Methodist College is a co-educational Voluntary Grammar School This report represents only one of the ways that the College communicates the details of its major activities for the year, and much of the report is prescribed and stipulated in regulation issued by the Department of Education. We encourage you to review our College Website www.methody.org.
2. Curriculum
Key Stage 3 (Forms 1-3)
Pupils in Forms 1-3 follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum incorporating Assessment for Learning, Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities and the Cross Curricular Skills across the Areas of Learning.
Curriculum Outline
All pupils take French and Latin in Form 1 After a series of language taster sessions, pupils chose 2 languages in Term 2 of Form 1 from French, Latin, German or Spanish.
Key Stage 4 (Forms 4- 5)
Pupils will follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum and with the exception of RE/English Literature all GCSE subjects are allocated 6 periods per fortnight. GCSE RE/English Literature are delivered in 3 periods per fortnight. Detailed descriptions of all GCSE courses can be found in the GCSE Courses Information Booklet. Before the end of Form 3, pupils choose 9 or 10 subjects which will form their GCSE teaching timetable in Forms 4 and 5.
All pupils will study:
• English Language
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Religious Studies
• One, Two or Three Science subjects from Biology, Chemistry and Physics*
• At least one from French, German, Russian, Spanish, or Latin**
* A small number of pupils will take GCSE Single Award Science instead of an individual Science
**A small number of pupils will take GCSE LLW instead of the language option
Optional Subjects
Art and Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Digital Technology (Multimedia or Programming)
Drama
Economics
Food and Nutrition
Other Examinations
French Music
Further Mathematics
Geography
German
Government and Politics
History
Latin
Moving Image Arts
PE
Physics
Russian
Spanish
Technology and Design
In addition to GCSE subjects, all pupils take non-GCSE PE and Games every week. All pupils have 1 period of non-GCSE Learning for Life and Work in Form 4 which is supplemented with a programme of assemblies, workshops, events, and seminars.
Religious Education
All pupils in Forms 1-5 study Religious Education. Parents who wish to withdraw their child(ren), on grounds of conscience, from attendance at Religious Education classes or at collective worship (Article 21[5] of the 1986 Order) must contact the Principal in writing.
Study Support
The College has a fully staffed Learning Support Department, located in E Block, so that pupils in Forms 1 – 5 who are disapplied from subjects have a structured learning space to support their progress in the subjects that remain on their timetable.
The Sixth Form Curriculum (L6th/U6th)
The curriculum in the Sixth Form comprises 2 elements:
• the AS/A2 level course
• the non-examination package (Games, tutorial period and supervised study)
• Lower Sixth pupils normally spend up to one week on Work Shadowing placement
The Lower Sixth course will normally consist of three distinct subjects taken to A2 level. Some pupils may take 4 AS subjects. Most pupils will continue to study three of these subjects at A2 level, although some may opt to continue with four.
The following CCEA modular A Levels are offered (AS levels completed at the end of L6th)
Art and Design English Literature Government and Politics Nutrition and Food Science
Biology Environmental Technology Health and Social Care Physics
Business Studies French History
Chemistry
Digital
The following Linear A Levels are offered (no AS level, all examinations completed in U6th)
Classical Civilisation Latin
Computer Science
Psychology
Drama and Theatre Studies Russian
The College also offers BTEC qualifications in Travel and Tourism and Sport. Detailed descriptions of all AS/A2 courses offered and any specific entry requirements can be found in the “Sixth Form Courses Information Booklet” available on our website
3. School Development Days
During the year, 5 days were classed as School Development Days. A key development focus for staff training was feedback and its use to move learning forward and this was delivered in whole staff sessions across the days alongside departmental time to consider implementation in subject specific contexts Staff also engaged in discussion and consultations in areas identified within the school action plan including uniform regulations and related sanctions, a whole school review of assessment, tracking of pupil progress and grading and fire safety procedures on the campus which have led to updated procedures being implemented this academic year. There was a further awareness raising session on Shared Education as the College embarked on a pathway towards becoming a partner school. Given the significant change in the leadership team, there was an emphasis on whole school community events/school ethos threaded across the school development days to embed an effective team culture.
