Parental Partnerships

The role of parents in supporting our students towards success cannot be underestimated. Our partnership with parents will be key to ensuring that each individual student achieves their full potential. We ask for your support in the following ways:

Encourage your child to attend regularly and on time.
Ensure that your son / daughter wears their uniform and takes pride in their appearance.
By attending the annual Parents Evening to discuss your child’s progress.
Contacting us if there are issues or concerns that may affect your child.
Supporting the completion of homework and signing the Student Planner each week.
Becoming involved in the Parent Teacher Association and supporting their events.

Our ‘Open Door’ policy enables you to make contact with us by telephone or in person should the need arise.

OUR NEW BUILD - THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR ABBEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Education Authority’s proposals for a new post-primary school on the land at Three Mile Water Playing Fields, Doagh Road, went out for public consultation in November and are due to be submitted for full planning approval to Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council in early 2022.

This amazing design has taken shape over the past year, with input from the Senior Leadership Team and staff to maximise the full potential of the site. The 21st century facilities for Abbey Community College will benefit all of our students and the local community. We can’t wait to see it come to life and to welcome our students and their families through its doors.

WHAT IS PROPOSED?

- A modern, state of the art, purpose-built education facility, with classrooms to support
c.820 students.

- Sports facilities will include 5 tennis / basketball courts, Sports Hall and Fitness Suite

- Three grass pitches & one synthetic pitch

- Dedicated off street parking for parent and separate bus drop-off zones

- Cycle parking and pedestrian walkways to take advantage of the green corridor and
cycle network

ABBEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Controlled Secondary School

100 Bridge Road, Newtownabbey BT37 0EA Telephone: 028 9086 7431

Fax: 028 9085 4945

Age Range of pupils Admissions Number:

11-19 years

140

E-Mail: info@abbeycommunitycollege.newtownabbey.ni.sch.uk

Website: www.abbeycommunitycollege.co.uk Enrolment Number: Principal: Mrs Maria Quinn BA (Hons), PGCE, MEd, PQH(NI)

Chairperson of the Board of Governors: Mr Tim O’Neill

820

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY INTO YEAR 8

During the admissions procedure when applying the criteria punctual applications will be considered before late applications are considered. The application procedure opens on 30 January 2024 at 12 noon (GMT) and an application submitted by the closing date of 22 February 2024 at 12 noon (GMT) will be treated as a punctual application. An application received after 12 noon (GMT) on 22 February 2024 and up to 4pm on 4 March 2024 will be treated as a late application.

Respective functions of the Board of Governors and Principal in relation to Admissions to Abbey Community College

The Admissions Criteria for Abbey Community College have been agreed by the Board of Governors. The application of the criteria has been delegated to the Admissions Sub Committee which includes the Principal. When considering students for admission, the Board of Governors will only take into account information which is detailed on or uploaded with the online application form.

Criteria for Admission of Students

1. Applicants resident in Northern Ireland, at the time of their proposed admission, will be selected for admission before any applicant not so resident may be selected.

2. Applicants who, at the date of their application, have a child of the family* currently enrolled at the school.

3. Applicants who, at the date of their application, are the eldest child of the family** eligible to apply to a mainstream, post-primary school.

4. Applicants who, at the time of their application, have a parent employed within the school.

5. Applicants who live closest to Abbey Community College as decided by digital measurement of a straight line from the front door of their home to the front door of the school using the map on www.spatialni.gov.uk and an Ordnance Survey Spreadsheet to calculate distance in metres. All addresses must be verified by proof of address e.g. Utility Bill.

6. In the event of oversubscription students will be admitted by a criterion that prioritises applicants where the letters of their surname (as entered on a Birth Certificate) places them on a rank established by the random selection of letters in the order set out below:

N G M A E I Q T R U O S P Z V F J Y B W H C K L D X

In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of the surname will be used in alphabetical order. In the event of two identical surnames, the alphabetical order of the initials of the forenames will be used.

DUTY TO VERIFY ***

Applicants should note that it is their responsibility to ensure that they provide documents to verify information pertinent to the school’s admission criteria when submitting their Transfer Application online. Please see guidance notes below. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide verifying documents by the required deadline may result in the withdrawal of a place.

ADMISSIONS TO YEAR 8 AFTER 1 SEPTEMBER 2024

Parents wishing to have their child considered for admission after 1 September 2024 should write to the Principal clearly stating this. In the event of a vacancy the above criteria will be applied to these applications.

