LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE
LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Methodist College Belfast, where you will discover a celebrated tapestry of diversity, opportunity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique.
At Methody, we are proud to be part of the Collegian family and we wear our crest with pride.
We focus on developing well-rounded individuals equipped for further study, the world of work and adulthood.
Throughout their journey at Methody, our pupils are empowered to achieve their very best and to appreciate the importance of kindness, respect and inclusivity.
This is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.
THIS IS METHODY.
To view our full prospectus, please visit methody.org/prospectus
J Lendrum Principal
WELCOME TO METHODIST COLLEGE
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 individual ability and interests.
With over 1850 pupils, Methody is Northern Ireland’s largest grammar school, and as such, boasts an extensive provision of curricular and extracurricular 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.
VISION & VALUES
OUR VISION
To be the first-choice school in Northern Ireland, offering a truly unique educational experience for all.
OUR MISSION
Methody offers unparalleled choice and opportunity. We foster excellence and ambition in a diverse and nurturing environment where every Collegian can flourish.
OUR VALUES
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
AT THE HEART OF ALL COLLEGIANS
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.
CCOMMITMENT
We are committed to learning and working hard not only for ourselves, but for the benefit of the College and the wider community.
S T R E
RESPONSIBILITY
We always do what is right, not what is easy.
We act with integrity, humility and kindness.
We respect and protect our environment.
EXCELLENCE
We channel the Collegian ambition into striving to be the very best we can, in everything we do.
STEWARDSHIP
We honour the rich heritage of our College through our leadership, now and in the future.
TEAM
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.
BE A COLLEGIAN
THE TEACHERS HERE ARE ALL VERY WELCOMING AND IT MAKES THE CHANGE FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL TO SECONDARY VERY EASY.
60+ FEEDER PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Our culture of academic excellence and extracurricular success is renowned throughout this country and beyond, of which, we are very proud.
Every Collegian contributes to our vibrant community through their gifts and talents. Collegians enjoy exclusive access to everything that Methody has to offer to reach their full potential and flourish.
FORM 1
Methodist College uses the result of the SEAG entrance assessment to select pupils for Form 1 / Year 8. Information on this and the College’s Entrance Criteria can be found on the Admissions section of the College website.
Open Nights are held each year to help inform parents/ guardians about what makes Methody a unique and rewarding experience for every child who walks our historic corridors.
The Form 1 induction programme begins in June and continues in the Autumn term with a range of activities and events to inform pupils about what it means to be a Collegian and how they should wear their crest with pride.
FORMS 2 - LOWER SIXTH
Every year we welcome pupils from a range of different schools who wish to avail of the unparalleled opportunities that exist at Methody.
New pupils joining Methody quickly feel at home due to the warm welcome of their new Methody family. Our induction programmes help pupils with the transition from other schools. New pupils quickly experience and enjoy the unique range of opportunities, inside and outside of the classroom.
Information on the Admissions process for Forms 2 – L6 can be found on the Admissions section of our website.
I CHOSE METHODY TO DO MY A LEVELS, GIVEN THE VAST NUMBER OF SUBJECTS THEY OFFER, THE GREAT FACILITIES AND EXCELLENT TEACHING.
CURRICULUM
JUNIOR SCHOOL
FORMS 1-3
The size of our school secures an unparalleled subject offer which empowers our pupils. Subjects include Art, Biology, Chemistry, Drama, English, Food and Nutrition, French, Geography, History, Information and Communication Technology, Latin, Mathematics, Music, PE, Physics, RE, Technology and Games.
Teaching approaches ensure that our pupils develop their thinking skills, personal capabilities and creativity within the context of these subjects.
Pupils in Junior School have classes which address citizenship, personal and social development, health education, employability and careers. Additionally, pupils have the option to study French, German, Latin and Spanish.
MIDDLE SCHOOL FORMS 4-5
Before the end of Form 3, pupils will choose 10 subjects which will form their GCSE teaching timetable in Forms 4 and 5.
