr11 students will study subject theory in preparation for their Exam at the end of Year 12. This is worth 50% of the overall GCSE Qualification. In Year 12, Students will then use the theory covered in Yr11 into their Non-Examined Assessment Project. This will include both a portfolio of work along with a manufactured product. This too is worth 50% of the overall GCSE Qualification. The course has been designed to provide an ideal grounding for further study of Design and Technology at A Level and it has been designed using a similar approach in order to make the experience of moving on as smooth as possible. SUBJECT CONTENT In preparation for the externally assessed examination, students will study one compulsory topic (the core content) and one optional topic (Polymers). In Addition, the Non-Examined Assessment will take the form of a Project where students will be assessed on their skills in investigating, designing, making and evaluating their product. ASSESSMENT AQA GCSE Engineering Overview This is a two year course that like its sister subject Design and Technology builds on much of the knowledge and skills developed throughout KeyStage 3 Design and Technology. At GCSE both subjects share a similar core element, however, Engineering centres more on electronic and mechanical systems and is more focussed on Mathematical skills than the design creativity associated with Design and Technology. This qualification Is Linear; meaning that students will sit their exam and submit their non-examined assessment at the end of the Course. In Yr11 students will study subject theory in preparation for their Exam at the end of Year 12. This is worth 60% of the overall GCSE Qualification. In Year 12, Students will then use the theory covered in Yr11 in their Non-Examined Assessment Project. This will include both a portfolio of work along with a manufactured product. This is worth 40% of the overall GCSE Qualification. The AQA Engineering GCSE course introduces students to a host of new technologies, helping them to gain practical skills and understanding to inspire a lifelong interest in engineering. It will particularly appeal to those who enjoy being creative, with an affinity for drawing, design, maths and problem-solving. SUBJECT CONTENT In preparation for the externally assessed examination, students will study five compulsory topics: Engineering Materials Engineering Manufacturing Processes Systems Testing and Investigation The impact of Modern Technologies In Addition, the Non-Examined Assessment will take the form of a Project where students will be assessed on their skills in investigating, designing, making and evaluating their product. ASSESSMENT A-Level / KeyStage 5 Overview Edexcel A-Level Design and Technology Overview The current A level course follows the 2 year linear Edexcel Syllabus – Design and Technology (product design). This course is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding learned during GCSE Design and Technology. Students will enjoy designing and manufacturing products using a range of materials, combining traditional skills, ICT and CAD/CAM. The Product Design course focuses on the areas of industrial design, engineering, manufacture and product design. The course combines everything students have enjoyed previously in Design Technology, mixing graphic design with engineering and manufacturing in a range of materials from specialist card, wood, metal and plastic to glass reinforced plastic, concrete and carbon fibre. It is flexible and allows students to focus their work on their own area of interest. At A-Level more in depth theories are studied and applied in an independent design and make project of a students choosing. As a Department, we are focused on giving students the tools, knowledge and information required to become more effective, more experienced and more efficient. The key aim of this qualification is to enable students to: Use creativity and imagination when applying iterative design processes to develop and modify designs, and to design and make prototypes that solve real world problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations and values. Students will be able to integrate and apply their understanding and knowledge from Key Stage 4, with a focus on mathematics and science for analysis and informing decisions in design, whilst being open to taking design risks which show innovation and enterprise. The Edexcel A-Level in Design and Technology (Product Design) consists of one externally-examined paper and one non-examined assessment component. EXTRA-CURRICULAR The teaching staff and department facilities are available after school for GCSE and A-Level Students to help support them with exam theory, exam technique or non-examined assessments. Throughout the whole Design and Technology Department, we strongly advise our A-Level students to come into the department during study/non-contact