It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Methodist College Belfast, where you will discover a celebrated tapestry of opportunity, diversity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique. I would love for you to join us so that you can experience all of the life changing opportunities on offer at Sixth Form.
We are committed to ensuring that the next two years of your life provide you with the best possible educational experience so
that you are prepared for further study, the world of work and adulthood.
Methody is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.
J Lendrum Principal
Situated on the edge of Belfast city centre, Methody is an enriching community that offers a truly unique educational experience for all. With unparalleled choice and opportunity, we foster excellence and ambition according to your individual ability and interests.
With over 1800 pupils, Methody is Northern Ireland’s largest grammar school. We have over 500 pupils at Sixth Form who all enjoy an extensive provision of curricular and extra-curricular activities.
All of this is delivered within a rare blend of stunning architecture and modern state-of-the-art facilities.
Non-denominational and co-educational, we welcome pupils from all faiths or none, into our safe and inclusive family – a place where we respect differences and celebrate all that unites us as Collegians. Our strong track record of academic distinction is matched only by our commitment to delivering a holistic and multidisciplinary experience, where every student can find their place, their passion and their purpose.
COMING TO METHODY HAS MADE ME FEEL LIKE I’VE JOINED A REALLY BIG FAMILY. I LOVE IT HERE.
To be the first-choice school in Northern Ireland, offering a truly unique educational experience for all.
Methody offers unparalleled choice and opportunity. We foster excellence and ambition in a diverse and nurturing environment where every Collegian can flourish.
We wear our Methody crest with pride. Our values are the principles, beliefs and standards that help shape our decisions, guide our actions and manifest in our behaviours as Collegians. Our values are at the heart of Methody.
DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN, BY ALL THE MEANS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE PLACES YOU CAN, AT ALL THE TIMES YOU CAN, TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN, AS LONG AS EVER YOU CAN.
JOHN WESLEY’S CHALLENGE
Our school crest, the Maltese Cross has instilled pride in many Collegians down through the years. A true Collegian displays the following values not just during their time here at the College but in their lives beyond school. These values are the fabric of who we are.
We are committed to learning and working hard not only for ourselves, but for the benefit of the College and the wider community.
We always do what is right, not what is easy.
We act with integrity, humility and kindness.
We respect and protect our environment.
We channel the Collegian ambition into striving to be the very best we can, in everything we do.
We honour the rich heritage of our College through our leadership, now and in the future.
As Collegians, we are a team and a family.
We celebrate diversity, respect our differences, and cherish all that unites us as one College community.
FOR ME I WAS READY FOR A FRESH START AND TO MEET NEW PEOPLE. THERE WERE SO MANY NEW PEOPLE WHO STARTED LOWER SIXTH – I DIDN’T FEEL LIKE I STOOD OUT AT ALL.
Every year we welcome pupils from a range of different schools who wish to avail of the unequalled opportunities that exist at Methody.
We will support you as you transition from Form 5 to Sixth Form with a comprehensive induction programme and opportunities throughout the year to continue to engage with staff and pupils so that you feel part of the Methody family. We want you to embrace the unique range of opportunities, inside and outside of the classroom.
We know that you will enjoy learning in the heart of the university area in Belfast. Studying at Methody gives you a snapshot of life beyond school especially with the flexibility of Sixth Form life. Information on Admissions for Lower Sixth and the online application form can be found on the Admissions section of our website.
We offer 30 subjects to study in Sixth Form; our size enables us to offer not only more subject choice but many more subject combinations providing opportunities that sets a Sixth Form Experience at Methody apart. You can study three subjects in Sixth Form, or opt to study four. The Sixth Form timetable also includes periods of compulsory Supervised Study and a Tutorial Period where guest speakers talk about a wide variety of relevant topics preparing you for life beyond Methody.
We have high aspirations for our students believing you can maximise your intellectual potential. Sixth Form lessons are designed to challenge students academically within a supportive environment. We believe that the values of commitment and responsibility are an important part of the learning process; the Methody ethos will foster these values in you, developing you to work hard and achieve your goals.
We provide lots of Games options to maximise sporting opportunities. We also offer a varied enrichment programme including Arabic, Mandarin and Philosophy.
Each year, over 90% of Sixth Form leavers proceed to Higher Education, with over 100 pupils progressing to Russell Group Universities across the UK. Some students also choose to continue their pathway internationally in Europe and the United States.
50% OF ALL A LEVEL GRADES AWARDED A*/A 90% OF ALL A LEVEL GRADES AWARDED A*-C
SUBJECTS OFFERED IN SIXTH FORM:
Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Computer Science
Digital Technology
Drama and Theatre
Economics
English Literature
Environmental Technology
French
Further Mathematics
Geography
German
Government and Politics
Health and Social Care
History
Latin Mathematics
Moving Image Arts
Music
Nutrition and Food Science
Psychology
Physics
Religious Education
Russian
Spanish
Sport – BTEC
Technology and Design
Travel and Tourism – BTEC
I
CHOSE METHODY TO DO MY A LEVELS, GIVEN THE VAST NUMBER OF SUBJECTS ON OFFER, THE GREAT FACILITIES AND EXCELLENT TEACHING.
THE TEACHERS ARE SO SUPPORTIVE AND HELPFUL.
Our Careers advice and guidance provides opportunities to develop the skills, and acquire the knowledge necessary, to make considered and well-informed decisions.
Throughout Sixth Form, our network enables you to access a vast range of opportunities. You will experience the world of work through an array of visiting speakers, businesses and conferences. We host a Sixth Form Pathways Conference, with exhibiting stands from universities and the world of employment. We also run Interschool Law and Engineering Conferences providing you with direct access to those working in the sector. In Lower Sixth, there are additional opportunities for you to gain work experience including work shadowing and mock interviews with a range of local employers.
