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A happy caring community where pupils strive for excellence. Help us raise funds Admissions Criteria and Prospectus Parent Pay Pupil Calendar Dalriada in Minecraft Welcome to Dalriada School Welcome To Dalriada School Creating & Sharing Excellence for Life! 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. Learn more about Dalriada School Pupil Information Booklet 2025-26 Latest School News GCSE Exam Results 2025 Aug 22 GCSE Results Information – Thursday 21st August Results will be available in the Tom Skelton Hall from 9.00am to 10.00am. Following this, results will be available from the Front... Aug 21 Dalriada School celebrate outstanding A Level results Dalriada School is proud to celebrate another year of excellent A Level results, with our students achieving highly in a wide range of... Aug 14 View All Latest School News

Presentations Year 11 Induction Evening 2023 View Here > Year 12 Induction Evening 2023 View Here > Year 13 Induction Evening 2023 View Here > Year 14 Induction Evening 2023 View Here >

Geography INTRODUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT Geography can help us to understand our world, and hopefully to make it a better place in which to live. By studying geography, students learn about important contemporary global issues such as climate change, the impact of human activity on our oceans, tourism, loss of biodiversity and flooding. STAFF Mrs A Graham (HoD) Mrs A-J McCandless Miss C Diamond Ms P McIvor KEY STAGE 3 What will I learn? You will learn about the earth’s natural features formed by volcanoes, earthquakes, rivers and the sea. You will study weather and climate and their effects on us. You will study where and how people live, travel and work. We will also find out about how people live in different countries, and compare their quality of life. You will study different ecosystems on a global scale and find out about how the plants and animals have adapted to their environment. You will find out about human impact on the environment, and learn how you can help protect and conserve if for your future. Are there any KS3 field trips? In Year 9 we conduct a microclimate study in the school grounds. In Year 10 we take a trip to the Giant’s Causeway to learn more about tectonic activity. We also visit Ballycastle to investigate how and why the town has grown over time. GCSE GEOGRAPHY Unit 1 Understanding our Natural World. Theme A River Environments Theme B Coastal Environments Theme C Our changing weather and Climate Theme D The Restless Earth Unit 2 Living in Our World. Theme A Population and Migration Theme B Changing Urban Areas Theme C Contrasts in World Development Theme D Managing Our Environment We also travel to Belfast to carry out an urban field study, focusing on issues of the inner city. Unit 3 Fieldwork We carry out an investigation on how the Curly Burn River, Limavady, changes from source to mouth. Students base their answers in the exam on their knowledge and experience of the fieldwork. A LEVEL GEOGRAPHY A Level Geography aims to give students an understanding of the physical and human processes which affect people and their environment along with an understanding of the vital issues facing society such as sustainability and economic development. The subject develops a wide range of skill areas including data analysis, literacy and statistics. These transferable skills are much sought after by employers. AS level AS 1: Physical Geography Ecosystems, Rivers, Atmosphere AS 2: Human Geography Population, Settlement and Development AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques Pupils collect data at Benone sand dunes and they bring a table of data and a summary of their fieldwork into the exam. This paper involves responding to data. A2 level A2 1: Physical Processes and Human Interactions Plate Tectonics and Dynamic Coastal Environments A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography Planning for Sustainable Settlements and Tourism A2 3: Decision Making in Human Geography Students will be presented with data in the form of a case study. They will make and justify a geographical decision.

