It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Methodist College Belfast, where your child has unlimited access to our celebrated tapestry of opportunity, diversity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique. As a new parent/guardian to the school or a parent/guardian already connected to the College you are embarking upon this exciting journey with your child for the first time which is exciting for you as a family.
At Methody, we believe that every child is unique and has the potential to achieve great things. Our dedicated team of passionate staff is committed to unlocking your child’s full potential and guiding them towards success. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where pupils feel valued, respected, and inspired to explore their interests and talents both inside and outside of the classroom.
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide a well-rounded education that fosters academic excellence, critical thinking, creativity, and socialemotional development. We aim to ignite a lifelong passion for knowledge and equip pupils with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
We place a strong emphasis on character development and values. We believe in instilling in our pupils a sense of integrity, empathy, and responsibility, preparing them to become compassionate global citizens who make a positive impact on society.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We look forward to working with you as we embark upon this wonderful educational journey together, nurturing their potential and shaping their future.
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
AUTUMN TERM
Tuesday 27 August 2024Friday 20 December 2024
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Monday 28 October 2024Friday 1 November 2024
SPRING TERM
Monday 6 January 2025Friday 11 April 2025
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Monday 10 February 2025Friday 14 February 2025
SUMMER TERM
Monday 28 April 2025Friday 27 June 2025
MAY DAY HOLIDAY
Monday 5 May 2025
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS
Friday 25 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
Wednesday 26 March 2025
Monday 26 May 2025
• All dates are inclusive.
The Education Authority (EA) has a policy of co-ordinating the dates of school holidays in all the Primary and Secondary schools under its control and of providing school transport only on the dates when their schools are in session. Since the College holidays do not always coincide exactly with those of the EA, there can be occasions when the College is in session but there is no school transport. Based on information provided by the EA, it would appear that there will be a number of dates during the 2024-2025 academic year when the College will be open but school transport will not be provided and pupils will not be able to use their bus/train passes. Parents/ Guardians of any children who may be affected should note that the dates are:
Tuesday 27 August 2024, Wednesday 28 August 2024, Thursday 29 August 2024, Monday 17 March 2025 and Monday 26 May 2025.
It is hoped that parents/guardians will make an alternative arrangement to enable their children to attend school on these dates.
TUESDAY 27 AUGUST
Form 1 pupils and NEW pupils to the College in Forms 2-4 and L6 should attend as indicated below.
All Form 1
9.00 am in the Chapel of Unity
New pupils in Forms 2 & 3
9.30 am in Reception
New pupils in Forms 4
9.30 am in the Atrium, McArthur Hall
All L6 pupils
9.00 am in the Whitla Hall
9.30 am buses to Pirrie Park for activity day.
All pupils should wear suitable own clothing.
School will finish for each Form as follows:
Form 1 12.00 pm
Forms 2 – 4 10.30 am
L6 2.00 pm
Canteen/Deli lunches will not be available.
WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST
All pupils should attend
Form 1 (9.00 am – 3.00 pm)
9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms (same as June Induction days)
Form 2 (9.00 am – 3.15 pm)
9.00 am in the Whitla Hall
Form 3 (9.00 am – 3.15 pm)
9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms (same as F2 TG rooms)
Form 4 (9.00 am – 3.15 pm)
9.00 am in the Chapel
Form 5 (9.00 am – 1.30 pm)
9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms (same as F4 TG rooms)
Form L6 (11.10 am – 1.30 pm)
11.10 am in the Whitla Hall
Form U6 (10 am – 1.30 pm)
Prefects 9.40 am and then all U6 10.00 am in the Whitla Hall
Parents/Guardians are asked to note the times for arrival as above are for the FIRST TWO MORNINGS ONLY. On all other mornings, school starts with Tutor Group registration beginning promptly at 8.45 am. School ends at 3.15 pm Monday to Thursday and 3 pm every Friday. Thursday 29 August – Friday 30 August will follow Week A timetable.
All members of staff are dedicated to support your child throughout their school experience. However, some staff have a very special part to play through the Pastoral Care and Form Teams.
The Heads of Section for Junior School, Middle School and Senior School have responsibility for co-ordinating the Form work within the College and are supported by a Form Team consisting of a Head of Form, Deputy Head of Form, Form Tutor and Tutors. Each pupil is a member of a Tutor Group, and the Tutor, who is an integral part of the Form Team, has a specific responsibility for the pupils’ academic and pastoral welfare. The Tutors are in a unique position to establish a working relationship with the pupils in their Group, to monitor their development and to deal with a wide range of matters. If you wish to discuss an issue regarding the
School Structure
Junior School
Middle School
Senior School
educational welfare or academic progress of your child, contact the Tutor in the first instance or the relevant Head of Form or Head of Department.