periods to enhance their skills and gain additional help and advice in their academic work. In addition the department also encourage students to participate in a variety of extra-curricular Technology competitions including F1 in Schools and BT Young Innovators. Y9 Technology Club There is a Technology Club aimed at Yr9 pupils which runs on selected Wednesday afternoons during the 2nd and 3rd terms. Club activities focus around “mini” technology projects and aim to build on the skills learned in class Yr10 Rotary Club Technology Competition Each Year a Team from Dalriada attend the Annual Rotary Club Technology competition. Teams are made up of four Yr10 pupils and are tasked with solving an engineering problem by designing and manufacture a viable solution using components and materials provided. F1 in Schools Each Year students are offered the opportunity to enter a team into the Northern Ireland finals of the international F1 in Schools Competition. Each team has to design and manufacture a miniature F1 car out of balsa wood using CAD/CAM design tools. The cars are powered by CO2 cartridges and are attached to a track by a nylon wire. Over the years teams from Dalriada have enjoyed much success in this annual competition CAREERS / FURTHER STUDY A post KeyStage 3 qualification in Design & Technology and/or Engineering combined with other supporting subject choices opens the door to a wide array of potential future careers for students. Whilst the coursework units of work compiled at both GCSE and A Level also provide students with valuable portfolio material, which can be taken to university interviews as evidence of design or manufacturing competency. Once students have completed their GCSE’s or A Levels, they can then decide on their next step, focusing on an area that they are passionate about. Students can go on to study a wide selection of higher education courses at a college or university or they could even take up an apprenticeship. Careers fitting with the skills taught within both Technology and Engineering include but are not limited to: The Technology & Design Department actively promotes the benefits of a STEM based career within regular classroom teaching through the use of: Careers information on notice boards throughout the department. The Yr10 Technology/Engineering based careers unit of work, where students explore possible STEM related careers along with a number of case studies highlighting the success of past students who have utilised the skills first acquired during their time studying Design & Technology / Engineering at Dalriada and its relevance to their current STEM related career. The staff within the Technology department in conjunction with their counterparts in the Careers Department, actively encourage the best A-Level Technology & Design / Engineering Students to apply for STEM related bursaries, when pursing a place in tertiary education. Current bursary opportunities include: Nuffield Engineering Bursary: This bursary takes the form of summer employment opportunities for students interested in an Engineering based career. Queen’s STEM Bursary: The Technology and Design department staff encourage our best A-Level students apply for these bursaries, in the form of a £1000 Scholarship for students who enrol in a STEM subject, make Queen’s their firm choice on their UCAS application and attain a minimum of three ‘A’ grades at A-level (or equivalent). TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM LINKS Awarding Exam Boards Subject Microsites Edexcel Design and Technology (9-1) from 2017 | Pearson qualifications AQA | Engineering | GCSE | Engineering Edexcel AS & A level Design and Technology - Product Design (2017) | Pearson qualifications REVISION MATERIALS The technology student website contains a wide range of revision materials that will help students in topics covered at both GCSE and AS/A2 Level. The BBC bitesize website contains a wealth of subject information, including the main topics covered in GCSE Technology along with numerous topic tests. The experimental lab based resource allows students to study structures and work out forces, loads, materials and shapes that can be used in bridge structures in the bridge lab. This website is a useful resource for investigating famous bridge structures as part of the Yr9 Big Designs research unit of work. This website contains a wide variety of revision materials that will help students in topics covered at both GCSE and AS/A2 Level. The Design and Technology Department website contains a vast array of information for all Keystages. Howstuffworks is a wonderful website, which explains how hundreds of products work using clear, easy to digest language along with clear illustrations. This site provides information and questions for pupils and teachers studying Technology. Using this website you can access a range of useful subject information and revision materials.

