Library “I don’t believe in the kind of magic in my books. But I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.” — J.K. Rowling The Sullivan Library is a popular and vibrant space in the school and plays a major role in school life, providing a warm and welcoming environment conducive for study, research or reading. ​ The Library is well stocked with non-fiction books to support the curriculum as well as a varied and up-to-date selection of fiction for all ages. There is a comprehensive reference section and many resources are available online. It works hard in supporting pupils and encouraging reading for pleasure and, throughout the year, new book deliveries ensure borrowers are provided with a wide range of reading material from new titles to the latest by a favourite author. All pupils are encouraged to share their love of reading and make recommendations and write reviews, thus always ensuring that we really are a school that reads. The Library is open daily to pupils and staff from 8:30am until 4:30pm. 1/3 While all pupils are guided to use the Library as a place for finding information, reading for pleasure is strongly encouraged, and promoted through both class and extra-curricular events and activities of which you can read below. Every class in Years 8 – 10 has a weekly Library period. Sixth form pupils can sign out of the Study to use the Library and SEON Room for research and private study. Year 8 and 9 classes are allocated a Library mentor who is a member of Sixth Form. ​ The Library has a soft-seating area, plus around 40 spaces at desks. It adjoins the SEON Room (Sullivan Educational Online Network) in which there are 32 networked PCs and here pupils can research, type and print their work. There are currently 13 I-pads available to students during Library periods, on which they complete Accelerated Reader quizzes. ​ Pupils can log in to Eclipse, the School Library system, where an online catalogue is available of all the resources in the Library. On this pupils can also renew and request books as well as read and write reviews, which they are encouraged to do frequently throughout the year and for which there is a monthly prize draw. The Eclipse homepage also provides lots of other useful information such as how to take Accelerated Reader quizzes, library rules, links to book websites, as well as features on authors and reviews of books. The most borrowed books are shown, as are new titles and more information on the ‘Book of the Week’ is given. ​ All pupils and staff are registered borrowers of the Library and can borrow up to 2 books at a time for 2 weeks. The Librarian is available to assist with resource information as well as book choices. Accelerated Reader All pupils in Years 8 and 9 participate in the Accelerated Reading Programme. This programme is a powerful tool for monitoring and developing literacy skills while promoting reading for pleasure. After completing tests to determine their reading age, pupils are guided towards books that will interest and challenge them. They are then encouraged to take a quiz as soon as they finish reading a book. Pupils require 85% answers correct in order to earn points. The greater the number of words in the book, the higher the number of points available. Progress charts are updated fortnightly so pupils can see how well they are improving. Prize draws for achieving 85%+ are made monthly and there are various challenges throughout the year to motivate, including acquiring stamps on a card for every 100% achieved which leads to winning a prize. ​ As the year progresses, words and their corresponding points are tallied, and certificates and prizes are awarded at the end of the summer term in a special awards assembly for those pupils who have achieved millionaire status. The class who has read the most words in each of the two year groups also wins a day out to Curry’s Fun Park, Portrush. The thought of this coveted prize ensures that competition between classes throughout the year is immense! Book Clubs Throughout the school year we have a number of different Book Clubs. In the Autumn term a group shadow the Royal Society in choosing the winning