As you begin to plan for life beyond Sixth Form, you will be assigned an individual Careers Tutor who will support you through your post 16 Pathways decisions. We have a team of Senior Careers Tutors who have a wealth of experience in particular fields enabling tailored advice and guidance.
The school is partnered with Unifrog, an award-winning online careers platform on which you will be given a personal account. Unifrog brings into one place every undergraduate university course, apprenticeship, and college course in the UK, as well as other opportunities, such as virtual work experience, School Leaver Programmes, MOOCs and information on every college at Oxford and Cambridge. This makes it easy for you to compare and choose the best university courses, apprenticeships or further education courses. You can also explore exciting opportunities further afield by looking at English-taught undergraduate programmes available in Europe and the USA.
We are proud to be a hub school, for Cambridge University’s HE+ scheme, providing opportunities for you to develop super-curricular activities beyond the curriculum if you are seeking to apply for the most competitive universities.
At Methody you have the opportunity to enjoy our outstanding Sixth Form facilities. Our dedicated Sixth Form Centre spans over four floors which allows you to access:
• 2 recreational areas
• Table tennis facilities
• A Sixth Form café
• Computer suite
• 2 study floors
• Breakout rooms
• Dedicated locker space
You will also be able to avail of the support from two specialised Study Support Supervisors within the Sixth Form Centre.
I WAS BLOWN AWAY BY THE SIZE OF THE SCHOOL AT THE START BUT YOU GET USED TO IT REALLY QUICKLY. I ACTUALLY LOVE THAT IT IS SO BIG!
We are committed to ensuring that Methody provides you with the leadership skills that you need now and in the future. Get ready to lead through:
• Ambassador roles
• Assembly roles
• Engagement with the Preparatory Department
• Form 1 links
• Representing the College
• Bespoke leadership training
• Senior Prefect / Prefect leadership roles
• Assistant Prefect leadership roles
• School Council
• Sixth Form Forum
• Captaincy of teams
MY TIME IN METHODY HAS SHAPED WHO I AM TODAY, BOTH AS A LEADER AND AN INDIVIDUAL. I KNOW WHEN I DEPART METHODY, I WILL TAKE WITH ME THE COLLEGIAN VALUES OF COMMITMENT AND AMBITION.
The College has an enviable reputation for success in sports with teams and individuals competing in regional and national finals. Many successful sports people have worn their crest with pride and there are opportunities for everyone to find a sport in which they can participate and enjoy.
• 25m swimming pool
• Spacious Sports Hall
• State-of-the-art Strength and Conditioning Suite
• Rebecca Shorten Rowing Land Training Centre
• Spin bike suite
• 40 acres of playing fields
• 9 Rugby pitches
• 10 Cricket wickets
• 3 Hockey pitches (Pirrie Park and Deramore Park)
• 5 courts for Basketball, Netball and Tennis
• Prescott Kerr Boathouse
A RECORD 37 SCHOOLS’ CUP VICTORIES
A RECORD
18 SCHOOLS’ CUP VICTORIES
WORLD RECORD YOUNGEST & FASTEST
100 IN TEST CRICKET
The musical talent of pupils at Methody is renowned.
Our Chapel Choir has sung in several English Cathedrals, in Oxford and Cambridge Colleges, at Westminster Abbey and twice at Carnegie Hall in New York, with the crowning achievement of seven of our Girl Choristers taking part in the Coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey in May 2023.
Our Girls’ Choir has an outstanding reputation through concerts and performances on radio and TV as well as having toured with the Vienna Boys’ Choir in Vienna and Salzburg.
Other music groups that you can get involved in at Sixth Form include the Senior Orchestra, the Big Band, the Brass Group, the Swing Band, the Irish Traditional Group as well as other small ensembles.
SINGING AT THE KING’S CORONATION IS AN EVENT WE WON’T FORGET... IT IS SOMETHING WE WILL TELL OUR GRANDCHILDREN.
IN METHODY YOU ARE GIVEN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES THAT YOU WOULDN’T BE GIVEN ANYWHERE ELSE.
With over 50 clubs and societies to choose from in Sixth Form, pupils have so many opportunities to get involved. This is your opportunity to develop your love for activities and to step outside your comfort zone to try something new!
ACADEMIC
All Ireland Linguistics
Olympiad
Computing Club
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Law Society
Model United Nations
Politics and Current Affairs
Psychology Society
Senior Debating Society
Young Enterprise
Chess Club
Film Club
Hewitt Society
Senior Book Club
Senior Drama
Global Village
India Society (ASHA)
LGBTQIA+ Society
Moneybox
Senior Christian Union
LANGUAGE
Club Gaeilge
Russian Club
Spanish Club
MUSIC
Band
Chapel Choir
Girls’ Choir
Guitar Workshop
Irish Traditional Group
Senior Choir
Senior Orchestra
String Quartet
Swing Band
SCIENCE
Biology Society
Geography Society
Rewilding Society
Robotics Club
Sentinus R&D
Technology and Design
SPORTS
Athletics
Badminton
Basketball
Boys’ Hockey
Cricket
Football
Girls’ Hockey
Golf
Netball
Rowing
Rugby
Swimming
Tennis
Water Polo
At Methody we offer at least 25 school trips each year in Senior School, offering you a myriad of life changing experiences.
ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT METHODY IS THE MELTING POT OF CULTURE AND
DIVERSITY.
JIM ROHN