Hello and Welcome to Dunclug College!

We are happy to have this opportunity to share with you something of the education and experiences on offer at Dunclug College.  The School provides for the full range of ability and is foremost in its development of vocational subjects at Key Stage 4 and post 16, leading to University and the world of work.

Pupils on route to school

Schools Background

Opened in September 1971 and named after the townland of Dunclug, upon which it was built, the school was originally designed to cater for young people living on the north side of Ballymena and the surrounding rural areas.  However, this catchment area has now greatly expanded due to reorganisation of secondary education in the Ballymena area and the introduction of open enrolment and parental choice.  The college now attracts pupils from a wide area.

The Intake

The College caters for the fill range of ability, provides a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 3, a wide range of academic and vocational subjects at Key Stage 4 and a well developed 6^th Form programme.  Pupils are taught in streamed classes and encouraged to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular, pastoral and enrichment activities.

Induction Process

The smooth transfer from primary to second level education is vital for pupils transferring into Year 8 and, to that end a careful programme of induction is followed.  In June, year 7 pupils are invited to visit the school.  NFER testing is carried out to ensure they are appropriately places in classes according to ability.  Parents and pupils receive detailed information about the school through the post and are invited to an Induction Evening in late June, during which they meet their Class Tutors, other members of teaching staff and prefects.  They begin work on the booklet, "Welcome to Dunclug".

On the first day of term Year 8 only attend school, enabling them to continue the induction programme and familiarise themselves with school routines.  The Mentoring programme, whereby Year 8 pupils are supported by older pupils, is an important aspect of induction and support.  As the first term progresses, a variety of activities, including input from various subject departments in school, as well as Young Enterprise, are run. Pupils have the opportunity to participate in mixed ability team-building exercises.  This is followed by a Parents' Evening in September to complete the settling-in process.

Pupils transferring into other Year groups follow an Induction programme arranged by senior staff or the relevant Head of Year, while pupils transferring into Year 13 follow a planned 3-day programme at the end of August.

Accommodation and Facilities

Recent years have seen wide scale renovation of the school.  Major developments have included the new ICT facilities throughout the school, two new business information rooms, a refurbished Technology block and Art studio, a new Library with computer facilities, a new English/Media/Drama suite, refurbished toilets and changing facilities.  A further refurbishment programme is planned to include disability access improvements to the entrance hall, canteen area and glass staircase to the third floor.

Why not take a Virtual Tour of the school

You can meet school Staff here