4. Membership of the Board of Governors (September 2023)
Appointed
Revd. Dr J Alderdice
Dr D Gallagher
Mrs J Liddicoat
June 2026
June 2024
June 2024
Dr G Luney June 2025
Mr M McElhinney June 2025
Revd. Dr H Morris Ex-Officio
Revd. P Maxwell June 2024
Revd. D Turtle Ex-Officio
Mrs E Shaw June 2025
Prof. A Strong June 2026
Revd. Dr J Unsworth June 2025
Ms V Wallace June 2024
Mrs O Oluwalana December 2025
Mr J Magee December 2025
Mr S Magee December 2025 Elected by Teaching Staff
Mrs C Hart December 2025
Mrs E McKay December 2025
Mrs G McKee (Co-Opted) December 2025 Appointed by the Department of Education
Dr S Gallagher December 2025
Mr T Haslett December 2025
Revd. N Johnston
Mr J Lowry
Mrs D Magill
Mr R Pengelly
December 2025
December 2025
December 2025
December 2025
The Board of Governors meets once every month during the school year, and the committees of the Board meet at least once per term. The office bearers for 2023/24 were:
Chair of the Board
Vice Chair of the Board
Secretary
Treasurer
Convenor of the Audit and Risk Committee
Convenor of the Education & Extra Curricular Committee
Convenor of the Finance & Facilities Committee
Convenor of the HR and Salaries Committee
Convenor of the Preparatory Department Committee
5. Enrolment (2023/24)
Revd. Dr J Unsworth
Prof. A Strong
Mrs E Shaw
Mr J Magee
Mr M McElhinney
Prof. A Strong
Mr J Magee
Mr T Haslett
Prof. A Strong
The College’s admissions number for 2023/24 was 240. The College’s maximum enrolment number for 2023/24 was 1,810 excluding supernumery Statemented pupils. On census day 2023 enrolment in the secondary department was 1,814 (including 38 statemented pupils), and enrolment in the preparatory department was 209 (including 6 statemented pupils)
6. School Attendance
Secondary department attendance for 2023/24 was 93.4% and Preparatory Department attendance for 2023/24 was 95.6%.
7. School Hours and Holidays
The calendar for 2023/24 was as follows:
Autumn Term - 29 August 2023 – 21 December 2023
Half term holiday - 30 October 2023 – 3 November 2023
Spring Term – 3 January 2024 to 27 March 2024
Half term holiday - 12 February 2024 to 16 February 2024
Summer Term – 11 April 2024 to 28 June 2024
May Day Holiday – 6 May 2024
The School Day is as follows:
Tutor Group 8:45
Assemblies/Long Tutor Group 8:55 -
1
2
8. Learning Support
The Learning Support Department supports pupils displaying learning difficulties and those on the SEN register. We align our vaules with CREST. We promote a supportive and inclusive environemnt that allows all pupils to access not only the curriculum, but to take part in and successfully contribute to a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The Learning Support Co-ordinator works closely with the Pastoral VP to ensure that pupils with SEN are not treated less favourably by other pupils. Pupils with additional needs continute to thrive in our school environment.
Whole school provision is delivered through high quality teaching and learning support. Teachers use their professional judgement and observation to inform and respond to the needs of pupils to improve learning. All staff have access to guidance on strategies to help those with additional needs through an SEN Classroom Provision document and a Learning Support Department Information booklet. This booklet also provides information and clarity on the new draft Code of Practice and what targeted support may look like for those on the SEN register.
Staff complete Records of Concern which helps the department identify those with additional needs. In-house specialist assessors can then determine if there is a learning need and those pupils are placed on our school’s Access Register for Assessments and Examinations.
The Learning Support Co-ordinator (LSC) oversees the running of the Learning Support Department and all staff that work within it. This includes a Deputy Learning Support Coordinator, Learning Support Mentors and Adult Assistants. All staff provide exceptional support to our pupils and our Learning Support premises now include an office, quiet room for pupils, sensory room, workroom and staffroom. Adult Assistants particpate in relevant training to enhance their knowledge and skills during INSET and Staff Development Days.
The Learning Support Department continues to embed the practice of using Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) for those on the SEN register and we provide Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs) for other pupils with an identified additional need, who are not on the SEN register. Staff have received the required training on the new Code of Practice.
The LSC works with external agencies to provide the best form of support to our pupils and updates the school’s SEN policy ensuring it is compatible with statutory provisions. Establishing good long term working relationships with Educational Psychology, Autism Advisory Intervention Service, Educational Welfare and EA Sensory Services ensures we continue to provide a high level of support to our pupils. We have a close working relationship with parents and information regarding the Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Service (DARS) is available in the Learning Support Office.