Physical Education INTRODUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT Physical Education, including games, is compulsory for all pupils in Years 8 to 12. Two double periods per week are allocated to sport in the curriculum and there are opportunities for participation in sport at lunchtime, after school and at weekends. There is a programme of inter-house and inter-school sporting competitions. AIMS OF THE DEPARTMENT The aims of the school’s programme of physical education and sport are: To encourage and motivate all pupils to participate in physical activity and gain enjoyment from it To contribute to the physical development and fitness of each pupil by promoting the acquisition of skills and development of competence in a range of physical activities and by encouraging pupils with particular aptitude to develop their skills to a high level To contribute to the social education of the individual by providing opportunities for pupils to co-operate with one another and to gain a sense of satisfaction and achievement from participation and sporting success To promote in pupils an interest in, and understanding of, physical activity and its contribution to the maintenance of life-long personal health and fitness To contribute to the promotion of creative development and aesthetic appreciation of movement through physical activity To help prepare pupils to make active and purposeful judgements regarding the use of their leisure time while at and after leaving school To increase the awareness of parents about the value to their children of involvement in school sport, both in lessons and in out-of-class activities, and to encourage parental support for the programme out-of-class sporting activities SPORTS FACILITIES Facilities on the school site include three rugby pitches, an all-weather hockey pitches, a sports pavilion with changing rooms, cricket square, artificial cricket wicket, 400m running track, facilities for athletics field events (long jump, triple jump, high jump, shot, discus, javelin). An all-weather outdoor multi-purpose sports surface provides space for four tennis courts as well as a general training facility. In addition, the school also has a 70m by 40m floodlit 3G sports pitch which is used for timetabled sports classes, after school clubs and community groups. In 2017 the newly refurbished and extended Sports Centre was opened and now includes a modern sports hall, a gymnasium, new changing rooms, a subject specific classroom and a modern fitness suite equipped with the latest state of the art equipment. Extensive use is made of Ballymoney Borough Council’s facilities at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, including the swimming pool and the AstroTurf hockey pitch and soccer pitches. Regular use is also made of the soccer pitches and tennis courts at Megaw Park. EXTERNAL CLUB LINKS Close sporting links exist with Ballymoney Rugby Club, Ballymoney and Coleraine Hockey Clubs, Ballymoney Cycling Club, Ballymoney Blaze Volleyball Club, Springwell Running Club and Ballymoney and Coleraine Swimming Clubs. KEY STAGE THREE CURRICULUM Physical Education is compulsory at Key Stage 3. Students have two periods of PE and two periods of Games each week. Students follow a programme of 6 different activities per year and are formally assessed at the end of each six-week block of work. Students will develop a wide range of skills and the ability to use tactics, strategies and compositional ideas to perform successfully. When they are performing, they think about what they are doing, analyse the situation and make decisions. They also reflect on their own and others’ performances and find ways to improve them. The following sports are available to pupils: Athletics (Track and Field) Badminton Basketball Cricket Cross Country Football (Boys and Girls) Golf Gymnastics Health Related Physical Education Hockey Netball Orienteering Rounders Rugby Softball Swimming Tennis Volleyball KEY STAGE FOUR CURRICULUM Physical Education is compulsory at Key Stage 4. Students have two periods of PE and two periods of Games each week. The students can opt for GCSE Physical Education. Students are encouraged to select a pathway appropriate to their interest in the attempt to develop their competence and confidence to take part in a range of physical activities that become a central part of their lives, both in and out of school. The following sports are available to pupils: Athletics (Track and Field) Badminton Basketball Cricket Cross Country Football (Boys and Girls) Golf Gymnastics Health Related Physical Education Hockey Netball Orienteering Rounders Rugby Softball Swimming Tennis Volleyball GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION The Department offer a GCSE qualification in Physical Education following the CCEA NI specifications. This is a two year course and covers both practical and theoretical components. Students are assessed on their efficiency and effectiveness of their performances in physical activities as well as covering theoretical components such as; The Body at work, Health and Lifestyle, Event Management, The Active Leisure Industry, Physical Fitness and Skilled Performance. KEY STAGE 5 CURRICULUM Games class is available at Key Stage 5 for those students not in an academic class on a Wednesday afternoon. Students are encouraged to select a pathway appropriate to their interest in the attempt to develop their competence and confidence to take part in a range of physical activities that become a central part of their lives, both in and out of school. The students can opt for the BTEC Extended Certificate in Sport. BTEC EXTENDED CERTIFICATE IN SPORT This course covers a broad basis of study for the sport sector. The qualification is designed to support progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels. A BTEC Extended Certificate is an academic, practical and vocational course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations and activities in addition to a number of externally set tasks and exams. This qualification is suitable for students who would like to study other A-level courses. The course is made up of 4 units (or subjects) which cover the broad range of the sports industry. Two of the units are assessed internally through the production of a portfolio of evidence. This evidence is generated through written assignments, presentations or practical demonstrations. Two of the units are assessed externally through an exam and set tasks. The internally assessed units that comprise the course are as follows: Application of Fitness Testing Professional Development in the Sports Industry The externally assessed units that are assessed by a set task or a written exam set and marked by Pearson are as follows: Anatomy and Physiology Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being.

