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First, a little bit of history....

Sixty years after their foundation in Cork, the Presentation Congregation first arrived in Tuam in 1835 and very shortly afterwards they began to open and run schools. Our Secondary School was established in 1852, with boarders joining the day pupils in 1890.

Our school moved to its current building in 1972, with the Boarding School closing in 1991. Since then we have continued to improve and develop our school building, recently expanding into our Transition Year block, and adding new courts.

Today, we are an all-inclusive girls day school, accommodating up to 500 students.

Our Mission Statement....The vision of the staff of Presentation College is to give an all-embracing, well-balancedChristian education to each individual student and to ensure that a caring ethos permeates all activities in the school.

We endeavour to create a stable environment which will allow students to develop morally, emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually, giving them a love for learning, developing self esteem and confidence and preparing them for life.

CEIST – Catholic Education, an Irish Schools Trust

Presentation Currylea is part of the CEIST family, a trusteeship of 112 voluntary secondary schools, which took over from the Presentation Sisters and four other congregations in May 2007.

CEIST aims to nurture and support the Catholic ethos of Presentation Currylea and other similar schools so that parents and young people can continue to have the opportunity to receive a values-based education within the Irish system. Catholic schools welcome students of all faith traditions and those of no faith precisely because the schools are Catholic and are thus open to dialogue with others.

Presentation college, currylea, tuam

Sr Dorothy & Fr Seán (Chaplain)

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Pictured above: Members of our Teaching Staff Left:: Ms Neasa Cosgrove (Principal) & Mr Seán McGrath (Deputy Principal)


• Mr. Seán McGrath.... Geography, History • Ms. Mary Hopkins.... Business, Accounting• Ms. Marie Mohan.... English, French• Ms. Nancy McHugh.... P.E, Geography• Ms. Mary McGrath.... French, Irish• Ms. Marion Tyndall.... German, Irish• Ms Teresa Kelleher.... Science, Chemistry, Maths• Ms Christine Mahon.... Art, Religion, S.P.H.E• Ms Maire Keating.... Irish, Geography• Ms Ann Marie Fahy.... Irish, History, S.P.H.E• Ms Norita Harris.... Home Economics, Religion• Ms Caroline Wilson.... Business, Maths, S.P.H.E• Mr. Philip Murphy.... Science, Maths, Biology• Ms. Eithne O’Loughlin.... English, History• Ms. Catherine Hanniffy.... Geography, Irish• Ms. Una Kirrane.... Science, Maths, Physics• Ms Esther Mannon.... Business, Maths• Ms. Cait Conneally.... Irish, English, History• Ms Natalia Campbell.... Music, Religion• Ms Pat Jacobsen.... P.E, Science, S.P.H.E• Ms.Bridget Collins-Jouineau.... Science, Maths, Biology, Ag. Science• Ms. Brenda Fallon.... Home Economics, Religion• Ms. Eimear O’Donovan.... History, English• Ms. Ber Jordan.... Career Guidance/Counselling• Ms. Melanie Comer.... English, French• Ms. Jane McAteer.... Science, Biology, Ag. Science• Ms Leona Gormley.... Home Economics, Religion• Ms. Sarah Timlin.... Home Economics, Religion

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Pictured above: Members of our Teaching Staff Left:: Ms Neasa Cosgrove (Principal) & Mr Seán McGrath (Deputy Principal)

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Dear Parent....This prospectus aims to introduce you to our school, and our educational philosophy.

As a staff we:

• Encourageanatmosphereofrespectforeveryperson,bothwithinandoutsideourschool.

• Createasupportivecommunity,whichrecognisesindividualityandvalues diversity.

• Challengeeachstudenttoreachtheirfullpotentialinallaspectsoftheirlives, encouragingthemtostriveforexcellencespiritually,morallyandintellectually.

• Expectstudentstobehaveinaresponsiblemannerwhichensuresthesafetyof others,andmaintainsanenvironmentinwhichteachingandlearningcantakeplace.

