Background

St Brigid’s Primary School (“St. Brigid’s”) is located within the hamlet of Glassdrummond, approximately four miles from Crossmaglen.

The staff consists of a Principal plus seven class teachers and one learning support teacher. There are two foundation stage assistants and three special needs assistants. In addition to this, there is a secretary, building supervisor, cleaner, lunchtime supervisors and kitchen staff.

The total enrolment number in St Brigid’s is 204 pupils in 2017/2018. This follows a period of steady increases from 154 pupils in 2009/2010. A recent Minor Works programme was approved which enabled the school to increase the teaching space in St Brigid’s, which will enable one classroom for each year group. We also boast 3 beautiful new modular buildings so children are taught in state of the art surroundings.

Education Training Inspectorate (“ETI”)

The most recent ETI inspection (January 2014) assessed the overall quality of education in St. Brigid’s as ‘very good’. The inspection report identified a number of key strengths, including:

• The quality of teaching which ranged from good to outstanding.
• The quality of arrangements for pastoral care and safeguarding.
• High quality intervention and support for children with additional learning needs.
• The effective leadership of the Principal and an appropriate balance of challenge and support from the Governors.

Extra-curricular activities

We have a varied After School programme in St. Brigid’s. Currently we are taking part in the NSPCC Keeping Safe Programme and have a variety of physical education classes and traditional music groups. We also provide a range of Extended School clubs which include Computer Coding, Sensory Motor programme, Accelerated Reading programme, Cycling Proficiency and a Healthy Eating programme.

Links with the community

St Brigid’s is a vital part of the community. The school chaplain works closely with teachers in preparing pupils for the sacraments.

We have close links with Silverbridge GFC. Members of the senior panel visit our school weekly to develop the children’s physical education skills.

We have currently achieved our status as a ‘Forest School’ under the guidance of Northern Ireland Forest Schools’ Association and supported by our local council. This award goes alongside our Eco School Award and ensures that our children are familiar with their wonderful Glassdrummond Wood surroundings.
The majority of enrolling pupils at St. Brigid’s have attended the local playgroup Happy Faces.

Other

St. Brigid’s is a friendly, close knit school which is continually increasing in size. Staff work closely together and are dedicated to ensuring that all children receive the best possible education through high quality teaching, innovative interventions and working with different professionals.

The Board of Governors provide great support for the school as well as the Parent’s Association, who play an important part in school life.