Careers Department ‘Discover your potential’ The overall objective of effective Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance (CEIAG) is to enable pupils to become effective career decision makers, able to manage their own career development successfully. Click below or scan the qr code to access our Careers Bulletin: https://padlet.com/ckelly743/DalriadaCareersBulletin Careers Department Staff Mrs V. Hazley, Mrs A. Ewart, Miss C. Coey, Mr A. Nelson, Mrs L.J. Parkhill, Mr S. Glenn, Mrs C. Kelly (Head of Department), Mr P. McGavock, Ms. L. Crawford, Dr G. Morrison, Miss C. Diamond, Ms R. Craig CAREERS DEPARTMENT AIMS: We have three main aims: AIM 1: Self-Awareness and Development – that pupils can identify, assess and develop the skills and qualities necessary to allow them to choose and implement an appropriate career plan. AIM 2: Career Exploration – that pupils can acquire and evaluate information and review their experiences to identify and investigate appropriate career pathways and learning opportunities in education, training and employment, locally, nationally and globally. AIM 3: Career Management – that pupils develop skills in career planning and employ effective career decision-making strategies to manage transition and make suitable career development choices, with the appropriate support, advice and guidance. Key Aspects of the CEIAG Learning offered in Dalriada School: Careers Education : Timetabled lessons that provide progressive planning for future careers and decision-making. Careers Information : Access to comprehensive and up-to-date information on careers, skills, labour market trends, and different progression routes. Careers Advice and Guidance : Planned opportunities for impartial one-to-one guidance from specialist careers advisors to help students identify and plan for long-term goals. Work-Related Learning : Experiences within and outside the curriculum to learn about economic well-being and the world of work. Employability Skills : Opportunities to develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and self-management, as well as attitudes like responsibility and flexibility. Useful Links: CHOOSING GCSEs IN YEAR 10 – ADVICE & GUIDANCE CHOOSING A LEVELS IN YEAR 12 – ADVICE & GUIDANCE CHOOSING POST A LEVEL OPTIONS – ADVICE & GUIDANCE OVERVIEW OF KS3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW OF KS4 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW OF KS5 CURRICULUM WORK RELATED LEARNING Useful Downloads: YEAR 10 CAREERS PRESENTATION View Here YEAR 12 CAREERS PRESENTATION View Here USEFUL WEBSITES Download Skills in Demand 2023-2033 View Here PUPIL DESTINATIONS 2025 Download STUDENT FINANCE INFORMATION Download Year 12 Careers Presentation Download

Extra-Curricular At Dalriada we are proud of the range and quality of our extra-curricular provision. Below you will see the range of activities currently offered. There are also many other activities to join in at lunchtime, after school, at weekends and during holidays. The majority of pupils in Dalriada will be a member of several of these activities. Every year the list of activities adapts and grows as the interests of our pupils change. SPORTING ACTIVITIES Archery Cycling Hockey Swimming Athletics (Track and Field) Football (Girls and Boys) Netball Tennis Cricket Golf Orienteering Volleyball Cross Country Gymnastics Rugby PERSONAL INTERESTS AND HELPING OTHERS Robotics Club Save the Children Fund Christian Union Reading/Book Club World Aid Group Politics Society Young Enterprise Film Club Conservation Society Scripture Union HELPING OUT IN SCHOOL Business Management Team School Magazine Library Mentor PUBLIC SPEAKING & LITERARY BASED Debating Silviculture Society Drama Bar Mock Trials Public Speaking Poetry Society MUSICAL ACTIVITIES Choirs Traditional Group Orchestra String Group Wind Band SCIENCE BASED Science Club Physics at Home Technology Projects Science Olympiad Chess Club Astronomical Society Geographical Association OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme Field Courses Ski Tour Language Trips to France, Germany and Spain Equestrian Club These activities are led by staff and senior pupils and they are an excellent way for pupils to develop skills, have fun and make friendships across different year groups. We encourage all of our pupils to get actively involved in a range of activities.

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Departments Art, Design & Moving Image Biology Business Studies Chemistry Drama English Geography Home Economics History IT & Computer Science Mathematics Modern Foreign Languages Music Physical Education Religious Education Technology Science

Policies Positive Behaviour Policy Download > Freedom of Information Download > Addressing Bullying Policy Download > Complaints Procedure Download > Pastoral Care Download > Attendance Policy for Pupils Download > Data Protection Policy - EA Download > GDPR Privacy Notice Download > Administration of Medication in School Download > E-Communication and Acceptable Use of Digital Resources Policy Download > Safeguarding and Child Protection Download > External Examinations Post-Results Service Summer 2021 Download >