Drama < Back To Departments Welcome to Dalriada’s Drama Department “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…” - William Shakespeare, As You Like It Department Aims The Drama Department at Dalriada aims to encourage students to: Develop their own personal interest in Drama; Engage actively in lessons so they develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers, with enquiring minds; Work imaginatively and creatively; Analyse and evaluate their own work, and the work of others; Develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative, and performance skills; Develop skills that provide a basis for progression to employment or further study; Consider and explore the impact of social, cultural and historical influences on drama texts and activities; and HAVE FUN! At all Key Stages, we hope to combine theory and practice, and take every opportunity to allow the students to work collaboratively, in a friendly, supportive, energetic, and engaging environment. Students are rarely in their seats, and can often be found rehearsing various scripts, trying on costumes, or sketching out ideas for their design projects. OUR STAFF Miss Brown- Teacher in Charge of Drama Mrs Kane Mrs Divin Mrs Bradley Mrs Steele Miss Snoddy EXTRA-CURRICULAR School Play Junior Drama Club Senior Drama Club DRAMA AT KS3 At Key Stage 3, all students enjoy one 30 minute period of Drama per week. We look at various styles and genres of performance, devise our own scripts, design sets and costumes, study play texts, and perform scripted extracts. Year 8- Drama games, vocal warm ups and tongue twisters, performance poetry, devised performances and script writing based on stimulus material, and performing short scripted performances in small groups. Year 9- Theatre Masks through history (exploring Greek Theatre, Medieval Theatre, Commedia dell’arte, Mardi Gras, and modern theatre masks), mask research and design project, exploring physical theatre whilst devising a Superhero-themed performance, and performing short scripted duologues. Year 10- Exploring a play script through Our Day Out, looking at social/economic/cultural/historic influences on the content of the play, devising alternative ending group performances, completing a costume/staging research and design task, looking at careers in theatre and performance industry, and performing short scripted monologues from theatre or film. DRAMA AT GCSE At GCSE level, Drama students follow CCEA GCSE Drama Specification, studying the play Blood Brothers by Willy Russell. Students look at Lighting, Sound and Multimedia ideas used in theatre, and get the opportunity to visit theatres and watch plays which contain good examples of these used in production. Pupils will also complete two group performance assessments: one Devised, and One Scripted. These are always very popular! https://tinyurl.com/CCEA-GCSE-Specification AS/A2 Performing Arts We offer AS/A2 Performing Arts at Dalriada, following the CCEA Specification, where sixth form pupils enjoy learning performance-based skills which will help them prepare for work in the Performing Arts Industry. This course looks at both the practical skills an actor will require, and the theory behind some of these skills. Students will also learn how to create performance-related risk assessments, will create their own Theatre Company, create professional-standard promotional portfolios (CV’S, Showreels and Headshots), and will learn how to get an Agent. https://tinyurl.com/CCEA-Performing-Arts Results We have been very proud of our GCSE Drama results, with all pupils consistently achieving 100% A*-C grades, and, more recently, 100% A*-B grades! What a FANTASTIC achievement. Likewise, we are also very proud of both our AS and A2 Performing Arts results, with all students consistently achieving 100% A*-C grades. Very well done! Recent School Productions Photos/Reviews 2025- Anastasia - https://tinyurl.com/Anastasia-photos and review here 2023- Les Misérables - https://tinyurl.com/yc5xpr9f and review https://tinyurl.com/376j9n2z 2022- The Sound of Music- https://tinyurl.com/mw9ttp6p and review https://tinyurl.com/58a3mrn8 2018- Fiddler on the Roof- https://tinyurl.com/Fiddler-Photos and review https://tinyurl.com/3ewfpykx 2017- Hairspray- https://tinyurl.com/yc22svp8 2016- Macbeth- https://tinyurl.com/2fs55sxw 2015- Oklahoma!- https://tinyurl.com/3x23dtw3 and review https://tinyurl.com/mmvty63x 2014-Phantom of the Opera- https://tinyurl.com/88mk7fc9 2013- Oliver!