St Matthew's Academy
| St. Matthew's Academy | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
|
Jack's Road, Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, KA21 5NT Saltcoats, North Ayrshire Scotland | |
| Information | |
| Established | October 2007 |
| Enrollment | 1300 approx. |
| Colour(s) | Black, White & Gold |
| Website | http://www.saintmatthewsacademy.com |
St. Matthew's Academy is a Roman Catholic secondary school in the Scottish town of Saltcoats, North Ayrshire. The Head Teacher is Mr Stephen Colligan. He is supported by 4 Depute Head Teachers. Mr Herron is head of S1 and S5. Mr Ross is acting head of S2. Mr McGuigan is head of S3. Mrs Turbet is head of S4 and S6.
History/Overview
The school first opened on 29 October 2007 following the merger of pupils from St Andrews Academy, Saltcoats and St Michael's Academy, Kilwinning. As of October 2015, the school roll was 1,250 pupils making it the second largest school in North Ayrshire.[1] The catchment area of the school encompasses all of North Ayrshire.
Building Layout
St. Matthew's is a winged three-story structure with a 'drum' curved area which contains a dining hall and 500-seat auditorium. It is equipped with four P.E. halls including a playing field, running track, astroturf and a fitness suite. It has three pupil entrances and one staff entrance. The ground floor features the classrooms used for Maths,Home Economics and Craft & Design. The departments for Modern Languages (French and Spanish), History, Modern Studies, Music and Science are located on the first floor and those for English, Geography, Art, Religious Education, Computing and Business Studies are on the second floor. The school is also provided a central social area for pupils.
Subjects Taught
In S1 and S2, pupils are taught English, Maths, French, Science, Social Studies (Geography, History and Modern Studies), Physical Education, Religious Education, Music, Art, Technological Studies, Home Economics, computing science and business education. Students must choose six subjects to study in S4 at (in the main) National 4/5 level. Maths and English are compulsory as is at least one science and one social subject. In session 2016/17 pupils who stay on to S5 may sit Higher exams for subjects they passed at National 5 level in S4 and those who stay on to S6 may sit Advanced Highers for subjects they passed at Higher in S5.
Associated Primaries
The roll of St Matthew’s Academy is drawn in the main from the ten cluster denominational primary schools located throughout North Ayrshire: St John Ogilvie’s and St Mark’s in Irvine; St Winning’s and St Luke’s in Kilwinning; St John’s in Stevenston; St Anthony’s in Saltcoats; St Peter’s in Ardrossan; St Mary’s in Largs; St Bridget’s in Kilbirnie; and St Palladius’ in Dalry. Pupils from all areas other than Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston travel to St Matthew’s Academy by contract bus. Around 5% of the First Year roll comprises pupils from non-associated primary schools who have made successful placing requests into St Matthew’s. The proportion of S4 pupils returning for a Fifth Year in 2015-16 is around 85% with the S5 – S6 transfer rate being in the region of 75%.
School Uniform
The uniform for St Matthew’s Academy is as follows:
- white shirt / blouse;
- school tie (striped for S1 – S4; crested for S5 – S6);
- black skirt / trousers;
- black jumper / cardigan;
- school blazer with badge
- black shoes.
In session 13/14 the school engaged parents in an extensive review of the dress code. Parents were overwhelmingly in favour of the uniform as described above. Jeans, leggings and other non agreed items of clothing are not considered to be school uniform and parents are encouraged to ensure their child adheres the agreed standards.
Pupil Support
St Matthew’s Academy has a team of 6 Principal Teachers of Guidance - Mrs Schesiger, Mrs Benson, Ms Donnelly, Mr Coyle, Mrs Stevenson and Ms Brady - whose key role is to ensure that the needs of every pupil are met. This will involve a number of important tasks including developing close links with P7 pupils and teachers, preparing pupils to make appropriate choices and monitoring and supporting academic progress, attendance and behaviour. Every effort is made to ensure that pupils entering St Matthew’s from primary school will have the same guidance teacher as any older brothers or sisters. Every pupil receives a weekly period of personal and social education (P.S.E.) through which their personal development is enhanced. The P.S.E. programme includes information on lifestyle, sexual health and relationships, careers, further & higher education and employment & training.
External links
References
Coordinates: 55°38′29″N 4°47′22″W / 55.6414°N 4.7895°W