9. School Security and Safety
The College is committed to providing a secure and safe environment for its pupils
All staff wear their official ID badge when on the school site. Visitors are required to report to Reception to digitally sign in on arrival and departure. They are also issued with a visitors’ badge Members of staff are reminded regularly of the need for vigilance. The school holds practice emergency evacuations and regularly reviews safety procedures. The Health and Safety Committee is chaired by the Estates Manager and meets regularly.
10. Buildings and Facilities
The College continues to invest in its facilities. During the 2023/24 year a Multi Use Games Area was completed in the Fullerton Quad for use by both the Secondary and Prep departments.
11. Careers Education
The careers education, information, advice, and guidance delivered at Methody aims to provide the pupils with opportunities to develop the skills and acquire the knowledge necessary to make considered, well-informed decisions at key transition points in their school career. All pupils have access to the Careers platform, Unifrog, providing them with personalised career pathway planning tools and support that can be accessed from home or school.
Before making GCSE choices in 3rd Form, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their individual skills and dispositions. They are provided with up-to-date information about the local and global education and employment markets before choosing their subjects.
This introductory programme is extended throughout 4th and 5th form, with pupils carrying out more self-evaluation exercises augmented by input from trained careers staff and external speakers from a range of professions. They are also provided with information about the new and familiar subjects at A level, before making their provisional subject choices The support and guidance provided in 6th form is extensive and sophisticated. They are exposed to more representatives from the worlds of academia, business, media, and a range of professions Our careers staff are always on hand to discuss each pupil's career goals; offering honest and informed opinions that enable pupils to make up their own mind about their future.
Each year the College holds a Law Conference We also stage a bi-annual careers fair in the College, which middle and senior school pupils attend. All Lower 6th pupils participate in an interview Skills Event and also complete a week's work shadowing after their AS exams.
12. Staffing
This year saw the following staffing changes:
New teachers joined us, Mr Blair, Mr Harkness, Miss McKeown, Miss Reaney, Mr Shaw, Mr Campalani and Miss Houston. New Classroom Assistants were recruited, Mr Cherry, Mr Cochrane, Miss Connery, Ms Gore, Mrs He, Miss McSorley, Miss Pucia, Ms Roberts, Mrs Lope, Miss Towfighi and Miss Yew. Other new staff were Mr McComb, Cleaner, Mr Struwig, Grounds person, Mr Carson, ICT Technician, Dr Tracy, 6th Form Study Supervisor, Mrs Ingram, Principal’s PA, Mrs Stewart Exams Administrator, Miss Wilson, Admin, Mr McCullough, Organist, Mrs Duada, Cleaner and Miss Solomon Marketing Assistant. Miss Hamilton joined our Preparatory Department as Head of Prep, and new classroom assistants joined, Miss Morrison and Miss Ryan
We bade farewell to staff who took up new roles outside of Methodist College. In the Secondary Department teaching staff who left us were Mr Blair, Mr Dorrity, Dr Anderson, Mr Livingston, Mrs Livingstone, Mrs Lowe, Mrs McCartney, Miss McKeown, Dr Quinn, Mr Dougherty, Mr Farquhar, Mrs Forsythe, Mr Forsythe, and Miss Houston. Non-Teaching staff who left the secondary department were Mr Douglas, Miss Gilbey, Mr McCartney, Mr Aranha, Mrs He, Mr Holmes, Miss Stockman, Mrs Jeanes, Miss Lynne, Mrs Oldroyd, Mr Struwig, Miss Bridges, Miss Connery, Ms Roberts, Mr Todd, Miss Towfighi, Miss Yew, Mrs Taylor, Mrs Brand and Mrs Gharini. In our Preparatory Department teaching staff who left were Miss Hamilton and Mrs Gregory and we said goodbye Non-Teaching staff Mrs Allen, Mrs McCloughlin, Miss Ryan, Mr Dundee, Miss Hawkins, Mrs Rawding, Mrs Green, Mrs Hanna and Mrs Hampton
13. Public Examination Results
Number in Year 12
entered for 7+ GCSE’s
entered for 5+ GCSE
achieving 7+ GCSE’s Grades A* - C
% achieving 5+ GCSE’s Grades A* - C
% entered for other exams N/A
% achieving none of the qualifications listed N/A
*Not including results for pupils taking linear subjects
14. Leavers’ Destinations
Secondary Department
Preparatory Department
All Prep 7 Leavers on 30 June 2024 moved to a Grammar School (100%).