children’s science book of the year. Junior and Senior Book Clubs also commence in the Autumn term which meet throughout the year on a fortnightly / monthly basis. In the Spring and Summer terms the Carnegie Award Shadowing takes place and this year we look forward once again to taking part in the Northern Ireland Book Award which affords the opportunity to meet bookclubs from other schools at the grand finale. Members are encouraged to read all the books and share their thoughts, both in group discussion and in written reviews. ​ Check out ​ http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/ https://nibookaward.wixsite.com/nibookaward https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/book-prizes/young-peoples-book-prize/ 1/3 Pupil Librarians 1/2 This team, which has now increased to 35 pupils from all year groups, assists throughout the year with the day-to-day running of the Library and is a tremendous help in keeping the it tidy and smooth-running. Duties include returning books and keeping shelves organized and tidy, sorting borrower loans and returns, adding new books to the Eclipse library system as well as preparing promotional displays, updating book records and writing book reviews. Any pupil interested in becoming a librarian should ask for an application form at the start of the new academic year. Scholastic Book Fair The annual Scholastic Book Fair takes place over the course of one week in the Autumn term. Pupils have the opportunity to browse and buy a range of new and classic titles. There are competitions to enter and prizes to be won and all books sold earn commission for the Library, which means we can buy lots more great books to read! Throughout the year pupils are also able to order books through the school from Scholastic Book clubs. 1/2 Reading Recommendations What to read? ​ To help you find the right book for you there are many posters around the Library to read. To choose a fiction book you should always check out the displays on the shelves as well as review boards. Folders at the Issue Desk guide you to new and favourite authors as well as what to read next as well as Reading Lists on Eclipse. And of course, ask the pupil librarians and Miss Hopkins! We are always keen to hear from pupils on new titles that they would recommend to others. Pupils are encouraged to review and recommend books frequently throughout the year. Other Activities As well as providing material for reading for pleasure and for studying, the Library also provides a focal point for many activities throughout the year. Regular competitions and quizzes, Readathon, promotions and displays ensure reading is always fun. ​ Around October we hold a Drop Everything and Read Day. At the sounding of a bell, everyone is encouraged to put down their work, turn off PCs, and pick up a fiction or non-fiction book, magazine or newspaper and read for the remaining 20 minutes of the period. It is great to see virtually the whole school engaged in reading for pleasure (both pupils and staff) and very encouraging to hear so many speak positively about the experience. ​ World Book Day takes place in March and is a busy and enjoyable day. At lunchtime an Inter-House Book Quiz takes place. All pupils received a £1 book token, and various competitions and displays are going on in the Library, including a Book Swap. ​ Our Readathon launches on this day, running for the rest of month and involves all pupils from Years 8-10 raising money for sick children in hospital. Last year a magnificent £1,145 was raised. ​ You can continue to keep up –to-date with the Library and its events on a regular basis by following us on Twitter @SullivanUpp_Lib 1/3 Library Matters Newsletter Our regular library newsletter will let you know all about what we in the library have been up to. Go on, have a look! 2021 ​ LIBRARY MATTERS 2020-21 2022 ​ LIBRARY MATTERS 2021-22 2020 ​ SUMMER 2020 2019 ​ AUTUMN 2019 SUMMER 2019 2018 ​ AUTUMN 2018 SUMMER 2018 2017 ​ AUTUMN 2017 SUMMER 2017 2016 ​ AUTUMN 2016 SUMMER 2016 2015 ​ AUTUMN 2015 2014 ​ AUTUMN 2014 SUMMER 2014 2013 ​ SUMMER 2013 2012 ​ WINTER 2012 SPRING 2012 2011 ​ AUTUMN 2011 SPRING 2011

