Page 3 - Prospectus Sept 2021

PREPARING FOR LIFE...
The school opened as Dunclug High School in September 1971, and was named after the
townland of Dunclug. Meaning, 'fortified hill' the name symbolises the school as a focal
point in the community on the north side of Ballymena. As the school has grown, devel-
oped and secured the support of the community, it has drawn its intake from north, south,
east and west of Ballymena and the surrounding rural areas of the borough. Known
as Dunclug College since before the millennium the school is non-selective and caters for all
abilities, offering a blend of general, applied and practical vocational courses from Year 8 through to Year
14. There are strong links with the Ballymena Learning Community, including opportunities for collabora-
tion through Shared Education Projects & Ballymena Learning Together. The school has developed strong
community relations, this is evidenced by a full enrolment which draws on past and present links with Pu-
pils, Parents, Business, Third-Level Educational Partners, the Board of Governors and its Teaching Staff.

SCHOOL ETHOS AND VISION...
Following consultation in 2006, the staff and Board of Governors, agreed to a new school motto of "Ad
Vitam Paramus" which translates as "Preparing for Life". This short statement perfectly encapsulates the
ethos of the school as we strive to prepare our pupils for the rest of their personal and working lives.

We endeavour to live out our vision statement which claims "We provide a high quality child-centred ed-
ucation in a caring environment, built upon good personal relationships and honest partnership.
Through achievement and the development of mutual respect, all pupils are challenged and encour-
aged to become valued citizens."

Dunclug College is Christian in ethos and welcomes pupils from all walks of life. We hope, when our pu-
pils arrive they will be stimulated to enjoy and benefit from their learning and school experience and
when they leave, will be prepared for the challenges of the wider world
through the knowledge and skills obtained and the characters they have WELCOME
built. to the

THE INTAKE… DUNCLUG FAMILY...
The College caters for the full range of ability, provides a broad and bal-
anced curriculum at Key Stage 3, a wide range of academic and vocational
th
subjects at Key Stage 4 and has developed a relevant 6 Form Provision SHARE
offering two Programmes of Study, one at ‘Foundation Year’ & the sec- in our
ond, a ‘Two Year A-Level’ . Pupils are taught in streamed classes and en-
couraged to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular, pastoral and ETHOS and VISION!
enrichment activities.

PARTNERSHIP…
The College aims to promote achievements and standards at all levels, to empower the pupil body with
the appropriate skill sets to drive both, ambition & success. Pupils are encouraged to give of their best, to
become game-changers, to enjoy their learning journey and most of all, ‘make a difference’ when they
enter the world of work & citizenship. In the current climate we may need to maintain our distance, but
we must continue to stand together!

LOOKING FORWARD…
Preparing for Life is about accepting change, looking forward to what makes you stronger, and more com-
plete. The Poet & Playwright Oscar Wilde famously wrote, ‘Be yourself. Everyone Else is Taken’. No
matter which path you take, or mountain you decide to climb, make every footstep count and each foot-
print will leave a lasting legacy. If you are joining us in September 2021, I, and the wider staff, look for-
ward to welcoming you to the family of Dunclug College!

Niall Oliver 3
Principal