- https://tinyurl.com/ye2yctpk Recent Drama Success Huge Congratulations to one of our Performing Arts A-Level students, Erika Taggart, who has just been offered a place at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London. This is an internationally recognised leading Specialist School for Drama, Music, and Dance. After a demanding audition process, Erika was offered one of the very limited spaces on the Musical Theatre BA Hons Course for next year. What an OUTSTANDING achievement. However, this talented young lady not only received an offer from Trinity Laban…she ALSO went and bagged herself another offer from LAMDA-the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art! This world-leading Drama School accepts roughly 30 students onto the BA Acting Course each year, selected from thousands of applicants worldwide, so to be selected to take up one of these coveted places is an incredible achievement. Ross McAlister Ross was one of our previous leading men in Hairspray here at Dalriada. Erika Taggart Sam Ingamells Chris Nevin Congratulations to former Dalriad, Chris Nevin, who trained at the very prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, and is currently making his professional Musical Theatre Debut with the touring production of Titanic the Musical. What a show! Chris was one of our previous leading men in Phantom of the Opera here at Dalriada. Drama News School Play - Les Misérables At the end of November, pupils in Years 9-12 got the opportunity to watch the school play, Les Misérables. This was a great opportunity... Lyric School’s Affiliation Scheme The Lyric Theatre is delighted to be partnering with over 20 schools from all across NI this year on our Lyric School’s Affiliation... Dissecting Shakespeare Workshop On 7th December, 2023, our Year 11 and 12 pupils got the opportunity to take part in a ‘Dissecting Shakespeare’ workshop, run by the... 1 2

Pastoral Structure Pupils joining Year 8 are assigned to one of five Year 8 classes. Each class has a Form Teacher who meets with the class at the beginning of each school day for registration. The Form Teacher also takes the class for one period every week for Learning for Life and Work. This teacher normally teaches the Form Class for one of their subjects and has responsibility for monitoring the overall conduct, development, progress and performance of the pupils in his or her class. We try to ensure that the same Form Teacher remains with the class from Year 8-12 so that pupils have consistency of pastoral support. Form Teachers are supported by the Head of Year who in turn are co-ordinated by a Deputy Head (Pastoral) who has overall responsibility for pastoral care and discipline in the school. We promote good relationships and effective communication between everyone in our school community. Therefore pupils are encouraged to talk to their Form Teachers and/or Year Heads, to share concerns early so that we can deal with problems quickly and effectively. We also have a strong pastoral system of peer support. Year 8 pupils are assigned a Year 10 mentor and a year 14 prefect to ensure that all of our new pupils have another older pupil that they can go to for advice and a chat! We also have Sixth Form Wellbeing Ambassadors who help promote positive emotional health amongst the student population and who are there to support fellow pupils.

Business Studies < Back To Departments INTRODUCTION At Dalriada Business Studies is a dynamic course which prepares students for the challenges of the 21st Century by introducing them to the world of business. It emphasises the ever-changing character of business, the diverse nature of business enterprise and the interdependence of the various parts of the business world. Although an academic subject, Business Studies is practical, applied and exciting. It equips pupils with many life skills such as communication, problem solving, time management, team work and decision making. Whether your aim is to pursue an academic career, train for a profession or become an entrepreneur the necessary knowledge and skills will be provided. DEPARTMENT AIMS We aim to: To maintain and/or stimulate pupil curiosity, interest and enjoyment in Business Studies. To enable pupils to be familiar with a body of business and economic knowledge, principles, skills and vocabulary. To enable pupils to see Business Studies in the context of a wider body of knowledge and skills. To enable pupils to understand and use investigative methods. To enable pupils to develop a range of desirable personal qualities such as politeness, perseverance, initiative and independence. To enable pupils to be able to work independently and as part of a team. To employ teaching methods and resources that allow all pupils (irrespective of their gender, ethnic origin, academic ability, etc.) to have equal access to Business Studies and to experience success and enjoyment in their Business Studies work To develop an awareness in pupils of the implications of business and industry (past and present) for the individual, the community and the environment OUR STAFF Mrs LJ Parkhill (Head of Dept) Miss C Diamond BUSINESS STUDIES AT KS3 In Business Studies, we aim to develop a greater understanding and interest in how businesses and the economy work so that our pupils will be well prepared for the complex, technical, business orientated world they will enter