APPLICATIONS AND ADMISSIONS

Year	Admissions No.	Total Applications All Preferences	Total Admissions
2021/22	141	168	141
2022/23	140	138	138
2023/24	140	144	140

This table does not include children who were admitted to the school with a statement of special educational needs.

APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION OTHER THAN YEAR 8

When applications are received for year groups 9-14, the enrolment numbers in each year group will be considered alongside student numbers in practical groups. If these numbers are at maximum levels, a waiting list will be compiled.

● Applicants must be resident in Northern Ireland at the time of application

● Each application will be considered by the Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors

● In the event that there are more applicants than places available, the following criteria will be considered in this order:

1. Applicants who, at the date of their application, have a child of the family* currently enrolled at the school.

2. Applicants at the time of their application have a parent employed within the school.

3. Behaviour Report from previous school.

4. Academic School Report from previous school.

5. Attendance Record (Registration Certificate) from previous school.

● If there are no places available, Parents / Guardians will be asked in writing if they wish their child’s name to be added to the waiting list. The list will expire at the end of the academic year on 31 August 2025

GUIDANCE NOTES

* Child of the family – brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister, adopted/fostered child or child living permanently in the same household.

** Eldest Eligible Child – child is the oldest child in the family eligible to transfer to post primary school - an only child, the oldest child applying for a mainstream post-primary place, the child is more than 7 years younger than their next sibling, the family has moved into the area and this is the first child eligible to apply to the school.

*** Verifying Documents

Criterion 3 – A letter (on letter headed paper) stating the child’s name, date of birth and that they are the eldest eligible child of the family to apply for mainstream school. This letter will be accepted from the following:

- Primary School Principal/P7 teacher

- GP/Medical Professional

- Reverend/Vicar/Church Official

Criterion 5 – A copy of a Utility Bill or other household letter, showing current address and dated within 3 months of application.

Please upload all verifying documents to the EA Admissions Portal at the time of application.

ADMISSION TO POST 16

Admission to Sixth Form will be directly linked to achievement at GCSE and dependent on having met the admissions criteria laid down in the Post 16 prospectus.

Abbey Community College Sixth Form Prospectus - 2023-25

Click to View

CHILD PROTECTION/SAFEGUARDING POLICY

We in Abbey Community College have a responsibility for the pastoral care, general welfare and safety of the children in our care. We will carry out this duty by providing a caring, supportive and safe environment, where each child is valued for his or her unique talents and abilities, and in which all our young people can learn and develop to their full potential. All staff, teaching and non-teaching, should be alert to the signs of possible abuse and should know the procedures to be followed. The Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is available on the school website throughout the year and is sent to all parents through the Parent Mail App annually. This policy sets out guidance on the action, which is required where abuse or neglect of a child is suspected and outlines referral procedures within our school. If you require a copy of the Safeguarding Policy in a different language, please contact the school office and make this request.
There is a bimonthly Safeguarding Newsletter sent to parents through the Parent Mail App which alerts all parents/guardians to recent safeguarding developments or concerns as well as highlighting the key safeguarding staff.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, school safeguarding measures will be recorded more efficiently on an electronic platform called CPOMS. A letter will be sent to all parents/guardians regarding this matter. Please contact Mrs. McNaghten if you have any queries regarding this, and a copy of the CPOMS Policy can be made available upon request.

SCHOOL SAFEGUARDING TEAM

The following are members of the schools safeguarding team

Designated Governors for Child Protection/Safeguarding – Dr Hazel Edwards, Susan O’Connor
• Principal – Mrs F Cromie
• Designated Teacher - Mrs C McNaghten
• Deputy Designated Teachers – Mr D Laney, Mr S Smyth and Dylan Sloan (School Social Worker)

Designated Teachers.jpg

OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES

The school has a duty to ensure that safeguarding permeates all activities and functions. This policy therefore complements and supports a range of other school policies including:

• Positive Behaviour
• Anti-Bullying
• Use of Reasonable Force/Safe Handling
• Relationship and Sex Education
• Use of Mobile Phones
• ICT and access to the Internet
• CPOMS Policy

A Student’s Guide to Child Protection Procedures.pdf

The safeguarding policies of our Learning Community Partners are available from the school office.