All pupils will study English Language; English Literature; Mathematics; RE; 1-3 subjects from Biology, Chemistry and Physics; at least one from French, German, Russian, Spanish or Latin.
Pupils then have a choice from an array of subjects to bring them up to a total of 10 subjects. This choice includes Art, Business Studies, Digital Technology (Multimedia or Programming), Drama, Economics, Food and Nutrition, Further Mathematics, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Moving Image Arts, Music, PE, Physics and Technology and Design. All pupils will continue to have classes in Learning for Life and Work, PE and Games.
SENIOR SCHOOL SIXTH FORM
In the Senior School, we offer an incomparable 30 subjects to study allowing for more choice and opportunity.
Most students will study 3 subjects in Sixth Form; some may opt to study 4. The Sixth Form timetable also includes periods of compulsory Supervised Study and a Tutorial Period where guest speakers focus on developing our young people for life beyond school.
We offer a choice between Games, with a wide variety of Sporting options, or Enrichment including Arabic, Mandarin and Philosophy.
Each year, over 90% of Sixth Form leavers proceed to Higher Education, with over 100 pupils going to Russell Group Universities.
I LOVE THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE AND ALL THE FRIENDSHIPS THAT YOU MAKE ALONG THE WAY.
EXAMINATION SUCCESS
Our
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT METHODY IS ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES THERE ARE.
MCB & BEYOND
Our Careers advice and guidance provides opportunities to develop the skills, acquire the knowledge necessary and to make considered and well-informed decisions at key transition points.
FORM 3
Before making GCSE choices, pupils reflect on their individual skills and abilities and are provided with current information about education opportunities and employment markets.
We hold a Parents’ Information Evening followed by individual interviews involving pupils, parents, Careers and other Senior Staff to provide parents with all the information they need regarding GCSE choices.
FORMS 4 - 5
Our Careers Advice service is extended through Forms 4 and 5, with pupils carrying out more self-evaluation exercises, reinforced by input from trained Careers staff and external speakers.
Pupils attend the Pathways Careers Fair providing them with first-hand access to outside employers and education providers.
We hold a Parents’ Information Evening followed by individual interviews involving pupils, parents, Careers and other Senior Staff to support pupils as they select provisional A level choices.
SIXTH FORM
The support and guidance provided in Sixth Form is extensive and sophisticated. Speakers from many disciplines and our Careers staff are available to offer honest and informed opinions to each pupil.
Each year the College holds a Law Conference and Medical Symposium. We also stage a bi-annual Careers Fair which provides pupils with direct access to employers.
In Lower Sixth, there are additional opportunities for pupils to gain work experience, including a week of shadowing and mock interviews with a range of local employers.
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
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.
A RECORD
SCHOOLS’ CUP VICTORIES
OUTSTANDING SPORTING FACILITIES
• 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
I WOULD ENCOURAGE ALL PUPILS TO EMBRACE THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES METHODY HAS TO OFFER. METHODY HAS PROVIDED ME WITH INVALUABLE SKILLS, LIFELONG MEMORIES AND FRIENDS.
EXPERIENCES FOR EVERYONE
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
With over 65 clubs and societies to choose from, pupils have so many opportunities to get involved.
ACADEMIC
All Ireland Linguistics
Olympiad
Computing Club
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Junior Debating Society
Law Society
Model United Nations
Politics and Current Affairs
Psychology Society
Senior Debating Society
Time Bandits (History & Archaeology)
CREATIVE
Brick Club
Chess Club
Film Club
Hewitt Society
Junior Art Club
Junior Cookery Club
Junior Drama
Senior Book Club
Senior Drama
Sewing Club (Form 1)
IN METHODY YOU ARE GIVEN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES THAT YOU WOULDN’T BE GIVEN ANYWHERE ELSE.