as young adults. Each pupil in Year 10 undertakes a ‘Taster Course’ in Business Studies – 1 period for the full academic year. This course introduces the pupils to some basic business concepts such as: Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Business Organisations Sales and Marketing Business Finance & Accounting We want our pupils to discover what it takes to be a successful Entrepreneur and what major decisions they would have to make in order to ensure the survival of their own businesses. They learn about the world of work so that they will know what will be expected of them in the competitive world. As a consumer we want them to be well informed so that when they buy goods and services, they get what they want and know what to do and where to go when they are dissatisfied. Business Studies is fun, relevant and challenging. We encourage our pupils to have opinions and ideas and to be able to communicate them in the most effective way. Through maintaining strong links with Young Enterprise and local companies our pupils also develop more general business, presentation and team working skills. Is GCSE Business Studies for me? This course is both active and enjoyable. You need to be good at communicating and explaining your ideas, and not afraid of learning new things and working with numbers to solve business problems. You will learn how to be a creative thinker and how to make decisions. What’s more, you will also learn about the world of business through research and investigation, as well as through practical tasks. GCSE BUSINESS STUDIES GCSE Business Studies is a dynamic, interesting and challenging course. It is completely relevant to the world in which we live today, providing students with realistic learning experiences which they will carry on into life. They learn how to use relevant terms, concepts and methods effectively to describe business and economic behaviour. Within the Business Studies Department, we want our students to develop as independent learners and encourage them to use an enquiring, critical approach to distinguish facts from opinions, develop arguments and make informed judgements GCSE Business Studies also makes a positive contribution to developing young people as individuals and participants in society, the economy and the environment. During the course pupils will also have the opportunity to visit local businesses and observe entrepreneurship in practice. The subject gives the pupils the opportunity to develop their ICT skills in a business context. Course Content Year 11 – Unit One Business Start Up Starting a Business Marketing Business Operations Year 12 – Unit Two Business Development Human Resources Business Growth Finance Business Plan Pupils will be expected to draw on their own experiences of business situations, do some research into local businesses, find out business information from friends and family, keep aware of current business activity in the wider world through watching the news/business programmes on television, reading appropriate articles in the newspapers and researching the internet. Throughout the two year course pupils will have the opportunity of visiting various business organisations such as Tayto, Coca-Cola and McAuley Engineering to see the theory they are studying in class put into action. What can I do after I’ve completed the course? GCSE Business Studies prepares you for AS/A2 Levels as well as BTEC and NVQ courses in many different subjects. You will become skilled in making decisions, being creative, solving problems, understanding finance, dealing with data, communicating and working as part of a team. Even if you do not want to go on to study business further you will have benefited from studying a GCSE business course because many jobs you do will involve managing resources and people. However, a GCSE business course could lead to work in a business-related profession such as accountancy, law, marketing or the leisure and tourism industry. BUSINESS STUDIES AT AS/A2 LEVEL Our relationship with the sixth form is very much a partnership where we work together to help the students achieve the highest possible grade. This is only possible with co-operation and so as a department we ask for full commitment and work to be completed on time. As students are studying 3/ 4 A Levels they should spend at least 2 periods a week of their private study time on Business Studies. The time should be spent on note preparation, going over and completing class work and making sure all notes are up to date if they have been absent from class for any reason. Homework set assumes that on top of private study time the students spend 3 hours a week on written homework, reading business related articles, viewing relevant TV programmes and visiting relevant websites as recommended. This does not include revision, which must be ongoing and start inside the first month. We will feel free to test anything studied