On occasions, you may have a serious pastoral concern because of family or personal difficulties affecting your child. You should contact a member of the Pastoral Care team, either the Deputy Head of Pastoral Care for Junior School, Middle School or Senior School. Urgent or highly sensitive issues should be brought to the attention of the Head of Pastoral Care or the Vice Principal (Pastoral).
Forms 1 - 3
Forms 4 - 5
Forms L6 – U6
If you have concerns about your child contact their Tutor in the first instance. Your concerns will then be raised with the appropriate member of staff as per below:
IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS PASTORAL CONCERN BECAUSE OF FAMILY OR PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES AFFECTING YOUR CHILD CONTACT THE RELEVANT DEPUTY HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE.
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM 1
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM 3
HEAD OF FORM 1 HEAD OF FORM 3
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM 2 HEAD OF FORM 2
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM 4
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM 5
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM L6
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM U6
HEAD OF FORM 4
HEAD OF FORM 5
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
VICE PRINCIPAL (PASTORAL)
PRINCIPAL
HEAD OF FORM L6
HEAD OF FORM U6
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
DEPUTY HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE JUNIOR SCHOOL
DEPUTY HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE MIDDLE SCHOOL
DEPUTY HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE SENIOR SCHOOL
HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE
Further support for you and your child includes:
To help support pupils, there is also a counsellor from an independent counselling service called Familyworks which is approved by the Education Authority Independent Counselling Service for schools. The Familyworks counsellor works in partnership with the College’s Pastoral Care Team. Information about the service is available from the Head of Pastoral Care.
We follow government advice regarding our safeguarding procedures. Our Designated Governor for Child Protection is Mr Lowry, our Designated Teacher for Child Protection is Mrs Kennedy and our Deputy Designated Teachers for Child Protection are Mrs Logan, Mrs Parker and Mrs Cooney.
Support is available from the College to help pupils from financially disadvantaged backgrounds participate in the life and work of the College. This Discretionary Fund is disbursed by the Principal and financed by annual contributions from the Methody Collegians. Further information can be obtained from the Principal’s Office: principal@methody.org
As a member of our school community, you will gain exclusive access to a digital platform called ‘Tooled Up Education’. This gives you privileged access to a digital library, packed full of evidence-based tips, activities, educational webinars and enlightening podcasts, on all matters relating to mental health, aspiration, learning, digital life and family life.
Tutor Group 8.45 – 8.55 8.45 – 8.55
All pupils must be in school by 8.40 am for their Tutor Group Assembly at 8.45 am. Those who have not reported to Tutor Group or registered in a morning activity before proceeding to Main Assembly or Form Assembly will be recorded as absent (unless they have recorded their presence in school by reporting to the Rolls and Records Office in A Block); you will be required to communicate the reason for absence as soon as possible.
Pupils can arrive for school from 8.15 am. Pupils must remain on the school premises throughout the school day, including break and lunch, unless special leave has been given. Sixth Form only have permission to be out of school during lunchtime. School ends at 3.15 pm Monday - Thursday and 3 pm on Friday.
We operate a two-week timetable, so please check the School Gateway App for guidance.
The lunchtime is as follows: 12.50 - 1.35 pm (Monday - Thursday) 12.35 - 1.20 pm (Friday)
Pupils in Forms 1-5 can take lunch in the College Canteen or Deli Bar or eat their packed lunch in the areas allocated. The main canteen area serves hot meals and the Deli Bar is a take-away facility. Both eateries offer a wide range of snacks and meals for break and lunch. We also have a Sixth Form Café for Sixth Form pupils only. All venues cater for all dietary requirements.
A biometric system is in operation and parents can ‘top up’ online to allow your child to pay for lunch through a cashless system. Pupils are also able to top up their account at one of the cash machines located in the Canteen/Sixth Form Centre.
Only Sixth Formers are permitted to leave the College grounds at lunchtime, but at no other time without appropriate permission.
Pupils are encouraged to drink water throughout the day and water facilities are provided throughout the school. Flavoured water is permitted. Energy drinks are not allowed.
The documentation for applying for a bus/ train pass is available through the EA website.
Pupils can hire a locker in school. The cost is £10 per year and is non-refundable.
Methody.org
Please check the school website for information relating to the school.
Methody Matters is a newsletter that is sent every week to inform you of upcoming events and important information.
Pupils are not permitted to bring nuts or foods that contain nuts into school.
The College uses the School Gateway App for most payments, reporting and absence management. Following receipt of your pupil information sheet further details will follow via email to allow you to access this App.