Calendar

calendar dates 24-25.jpg

Timing of the School Day

8.55 - 9.05	REGISTRATION
9.05 – 9.55	Lesson 1
9.55 – 10.45	Lesson 2
10.45 – 11.00	BREAK
11.00 – 11.55	Lesson 3
11.55 – 12.45	Lesson 4
12.45 – 1. 05	Lunch Years 10 - 14 Tutor Time Years 8 & 9
1.05 – 1.20	LUNCH (all students)
1.20 – 1.40	Lunch Years 8 & 9 Tutor Time Years 10 - 14
1.40 – 2.30	Lesson 5 Friday Week B staff may leave at 2.30
2.30 - 3.20	Lesson 6 Mon/Tues/Wed Thursday Meeting Cycle/Friday Week A PPA

Student Transport

Changes to bus timetable.jpg

Download PDF version HERE

An extensive transport network will serve Abbey Community College on Bridge Road. The Metro bus service and designated buses cover an extensive area including:

Shore Road
Whiteabbey Village
Doagh Road
Circular / Jordanstown Road
Rathcoole
Carnmoney
Old Carrick Road
Mossley
Upper and Lower Station Road, Greenisland

Blue School Bus & Metro Timetable for 2015-2016

School starts at 8.45 sharp. Make sure you allow time to get your bus.
Ensure that you arrive at the bus stop 5 to 10 minutes before these times. Bus drivers will always stop for you.

SCHOOL BUSES

There are two school buses coming into school in the morning and five leaving school in the afternoon. Please see below for details:

Morning Buses

Monday to Friday

Bus Stop	Bus One	Bus Two
Rathcoole, Diamond	0752	0800
Rathcoole, West Crescent	0754	0802
Derrycoole Way	0756	0804
Doagh Road Green End	0800	0808
Rathfern Altnacreeve Park	0804	0812
Doagh Road King's Road	0807	0815
Doagh Road Cherrylands	0809	0817
Abbey Community College	0812	0820

Afternoon Buses

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Bus Stop	Belfast via Rathcoole	Rathfern	Rathcoole	Rathcoole	Mossley/ Greenisland
Abbey Community College	1515	1515	1515	1515	1515
Doagh Road Cherrylands	1517	1517	1517	1520
Rathfern Altnacreeve Park		1519
Doagh Road Green End	1520	1522	1520	1523
Eastway			1521	1524
Derrycoole Way			1522	1525
Rathcoole West Crescent			1523	1526
Rathcoole Diamond			1526	1529
Whiteabbey Station Road		1526
Whiteabbey Circular Road		1528
Belfast High School		1531
Monkstown Top Road					1516
Manse Road					1520
New Mossley					1522
The Glade					1523
Brambles					1529
Farm Lodge					1532
Greenisland Station Road					1537
Merville Garden Village	1523
Shore Road Grays Lane	1527
York Road Limestone Road	1533

School stops at 2.30pm on Wednesdays. Please see below bus times for Wednesday afternoon.

Bus Stop	Belfast via Rathcoole	Rathfern	Rathcoole	Rathcoole	Mossley/ Greenisland
Abbey Community College	1435	1435	1435	1438	1435
Doagh Road Cherrylands	1437	1437	1437	1440
Rathfern Altnacreeve Park		1439
Doagh Road Green End	1440	1442	1440	1443
Eastway			1441	1444
Derrycoole Way			1442	1445
Rathcoole West Crescent			1443	1446
Rathcoole Diamond			1446	1449
Whiteabbey Station Road		1446
Whiteabbey Circular Road		1448
Belfast High School		1451
Monkstown Top Road					1436
Manse Road					1440
New Mossley					1442
The Glade					1443
Brambles					1449
Farm Lodge					1452
Greenisland Station Road					1457
Merville Garden Village	1443
Shore Road Grays Lane	1447
York Road Limestone Road	1453

Please be advised there are Metro numbers 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 2H and Ulsterbus numbers 168, 168A, 568 A & B services which travel past or near the school. For further details of these please visit www.translink.co.uk or telephone

90 66 66 30

Five blue Ulsterbus school buses will leave each afternoon from outside school. They will go to :

Rathfern and Doagh Road
Belfast Via the Diamond in Rathcoole
2 x Rathcoole Estate buses
Mossley and Greenisland

Buses on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will leave promptly from school at 3.15pm.
On Wednesday the buses will leave at 2.35 pm.
Ensure that you arrive into the Assembly Hall to line up for your bus. You will be shown where to stand.
Abbey Community College students are expected to behave in a respectful and mannerly way when on any public transport.

Uniform

As ambassadors for Abbey Community College all students will be expected to take pride in their personal appearance by wearing the correct school uniform at all times and complying with all aspects of the College Uniform Policy.