previously at any time. Course Content AS Outline The AS specification has 2 units: EXTRA-CURRICULAR To gain experience in business situations we advise our students to become involved with all extra-curricular activities offered by the department. Business Studies offers students enrichment experiences through: Young Enterprise Company Programme This programme is only available for students completing AS/A2 Level Business Studies. It gives the student an opportunity to be involved in a real business. They set up and run their ‘mini-company’ for an academic year, where they produce a product or service and sell within the school and at various trade fairs provide by Young Enterprise. The students compete with other schools/colleges in the region, across the UK and internationally to become Young Enterprise Company of the year. Public liability insurance and legal structure is provided by Young Enterprise. School Business Team Every year as a department we are responsible for many Business Management tasks relating to Annual School Production and Evening of Music. Our business team would oversee the selling of tickets, collection of money, seating arrangements, giving out programmes etc. Yet again helps our students to experience business situations and apply their knowledge. BUSINESS STUDIES WEBSITE LINKS In Business Studies we encourage all our students to make use of additional resources. We have listed a few websites which are of value to pupils studying GCSE and AS/A2 Level Business Studies. Exam Board http://www.ccea.org.uk/business_studies/ Revision Material www.businessstudiesonline.com www.bized.ac.uk www.bbc.co.uk/workinglunch www.bbc.co.uk › Schools Home › Secondary - Ages 11-16 www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/ www.s-cool.co.uk › A-level www.timesonline.co.uk www.tt100.biz www.tutor2u.net Career Links & Advice http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_business_and_management_studies.htm https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/degree-subjects-your-options/301018-what-else-can-i-do-with-a-business-studies-or-economics-degree http://www.totaljobs.com/graduate/careers-advice/choose-your-career/what-career-business-degrees http://www.topuniversities.com/courses/business-management-studies/why-study-business

Religious Education INTRODUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT The Religious Studies Department aims to promote the academic excellence of every pupil in a caring, happy environment which is sympathetic and responsive to individual needs, aspirations and talents. The Religious Studies Department strives to make Religious Studies relevant to the society in which we live. Staff endeavour to use a wide variety of teaching methods and stimuli in order to generate interest and enthusiasm across all year groups. AIMS OF THE DEPARTMENT To promote the spiritual aspect of pupils’ holistic development, helping them to consider questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human To give pupils the opportunity to explore their own beliefs and values To encourage pupils to see the relevance of the Bible in society today To help pupils understand, respect and relate to others, particularly those whose denomination, faith and beliefs are different from their own, thus addressing sectarianism, racism and prejudice To promote understanding of the importance of moral and spiritual values and encourage the development of self respect and respect for others RELIGIOUS STUDIES AT KEY STAGE 3 Year 8 The Bible Ruth Jesus and His Relationship with People The World of Jesus Martin Luther Year 9 God’s Covenant with His People: Moses Judaism Easter Miracles St. Patrick Year 10 Issues of Personal Identity Choices – career, work and leisure Islam Christian Heroes Jesus’ Teachings RELIGIOUS STUDIES AT KEY STAGE 4 Pupils will have the following options in Religious Studies at Key Stage 4: Either N.I. GCSE Religious Studies Pupils who choose this option will be allocated three periods per week in Year 11 and three periods per week in Year 12. In Full course GCSE Religious Studies, students will study two units. They will take two external written exams, one paper for each of their chosen units. Each exam will last 1 hour 30 minutes. There is no controlled assessment in the Religious Studies course. The two units studied will be: Christianity through a Study of Matthew’s Gospel Christian Ethics Requirements: Pupils who avail of this opportunity must be committed to increased levels of work both in school and at home. Pupils will only be able to follow this course with the approval of their subject teacher. This decision will be based on: the effort the pupil has shown in Religious Studies in Year 10 the grades he/she has achieved in Religious Studies in Year 10 Or N.I. GCSE Religious Studies (Short Course) Pupils who choose this option will be allocated three periods per week in Year 11 and three periods per week