MISSION STATEMENT

‘St Pius X High School, in partnership with parents and the community, seeks to enable pupils to discover and develop their talents and aptitudes in an environment permeated by Catholic values, so that they will be able to participate actively and responsibly in society now and in the future’.

St. Pius X (St Pius the tenth) is a Catholic Maintained Secondary school for boys and girls from age 11 to 16. It is located in Magherafelt, a thriving market town in South County Derry about four miles to the west of Lough Neagh and 35 miles approx from Belfast.
St Pius X High opened in September 1964 with an enrolment of 340 pupils. The enrolment now is 853, 447 boys and 406 girls. This increase reflects the popularity and success of the school. Applications for places are oversubscribed each year for the past ten years. Pupils, most of whom travel by bus, come from Counties Derry, Tyrone and Antrim

SCHOOL AIMS

            The Aims of St Pius X High School are set down as follows:

1. To enable all pupils to discover and develop their talents in relation to knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes in an environment where learning is an enjoyable experience by:

1. providing all pupils with access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
2. employing a range of teaching methods and learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
3. striving to ensure that the most appropriate facilities, resources, equipment, and materials are available.
4. using appropriate assessment procedures to motivate pupils and encourage success.
5. keeping pupils and parents informed of progress and achievement.
6. making provision for pupils with special needs and

facilitating associated staff development.

7. encouraging good relationships within the classroom and school in general.

2. To give all pupils the experience of a Catholic education by:

                                                                                i.            fostering their growth in and understanding of the Faith.

                                                                             ii.            promoting an appreciation of fairness, tolerance and forgiveness by word and example.

                                                                           iii.            helping to achieve high standards of respect, self-discipline, commitment and generosity.

3. To further the working partnership between the school and the community by:

                                                                           i.            involving parents in all aspects of their children’s education.

                                                                             ii.            developing closer links with ‘feeder’ primary schools.

                                                                           iii.            fostering co-operation and communication with other schools.

                                                                           iv.            providing opportunities for pupils to be involved in various forms of community service.

                                                                              v.            involving community groups and representatives in the life of the school.

                                                                           vi.            expanding the network of school/industry links.

4. To enable pupils to realise the importance of active participation in all relevant aspects of life and to encourage them to become responsible adults by:

1. encouraging pupils to act as responsible members of their families and communities.
2. preparing pupils for their future roles.
3. promoting a responsible lifestyle in relation to health, fitness and leisure.
4. raising awareness of environmental issues and individual/community responsibilities.
5. promoting understanding of and respect for the culture, faith and tradition of others.