Eco-Club Eco-club is organised by the Geography Department staff and was started in September 2019. The group consists of passionate members who chose the projects that are tackled and work alongside staff to make a difference to the planet. The group are currently working towards Eco-Schools status. Project Examples During Energy Saving Week the group helped the school become more aware of their energy consumption. They challenged the school community to reduce their energy consumption for five days of the week by carrying out simple tasks such as: switching of unnecessary lights and plug sockets in school. Form classes were give a check list to take home and 162 pupils took part.

Anti-bullying At Sullivan Upper School we believe all forms of bullying behaviour are unacceptable. ANTI-BULLYING POLICY STATEMENT At Sullivan Upper School we believe all forms of bullying behaviour are unacceptable. This policy reflects the school aim of maintaining a safe, caring, and happy environment for all pupils and adults. CONTEXT This policy is informed and guided by current legislation and Department of Education Guidance including the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016: provides a legal definition of bullying; places a duty on the Board of Governors to put in place measures to prevent bullying behaviour, in consultation with pupils and parents; requires schools to record all incidents of bullying behaviour and alleged bullying incidents; sets out under which circumstances this policy should be applied, namely: in school, during the school day; while travelling to and from school; when under control of school staff, but away from school (eg school trip); when receiving education organised by school but happening elsewhere (eg in another school in the Area Learning Community); requires that the policy be updated at least every four years. ETHOS AND PRINCIPLES We believe that everyone in our school community has a role to play in taking a stand against bullying and creating a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all. We believe that all forms of bullying are unacceptable and are committed to a preventative, responsive and restorative anti-bullying ethos across the whole school. We believe that every child and young person should be celebrated in their diversity. We value the views and contributions of our pupils and we will actively seek these views and we will respect and take them into account. WHAT IS BULLYING? The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (NI) 2016 provides the following legal definition of bullying: (1) In this Act “bullying” includes (but is not limited to) the repeated use of: (a) any verbal, written or electronic communication, (b) any other act, or (c) any combination of those, by a pupil or a group of pupils against another pupil or group of pupils, with the intention of causing physical or emotional harm to that pupil or group of pupils. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), “act” includes omission. This can be summarised as follows: Bullying is behaviour that is usually repeated, which is carried out intentionally to cause hurt, harm or to adversely affect the rights and needs of another or others. Whilst bullying is usually repeated behaviour, there are instances of one-off incidents that the school will consider as bullying. When assessing a one-off incident, to make a decision on whether to classify it as bullying, the school shall consider the following criteria: severity and significance of the incident; evidence of pre-meditation; impact of the incident on individuals (physical/emotional); impact of the incidents on wider school community; previous relationships between those involved; any previous incidents involving the individuals. Any incidents which are not considered bullying behaviour will be addressed under the Positive Behaviour Policy. Bullying is an emotive issue; therefore, it is essential that we ensure we use supportive, understanding language when discussion these matters. For that reason, we will not refer to a child as ‘a bully’, nor will we refer to a child as ‘a victim’. Instead, we will refer to the child describing the situation surrounding that child, for example: a child displaying bullying behaviours; a child experiencing bullying behaviours. We encourage all members of the school community to use this language when discussing bullying incidents. ​ PREVENTATIVE MEASURES We aim to promote a strong anti-bullying ethos within the school and the wider school community. We aim to prevent bullying and create a safe environment by taking preventative measures. REPORTING A BULLYING CONCERN Pupils Reporting a Concern Pupils are encouraged to raise a bullying concern with any member of staff (teaching and non-teaching). ANY pupil can raise a concern about bullying behaviour, not just the pupil who is experiencing this behaviour. Pupils can raise concerns by any of the following; verbally - talking to a member of staff; by writing a note to a member of staff; by sending an email to a member of staff; by sending an email to suspastoral114@c2kni.net . Parents/Carers Reporting a Concern Parents/Carers are encouraged to raise concerns about alleged bullying behaviour with the school at the earliest opportunity by contacting the Form Teacher. Parents/Carers are reminded of the need to encourage their son/daughter to react appropriately to bullying behaviour and to not do anything to retaliate or to ‘hit back’. RESPONDING TO A BULLYING CONCERN Pupils should feel assured that all bullying concerns will be dealt with sensitively. When responding to a bullying concern, school staff shall implement interventions aimed at responding to the behaviour, resolving the concern and restoring the wellbeing of those involved. Where appropriate, school staff may implement sanctions for those displaying bullying behaviour. Any action taken regarding a pupil cannot be disclosed to anyone other than that pupil and his/her parents/carers. RECORDING A BULLYING CONCERN The school will centrally record all relevant information related to reports of bullying concerns, including: how the bullying behaviour was displayed (the method); the motivation for the behaviour; how each incident was addressed by the school; the outcome of the interventions employed. Records will be kept on the online SIMS Behaviour Management Module, which is part of the C2k system in schools. Access to these records will be restricted and only provided to those members of school staff with a legitimate need to have access. All records will be maintained in line with relevant data protection legislation and guidance and will be disposed of in line with the school’s Retention and Disposal of Documents Policy. Collated information regarding incidents of bullying and alleged bullying behaviour will be used to inform the future development of anti-bullying policy and practice within the school. USEFUL RESOURCES AND CONTACTS Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum Telephone: 028 9087 5006 www.niabf.org.uk Parent/Carer tool kit www.endbullying.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/NIABF-Parent-Carer-Toolkit.pdf Anti-Bullying Network www.antibullying.net Anti-Bullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk Kidscape Telephone: 020 78235430 www.kidscape.org.uk NSPCC Telephone: 0800 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk Childline Telephone: 08001111 www.childline.org.uk Parenting NI Telephone: 0808 8010 722 www.parentni.org Lifeline Telephone: 0808 808 8000 www.lifelinehelpline.info The Centre for Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) www.ceop.gov.uk www.thinkyouknow.co.uk Chatdanger www.chatdanger.com Police Service of Northern Ireland Telephone: 101 www.psni.police.uk Shout: Free 24/7 text messaging support service Text: shout to 85258 www.giveusashout.org ​ The full anti-bullying policy is available at https://www.sullivanupper.co.uk/policies . The Education Authority has produced a useful guide for parents/guardians: ​ ABSIT Parent Guide - Primary/Post Primary ABSIT Parent Leaflet - Primary/Post Primary

Travel to Sullivan Many pupils travel to and from school by bus operated by Translink. Translink can be contacted on +44 (0)28 90666630 or http://www.translink.co.uk . The following information is correct as of Monday 14 September 2020.