REMEMBER TO DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY APP
If a pupil feels unwell during school they should go to the San (Medical Room) where the School Nurse will assess their condition. If deemed necessary, she will contact the parent and request that the pupil is collected from the College. Pupils must not contact their parents directly in this regard unless advised to do so by a member of staff.
In the case of absence due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, parents are asked to message the College via the Gateway App before 9.00 am on each day of absence. The Department of Education requires that we receive written confirmation from the parent/guardian when a pupil is absent from school giving the reason and date(s). Notification via the Gateway App on each day of absence satisfies this requirement. However, a telephone call must be followed up by written confirmation from a Parent/ Guardian clearly stating the dates of absence and the reason again using the Gateway App. Parents/Guardians will receive a message via the Gateway App if their child does not arrive in school and we have not been informed about the reason for their absence. Parents/Guardians should reply about absences via the Gateway App. All queries not related to absences should be made to reception on 028 9020 5205.
Attendance is key to securing success for your child. Pupils should not be absent from school during term time except in case of illness or other emergency; this is important at the beginning and end of terms as well as at other times. In special circumstances, where absence is unavoidable, leave of absence must be obtained in advance. Requests for leave of absence should be made in writing, explaining the circumstances, a minimum of three days before the required date. Requests for absence for part of a day should be made to your child’s Tutor (in this instance notification via the Gateway App is also acceptable), for a complete day to the Head of Form and for periods longer than one day to the appropriate Head of Section. When a pupil leaves school during the day, for a medical or dental appointment, for example, they must sign out in the Rolls and Records Office and sign in there on return to school. It should be noted that social engagements, entertainment, holidays, etc. are not acceptable as a reason for absence.
REMEMBER TO DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY APP
When places are offered and accepted, it is on the understanding that parents/ guardians will undertake to co-operate with the College in ensuring that their child conforms with its traditions and standards and will accept that the College also has rules which may relate to aspects of a pupil’s life outside the College.
Please note that parents/guardians are not allowed to drive into the College grounds to leave or collect pupils from school unless permission has been sought in exceptional circumstances from the appropriate Head of Section. Pupils are not allowed to drive cars or park in the College grounds.
Everyone assists in maintaining the good appearance of the buildings and grounds. Bins are provided at numerous points. Any accidental damage to College property must be reported immediately to a member of staff. Deliberate damage will result in an appropriate sanction.
If a mobile device is brought into school, it must be kept out of sight in a school bag or zipped blazer pocket at all times.
If there is an emergency, parents/ guardians can phone Reception for advice on how to contact their child. Of course, a pupil may approach a member of staff if an unforeseen situation arises.
Sixth Form pupils can use mobile phones in the Sixth Form Centre only.
Every article brought to school, especially all clothing, should be marked clearly with the full name of the owner. While staff will be as helpful as possible, it must be understood that the College cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of such items. All valuables, including bicycles, mobile devices, and musical instruments, should be covered by home insurance.
Non-essential items of value or large sums of money should not be brought to school. Items such as watches or money must not be left in changing rooms or the sports pavilions at any time. It is the pupils’ responsibility to take care of all personal possessions. The College does not accept responsibility for personal property brought into school by pupils.
All pupils must take part unless they are excused for medical reasons. Requests to be excused from Games must be made via the Gateway App before 12 pm on the day in question. For extended absence from Games, a doctor’s certificate may be required.
Special buses are arranged to take pupils to and from afternoon Games venues (at Pirrie Park, Deramore and elsewhere) but parents/guardians may wish to make arrangements to collect their child from these venues. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transport to ‘home’ fixtures on Saturday mornings. When afternoon Games are cancelled, all pupils in the Forms concerned must attend classes or other activities as arranged by the PE staff.
All Games/PE kit and equipment must be clearly marked with the owner’s name. On Games day pupils may leave their Games kit in the locker areas before 8.45 am and collect it at lunchtime.
Parents/Guardians should notify the College, in writing, of any change of home address, telephone numbers and email addresses immediately. This should be done via the School Gateway App.
IF EVERYONE IS MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER, THEN SUCCESS TAKES CARE OF ITSELF.
All pupils must:
• attend on every occasion that the school is in session, unless ill, or unless prior permission has been given;
• arrive in school no earlier than 8.15 am, unless involved in a supervised College activity;
• arrive for Tutor Group Assembly (registration class) by 8.45 am;
• provide written explanation from a parent/guardian for every absence;
• attend all classes, assemblies, Games and activities as shown on individual timetables and rotas;
• remain on the school premises until the end of each school day (Sixth Form pupils are allowed to leave the school grounds at lunchtime but must return promptly for the start of the afternoon session).
