Welcome to Our School - Dedicated to the Pursuit of Excellence

HISTORY OF THE MODEL SCHOOL The Model system was set up in Ireland in order to encourage persons of character and ability to become teachers. Ireland was to be divided into school districts and in each district there was to be a Model School. This school was to be a 'model' for all other schools in the district. The Belfast Model which was the thirteenth of its kind was opened in Divis Street on 19th May 1857. During its long history, the Belfast Model School has been located on 3 sites:- · Divis Street 1857 - 1922 · Cliftonville Road 1922 - 1954 · Ballysillan Road (Boys) since 1954   THE DIVIS STREET MODEL The new school accommodated 1,500 pupils and as in the case of all Model Schools, the pupils were given both religious and secular education. While children were taught during the day, there were evening classes for the adults. Architecturally, it was a fine building with a well-balanced brick front, terraced lawns and rather formidable spiked railings around it. Examinations were held in all subjects especially the 3R's with Arithmetic being the most important and the most difficult. Judgement Books recording good and bad marks which parents had to sign every weekend were also issued. There was real friendship between pupils and teachers and everyone worked to capacity everyday. Inspectors continued to give them good reports, the attendance remained high as ever and the school looked like lasting for another century. However problems occurred due to the establishment of Northern Ireland as a result of Partition in 1920. There was a lot of street violence in Belfast during the early 1920's and on the morning of 26th May 1922, after several unsuccessful attempts, the school was burned down.   THE CLIFTONVILLE MODEL Although the building was destroyed, the spirit of the school lived on. A site and a house were purchased on the Cliftonville Road and this marked the beginning of a new phase in the History of the Model. In 1923 the Model School consisted of a Boys Department and Girls Department only. The school continued to prosper during the 1930's and many former pupils have happy memories of their time in 'the huts' and 'the big house'. However, the facilities were very cramped and the new building, which is now Cliftonville Primary School, was opened in October 1938. The Model School remained throughout the war years but in 1947 a new Education Act was passed. A result of this was that the Model became two separate secondary schools - one for the Girls on a new site at Dunkeld Gardens and another for the Boys on Ballysillan Road. THE BELFAST BOYS' MODEL SCHOOL The Boys' school is now situated on the Ballysillan Road, with many different buildings for each Department. There has been generous provision for Art, Science and Technology to develop the pupils abilities in many ways. The school is on high ground at the entrance to Carr's Glen and overlooks the city and Belfast Lough. In the future it is hoped to renovate and modernise the school buildings to take account of ever growing departments and the large range of subjects that we know have on offer.

Our Vision

Belfast Boys' Model School prides itself on being at the forefront of educational innovation. We provide high quality education for all pupils and enjoy a reputation as an outstanding school in academic, creative and sporting achievement. Belfast Boys' Model seeks to prepare pupils for adult life by developing: high self esteem respect for others and the environment enquiring minds and the skills to be life long learners the ability to work both independently and in co-operation with others physical, spiritual, emotional and moral well being social and communication skills tolerance and understanding which enable them to be valuable and effective members of society academic potential information and communication skills the ability to make informed and appropriate career decisions We believe that each pupil will succeed by experiencing: quality relationships innovative and varied teaching methods. a well ordered, caring, stimulating and safe environment appropriate high quality resources. a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, catering for the needs of each pupil an enriching programme of extra curricular activities learning partnerships between home, school and the community This school demonstrates its commitment as a learning community by: working towards the realisation of a shared vision providing continuous professional development for all the staff establishing European and worldwide partnerships striving for excellence in all that we do through continuous self evaluation

Facilities

There are 11 fully equipped Science Laboratories in the McNeilly building. This building has been recently refurbished throughout with a lot of new equipment for pupil use. ICT is incorporated into these laboratories through the use of science laptops and data projectors.   6 Technology and Design Workshops with the latest equipment, including a computer-controlled lathe and Computer Aided Design facilities. Networked computers are available for all pupils to use.   5 modern Art Studios, with a photographic darkroom and Graphic Tablets for creative design. The Art Department has recently been decorated with murals by both teachers and students.   3 Networked Information Technology suites, with Internet facilities; digital imaging and many other applications for use by pupils at all stages of their education. A recent addition has also been a Media Studies suite with computer controlled video editing and quality colour printing.   Careers Suite - this is regularly used by pupils for reserch purposes at all stages of their education. Pupils use this room at lunchtimes; during designated Careers lessons and with Careers Officers from the Training and Employment Agency.   Library and Resources centre - this has been updated in the last 2 years to provide Internet access on networked computers and an area for after-school use. It is used by the After School Learning Club two afternoons a week where the pupils are helped by teachers to complete any homework or coursework.   The music suite was refurbished in the last year with 2 large classrooms, a music lab and practice rooms.   The school canteen was redesigned last year and pupils now have a choice of a snack bar with cold food or hot meal at lunchtimes and breakfast. The canteen is open, airy and bright with 4 large wide screen TVs for the pupils to watch at mealtimes.   The Senior School Centre was opened 2 years ago for use by both A Level and AVCE students. The students played a part in the development and design of the centre and it includes a common room for use at lunchtimes and breaktimes and a study room with study carousels and networked computers.   The gymnasium, games hall and adjacent playing fields and sports pavilion at Mount Pleasant are used by the pupils on a daily basis. It is hoped that these facilities are going to be radically updated and modernised in the near future.

Extra - Curricular

Sports Clubs and societies

Policies

Click on a link below to view the policy. Pastoral Uniform Conduct and Courtesy Anti-Bullying Policy Drugs Policy Complaints Procedure Child Protection ICT Policy ICT Acceptable Usage Policy