• ProvideaChristiancommunityinwhichweaimtodisplayGospelvaluesinoureverydaylives. Weofferawiderangeofactivitiestopromotespiritualandpersonaldevelopment,andtodevelop awarenessofcivilandsocialresponsibilities.

• Pursueacademicexcellencebyofferingacomprehensivesubjectchoice,excellentfacilitiesand professional,enthusiasticandwellqualifiedteachers.

• Wantyourdaughtertobehappy,fulfilled,secureandchallenged.Wehopetocreatean environmentinwhichshecanexploreherinterestsandachievehergoalsassheprogresses toward adulthood

“ Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each. ” Plato


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Junior Subject ChoicesAll students take a range of compulsory subjects. These include science, to ensure access to the four Leaving Certificate science subjects on offer. They also choose two from four optional subjects, and one language.

Compulsory

English, Irish, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Religion, C.S.P.E., S.P.H.E., P.E.

Optional

Art, Business, Home Economics, Music

Languages

French, German



Senior Subject ChoicesWe are proud to offer the opportunity to our senior students to study a comprehensive range of subjects including the sciences, humanities, business, arts and languages.

The choice of subject at Leaving Certificate level is a very big decision for students. Our aim is to enable every girl to choose subjects that develop her strengths and interests, regardless of what those might be. Our students sometimes choose three unrelated subjects to maintain a breadth of study. Others may well choose to concentrate on a particular group of subjects with a view to a particular Third Level course, for example, any girl wanting to study dentistry would need to include at least two science subjects in her choices.

We take great care to help our students with their subject choices. We have a well established work experience program, and good relationships with local employers and colleges. Careers evenings feature in the annual calendar, and representatives from Third Level institutions visit the school to speak to students.

When the time finally comes to make a decision about life after Presentation Currylea, support and help is on offer from our career guidance teacher and our experienced staff. Visits to college open days are arranged, and assistance is given with preparation for interviews and C.A.O. applications.

“Chemistry is challenging but fascinating. The experiments are

surprisingly thrilling.” Leaving Cert Chemistry Student

A few thoughts and comments from our seniors about their option subjects.... “Music is a wonderful subject for those who enjoy playing and listening to all musical genres. I came to the school not knowing much about music, and now I hope to study it at university.”

“I like Art as it offers a break from the constant bookwork of Leaving Cert. It allows me to express myself through drawing and painting.”

“Biology is an interesting subject that never ceases to amaze us. It helps us better understand the functions of our bodies, as well as those of other living things.”

“Agricultural Science makes you look at nature and food in a different way. It is a very enjoyable subject.”

Compulsory

English, Irish, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Religion, C.S.P.E., S.P.H.E., P.E.

Optional

Art, Business, Home Economics, Music

Languages

French, German



“Home Economics is a very practical subject. You learn about things that are useful in life such as nutrition and technology in the home.”

“Physics is challenging, but surprisingly relevant to everyday life and provides fascinating insights into things we take for granted.”

“History helps us understand not only the past, but learn lessons for the future. We get a real insight into how people think and the decisions they make.”

“Geography covers a surprising number of subject areas, from plate tectonics to economics. Really fascinating!”

“I find Accounting a really practical subject. It provides great satisfaction and it is easy to track your own progress. There is great teamwork and camaraderie in the class.”

Compulsory English, Irish, Mathematics

Optional

Accounting, Agricultural Science, French or German, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry,

Geography, History, Home Economics, Japanese, L.C.V.P., Music, Physics.

Non-Examination

Careers, P.E., Religion

“Business is interesting as it deals with topics which are

familiar from our daily lives. It is very easy to see how it

will be of use and relevance in my future.”

In Presentation Currylea we are confident that it is no exaggeration to say that we have one of the best



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Transition Years Programs in the country. It would be impossible to provide comprehensive details of all the competitions, activities and challenges that our Transition Year students have been involved in, but the list below should provide a taste of what our students have achieved:

• Won National Titles in “Young Social Innovators”, “Young

Environmentalists” and “Build a Bank” competitions.