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Art & Design < Back To Departments DEPARTMENT AIMS We aim to: Encourage a spirit of inquisitiveness and exploration in all pupils; Enable all pupils to have an appreciation and understanding of historical and contemporary artworks; Develop our pupils as individuals who understand the power of ideas and original thinking; Encourage our gifted pupils and enable them to explore artworks and techniques beyond the scope of our schemes and specifications; and Highlight the diversity of careers in the creative industries and give solid advice on suitable progression paths. OUR ART ROOM We a very fortunate to have a large open plan department with 3 teaching areas and a sixth form space. Pupils from all year groups frequently use our network of computers and ceramics kiln. In addition to these facilities our pupils also have opportunities to screen print, produce textile pieces, undertake film and animation projects, make and construct 3D artworks, complete special projects and enter art, photography or filmmaking competitions. OUR STAFF Mr. Bradley is our Head of Department and our Designer and Filmmaker. Mrs. Kirkpatrick is our Fine Artist and Art Historian. Mrs. McCahon is our Ceramist. Mr. Getty is technician and Photographer. EXTRA-CURRICULAR - Art Club - Film Club ART AT KS3 Key Stage 3 Art is fun. All pupils are given the opportunity to experience a wide range of media and techniques. We also research the work of artists, designers and filmmakers both past and present. The aim at KS3 is to get pupils to create and engage with artworks, think creatively and to express their own ideas. Topics covered include: Year 8 Core Skills in Drawing, Painting and Colour Theory Collage, Character Design and Ceramics work based on sea creatures Graphic Design – Movie Posters Paper Cut – Stop Motion Animation Year 9 Photography and Photoshop (Album Covers) Ceramics (Slab Building) – based on architectural forms Storyboarding for Film/Animation Spaghetti Western Film Project – based on the work of Sergio Leone Year 10 Self-Directed Project (inc. Careers in Art / Design) Christmas Music Video Project The Human Face (Mixed Media) The Human Body (Wire Sculpture) KS3 GALLERY OF WORK GCSE ART In Dalriada we are very flexible in our approach to topic areas and techniques covered at GCSE level. We have a few set projects that all pupils undertake (e.g. Printmaking, Ceramics, Photography, Core skills in Drawing and Painting) but we also encourage our pupils to explore the topics and techniques that interest them. This makes the Art department a very bustling and busy place, but it lets our pupils really develop as individuals. We currently offer CCEA’s Art and Design specification, and the units are as follows: Component 1: Part A: Exploratory Portfolio This portfolio presents evidence of the candidate’s journey of discovery through several art forms and techniques. There are several areas we cover as a class and the candidate is also free to explore their own areas of interest. Controlled Assessment (Internally Marked - Externally Moderated) 25% Component 1: Part B: Investigating the Creative and Cultural Industries Candidates choose an area or role within the creative industries and study the working practices and creative opportunities that role offers. They then undertake a project where they take on the roles and responsibilities of that career and produce a series of work based on a brief or commission of their own choosing. Controlled Assessment (Internally Marked - Externally Moderated) 35% Component 2: Externally Set Assignment Pupils produce research and exploratory work on a given theme. How the candidate chooses to address the theme and the creative decisions they make are their own. The coursework will include practical and written work, research on related artists and will result in a final outcome. The final outcome is completed during a supervised examination period. Externally Set Assignment (Internally Marked - Externally Moderated) 40% GCSE GALLERY OF WORK GCSE MOVING IMAGE ARTS GCSE Moving Image Arts is unique in the UK, giving students the opportunity to develop audiovisual literacy and creativity through hands-on learning in the craft of moving image arts. Students develop a broad critical understanding of film language, narrative, representation and audience in both theory and practice. They investigate films from a variety of genres and contexts, demonstrating the ability to analyse and evaluate creative purpose. They also experiment with a range of film-making techniques, including animation, and create their own complete moving image portfolios. Students acquire a range of skills on this course such as leading and working with teams and managing resources and creative processes independently, with initiative and creative enterprise. We currently offer CCEA’s Moving Image Arts specification, and the units are as follows: Component 1: Critical Understanding of Creative and Technical Moving Image Production A one and a half hour online exam during which pupils answers question on: - film language; - genre and representation; - creative production techniques; - production management; and - industry contexts. Controlled Assessment (Internally Marked - Externally Moderated) 40% Component 2: Acquisition of Skills