MUSIC
Band
Chapel Choir
Drumming Group
Girls’ Choir
Guitar Workshop
Irish Traditional Group
Junior Choir
Junior Orchestra
Junior Singers
Senior Choir
Senior Orchestra
String Quartet
Swing Band
LANGUAGE
Club Gaeilge
Modern Languages Club CULTURE
Senior Christian Union
SCIENCE
Geography Society
Junior Robotics Club
Junior Science Club
Rewilding Society
Robotics Club
Technology and Design
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
At Methody we offer at least 35 school trips each year which provide pupils with a myriad of life changing experiences.
These include trips to Iceland, India, Romania, Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, Scotland, day trips within Northern Ireland and much more…
TRAVELLING TO ROMANIA WAS SUCH A REWARDING EXPERIENCE. IT WAS REALLY NICE TO GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK AND HELP OTHER PEOPLE.
MAJESTIC MUSIC
The musical talent of pupils at Methody is renowned.
Our smaller, selective 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 include the Junior Choir, the Junior Singers, the Junior and Senior Orchestras, 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.
PASTORAL CARE
We are a family at Methody and we care about every pupil in our school community.
Through our pastoral care, we nurture all aspects of our pupils’ intellectual, physical, mental and cultural needs by creating a safe, supportive and caring environment. This enables our young people to thrive and realise their full potential.
Promoting, supporting, and protecting pupils’ well-being is essential for their academic success. At Methody, we strive to create an environment where each pupil can develop their own hopes and ambitions, preparing them for life beyond the College.
All members of staff share pastoral responsibility for our pupils by encouraging them to become self-reliant and resilient learners who respect themselves and others.
To ensure that pupils gain the maximum benefit from their time at Methody, it is crucial that they feel safe and valued. Tutors provide this reassurance through
support and encouragement on a daily basis so that all pupils enjoy their time at Methody. Tutor Groups meet each morning, which allows staff and pupils to build upon their positive relationships.
THE LEARNING SUPPORT DEPARTMENT
The Learning Support Department aims to ensure that the educational needs of all our pupils are met. Pupils with special educational needs will have access to a full, broad and balanced curriculum and will be offered equal opportunities to achieve.
We ensure that pupils with special educational needs are catered for through personal learning plans which are created, monitored and evaluated by specially trained staff.
ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT METHODY IS THE FRIENDSHIPS I HAVE MADE HERE, NOT JUST IN MY YEAR BUT ACROSS THE SCHOOL.
PUPIL VOICE
We are committed to ensuring that Methody provides the best experience for our pupils. Pupil Voice is key to our success. Pupils directly engage with the Principal and Senior Staff to make a difference by sharing ideas, discussing the School Development Plan and school policies.
SCHOOL & FORM COUNCILS
Two representatives from each Tutor Group are voted on to the Form Council for that Year Group, which meets several times a term and elects three representatives to sit on the School Council.
SIXTH FORM FORUM
Sixth Formers elect representatives to the Sixth Form Forum, headed by an Executive. The Forum then elects three representatives from both Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth on to the School Council, which is chaired by the Head Girl and Head Boy.
MY ADVICE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING METHODY IS DEFINITELY TO DO IT BECAUSE METHODY ALLOWS YOU TO EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS AND UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
METHODY HAS PROVIDED ME WITH A HOME AWAY FROM HOME. BEING AT METHODY MEANS I’VE ALWAYS BEEN SURROUNDED WITH A WARM COMMUNITY OF PUPILS AND STAFF, WHO ARE ENCOURAGING, EMPOWERING AND KIND.
The Methody community is committed to giving back in various ways, including:
MONEYBOX
This charity group organises a range of events throughout the year, from which all proceeds go to various charities chosen by the Moneybox Committee.
SCHOOL AID ROMANIA
Since 1990 Methody has been involved in projects with the charity School Aid Romania, where annual trips seek to help those in need. Pupils fundraise for the trip, with all of the money raised going directly to those most in need, to bring immediate aid and to help families and orphanages throughout the year.
THE COLLEGE INDIA SOCIETY
Each year Methody raises money to help the ASHA Slum Project in Delhi, where every 18 months, a group of students and teachers go to India to help with the Project.
