St Ciaran's Connected is a registered charity with the Charity Commission NI and was established to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the Ballygawley, Altamuskin and wider Clogher Valley area and its environs in Mid Ulster District - through sport, health, education and all round wellbeing.
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As a rural charity, we achieve our objectives by delivering shared community activities in Ballygawley that promote sport, environmental awareness, social wellbeing, and education. We encourage participation in programmes that support sport, health, wellbeing, recreation, and leisure for all. Our work is primarily delivered through our community gym, local sports initiatives, and cross-community programmes open to everyone. We also engage residents through our Outdoor Environmental Green Garden Area, the Community Youth Club, Fun Runs, Walks, Good Relations Workshops, Community Christmas Fair, and accredited OCN training opportunities.
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Our Charity comprises a Trustee Board, made up of local community representatives from across Ballygawley and surrounding rural areas, along with 20 volunteers from the local community.
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Our beneficiaries include residents who inhabit our rural community across Ballygawley, Altamuskin, and Clogher Valley areas and its surrounding environs within the Dungannon and South Tyrone area of Mid Ulster District Council area. Our target groups are primarily elderly and disabled persons who suffer from prolonged social isolation, and 11–19-year-old children for the advancement of after school education awareness activities.
Shared Education
St Ciaran's College maintains a well-established Shared Education partnership with Fivemiletown College. This initiative aims to deliver educational benefits, promote good relations, and foster respect for diversity within the local community.
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Community Outreach
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Pupils from St Ciaran's and Fivemiletown College collaborated on community projects, such as visiting local care homes (including Copperfields, Clogher Valley Day Care, and St Macartan's) to perform carols and distribute homemade treats.
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Curriculum-Based Contact
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Shared education initiatives for the current academic year include specialised curriculum trips. For example, Year 12 GCSE Religious Education students from both St Ciaran’s College and Fivemiletown College recently visited Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast to support their joint studies.
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Year 11 GCSE Art students participated in a "Amazing the Space" shared project, attending workshops with professional landscape painter Sarah Carrington and pottery artist Anna McGurn.
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In September 2025, Year 8 pupils from both colleges visited the Peace Link in Clones for a day of shared sporting activities. This state-of-the-art facility is a key venue for their joint induction and team-building efforts.
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Transition Support
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St Ciaran’s College works extensively with primary partners (such as St Mary’s PS, Cabragh and St Mary’s PS, Ballygawley) to facilitate Year 8 transition through after-school sessions in art, technology, and coding. These sessions aim to increase confidence, introduce pupils to their future peers, and familiarise them with the practical aspects and facilities of the college.
Community Focus
We organise fundraising and social events, such as coffee mornings, fun runs, and Community Christmas Fairs, to fund school and community developments like new classrooms.
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Community Gym
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A major renovation project is currently delivering upgraded equipment to support inclusive fitness, including Assault treadmills, SkiErgs, and strength bundles.
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Outdoor Community Green Area
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We maintain a sensory and well-being garden as well as a pond to promote biodiversity and environmental awareness among residents and local schools.
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Youth Hub
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A dedicated youth centre operates weekly (Monday–Wednesday) for different age groups, providing a safe space for personal development and social interaction.
Student Development
Student Council
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St Ciaran’s College Student Council serves as the primary forum for student voice, allowing pupils to take an active role in the governance and continuous improvement of the school. The council acts as a formal link between the pupils and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). It ensures that student opinions are heard regarding school policies, facilities, and the learning environment. By participating in the council, students develop critical "soft skills" such as public speaking, negotiation, and collaborative problem-solving. Their feedback has historically influenced practical changes in the school, ranging from canteen improvements to the selection of extracurricular clubs.
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St Ciaran’s Charity Initiative (SCCI)
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We run an annual philanthropic program where Year 10 students research and present on behalf of chosen charities to secure a significant donation for their causes.
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The program is designed to enhance students' capabilities in public speaking, oration, and teamwork. It encourages a deeper awareness of social issues by requiring students to research and represent a chosen charity.
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The initiative is run in partnership with local firms, such as Kieran Magill & Company Chartered Accountants, who donate £2000 to the charity represented by the winning team.
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Stripe Young Scientist
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St Ciaran’s has a consistent record of participating in the Young Scientist exhibition (previously sponsored by BT. In 2024 three groups reached the final exhibition, presenting an Automatic Data Collection (ADC) Trough, a Smart and Sustainable Irrigation System, and a study on Green Hydrogen Production.
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This year ear 12 students Bróghán McKenna and Padraic O’Neill represented St Ciaran’s College at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin with their project "Can Bacteria Beat the Bloom?" providing a novel biological solution to address the blue-green algae crisis in Lough Neagh.
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Be Strong-Online Ambassadors
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The Be Strong Online Ambassadors at St Ciaran’s College is a peer-led student leadership programme focused on digital resilience and online safety. Developed by the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Campaign and Vodafone, the initiative empowers students to act as positive role models for their peers.
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Ambassadors design and deliver insightful Personal Development (PD) lessons to younger year groups on topics such as critical thinking online, identifying "fake news," and recognizing reliable information sources.
Members regularly present at school assemblies to inform the student body about digital citizenship and encourage new pupils to join the team.
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Post-16 Literacy & Numeracy Mentors
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This initiative pairs senior students with younger pupils to improve academic performance and promote a collaborative learning environment. Post-16 mentors participate in a dedicated training workshop to equip them with specific techniques to assist younger learners with reading, comprehension, and mathematical problem-solving.
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Mentors typically work with Key Stage 3 pupils during registration periods or dedicated study sessions. They focus on bridging learning gaps and building the confidence of students who may find literacy or numeracy challenging.
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Pope John Paul II Award
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The Pope John Paul II Award (PJP II) at St Ciaran’s College continues to be a major component of the school's faith development and community service for Year 13 and 14 students. The award is facilitated through the Archdiocese of Armagh and the Diocese of Clogher.
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The award aims to enhance students' spiritual and social development by encouraging active roles in their church and local community.
Young Enterprise
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Year 13 students participate in the Company Programme, where they gain firsthand experience by setting up and running a real business, creating products, and selling at local venues like St George's Market in Belfast where they develop entrepreneurial and real-world skills.
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Duke Of Edinburgh Award
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The DofE award at St Ciaran’s College is offered to Post-16 students where they must complete a variety of sections:
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Volunteering: Undertaking service to individuals or the community.
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Physical: Improving in an area of sport, dance, or fitness activities.
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Skills: Developing practical and social skills or personal interests.
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Expedition: Planning, training for, and completing a multi-day hiking and camping journey.