• leave the College grounds within ten minutes of their last supervised activity;
• if feeling ill during the course of the school day, go to the Sanatorium (going home without permission from the College Nurse or a senior member of staff is not permitted);
• if present in school but unable to take part in school Games or Physical Education classes, bring a letter of explanation from parent/guardian to the Head of the Physical Education Department;
• request permission from teachers prior to being absent from class;
• wear uniform in line with College Uniform Regulations at all times.
All pupils must:
• set high standards of behaviour for themselves, both inside school and on the journey to and from school, or when involved in school activities, including school trips.
• take responsibility for their behaviour, attitude and appearance at all times;
• show courtesy and consideration for all other pupils, teaching and ancillary staff, and visitors to the College at all times.
• observe and adhere to all safety instructions given to them;
• arrive in each class on time, with the correct materials, and preparatory work and homework completed on time to the best of their ability;
• follow instructions given by all teachers, ancillary staff and College Prefects;
• take responsibility for their own possessions and belongings, ensuring that where possible, all are clearly marked with their name;
• report any accident or breakage immediately to a member of staff;
• take responsibility for valuable possessions brought into school.
Pupils must not:
• use offensive language or act in an offensive or violent manner towards any other person;
• bring into school any item or substance which will contravene school regulations such as alcohol, illegal drugs or any substance which has an intoxicating or hallucinatory effect (smoking, including smoking e-cigarettes, is strictly forbidden in all circumstances, both inside school and on the way to and from school and school activities);
• borrow, use or take away any item belonging to another person without clear permission;
• intentionally damage College property or that belonging to another person;
• eat or drink in class, assembly, corridors, locker areas, toilets or in study areas (pupils are permitted to drink still water in class only with the permission of their teacher);
• use mobile phones/devices at any time during the school day, except with the permission of a member of staff;
• record or send an image or sound without the permission of a member of staff and the people being recorded;
• bring into school knives, other weapons or any dangerous item;
• interfere with fire extinguishers or fire alarms.
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
At Methody, we wear our uniform with pride. All pupils are expected to align with this and take pride in their uniform and follow our uniform policy.
CA Gowdy Ltd
121-131 Woodstock Road, Belfast
David Gotto
72 Stranmillis Road, Belfast
McCalls 20-24, Market Street, Lisburn
Warnocks
791-792 Lisburn Road, Belfast
Financial Assistance towards the cost of school uniform is available for some pupils through the Education Authority’s clothing allowance. The eligibility criteria are the same as those used for free school meals. Please contact the Head of Pastoral Care, Mrs Kennedy for more information.
Stocks of pre-loved MCB uniforms are often available from the Save The Children shop (Tel 02890 249549) 12 Botanic Avenue, Belfast.
Some pre-loved uniform items have been donated and are available in school from Lost Property.
The following items should not be worn:
• Chinos, jeans or ‘jean like’ trousers, skinny jeans or leggings.
• Hooded tops/sweat-tops apart from the regulation ones.
• Non-uniform cardigans/jumpers.
All items of uniform should be labelled with the pupil’s name. Pupils who lose items of uniform/equipment should check Lost Property.
Any garments worn below shirts should be plain, light coloured and not visible.
NAVY BLAZER with embroidered logo.
METHODY REGULATION
NAVY SKIRT
worn no shorter than knee length with plain, black opaque tights or dark grey knee socks, or,
DARK CHARCOAL GREY, TRADITIONAL SCHOOL TROUSERS full length and regular fit. To be worn with plain black or dark grey socks, no white or trainer socks.
Trousers should not be super skinny.
WHITE BUTTON NECK SHIRT/ BLOUSE must be tucked into trousers/skirt at all times.
METHODY REGULATION NAVY OR GREY V-NECK knitted jumper may be worn.
SCHOOL TIE
to be worn up to the top button (fastened) and tied correctly with the College symbol visible.
PLAIN BLACK SCHOOL SHOES with no more than 6cm heel.
Please note that the following do not conform to the College regulations and must not be worn with College uniform:
• Shoes with white or coloured soles/ rim/logos/trainers or trainer type shoes such as Nike Airforce 1s, Replay footwear, black Vans.
• shoes with suede, nubuck or canvas finish;
• stiletto/kitten/wedge heels/ platform shoes;
• ballet pumps;
• boots/fashion footwear above the ankle.
• External coats/jackets (plain black or navy only) may be worn over the blazer but should not be worn inside the school building.
• Hair should be neat and tidy, natural in colour and conventional in style (minimum #2 clipper, medium/high/skin fades are not permitted i.e. the scalp should not be visible).
