St. Joseph's College | |
Motto: | Achieving excellence through partnership |
Established: | 1992 |
Type: | non-selective |
Religious Affiliation: | Catholic |
Head Label: | Principal |
Head: | Michele McCormick |
Address: | 518 Ravenhill Road |
Postcode: | BT6 0BY |
Local Authority: | Education Authority (Belfast)[1] |
Staff: | 70 |
Enrolment: | 650 (approx) |
Gender: | Mixed |
Lower Age: | 11 |
Upper Age: | 18 |
Website: | https://www.stjosephscollegebelfast.org.uk/ |
St Joseph's College (Irish: Colaiste Naomh Iósaf) is a Catholic maintained secondary school in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is located in the Ravenhill area of south Belfast.
The college opened on 1 September 1992. It was formed by the coming together of St. Monica's Girls Secondary School and St. Augustine's Boys Secondary School.[2]
The school is currently housed within the premises of the former St. Monica's School. However, in view of growing pupil numbers there is growing pressure for a new larger purpose-built facility.[3]
The full range of subjects is offered. At GCSE A-level, pupils can work with their peers from Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School to choose courses from Art & Design, Government & Politics, Biology, Health & Life Science, Physics, Business Studies, Religious Studies, Chemistry, History, Spanish, Design & Technology, Home Economics, Sport Studies, Drama & Theatre Studies, Digital Technology, and Irish.[4]
Pupils can engage in a variety of sporting activities including athletics, basketball, badminton, camogie, cross-country, Gaelic football, hurling, netball and soccer. The college also engages with a number of community sports organisations through the Sports within the Community scheme. These include QUB basketball club, Bredagh GAC, St. Malachy’s GAC, Rosario FC, Doyle FC and Ulster Rugby.[5]
The college has established links with a number of community groups and encourages pupils to participate in their activities. Community links exist with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Daughters of Charity and Trócaire.[6]
The college has received a number of awards including the Silver Investors in People Award and the Investors in People Health and Wellbeing Award.
It gained the Green Flag by becoming an eco-friendlier environment.[7]
In 2017, it received the Aisling award for Outstanding Achievement in Education.[8]
In December 2019, it received the Diocese of Down & Connor Spirit of Catholic Education Award[9]
It is a School of Sanctuary[10] providing support to a large number of children of refugee families.