• Attended Trinity College and the Royal College of Surgeons for courses in Biology and

Physics.

• Competed in BT Young Scientist of the Year.

• Broadcast in Irish on Radio na Gaeltachta.

• Sung with the Saw Doctors, having translated their songs into Irish.

• Participated in Creative Writing workshops and had poems and short

stories published.

• Written a weekly “Transition Year Diary” for the local paper.

• Engaged in outdoor pursuits in preparation for their Gaisce Award.

• Organised & run fashion shows & the American Tea Party fund-raiser.



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Transition Year is an invaluable part of the

curriculum on offer here at Presentation Currylea. Our

students are encouraged to become independent learners,

taking responsibility for their own progress, developing

research skills and the confidence to deliver presentations;

all essential skills for college life. They learn to work as

part of a team and have the opportunity to discover, and

play to, their own particular strengths. They form firm

friendships that last a lifetime, and above all else they

HAVE FUN!



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Our school encourages a strong work ethic, maintaining a positive atmosphere where teaching and learning can take place without interruption. To further facilitate learning, supervised study facilities are available each evening after school. The success of our approach can be seen in the number of our students who distinguish themselves academically.

Every year we have a very high percentage of our Leaving Certificate students progressing on to Third Level, and we are proud to say that the school is well represented when it comes to students winning scholarships and awards.

Across: Ailish McAteer who received an Entrance Exhibition Award from Trinity College, Dublin.

Julianna Duggan, Science Olympiad Competitor, based on her excellent Junior Cert Science results



Many of our students have won

scholarships to university in

recent years. These include:

• Miriam Savage

• Grainne Gilmore

• Abisoye Akintimehin

• Michelle Furey

• Ciara Loftus

• Sinead Coen

• Rebecca Gilmore

• Ailish McAteer

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HIGH ACHIEVERS!!! Pictured above are students who all received over 500pointsintheirLeavingCertificate



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The pastoral care and discipline system is structured as follows:

• Principal•• Deputy Principal•• Year Heads•• Class Tutors•• Each class is also allocated a senior prefect

Presentation Currylea has a very effective Pastoral Care system based on positive interactions between staff and students. We maintain a good atmosphere where Christian values are fostered, and effective teaching and learning can take place. We are committed to ensuring that our students are happy and safe in school so they can benefit from, and enjoy, their secondary education. To this end, each Class Tutor and Year Head takes an individual interest in each student’s social and academic progress. We have a clear and effective Code of Behaviour which reflects the school ethos. (A copy of this is available from the school.)

To support our students we have a very active Guidance and Counselling service. We work with our students from day one in Presentation Currylea, easing the transition between primary and secondary school. We make help available whenever it is needed. This may be with the routine tasks of school life such as subject choice, study skills and exam technique, but we are also available to provide a confidential service to assist students with personal and social problems should they arise.



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Each year our school gives a number of Leaving Certificate students the responsibility of being School Prefects. These girls, including a Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl and Sports Captain, are elected by their peers, and ratified by the teaching staff. As well as representing the school at events and setting an example within the school, each prefect takes responsibility for a class in the school, helping and supporting the students and ensuring the classroom is looked after.

Top: Edith Hughes & Laura Gibbons, Head Girl & Deputy Head Girl.

Above: 2011/2012 Prefects pictured with Ms. Neasa Cosgrove (Principal) & Mr. Seán McGrath (Deputy Principal)



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Student Council..The student council exists to provide a forum for the students to put forward ideas and concerns to the managerial body of the school. They are very involved with the organisation of certain school events, the election of class prefects, the dissemination of information to students and the organisation of charity events.

Representatives to the Council are elected by their fellow students. They attend regular meetings, along with a teacher representative, at which they discuss issues the class members may have raised.

The members of the Student Council quickly develop skills, including team-working, communication, negotiation and organisation. They also learn to act with discretion, loyalty and integrity when representing their class and liaising with management.