15. Distribution of A2 Grades by Subject
A2 Department Analysis Summer 2024
Qualification: GCE A
Qualification: BTEC
16. Distribution of AS Grades by Subject
AS Department Analysis Summer 2024
Level: GCE/GCE Advanced Subsidiary
METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST
17. Distribution of GCSE Grades by Subject
GCSE Department Analysis Summer 2024
18. GCSE Results 2020-2024
*Please note no data is available for the periods 2019/20, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 as no SAER statistical bulletin was released for the 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/2022 academic years. # Data not published by DENI.
19. Analysis of Examination Results 2024 – Key Stages 1,2, and 3
The Department of Education NI is currently not offering any end of Key Stage Assessment.
20. Extra-Curricular Activities
Secondary Department
There are many extra-curricular activities within the College, this list is not exhaustive: All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad, Art Club, Athletics, Badminton, Band, Bar Mock Trial, Basketball, Biology Society, Chapel Choir, Chess Club, Christians in Sport, Christian Union, Club Gaeilge, Computing Club, Cricket, Cross Country, Current Affairs Society, Debating Society, Duke of Edinburgh, Film Club, Football, French Club, Geography Society, Girls Choir, Global Village, Golf, Guitar Workshop, Hocky, India Society, Irish Traditional Group, Jazz Band, Junior Art Club, Junior Choir, Junior Drop in, Junior Orchestra, Junior Science Club, LGBTQ+ Society, Moneybox, Modern United Nations, Music Society, Netball, News Team, Orchestra, Psychology Society, Robotics Club, Rowing, Rugby, Russian Club, Senior Book Group, Senior Choir, Senior Orchestra, Sewing Club, Social Club, Spanish Club, Swimming, Technology and Design, Tennis, Water Polo and Young Enterprise
Preparatory Department
This list is not exhaustive: Art and Craft, Chess, Choir, Cricket, Drama, Football, Hockey, Journalism, Netball, Orchestra, Puzzle Club, Recorder Group, Rugby, Scripture Union, Sing-along Club, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tufty Club
21. Contributions to Charities
During the academic year 2023/24 the College made the following contributions to Charities:
Comic Relief
British Red Cross
Royal British Legion
Save the Children
Cancer Fund for Children
Made for More
Fundraising NI
Belfast Central Mission
Children in Need
Motor Neurone Disease Assoc
Macmillan Cancer Support
Clic Sargent
Thorndale family Centre
School Aid Romania
Friends of ASHA
Total
£834
£145
£120
£423
£3,256
£866
£400
£400
£979
£3,274
£1,000
£3,729
£1,200
£26,000
£18,500
£61,126
22. Summary Financial Statements
EXPENDITURE
23. Treasurer’s Report
Background, purpose, and objectives of Methodist College Belfast
Methodist College Belfast was established in 1865 by the Conference of the Methodist Church in Ireland, and is regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s leading co-educational grammar schools. As nondenominational, the College welcomes pupils of all faiths and none into a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, offering equal opportunities to all. As part of their Methody journey, our pupils are encouraged to develop confidence and tolerance, to have respect for themselves and for others, and to contribute fully to the world in which they live.
The College offers an unrivalled range of academic subjects, activities, and opportunities for our pupils, who are encouraged by a team of dedicated educators to learn, develop and excel wherever their interests lie. For that reason, the College has a remarkable reputation for excellence, whether that be in the classroom or the laboratory, or on the various stages of sport, music, and drama.
The College, consisting of Secondary and Preparatory Departments over two sites, is currently attended by 2,006 pupils and is administratively situated on the Malone Road in South Belfast. The College maintains substantial playing fields at Pirrie Park, a modern and well-equipped boat house beside the River Lagan at Stranmillis, and an artificial turf hockey pitch at Deramore Park.
Financial review
For the financial year ended 31st March 2024, the College recorded a total deficit of £1,119k (2023: £878k deficit), a summary of which is as follows:
Given the increasing levels of deficit reported year on year since 2020/21 (see below), it is perhaps appropriate to provide some context.
As alluded to above, the Secondary Department offers a wide range of subjects and activities to all pupils, hence the College’s outstanding reputation for academic and extra-curricular excellence and success, and the exceptional experience and opportunities offered to all. It is important to note, however, that the cost of maintaining this market leading position is at odds with the College’s income streams, both currently and projected in the short to medium term.
Our main source of income, in the form of grants from the Department of Education, has reduced in real terms. Coupled with significant increases to costs which are vital to the day-to day operations of the College, but which are largely outside of its control (staffing, repairs and renewals etc), financing the College remains difficult.