The uniform suppliers for Abbey Community College are:

The Sports Company Belfast, Unit 5 Yorkgate Shopping Centre, Belfast, BT15 1WA
The Jeanery, 2 Goland Buildings, Glengormley, Co. Antrim BT36 5EN

An image of acceptable shoes can be viewed by clicking the link. Acceptable Shoes.jpg

Attendance and Punctuality

All students are expected to come to school on time each day and do their best to have full attendance. This will ensure that valuable learning opportunities are not missed and each individual can make maximum progress.

Attendance and punctuality are monitored closely and parents are contacted should a student arrive late or be absent without explanation.

When a child of a compulsory school age is registered at a school it is essential that they attend their school regularly and maintain a pattern of good attendance throughout their school career. Excellent attendance at school is important to allow a child or young person to fulfil their potential.

Why attend school?

These are just some of the key reason why it is important children attend school:

To learn.
To have fun.
To make new friends.
To experience new things in life.
To achieve.
To gain qualifications.
To develop new skills.
To develop awareness of other cultures, religion, ethnicity and gender differences.
To build confidence and self-esteem.
To have the best possible start in life.

Young people who regularly miss school without good reason are more likely at risk of becoming isolated from their friends, underachieving in examinations and/or become involved in anti-social behaviour.

How parents can help:

Establish a good routine in the mornings and evenings so your child is prepared for the school day ahead.
Make sure your child goes to school regularly and follows the school rules.
Ensure your child arrives at school on time.
Arrange dental and medical appointments outside of school hours when possible.
Always inform the school if your child is absent due to illness – this should be followed up with a written note when your child returns to school.
Take truancy seriously – if your child is not attending school as you expect, they may be putting themselves at risk – Who are they with? What are they doing?
Take family holidays outside of term time.
Talk to your child about school and take an interest in their school work (including homework).
Attend Parent Evenings and school events. Praise and reward your child’s achievements at school.
Always support school staff in their efforts to manage difficult or challenging behaviour.
Discuss any problems or difficulties with the school staff. We are here to help and will be supportive.

Family Holidays

You can demonstrate your commitment to your child’s education by not taking holidays during term time. Any child or young person who is absent from school due to a holiday will miss out on important learning and fall behind with their school work.

In each Academic Year there are only a maximum of 190 school days – this allows plenty of time for holidays to be arranged outside term time.

Holidays taken during term time will be categorised as an unauthorised absence.

Percentages

Attendance percentages can be misleading:

100% = 0 days missed - Excellent

95% = 9 days missed - Satisfactory

90% = 19 days missed - Poor

85% = 28 days missed – Unsatisfactory (student will be referred to Education Welfare Service when their attendance is below 85%)

80% = 38 days missed - Unsatisfactory

75% = 46 days missed – Unsatisfactory

Positive Behaviour

A secure ordered environment, with clear expectations and respect for self and others will enable all students to learn and develop. A Positive Behaviour Policy will contribute to high standards in the classroom and beyond. A copy can be found in the policy section of this website.

Positive Behaviour policy can be downloaded here

Homework

We believe that homework is a valuable means of supporting and enhancing learning beyond the confines of the school day. This enables students to develop good study habits, develop their independence and take responsibility for their own learning.

A Homework Schedule and a Student Planner helps students plan their work to meet deadlines.

Download full Homework Guidelines here.

Letters Home

Year 8 Booket.pdf

Year 9 - 14 Welcome Back Information Booklet

DEAR Letter to Parents - Sept 20.pdf

Principal Letter 14-10-20.pdf

Policies

Btec Policies

Friends of Abbey

A Friends of Abbey group is being formed in 2019. The first meeting took place on Tuesday 12th November. All Parents/Guardians/Friends are welcome to come along. Details will be notified through the Parent App.

Pastoral Care

As an inclusive, caring and child centred school Abbey Community College enhances and supports the personal, social and academic development of each individual student in all aspects of College life. All staff play an important role, both within and beyond the classroom, in ensuring that all students are given the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of ability or background.

An Induction Programme for Year 8 students in the summer term before they enrol at Abbey Community College eases the transition from primary school and helps them to begin making friends. This continues in September to help students familiarise themselves with facilities on site and build relationships with staff and their peers.

Post 16 Mentors attached to each class provide valuable support and guidance for student in the first weeks and months.

Each student will have a Class Tutor who meets them daily and is the first point of contact for parents. A Head of School and Head of Year monitors and supports all aspects of student progress and development.

Drugs Education

The Drugs Education policy and programme will ensure that all students have the knowledge and skills to enable them to make safe and healthy lifestyle choices both during their time at school and in the future.

Centre Determine Grades
Parent & Student Guide

CCEA Post Results Service: Student & Parent Guide

Parents