Examinations External Examinations Welcome to the Sullivan Upper Examinations page. Please use the links below to access the relevant information. Information regarding Careers has also been included. For further information on Careers/Universities, please contact Mrs C Henry (Head of Careers). If you have any queries regarding the Examination Process, please do not hesitate to contact the Examinations Officer. Information for candidates: Coursework https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IFC-Coursework_Assessments_2023_FINAL.pdf Information for candidates: Non-examination Assessment s https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IFC-NE_Assessments_2023_FINAL.pdf Information for Candidates: On Screen Examinations https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IFC-On-Screen_Examinations_2023_FINAL.pdf Information for Candidates: Written Examinations 2023-2024 https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IFC-Written_Examinations_Sep2023_FINAL.pdf Information for Candidates: Social Media https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Social-Media-Information-for-Candidates_Final.pdf JCQ Preparing to sit your exams https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/JCQ-Preparing-to-sit-your-exams.pdf Awarding Bodies ​ Sullivan Upper School uses the Awarding Bodies to offer GCSE, AS and A2 qualifications. The Awarding Bodies set and administer the examinations, and are regulated by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). You will find on their individual websites information for teachers, parents and students. Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) Examination Dates - 2022/23 ​ OXBRIDGE Tests: October/November 2023 GCSE and GCE Examinations: Friday 3 May 2024 to Monday 24 June 2024 Contingency date: Wednesday 26 June 2024 Results Dates Examination Series Result Publication Summer AS/A2 Thursday 15 August 2024 Summer GCSEs Thursday 22 Augu st 2024 ​ Please note that these dates are subject to change by the Awarding Bodies. ​ ​ Post Results Service Post Results Service Deadlines for 2023 ​ Post Results Service Information 2023 ​ Internal Examinations Examination Rules and Guidance 2023 ​ Timetable Summer Exams 2024 - Click the image below to view full timetable

Prospectus View our 2024 Prospectus

Music Departmental Aims The fundamental aim of the music curriculum is to develop pupils’ musical ability. All pupils are potentially musical and should be provided with learning experiences which develop their knowledge , understanding and skills in making and responding to music through active engagement in the core musical activities of composing , performing and listening The music curriculum aims to empower pupils to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives. It is about helping all pupils prepare for life and work ​ 1 As individuals by: giving pupils opportunities to create personal meaning through composing, performing and listening activities; enabling pupils to express their own feelings through music; building an appreciation of the diverse musical tastes of others; encouraging pupils to explore and experiment creatively in a variety of situations. 2 As contributors to society by: developing the skills central to understanding and responding to music; developing pupil’s awareness of how music influences behaviour; developing an understanding of music from different periods, styles and cultural traditions that are different from their own; developing an understanding of the power of music in evoking mood and atmosphere 3 As contributors to the economy and the environment by: developing pupil’s ability to be discriminating consumers of music as a result of their own experiences in making and responding to music; developing pupil’s awareness and understanding of the skills required to be successful within the music industry ( and how those skills and qualities are also highly valued throughout the world in all types of employment). Staff Mrs L R Montgomery (Head of Department) Mrs J A Harper (Part-Time) Mrs G E Hartin (Job Share) Mrs G Pitt (Job Share) Mr C Edgar (Technician)

Monthly Newsletters Monthly Newsletters School Year 2023/24 ​ April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 ​ School Year 2022/23 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 ​ School Year 2021/22 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 ​ School Year 2020/21 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 December 2020 October 2020 School Year 2019/20 ​ February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 School Year 2018/19 ​ June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 School Year 2017/18 ​ June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 School Year 2016/17 April-May 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 School Year 2015/16 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015