Top: Edith Hughes & Laura Gibbons, Head Girl & Deputy Head Girl.

Above: 2011/2012 Prefects pictured with Ms. Neasa Cosgrove (Principal) & Mr. Seán McGrath (Deputy Principal)

Parent Association..

Presentation Currylea has a very active and committed Parent Association, which makes a very welcome contribution to the running of the school. As well as ratifying all new school policies, the Parent Association runs fund-raising activities to provide extra resources for the school, and a very popular and successful second-hand book sale. All parents are warmly invited to become involved by attending the meetings.


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We are very proud of our smart and

attractive uniforms. They were chosen in

consultation with our students, who are

happy to wear them and represent Pres-

entation Currylea.

Junior UniformThis consists of a maroon jumper with the school crest, white shirt and co-ordinated plaid skirt.

Senior UniformTo signify the progression into the Senior Cycle, we have a different colour way for our senior uniform. This is a black jumper and plaid skirt, again with a white shirt. Warm school jackets and black shoes complete the ensemble!


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Drama and Shows

School productions have a long history in Presentation Currylea. In recent times they have included both original dramas and more classic and traditional musicals, including “The Wizard of Oz” and “Annie”. These have been received with enthusiasm and critical acclaim, not to mention a number of awards.

The 2011 production, “Annie Get Your Gun” played to full houses for three nights, and a well deserved standing ovation on the closing night. All the actors, chorus, singers, orchestra and back stage crew were members of the school. A special mention must also go to the girls who designed and painted the set.

The involvement with performance does no stop with the school show. Over the last few years students have raised money for local charities by running and entering talent contests, including our own versions of “The X Factor” and “High School Musical”. Proceeds have been donated to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Western Alzheimer’s Society amongst others. In the last two years a number of acts from the school have entered “Our School’s Got Talent” and have achieved much success, with acts from the school going all the way to the final.

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Debating and Public Speaking

These extra-curricular activities play a major role in the school. Both the Senior and Junior Clubs attract the interest of a large range of students. We participate in school debates, inter-school competitions arranged by Concern, the Mental Health Association, the Business and Professional Women’s Association, the NUIG Women’s Graduates Association, the NUIG Literary and Debating Club’annual competition, and the Transition Year National Science Debate organised by REMEDI and the Welcome Foundation.

As well as being an inspiring and successful member of our Senior Debating Team, Emma Martin (Pictured on right) has reached the National Final of the “Poetry Aloud” competition run by the National Library of Ireland, putting her in the top ten in the country in her category (senior). For this competition final, Emma has to learn and perform two poem.

Music

The music students in Presentation College Currylea are a fountain of talent. In the everyday life of the school, students are involved in choral, orchestral and Irish traditional music and the school can boast success in all these areas.

Following the productions of the Wizard of Oz and Annie there was great excitement in the school when the School Orchestra won the Best Orchestra award and were runners-up for the Best Overall Show category for the Wizard of Oz (awarded by Galway University Musical Society). Earlier this year the student orchestra and choral singers won great acclaim in their production of Annie Get your Gun with four sold out shows.

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Also this year our Senior Traditional Group (Banna Ríona) were successful in reaching the semi-final stages of the Gael-Linn competition Siansa in which they participated in workshops with Donal O’Connor from At First Light and Síle Denvir from Líadan. There is a Junior Traditional Group which the senior musicians mentor at lunchtime.Our Transition Year Choir, Senior Traditional Group and solo singers entered The Our School’s Got Talent competition, hosted by the Special Olympics with Heather Doyle reaching the final of the competition in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar.

Our Spring Recital has become a school tradition: J.C. and L.C. students perform their examination material in preparation for their practical exam. Non-exam students are actively involved in all music arrangements for music practicals to enhance the performance, and to gain performing and examination experience.

Workshops and guest performers regularly take place in the school, e.g., The Contempo String Quartet, Drumming Workshop, Traditional Musician Alan Kelly, The Saw Doctors.