PRINCIPAL’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Support is available from the College to help pupils from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in the life and work of the College.
OVERVIEW OF SCHOOL
Principal Mrs J Lendrum BA, PGCE, Med, PQH
Chairperson of the Board of Governors Rev Niall Johnston MA
Address 1 Malone Road Belfast BT9 6BY
Contact details 028 90 205205
E-mail info@mcb.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Type of school
Age range of pupils
Co-educational Voluntary Grammar for day pupils with a Preparatory Department
Secondary Department: 11 - 18
Preparatory Department: 3 - 11 and Pre-Prep
Expected Number of pupils (2024 - 25) Secondary Department: 1849
Preparatory Department: 210
Attendance rate (2023-24) 93.4%
Capital Fee and College Fund
School hours
School holidays 2024-25
Parents/Guardians are responsible for the payment of a Capital Fee of £140.00 per annum.
Parents/Guardians are also asked to make a voluntary contribution to the College Fund. This voluntary contribution helps to support the educational and extra-curricular provision within the College. The suggested contribution is £590.
Monday to Thursday: 8.45 - 15.15 Friday: 8.45 - 15.00
Autumn Term: 27 August - 20 December (Half Term: 28 October –1 November)
Spring Term: 6 January – 11 April (Half Term: 10 – 14 February)
Summer Term: 28 April – 27 June (May Day: 5 May)
CURRICULUM INTENT
At Methodist College Belfast our curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of all our students. Our intent is to:
• Develop intellectual curiosity through a broad, knowledge-rich curriculum.
• Ensure a Framework for Successful Learning.
• Offer appropriate pathways.
• Provide opportunity.
• Enable development of CREST values.
• Encourage personal growth and wellbeing.
ORGANISATION OF CLASSES
In general, the College policy is not to stream classes. There is no streaming of pupils in Forms 1, 2 and 3. In Forms 4 & 5, there is some banding in a small number of subjects.
HOMEWORK
Pupils in Forms 1-3 are normally expected to spend 1-1½ hours per evening doing homework while those in Forms 4-U6 should spend 2-2½ hours. Each pupil is issued with a Homework Diary in which homeworks should be carefully noted down. Teachers may from time to time write comments for parents in the Homework Diary. Heads of Department formulate the departmental homework policy and ensure that homework is productive, structured and relevant to the course of study.
The College requirements with regard to the nature, length and frequency of homework must be observed.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISCUSSING EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
Parents may contact the school at any time. The first point of contact should normally be the Tutor, though parents may also contact the Head of Form, the Head of Section or a Head of Department.
Consultation sessions with teachers are arranged each year for the parents of pupils in all Forms. Parents of pupils in Forms 1-4 receive one progress and one full written report each year. For pupils in Forms 5-U6, who sit public examinations in May and June, a formal school report is issued in January. In addition, U6 pupils receive tracking reports in October and March.
Any complaints about the curriculum should be discussed with the relevant Head of Department in the first instance followed by the Curriculum Vice Principal.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TEACHING OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
RE is taught through independent research, projects, discussions, developing analytical skills, use of ICT and reflective thought on key issues to help pupils:
• Think for themselves, formulate and justify opinions on moral and religious issues;
• Explore matters of religious belief, including areas on which people of religion disagree;
• Gain knowledge of the Bible stories, focussed on the life and teachings of Christ;
• Understand the beliefs and practices of religious traditions other than their own in an open-minded and tolerant way. After consultation with the Principal, parents are permitted to withdraw their child from RE classes on the grounds of conscience.
DESTINATION OF SCHOOL LEAVERS 2024
119 of our leavers went to Russell Group Universities which was over 45% of the year group.
FORM 5 AND LOWER SIXTH
EXAMINATIONS 2023-2024
GCSE LEVEL
At GCSE nearly 41.3% of the year group achieved 7A*A grades or better, highlighting the high achievement of our GCSE pupils.
