Read the full The Dominican Way Document – In Search Of Truth; The Dominican Way In Education
A Living Tradition
The network of Dominican Schools and Colleges in Ireland has inherited a rich tradition in Education. Each succeeding generation has found new ways of passing on Christian values. Now at the beginning of another millennium with its advanced technology and new means of conveying information and knowledge, we discern how these resources can assist us to continue to build a community centred on Christ.
In our search for Truth we –
- work together
- learn to make informed judgements
- pray together
- forgive each other
- develop individual gifts and talents.
The School and the Family
We aim to establish a real partnership which will –
- enable parents to feel at ease within the school community
- involve them in their child’s education
- help Staff and parents to work in harmony to provide the very best for each individual child.
Faith and Culture – A Synthesis
‘Fill your minds with everything that is good’ (St Paul, Phil 4:8). Inspired by these words and by the Parable of the Talents (Matt 25: 14-30), we provide a broad curriculum which involves –
- an appreciation of the varying gifts of each student
- striving for academic excellence, aware that this will not be the same for each one
- a considered approach to competition
- a constant effort to synthesise faith and culture so that intellectual develop- ment and growth as a Christian go hand in hand.
Religious Education
Formation in the specifically Catholic tradition of our schools will involve –
- a programme of Religious Education as specified by the Diocese
- a liturgical programme which makes available to students the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church
- involvement in and sensitivity to Ecumenism through knowledge and activities
- welcoming students from other traditions in our schools
- encouraging students to strive for a more just and peaceful society and according to their capacity, probe the issues involved.
Pastoral Care
We proclaim the essential goodness of all creation and of the human person made in the image of God. Reflecting on the Parable of the Sower, we foster a pastoral approach which is embedded in the daily life of the school and is characterised by –
- eliciting the co-operation of students
- forming good relationships between staffs, parents and students.
The School and the Environment
We seek-
- to create surroundings which promote refinement of thought and care for God’s gifts
- to promote an awareness of care of the earth
- to make our schools inviting places of learning.
Dominican College Portstewart
Our Vision
Our purpose is to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
We believe in celebrating the creation of each individual, meeting every young person at their own unique starting point,
and providing an excellent educational experience that empowers them to become the very best version of themselves —
both in school and beyond.
Our Values
We are guided by our core Dominican values of:
- Truth
- Faith
- Responsibility
- Respect
- Kindness
- Forgiveness
- Justice
These values shape our culture and help us to nurture every member of the Dominican family.
Raising Outcomes and Aspirations
We are committed to improving outcomes for all pupils by:
- Improving pupil attainment in line with individual ability
- Narrowing the attainment gap for SEN and FSM pupils
- Developing high-quality Careers provision
- Ensuring subject choices are appropriate for all pupils
- Reviewing and refining the homework policy
- Providing greater opportunities for meaningful work placements
Improving Standards and Behaviour
To ensure high expectations and consistency across the College, we will focus on:
- A renewed emphasis on high-quality teaching and learning
- Consistency of classroom practice across all subjects
- High expectations and appropriate levels of challenge for every pupil
- Improving attendance
- Promoting positive standards of behaviour and uniform
- Developing and celebrating a clear rewards system
- Working towards achieving the NAACE framework
- Improving facilities across the College
Health and Well-Being
We place strong emphasis on developing happy, healthy young people by:
- Supporting pupil participation in the Being Well, Doing Well Programme
- Delivering effective Learning for Life and Work (LLW) and Personal Development lessons
- Increasing opportunities for pupil voice
- Maintaining a strong focus on online safety
- Encouraging greater participation in extra-curricular activities
- Promoting a strong sense of community spirit
Leadership and Management
We provide pupils with a wide range of leadership opportunities, including:
- Senior Prefects
- Junior Prefects
- School Council Representatives
- Form Captains
- Pupil focus groups and surveys to ensure pupil voice is heard
- Well-Being Champions
- Anti-Bullying Ambassadors
- Sports Captains
School Culture and Community
We continue to strengthen our Dominican identity and community links through:
- Sharing and promoting the Dominican ethos
- Agreeing and modelling behaviours linked to our core values
- Establishing a Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- Establishing a Past Pupils’ Association
- Strengthening relationships with the local Parish
- Progressing the School Enhancement Project
- Improving sporting facilities