Careers Departmental Aims All children should follow a curriculum which contains all the essential elements to enable them to develop their full potential and make their contribution to society - whether in their chosen career, personal and family life, or social activities". (Education Reform (NI) Order - 1989) ​ Careers education has a central role to play in supporting the development of the knowledge, attitudes and skills required by young people in their adult working life. Careers education is one of the educational themes within the Northern Ireland Curriculum and therefore all post-primary schools must make appropriate cross-curricular provision. In addition schools are expected to provide discrete timetabled lessons. ​ The teaching of careers generally commences in Year 10 continuing through to Year 14 however, schools are increasingly introducing elements of careers education into Year 8 and 9 learning programmes. Careers Education Curriculum based on "Evaluating a Careers Programme" - DENI 1996 Curriculum Content ​ Guidance from DENI and CCEA has established 6 core components of pupil entitlement upon which a careers education programme should be based. The diagram below identifies each of these core elements. Staff Mrs C Henry (Head of Department) Mr s N Borland (T) Mrs S M Dalzell (Part-Time) Ms A C Morgan Mrs S Torrens Careers Programme About CEAIG ​ Sullivan runs an active Careers and Guidance programme from Key Stage 3 to Sixth Form and extends provision to pupils who have recently left secondary schooling. Currently 6 members of staff are responsible for co-ordinating and delivering the programme. Opportunities are sought for the involvement of outside organisations and individuals to participate in the provision of careers guidance. The Careers department uses the expertise of the Northern Ireland Careers Service , local universities, local businesses and parents to enrich the Careers Programme. The provision includes: Key Stage 3 Careers teachers contribute to the delivery of ‘Education for Employability’ through the Learning for Life and Work programme. Guidance interviews for pupils and parents for GCSE choices. Subject Choice for GCSE Information Booklet ​ Key Stage 4 Careers teachers provide and help to deliver material for the Pastoral programme. A parental evening concerning choices at 16+. Guidance interviews for pupils and parents for choices at 16+. Outside speakers informing pupils about career paths. Consultations with the Northern Ireland Careers Service for pupils with an interest in Further Education courses or employment. Subject Choice for AS/A Level Information Booklet ​ Sixth Form A weekly Year 13 taught Careers programme. A week of work shadowing. Organisation of Higher Education (HE) applications (UCAS, CAO etc). The opportunity for pupils to consult with Careers teachers prior to their HE applications. Various outside speakers representing HE and GAP Year organisations, and opportunities to attend Open Days and conferences. ​ After Care A reference writing service for former pupils. The facilitation of HE applications by former pupils. ​

Covid-19 Information on Self-Isolation and Close Contacts (as of January 2022) Further information on what to do if there is a positive lateral flow test result and close contacts is available at the following government websites: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/if-you-get-positive-lateral-flow-test-self-isolate-required-period https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-self-isolating-and-close-contacts ​ Contact tracing to identify close contacts in the school and in the community will be carried out by the Public Health Agency. They will ring from the number 028 9536 8888. Please save this number on your phone so you will recognise it if they need to ring you, and please answer if they call. Post-Primary Information Leaflet Notify the School of Pupil Absence via IRIS Parentmail Parents are asked to inform the school via IRIS Parentmail , if their son/daughter receives a positive lateral flow test for COVID-19 and are self-isolating or if their son/daughter has been identified as a close contact. The relevant staff will then be notified and the absence recorded as per DE guidelines. Pastoral Issue If you need to speak to someone about a pastoral issue, please email info@sullivanupper.holywood.ni.sch.uk . Please include pupil name and class so this can be directed to the Form Teacher. ​ Alternatively, and also if there is a safeguarding issue, you can reach a senior member of staff via the pastoral email: suspastoral114@c2kni.net . COVID-19 Correspondence Letter from Chief Medical Officer - 9 September 2021 Department of Education Parent & Carer Information Confirmed case of COVID-19 in School setting – Information for Parents and Staff from PHA ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ PHA Information - 9 September 2021 Changing C2K password Please use the link below to change pupil or staff c2k passwords at home: https://www.c2kexchange.net/_c2klogin/login.aspx If pupils/parents need to email about password issues, please use the email address: mimage732@c2ken.net Useful Advice for returning to school after lockdown A return to school after lockdown may be a worrying time for pupils and parents. The links below provide some useful advice for both pupils and parents. Childline - advice for young people who might be worried about going back or starting school ​ https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/school/ Young Minds -advice for parents supporting their children’s return to school post lockdown ​ https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/supporting-a-child-returning-to-school-after-lockdown/ https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-guide-to-support-a-z/parents-guide-to-support-school-anxiety-and-refusal/ https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/tips-for-dealing-with-back-to-school-anxiety/ https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/coping-with-anxiety-about-going-back-to-school/ https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/coping-with-anxiety-about-leaving-the-house/ Supporting pupils following loss during Covid-19 ​ https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/supporting-a-child-with-grief-and-loss-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ ​

Subject Choice GCSE The booklet below contains information to help inform about GCSE subject choices for the 2024/25 academic year . We hope you find it useful. Subject Choice for GCSE Information Booklet - January 2024 Letter in relation to the Subject Choice for GCSE Information Booklet - January 2024 GCE The booklet below contains information about all the subjects available for the 2024/25 academic year at AS and A Level and it is provided so that parents and pupils know something about what each subject involves. We hope that you find it useful. Subject Choice for AS/A Level Information Booklet - February 2024

Controlled Assessment Controlled Assessments will be carried out in school under the supervision of a member of staff. They are designed to take place in normal lesson time in the usual teaching venue. Timetables for Years 11 and 12 in the 2023/24 academic year are found below: The Year 11 Controlled Assessment Information for 2023-24 The Year 12 Controlled Assessment Information for 2023-24 1/2