Finaghy Primary School

Finaghy Primary School (FPS) is a non-denominational school for students aged 4–11 in the south Belfast suburb of Finaghy, Northern Ireland.

FPS is a public school to which anyone can apply. It was established in 1934. [ cite web
url = http://www.belb.org.uk/publications/354.pdf
title = Belfast Education and Library Board
work = belb.org.uk
date = 2005-12-05
accessdate = 2006-06-13
format = PDF ] [ cite web
url = http://www.finaghyprimaryschool.co.uk/ethos.html
title = Ethos & Vision Statement
work = finaghyprimaryschool.co.uk
publisher = Finaghy Primary School
language =
accessdate = 2006-06-13 ] It has an enrolment limit of 465 pupils with priority given to those with family who are attending or are working at the school, and to those living nearest to it.

FPS has made significant changes to their 7 acre (28,000 m²) campus in recent years with a new school building and a new [http://www.ni-libraries.net/app/directory/LibraryDetail.asp?LocationID=17 library] shared with the Finaghy community. The school site includes a new multi-sport pitch and pavilion — again shared with the community — also a grass football pitch and extensive playground areas. In addition to classroom accommodation, there is an assembly hall, meals kitchen, canteen, staffroom and central library.The school has exchange programmes with San Anton School in Malta and Oristown National School in County Meath.

The school building

The school building has been custom designed and completely rebuilt in 2004. It consists of 16 primary classrooms, each having their own interactive white board, independent entrance points, cloak and toilet facilities. All classrooms are orientated to maximise natural light and have direct access to resource areas.

SportZone

In October 2005 a sports facility called 'SportsZone' was opened. The facility comprises a 60 m x 40m synthetic playing surface with full fencing and floodlighting. There is also a pavilion with showers/changing facilities and on-site parking. The facility is for school use during the day and is open to local schools and community groups during evenings and weekends. This project was funded by a grant from the National Lottery's "New Opportunities Fund" PE and Sports Initiative (now part of the Big Lottery Fund). The Sportzone has formed a key part of the ongoing transformation of the school site into a Community Campus.

Teaching Staff

The current teaching staff includes a principal, a vice-principal, and 15 teachers. The current principal Alastair MacKay holds the title of [http://www.teachingawards.com/winners/winnerDetail.ikml?id=4765&t=reg&y=6 Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School in Northern Ireland] for 2006, given at the UKTeaching Awards Northern Ireland Regional final in Belfast. This places Alaistair MacKay on the judging panel for the 2007 Awards.

School Creed

This is our school
Let peace dwell here
Let it be full of contentment
Let Love abide here
Love of one another
Love of mankind,
Love of Life itself
And love of God
Let us remember
That as many hands build a house
So many hearts make a school

References

External links

* [http://www.finaghyprimaryschool.co.uk Finaghy Primary School Official Site]