What is the Extended Schools Programme?

Our Extended Schools programme is embedded within the core of our school motto “Nurturing Talent Fulfilling Potential”. The purpose is to improve educational attainment for our children in Holy Cross Boys’. We have many activities catering for all ages & abilities. These activities help to support learning, raise standards and promote healthy lifestyles. We have an excellent platform of community links which enable our children to avail of many local services and local people. Our activities are broken down into four curricular areas; Academic, Sports, Creative and Parents and Community. So we really do have something on offer for every child!

When does the Extended Schools Programme run?

Our wide range of activities run daily from Monday- Thursday with experienced staff. Parents will receive a timetable each term to inform them of dates/times for each activity. It will also appear in our Weekly Newsletter. Our Key Stage One and Key Stage Two timetables run at different times to accommodate finish times.

What activities are available through the Extended Schools Programme? An example of the timetable is attached below.

Extended Schools Weekly Timetable
Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
Breakfast club for P1 to P7
·        Accelerated Maths D. Thompson Rm 2 P6/7 3-4pm Rm 18   ·        Mini-Soccer P1-2.00-2.30pm P2-2.30-3.00pm P5-3.00-4.00pm with T. Kane – Hall.   ·        ICT P7 3-4pm with Mr Johnston Rm 8 ·        Spanish P6 3-4pm with Mrs Flannigan Rainbow Room ·        Guitar P4-7 3.00 to 4.00pm with Mrs Martin Music Room ·        Mindfulness Monday Mrs McShane 3-4pm Rm18	·        Drum Kit P6/7 with Specialist   ·        Accelerated Reader D. Clarke Rm 12 in P6/7 – 3-4pm ·        Arts and Craft P5 – 3 to 4 pm with S. Kane Rm 13 ·        French:  P5 3-4pm With Mrs Martin Music Room ·        Table Tennis  P3     2.15-3.00pm P4-7 3.00- 4.00pm in Hall L. Ferrin ·        Science Investigations P4 3- 4pm With K. Keenan Rm 20 ·        ASD HW Club P6/7    3-4pm Mrs Flannigan Rainbow Room	·        Multi sports P1 - 2.00-2.30pm P2 - 2.30-3.00pm P4 - 3.00-4.00pm With Tony Kane in Hall ·        Pupil Mental Health P4-7 with Joe Watson in ICT Room P4/5: 9.30 to 10.00am P6/7: 10.00 to 10.30am ·        Soccer P6/7 School Team 3-4pm with Joe Gormley (PITCH or Community Centre)   ·        Nature Studies: P5 - 7 3-4pm P. McClenaghan and Ulster Wildlife Trust Rm 14 or Nature Garden	·        Handball P3 - 2 -3pm P6/7 Handball Team 3-4pm With L. Ferrin - Hall •      Gaelic Football P3-2.15-3.00pm P6/7 School Team 3-4pm (PITCH or Community Centre)
Peer Mentoring (4 Pupils) in conjunction with Ardoyne Youth Club Mon to Friday

Breakfast Club

Aside from our usual After School Clubs, we also run a Breakfast Club for P1-P7 children Monday to Friday 8am – 8.45am. Children can enjoy a range of cereals, yoghurts, toast to ensure they are set up for the day ahead.

 

Opportunities for parents

As a community school we realise the important role our parents have to play. Building a connected school community enhances learning outcomes and support, collaboration and wellbeing for the entire school. Therefore, we incorporate many activities into our Extended Schools plans that our parents can avail of. These include parents GCSE English/Maths classes, Philosophy, Parent Mental Health, Level 3 Classroom Assistant courses & First Aid.

We would love to see you all involved!