Welcome

Welcome to Coleraine High School website. This site is designed to provide you with a practical guide to the history of the school, the curriculum on offer and the various extra-curricular activities. I hope that as you browse the various links you will gain useful information into the many activities which are part of a busy and vibrant learning community.

Coleraine High school is an all-girls grammar school which has a long tradition of achievement and prides itself on the high standards of teaching and learning which have been maintained throughout the numerous changes experienced in the education system. This has been achieved by the commitment of teaching and support staff and the ongoing support given to the school by the parents of the girls.

The school aims to encourage all pupils to acquire knowledge and skills and the wisdom to use them in appropriate times and to assist them to develop a sense of respect for themselves and for others. In this caring and encouraging community we endeavour to provide the environment where all can realise their potential and strive for excellence in all aspects of the school environment and to make a valuable contribution to society in general.

The school motto is:

'Virtute et Labore'

(by strength of character and diligence)

History of the School

The High School. as it was originally known, was founded in 1875 in Alexander Terrace, Coleraine, by the late Mrs. Long, ably assisted by her daughter and well qualified staff.

At that time there was a scarcity of suitable premises in Coleraine in which to establish a ladies school, and in 1880 Mrs. Long and the Misses Long moved to a house on the Lodge Road. This house was named Gordonville by Mrs. Long. in memory of her mother formerly Gordon). The School flourished and pupils were entered every year for the Examinations of the Intermediate Board, the Entrance Examinations of the Universities and the London College of Perceptors Mrs. Long retired in 1894 and the School was taken over by the Misses Irwin. who were succeeded by the Misses Tannahill In 1908 the School was acquired by Miss Scott who re-named it The High School*, and also directed it with conspicuous success and energy until her retirement in 1937 Dr. Elsie Johnston. M.A, succeeded Miss Scott in 1937 and on her retirement in 1959 Miss M. W Lillie. BA_ (HonsJ Q.U.B_ CertEd. (CambJ took over. When she retired in 1972 Miss E J. Duffin, B.A. (Hons.) Q.U.B became Headmistress until 1987. She was succeeded by Mrs. D Hutchieson. BA. (HonsJ. PG.C.E. (Q.U.B.). FR.SA, who retired in 2005. The present Headmistress is Mrs A Bell B. Sc. (UU). M. Ed. (QUB), A.T.C.L.

From 1924 until 1959 the School, as a Voluntary Grammar School, was controlled by a Board of Governors In 1959 the day school was transferred to the County Londonderry Education Committee, and then, in the local government re-organisation of 1973, to the North Eastern Education and Library Board as a Controlled Grammar School. The Boarding Department remained the responsibility of the Board of Governors until its closure in 1997. The School moved from the Gordonville site in 1966 when the present buildings were completed and a further extension was added in 1971. Day Pupils number almost 800 girls.

Clubs & Societies

• The ‘And Finally’ Club
• Art Club
• Canoeing
• Chess Club
• Choirs
• Drama
• Debating Society
• Discovery Club
• Dublin Exchange
• Duke of Edinburgh's Award
• Environmental Society
• European Awareness
• Guides
• Italian Classes
• Modern Languages Society
• Media Club
• Pony Club
• Sailing
• School Bank
• School Dramatic or Musical Production
• Scientific Society
• Scripture Union (Junior and Senior)
• Seven Schools Community Project
• Young Enterprise
• Orchestras
• C14 Chemistry Club
• Sports: hockey, netball, tennis, badminton, athletics, Harriers, Football Club

Internet Users are not permitted to:

• Search, view and/or retrieve materials that are not related to the aims of the curriculum or future careers.
• Copy, save and/or redistribute copyright protected material, without approval.
• Subscribe to any services or order any goods or services, unless specifically approved by the school.
• Play computer games or use other interactive ‘chat’ sites, unless specifically assigned by the teacher.
• Intentionally waste resources such as consumables and on-line time i.e. using the network in such a way that use of the network by other users is disrupted (for example: downloading large files during peak usage times; sending mass email messages).
• Publish, share or distribute any personal information about a user (such as: home or e-mail address etc.).
• Retrieve, send, copy or display offensive, hurtful or inappropriate messages, pictures or screen-savers;
• Use obscene or racist language, harass, insult or attack others;
• Damage computers, computer systems or computer networks;
• Use another user’s password; trespass in another user’s folders, work or files;
• Use the network for unapproved commercial purposes.
• Any activity that violates a school rule.

These measures for the safe and responsible use of the Internet are also appropriate for home use where parents/guardians assume responsibility.

Pupils who are found to be using the Internet in an unacceptable manner will be disciplined in accordance with school disciplinary procedures.