Multi-Skills success at St. Joseph’s Boys School

Students took part in numerous activities throughout the week including daily reflection; motivational talks; options discussions; accelerated reading; Skill School; advice on nutrition, well-being and national citizenship before being tested on their sporting skills through coaching in rugby, football, karate, self-defence, circuit training, boxing and problem-solving.

Over 100 students participated and enjoyed the programmes delivered by school staff and outside agencies and included former professional footballer Mikhail Kennedy; representatives from HURT; Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum; City of Derry and Ulster Rugby and Team Torres Martial Arts. The school also acknowledged the support given by Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre in providing daily reflections and well-being start to each day.

Ciara Deane, Vice Principal said: “We were delighted to welcome all our students back to school this week and they wasted no time in getting down to business.

“In particular I’d like to acknowledge the outstanding effort of our year 10 students who have some very important decisions to make in relation to GCSE selections in the coming months. With that in mind, we thought our boys needed to be focused and challenged to reconnect with their classmates and also get the opportunity to brush up on their literacy and numeracy skills so that they felt ready for the challenges ahead in the summer term – hence the Multi-Skills Academy.

“Everyone has come through a difficult year with Covid and it was great to see smiles on faces again. Huge credit must go to all who put this together and made it such a success, one of many we hope to hold this school year.”