in Moving Image Production Pupils compete the following tasks: - Task 1: Storyboarding; - Task 2: Camera Work and Editing (combined skills areas); - Task 3: Postproduction Sound; and - Task 4: Stop-Motion Animation. Controlled Assessment (Internally Marked - Externally Moderated) 20% Component 3: Planning and Making a Moving Image Product A portfolio of work containing: - Research Analysis (including a synopsis) and Evaluation; - a Screenplay and Storyboard; - a Shotlist, a Shooting Schedule and Director’s Notebook with evidence of production research, design development and production management; and - a 2 minute narrative Film (if animated, this can be 40 - 60 seconds long). Controlled Assessment (Internally Marked - Externally Moderated) 40% GCSE SHOWCASE SIXTH FORM ART We offer two distinct Art pathways at sixth form. Art, Craft and Design – Combined Studies, and Photography and Lens-Based Media. These courses have separate content but share the same unit structure and assessment. Our AS and A2 pupils are given a considerable amount of freedom in selecting the topics and techniques they will use. Throughout the course they are given guidance on the direction of their projects, but the creative impetus is all their own. This approach allows for a diverse range of projects to be completed and enables each pupil to explore their own particular areas of interest and tailor their portfolios for entry to specific university courses. As a result, our past pupils can be found in careers as diverse as theatre and fashion design, architecture, 3D animation and special effects, documentary filmmaking, teaching and many others. We currently offer CCEA’s Art and Design specifications, and the units are as follows: AS 1: Experimental Portfolio Students develop, explore and record ideas in a range of areas/techniques. This exploration is used to generate ideas for the personal response in AS2. Teachers assess students’ work, and CCEA moderate their marks. 50% of AS Level 20% of A Level AS 2: Personal Response Students present a personal outcome in response to a given theme. Students bring this final piece to completion during a 10 hour controlled test. Teachers assess the controlled task, and we moderate their marks. 50% of AS Level 20% of A Level A2 1: Personal and Critical Investigation Written and practical work into a topic/area of the student’s choice inform each other and are integrated, but are marked separately. Students will study an artist or area of Art and then produce project work based on what they have learned. Teachers assess the practical investigation, and CCEA moderate their marks. 40% of A2 - 24% of A level Written investigation 1000–2000 words – externally assessed 20% of A2 - 12% of A level 60% of A2 36% of A Level A2 2: Thematic Outcome Students present a personal outcome in response to a given theme. Students bring this final piece to completion during a 15 hour controlled test. Teachers assess students’ work, and we moderate their marks. 40% of A2 24% of A Level SIXTH FORM GALLERY OF WORK SIXTH FORM MOVING IMAGE ARTS Moving Image Arts at AS and A2 level is a considerable step up from GCSE. Pupils now have full creative control over the films that they make. They are expected to write, plan, direct and edit their own short film. This requires creativity, excellent organisational, time management and people skills not to mention the perseverance and determination to see their project through to completion. These are valuable skills, sought by employers and third level education courses. MIA is unique in giving pupils the opportunity to directly develop these skills. These will enable our pupils to excel in any field of work. We currently offer CCEA’s Moving Image Arts specifications, and the units are as follows: AS 1: Moving Image Arts Creative Production: Foundation Portfolio Compulsory Coursework (Internally Marked – Externally Moderated) Pupils write, plan, shoot and edit their own 3-5 minute short film or animation. 70% of AS Level 35% of A Level AS 2: Moving Image Arts Critical Response 90 Minute Online Examination 30% of AS Level 15% of A Level A2 1: Moving Image Arts Creative Production and Research: Advanced Portfolio Compulsory Coursework (Internally Marked – Externally Moderated) Pupils write, plan, shoot and edit their own 5-7 minute short film or animation. 35% of A Level A2 2: Moving Image Arts Critical Response and Specialisation 135 Minute Online Examination 15% of A Level SIXTH FORM SHOWCASE

Student Council In Dalriada we have an active Student Council. The Student Council involves pupils from all year groups who are elected by their peers. All pupils feed ideas into the council meetings and all ideas are discussed thoroughly and passed to the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Governors. Over the past few years our Student Council have reviewed our Positive Behaviour Policy, helped represent pupil views in our Anti-Bullying Policy, made suggestions for new items to eat in the canteen, changed our PE uniform, choose the design of a Dalriada face mask, designed a Wellbeing Room….to name but a few. The pupil voice is so important in all of our school decision making and we value the views and opinions of all pupils. We are very lucky to have a mature, articulate group of pupils each year on our Student Council.