in Year 12. In Short Course GCSE Religious Studies students will study one unit: Christian Ethics They will take one external written exam, which will last 1 hour 30 minutes. This exam will be taken at the end of Year 12. Religious Studies at Key Stage 4 will include: In-class discussion and debate Various active learning activities Learning through ICT and media Skills offered in Religious Studies: Ability to recall, select, organise and deploy knowledge of the specification content Ability to describe, analyse and explain the relevance and application of religious ideas Ability to evaluate different responses to religious and moral issues, using relevant evidence and argument Related Subject Areas: Theology Law Medicine Teaching Anthropology Social Work History Relief agencies Civil Service Policing Personnel work Management Services SIXTH FORM RELIGIOUS STUDIES We offer Religious Studies at both AS and A2 Levels and follow the CCEA specification. At both levels we have excellent results. AS Level (Year 13) 8 periods per week are allocated for AS Level Religious Studies. The options chosen are: AS1 An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke AS4 The Origins and Development of the Early Christian Church to AD 325 AS1 and AS4 are taught concurrently throughout the year (4 periods / week each). In most of the topics covered the students will be required to reflect on the relationship between their unity of study and other aspects of Human Experience. Assessment: Each option will be assessed by an exam of 1 hour 20 minutes and includes a question on human experience. A2 Level (Year 14) 9 periods per week are allocated for A2 Level Religious Studies. The options chosen are: A21 Themes in the Synoptic Gospels A24 Themes in the Early Church and The Church Today A21 and A24 are taught concurrently throughout Year 14. In both options pupils will consider the relevance of synoptic themes selected by CCEA. Assessment: Each option will be assessed by an exam of 2 hours and includes a question on the selected synoptic theme. Educational Enrichment Sixth Form Religious Studies Conference (Union Theological College) Rome trip R.S. Department Annual Conference (Dalriada School) Israel trip

Governors & Staff THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF DALRIADA SCHOOL 2025-2026 (AS ON SEP. 1, 2025) Professor J.H Gillespie (Chairman) Mrs. E.M. McCollum (Vice-Chairman) Mrs. E.M. McCollum Mr. R.D.N. Robinson Mrs. D.M. McLean Mr. S.R.W. Flynn Mr. W. Baxter Prof. R.W. Hutchinson Mrs. L. Kennedy Dr. S.A. Barr Prof. J.V. Condell Mr. J.G. Devlin Mr. R.W. McQuillan Dr. J. Burns Mrs. S.C. Christie Dr A. Hunter GBA Representative Prof. J.H. Gillespie Designated Child Protection Mr. W. Baxter In Attendance Mrs. A.J. Nesbitt (Business Manager) Mrs. L. Montgomery (Principal’s Secretary) SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM Principal Mrs Louise Aitcheson Deputy Heads Dr. I. Walker (Curriculum) Ms. L. Crawford (Pastoral) Senior Teachers Mr. J.G. Devlin Mrs. H. Millar Mr. R. Mills THE TEACHING STAFF OF DALRIADA SCHOOL 2024-2025 DEPARTMENTS AGRICULTURE Mr. D. Hodges ART & DESIGN & MOVING IMAGE ARTS HoD: Mr. D. Bradley Ms. A Kirkpatrick Mrs. C. McCahon CAREERS HoD: Mrs. C. K elly Miss. C. Coey Ms. L. Crawford Miss. C. Diamond Mrs. A. Ewart Mr. S. Glenn Mrs. A. Graham Mrs. V. Hazley Mr. P. McGavock Mr. A. Nelson Mrs. L.J. Parkhill BUSINESS STUDIES HoD: Mrs L.J. Parkhill Miss C. Diamond ENGLISH & DRAMA HoD: Mrs M. Kane Mrs. L. Bradley Miss C. Brown i/c Drama Mrs. R. Divin Miss L. Snoddy Mrs. L. Steele GEOGRAPHY HoD: Mrs. A. Graham Mrs A.J. McCandless HISTORY & CLASSICAL CIVILISATION HoD: Mr. S. Bredin Mrs. L. Crawford Mr. V.J. Doherty Miss. S. Gregg Mrs. D. Irwin Ms A. McIllhatton HOME ECONOMICS HoD: Mrs. L. Thompson Mrs. N. Farmer Miss. A. Fry ICT & COMPUTER SCIENCE HoD: Mr. T. Gamble Mr. P. McGavock Mrs. P. McIvor Dr. I. Walker Mrs. A. Williamson LEARNING FOR LIFE & WORK I/C Mrs. A.J. McCandless MATHEMATICS HoD: Mrs. J. Convery Mr. D. Hodges Ms. Z. Hunter Mr. R. McQuillan Mrs. A. Patterson Assistant Mrs. H. Rankin MUSIC HoD: Mrs. H. Montgomery Mr P. McGavock PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES HoD: Mr. R. Gregg Mr. S. Borthwick Assist Mrs. B. Cleland Mr. J. Devlin Mrs. V. Hazley Mrs. R. Sutherland MODERN LANGUAGES Co-ordinator of MFL: Mr. R. Mills French HOS: Mr. R. Mills Miss. C. Coey Ms. R. Craig Mrs. A. Ewart Mrs. C. Kelly Mrs. E. Kernohan Miss. V. Thompson German I/C Miss C. Coey Mrs. C. Kelly Spanish HOS: Mrs. E. Kernohan Mrs. A. Ewart Mr. R. Mills Miss. V. Thompson RELIGIOUS EDUCATION HoD: Miss S Gregg Mr. S. Glenn Mrs. C. McCahon Mrs. A. Williamson SCIENCE Science Co-ordinator Mr. R. McQuillan BIOLOGY HoS: Mrs. N. Johnston Mrs. J. McBurney Mrs. R. McCaughern Mrs. J. Wylie CHEMISTRY HoS: Mrs. H. Millar Mrs. J.E. Emerson Miss. R. Montgomery Mrs. J. Wylie PHYSICS HoS: Mrs. A. McErlain Miss. R. Montgomery Mr. R. McQuillan Dr. I. Walker TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING HoD: Mr A. Nelson Miss. V. Orr Mr. A. Surgenor Dr. I Walker CO-ORDINATOR FOR CROSS-CURRICULAR THEMES Information Technology Mr. T. Gamble Careers Mrs. C. Kelly Literacy Co-ordinator Mrs L. Bradley Numeracy Co-ordinator Mr. D.C. Hodges