• Nails should be natural in colour and should be an appropriate and safe length for a working environment.
• If worn at all make up should be subtle and natural in appearance.
• Fake/faux tan should not be worn.
• The following piercings are permitted: ear (no more than 2 small, plain studs per ear); nose (a clear retainer may be worn but no nose stud). Parents/ Guardians/Pupils must ensure that new piercings are done during the summer period to allow for removal from the start of term.
• Pupils will be required to remove the following if worn: bars, spacers, hoops and any other facial piercing (e.g. in septum, on eyebrow, on lip).
• If jewellery is worn it should be appropriate and safe for a working environment and not extreme. Pupils are discouraged from wearing valuable items in school. One ring may be worn but bracelets and necklaces are not permitted.
• Visible tattoos are not permitted.
• A plain navy Methody fleece may be worn during inclement weather under the blazer, to and from school, but must not be worn during the school day.
• All jewellery and piercings must be removed prior to PE and Games classes. In the case of a new piercing that cannot be removed, a clear flat top plastic retainer must be purchased and worn. The inability to remove a new piercing will not be deemed an acceptable reason to be excused from PE or Games.
If for any unavoidable reason a temporary deviation from the Uniform Regulations is required, a written request should be made to the Head of Form. (For example, a pupil may be unable to wear their complete school uniform due to a broken leg or arm. If this is the case, full school tracksuit or tracksuit bottoms and regulation top may be worn).
Deviations from these regulations on the grounds of religious beliefs may be permitted. If the adjustment is not a previously agreed change, a request should be made in writing to the Vice Principal (Pastoral) for consideration.
If a head covering is worn for any reason it should be plain fabric – black, white or navy in colour.
Individualism is not an acceptable reason to depart from the regulations. The College reserves the right to issue further guidance to pupils during the school year in the event of fashion trends impacting adversely on pupil appearance.
The items of PE and Games uniform can only be ordered online from the Canterbury School Shop located in the College (with the exception of those items marked with an *). Items can be collected from the shop by pupils at lunchtimes on Tuesday and Thursday during term time. Details of all opening times and how to order are available on our website.
Pupils going home after Games or after school practices are permitted to wear either full school uniform, including blazer, or navy blue tracksuit bottoms and top/ regulation hoodie, (but not a mixture of school uniform and Games/PE kit.).
Leggings are not an acceptable alternative. If a pupil is representing the College on a team, agreed MCB apparel must be worn.
I THINK IT’S A BEAUTIFUL THING WHEN YOU WEAR A UNIFORM WHICH REPRESENTS A GROUP OF PEOPLE, BECAUSE WHAT IT SYMBOLISES IS ONENESS, TOGETHERNESS.
If pupils are involved in a sporting activity from the beginning of the school day, they may only come to school in their full tracksuit if they have been given permission to do so by the Head of PE or the teacher in charge of the activity.
Shorts or leggings must not be worn throughout the school day.
If pupils are leaving for a sporting activity during the day they come into school in their uniform and they change at the following times:
Leaving between lunchtime and breaktime – change at breaktime;
Leaving after lunch – change at lunchtime;
Leaving at the end of school for a match or practice – change after school.
If pupils return during the course of the school day they must change into full uniform.
Boys’ Compulsory items
• PE T shirt
• White ankle socks*
• Non-marking training shoes* (no fashion trainers)
• Rugby shirt OR Hockey polo shirt
• Navy rugby shorts OR navy hockey shorts
• Hooped Games socks
• Rugby/football boots are required if playing rugby*
• Polo shirt
• White ankle socks*
• Non-marking training shoes* (no fashion trainers)
• Games skort
• Hooped Games socks
Optional Items: Tracksuit bottoms (strongly recommended), hooded top/fleece. PE/ Games activities will often be outside in the winter.
PE and Games uniform should be purchased from the online school shop, with the exception of those items marked*. It is strongly recommended that:
• in contact sports mouthguards and shin guards are worn;
• in sunny weather sun cream should be applied.
It is the responsibility of our pupils to make themselves aware of the Uniform Regulations. These are displayed around the College and are available on the school website. Pupils should understand the correct uniform and the way in which the uniform should be worn.
Pupils should also be aware that failure to follow these regulations may lead to disciplinary sanctions. We want all of our pupils to wear their uniform with pride.
To view all our policies, please visit methody.org/policies
WE WEAR OUR METHODY CREST WITH PRIDE.
METHODY’S CULTURE OF DETERMINATION, EXCELLENCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT CREATES AN ENTIRELY UNIQUE AND WONDERFUL ENVIRONMENT.