Trips are organised to see music performances:• Senior students going to the National Concert Hall to hear their set works performed by the RTE National Symphony Orchestra.• Various trips to musicals, concerts in Galway/Mayo.

There is a mentoring system in place where senior students mentor junior students on new instruments for 5 lessons to help students decide on their chosen instrument.

There are 2 piano practice rooms beside the music room where students can practice before school and at lunch. There are a number of instruments that are available to the students for playing in the school if they wish to start a new instrument.

Tuition:Piano lessons are offered privately in the school.



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I.T in the classroom....The school has a well equipped Computer Room, available for students to use when researching projects.

In addition, we have computers and data projectors in every classroom, to enable teachers both to register

students electronically, and to deliver lesson using a range of the most modern methodologies to enhance

teaching and learning.



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Science....Here in Presentation Currylea Science is more than just another subject in the curriculum. Over the years we have become enthusiastically involved with National Science Week, with students being given the opportunity to make and launch their own rockets, carry out experiments to investigate weather systems and learn about forces through “Galileos Great Mistake”. This year the topic was “Potions and Explosions” and “sparkling, scientific Sue” brought chemistry to life with the help of some brave volunteers. Her wacky experiments included colour changes, sugar foams, disgusting slime & explosive dragons!

Our students have also been involved in the BT Young Scientist of the Year competition. Aoife Kelleher has travelled up to the RDS with her project investigating the “Effectiveness of Commercial Preparations in the Treatment of Teenage Spots”, which she has carried out with the help of the Microbiology Department in NUIG.

Other highlights in the science calendar include the Transition Year Science debate, in which teams have debated such topics as the rights and wrongs of stem cell research, genetically modified foods and nanotechnology, and the IASTA Agricultural Science Quiz. This quiz was run for the first time this year, and the team we entered acquitted themselves very well.

Aoife Kelleher, who will be participating in the BT Young Scientist of the Year competition



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Here in Presentation Currylea we firmly believe in the educational value of school tours. They can have a direct input into curriculum subjects such as History and Geography, as well as playing a very important role in expanding the horizons of our students. Our long history of schools tours has included travel to France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. In 2012 our senior students are looking forward to their tour to the Netherlands, where they will be visiting Anne Frank’s House and the Van Gogh Museum amongst many other attractions. Perhaps they will even fit in a bit of shopping? In our experience, school tours providethe girls with some of their most special and lasting memories.



The Quill

“The Quill” magazine is a real institution in Presentation Currylea. Each year a magazine committee is formed, open to anyone in fifth year with an interest. There are many aspects to the production of the magazine and therefore many jobs to be handed out. The editor is a very sought-after position, a responsible job with a considerable workload, but providing much satisfaction. Other roles include photography, art-work, advertising and finance.

All students in the school are encouraged to submit material, displaying the huge amount of talent present in the school community. Activities and school events of the past year are recorded, along with a variety of stories, poems and photographs illustrating daily school life in Presentation Currylea.

The finished product appears at the end of May and the launch is eagerly anticipated each year. The committee are always keen to celebrate their work and the launch is often accompanied by dramatic performances and a party atmosphere.

All the school enjoy “The Quill”, with first years keen to see their first class photographs, all the way to the Leaving Cert. students reminiscing over their final year in Presentation Currylea.

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Sport....

The Physical Education programme at Presentation Currylea aims to give our girls experience of as many activities as possible. This is done with a view to helping them to find an activity they really enjoy, and hence will continue with into adult life, enabling them to live a healthy and active lifestyle. The activities include gymnastics, dance, swimming, athletics, orienteering, aerobics, circuit training, as well as team games such as basketball, Gaelic football, volleyball, hockey, soccer, tennis, badminton, rounders, unihoc and tag rugby.

Senior students also get the opportunity to take part in such classes a Yoga and Pilates, as well as classes at the Leisure Centre including aquaerobics, step, rebounding and spinning.

As a result of experiencing so many activities, Presentation Currylea has many sports clubs available to its students. The demand for new activities grows each year, and new clubs are always supported and encouraged.