LOCAL AND NATIONAL PRESENTATIONS (%)
GCSE LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT
GCSE PUPIL PERFORMANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF GRADES
GRAMMAR SCHOOL GCSE INDICATORS
For information on our chosen specifications please refer to our Options booklet on the website.
A2 LEVEL
A2 LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT
A2 PERFORMANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF GRADES
GRAMMAR SCHOOL A2 INDICATORS
FACILITIES
Sports Hall (38m x 22m) – opened in 1995 by Sir Roger Bannister, this superb facility can accommodate up to three P.E. classes at the one time by separating the hall with full width curtains.
The hall incorporates:
6 Badminton Courts; 3 Practice Basketball Courts; 1 Full Size Basketball Court; 3 Practice Volleyball Courts; 1 Full Size Volleyball Court; 1 Full Size Netball Court; 2 Indoor Cricket Nets.
A Fitness Suite/Weights Room – a recently modernised fitness suite and weights room.
A Spin Studio – a recently added Spin Studio developing our Sports Facilities further.
A Land Training Centre - opened by former pupil Olympian Rebecca Shorten, the Land Training Centre provides a dedicated space for rowing training on campus.
Swimming Pool (25m x 10m x 1m) – an excellent purpose-built teaching facility used for curricular PE and Swimming Club.
1 multi-purpose quadrangle – used for curricular PE and after school practices.
1 multi-use games area (3G/4G) – used for curricular PE and after school practices.
We have a Canteen, Deli Bar and Sixth Form Café for our pupils to use. We have a wide variety of different foods to cater for dietary requirements.
OFF SCHOOL SITES
Pirrie Park (Playing Fields) – located 3 miles from the College and set in approximately 40 acres. Pirrie is used five afternoons per week for timetabled games as well as extra-curricular practices and Saturday morning fixtures.
The facility currently comprises: 9 Rugby pitches, one of which is floodlit; 2 Astroturf Hockey pitches which are also used for athletics; 2 Netball courts; 11 Tennis courts; 2 Cricket pitches (1 artificial and 1 grass square); 3 Cricket nets; 3 separate changing facilities including the David Wells Pavilion opened in 2008.
Deramore Park – located 2 miles from the College, Deramore accommodates a full size Astroturf pitch which is used for timetabled games, after school practices and Saturday morning fixtures.
Boathouse – built in 2005 this excellent facility is home to our considerable fleet and is used for rowing during curricular games time, before/after school and Saturday mornings.
Other Off School Facilities Used
• Belfast Boat Club – Squash and Tennis
• Mary Peters Track – Athletics
• QUB PEC – Netball
• QUB – ‘DUB’ Astroturf Pitch – Hockey
POLICIES
Parents can access the following school policies on the College’s website:
• Admissions Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Charging Fees
• Charging and Remissions Policy
• Child Protection Policy
• Complaints Policy and Procedure
• Curriculum Policy
• Drugs Policy
• E-Safety and ICT Acceptable Use Policy
• External Examinations Appeals Policy
• Food Allergy Policy
• Management of Concussion and Other
Head Injuries Policy
• Positive Behaviour Policy
• SEN Policy
• Uniform Policy
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of school life you should follow our complaints procedure outlined in our Complaints Policy on the College’s website.
methody.org/about/publications-policies
PLEASE REFER TO OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT THE COLLEGE DIRECTLY FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
+ Includes a Temporary Variation
* Includes 1 application upheld on Appeal
If you require any further information including policy, curricular and inspection information please contact the School Reception.
ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT METHODY IS THE MELTING POT OF CULTURE AND DIVERSITY.
EXCELLENCE IS NEVER AN ACCIDENT. IT IS ALWAYS THE RESULT OF HIGH INTENTION, SINCERE EFFORT, AND INTELLIGENT EXECUTION; IT REPRESENTS THE WISE CHOICE OF MANY ALTERNATIVES - CHOICE, NOT CHANCE, DETERMINES YOUR DESTINY.