Admissions Criteria & Prospectus Admissions Criteria 2025-26 View Here Claiming Special Circumstances - A guide for Parents View Here SC Form View Here Claiming Special Provisions - A guide for Parents View Here SP Form View Here

Prospectus

Music < Back To Departments Music Department Information An Evening Of Music

School History Dalriada School was founded in 1878 , when it was known as “Ballymoney Intermediate School”, to provide a “good academic education for pupils between elementary education and university”. This first headmaster was J.B. Armour, renowned as an independent thinker, and for his efforts to promote the liberty of the individual. Co-educational from its inception the school drew pupils from the whole community. First held in the library of the old town hall, the school moved to the new Technical School building in Charles Street, and finally to the present site, a new building in 1937. In 1924 the school changed its name again to “Ballymoney High School”, and under the Board of Governors became a limited company. A special pageant-play called Dalriada written and produced by the English master, Mr G.E. Gordon, later Headmaster, was the inspiration for the school’s present name. The name came from the kingdom of Dalriada, which had its royal seat in nearby Dunseverick. It was also at this time that Dr Ross, Headmaster since 1931, gave the school its motto “Labor sine cura, labor sine fructu” (work without effort is work without gain) he also re-established a Preparatory Department (Closed 2012). The school grew rapidly, with a building extension under Mr Edmund Gordon, Headmaster from 1948 (following the sudden death of Dr Ross). New laboratories, classrooms, refectory and the John Armstrong Assembly Hall were opened in 1969, followed by the addition of six English classrooms and an open-plan Art Department, “The Edmund Gordon Centre”. It was under Mr Gordon that the school became renowned for its annual Shakespearean plays, which he produced, and the term “the spirit of Dalriada coined at the time, came to encapsulate the liberal, inclusive and caring tradition which is still promoted in the school. Mr Gordon also composed the school song “O Dalriadan land” which is enthusiastically rendered by pupils at major formal school events. As pupil numbers increased and the curriculum expanded, so building work continued. Mr Alan Reynolds, Headmaster from 1975 until 1987, saw the building of additional laboratories, and a new Sports Centre, to be followed in 2002, under Mr William Calvert’s headship, by a large new extension, comprising accommodation for Modern languages (6 classrooms), Religious Education (3 classrooms) and Music (2 classrooms and a large performance room). The school is now over 880 pupils strong.

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Safeguarding & Child Protection The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy contains the most current and authoritative guidance available for schools on their responsibilities in relation to child protection. It includes advice on the action to be taken by schools to enable cases of suspected abuse to be properly considered and pursued. All school staff and volunteer coaches attend annual training and are required to be familiar with the policy contents (specifically as to how the advice given relates to their own particular duties and responsibilities in dealing with events and concerns linked to child protection issues). The school policy is primarily a working document designed to ensure that these difficult and sensitive issues are dealt with properly, consistently and effectively by the relevant staff. The guidance contained in this policy is designed to protect the pupils of our school and to enable the staff to discharge their legal obligations to look after the safety and welfare of the children in their care. Every school is required to designate a teacher to have specific responsibility for child protection matters. For Dalriada School the designated teachers are: Designated Teacher: Ms L Crawford Deputy Designated Teachers: Dr I Walker Designated Governor: Mr W Baxter Any safeguarding or child protection concerns should be directed, in the first instance, to the designated teacher. The Safeguarding Team in Dalriada School meets each term and reviews school policy and procedure regularly. The team consists of: Mr B Dillon (Chair of the Board of Governors) Mr T Skelton (Headmaster) Mr W Baxter (Designated Governor for Child Protection) Ms L Crawford (Designated Teacher) Dr I Walker (Deputy Designated Teacher) Mr S Glenn (SENCO) Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Download >