Gaelic Football

Presentation College Currylea has a very strong and proud tradition on the Ladies Gaelic Football fields. The school has a superb reputation and our prowess in the sport is well documented.

The school flagship team is the Senior A team which caters for all students under the ages of 19. The school has won numerous championships in Connaught and at All-Ireland level.

However, any Senior team is only as good as the teams coming after them and a great emphasis is place on younger teams also. The school Junior team is made up of students who are under 16 years of age and this team has been every bit as successful over the years as its Senior counterpart.

Feeding into this team is the school u-14 team which has been very successful over the past few seasons. Seven a side Blitzes for 1st year competitors are held every year which offer superb fun for all involved.Students train in the evenings after school behind our school on “the Hill” and from time to time in St Jarlaths College across the road. Thanks to the local community we are also lucky to have Tuam Stars and the Tuam Stadium available to us to play our home fixtures.

All students are welcome to get involved and it is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, have loads of fun and keep fit.

Past players and pupils alike especially take pride in the fortunes of the present teams and many have returned to help out with the training and preparation of our teams. Indeed many of our former players have represented Galway, Connaught and Ireland on the Ladies football field and are a great source of pride for the school.

I would encourage any would be students to take a look at many of the team photographs that adorn the walls of the school to see if they recognise any of the players and perhaps there may be an incentive to see their own faces up there some day.

The school is heavily indebted to the teachers of Presentation Currylea who put hours of their own free time preparing all of these teams to the highest level.


Equestrian Club

This is very popular amongst those of our students with access to ponies or horses. Many of these girls already compete in Show Jumping Competitions in various places around the country, and have become aware of the Inter-schools Competitions that have recently been established, and hence the demand for a school Equestrian Club.

In Presentation Currylea we have two excellent teams, some members of which have competed nationally in the RDS, Dublin.


Basketball

Basketball is a major sport in Presentation Currylea. We can boast teams at four levels; 1st Year Minor, 2nd Year Junior, Cadet and Senior. Training happens twice a week, with a lunchtime session for minor and junior teams.

Basketball is an excellent way to keep fit and healthy and a great way for first years to get to meet new friends at Currylea. All students are encouraged to participate in a 3V3 Tournament, which runs through April and May each year. Our facilities include one indoor court and three new outdoor courts to allow maximum participation. In recent years the school teams have been very successful in league competitions, and have been involved in many All-Ireland finals.

Athletics Club

In this club we cater both for elite athletes and for those who just wish to participate or improve their fitness levels. Coaching takes place twice a week during the lunch break, under the supervision of a teacher or the Club Captain (a senior student). We train in the Park beside the school – a wonderful facility. Each year we enter teams in the Schools’ Cross Country and Track and Field Championships and many students qualify for the All-Ireland Championships. First Year Sports Day is a hugely popular occasion in the school calendar and the many track, field and novelty events are enjoyed by all. Tuam AC is a tremendous support to the club and we take this opportunity to thank its members.

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Equestrian Club

This is very popular amongst those of our students with access to ponies or horses. Many of these girls already compete in Show Jumping Competitions in various places around the country, and have become aware of the Inter-schools Competitions that have recently been established, and hence the demand for a school Equestrian Club.

In Presentation Currylea we have two excellent teams, some members of which have competed nationally in the RDS, Dublin.


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Gymnastics Club

Have you ever wanted to perform a triple backflip but struggle to do a forward roll? If so, this is the club for you! Many of our students are active members of local gym clubs. Our members therefore include experienced gymnasts perfecting their skills and raw recruits working on their basic moves, all under the supervision of a teacher and the Club Captain. Training takes place on one evening each week after school, progressing toperformances for the general school body and, on one of the highlights of the year, the Open Night for prospective First Years and their parents/guardians.

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Above: The members of our Gymnastics Club


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Above: The members of our Gymnastics Club

“Victory belongs to the most persevering” Napoleon Bonaparte


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“What we learn with pleasure we never

forget”Alfred Mercier


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