This situation is unlikely improve without intervention, and the Board of Governors, with the assistance of the Senior Leadership Team, are cognisant that they must proactively deal with the worsening financial situation:
The Department of Education NI have been contacted with regard to the provision of emergency funding to the College. They have indicated that, at this time, they are unable to assist.
A programme of proactive cost reduction in areas such as estates and departmental spending was established earlier in the calendar year. In light of this, it is disappointing that the College budget for the 2024-25 financial year is projecting a significantly increased deficit.
In the absence of government assistance and the ability to cut costs without substantial damage to the academic and extra-curricular provision at the College, considerable time is being spent to identify alternative sources of income.
Some of these sources are established, but perhaps relatively poorly supported. For example, the Annual College Fund, which represents a valuable route for parents to assist in funding extra-curricular provision of all modes. The Board of Governors sincerely expresses its thanks and appreciation to all those parents who contribute to this Fund.
To those parents who have not contributed to the Fund in the past, I would ask you to consider very seriously making a contribution to assist the school in its work.
Put simply, the College will not be able to maintain the range and quality of education and extracurricular activities it currently provides without these contributions.
The Preparatory Department currently operates over two campuses, Downey House, and Fullerton House, providing excellent standards and outcomes on a co-educational basis, with specialist teaching, a broad curriculum, outstanding pastoral care, and after school and pre-school services.
Enrolment at Fullerton House has increased steadily over the past few years. However, as the table below illustrates, the overall deficit at the Preparatory Department has worsened, largely as a result of diminishing numbers of pupils at Downey House:
Despite the relatively low proportion of pupils within the Preparatory Department, the deficit for the year to 31st March 2024 was 47% of the overall deficit of the College (for the year to 31 March 2023, the proportion was 43%).
In January 2022, under legal advice, the Board commenced the process to protect the long term future of Preparatory education at Methody, and to alleviate the additional strain the situation was placing on the College’s overall finances. As such, a Development Proposal was prepared and submitted to the Minister for Education, seeking approval for the consolidation of our Preparatory provision at the Malone Road site. As at 31st March 2024, the College continues to await the Minister’s decision.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty and duration of this process is having a devastating impact on the College’s finances.
For reference, class sizes in March 2024 at Downey House are as follows:
CLASS
P1 6 pupils
A composite class is in place for P1 and P2 pupils
P2 9 pupils
P4 2 pupils
P6 14 pupils
P7 15 pupils
Note, there is no Primary 3 or Primary 5 provision.
Bequests and Donations
The Governors continue to be most grateful for all gifts, given through the year and in the past, to be used by the College to promote excellence, opportunity and diversity, and to meet John Wesley’s Challenge to “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
Income of £625k was received from the Prescott Fund during the year which has enabled the College to fund a number of full-time staff to provide additional support for individual pupils (Study Support Unit), as well as a number of additional staff who provide pastoral and wellbeing support available to all pupils.
A project was underway as at 31st March 2024 to create a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) at 1 Malone Road, to be used for many sports. This will provide an excellent facility for both Preparatory and Secondary pupils to use
These significant developments which are a significant legacy to the future of the College could not take place without this support.
Development of the College’s Facilities
The Board of Governors continues to plan further significant improvements to the College’s facilities These include the refurbishment of the Chapel, much enhanced music technology, scientific laboratories, and canteen facilities, to name a few. This development work demonstrates the commitment of the Board to create a school with facilities which will benefit all pupils, now and into the future.
However, such development is subject to investment beyond that borne by the Department of Education and as this portion is the responsibility of the College, there is the need to raise funds. In light of this, the Board and Senior Leadership Team are collaborating in order to ascertain the best way forward to commence fundraising efforts throughout the Methody community, past and present.
Conclusion
The College is a substantial organisation and, given the financial challenges it currently faces, it is therefore essential to promote exemplar financial management and control. An annual internal audit is carried out by a firm of independent internal auditors, during which the College’s systems and controls are examined and reported upon. We are pleased to report that the College again recorded the highest level of assurance possible. In addition, our financial statements are subject to statutory audit and, per the audit report, they have been prepared to a high standard.
The College depends on the expertise, commitment, and goodwill of all our staff. The level of care, attention and commitment provided to pupils and the outcomes achieved are a credit to everyone and I thank all the staff for their efforts which are greatly appreciated. The College is a significant employer with around 229 part time and full time staff. This is made up of 131 teaching staff and ninety-eight support staff.
We trust that you will continue to support the school in its work in the future, which will be needed in this next challenging period
