Name: Miss R Kershaw

Role: Head of Lower Primary

Age Group: Key Stage One (Ages 3–7)

Miss Kershaw's team is at the beginning of student's school journey. In our department, great care is taken to ensure every child feels happy, supported and inspired to learn. Learning in Lower Primary is brought to life through exploration, outdoor experiences, and plenty of hands on, creative activities – often with lots of mess along the way! Above all, there is a strong commitment to meeting each pupil as an individual, celebrating who they are and helping them grow in confidence, curiosity and independence.

Name: Mrs A Millar

Role: Head of Upper Primary

Age Group: Key Stage Two (Ages 7–11)

Hello, I’m Mrs. Millar, Head of Upper Primary and a Key Stage Two teacher here in Rossmar school, supporting pupils aged 7 to 11 with a range of additional needs.

Our main aim is to support the development of communication, confidence, and independence through a broad and balanced curriculum, including literacy, numeracy, personal development, and life skills. We place a strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing and creating a safe, structured environment where pupils feel secure and ready to learn. Our approach is highly individualised, with learning tailored to meet each pupil’s needs, abilities, and interests.

Pupils are further supported through access to a range of specialist facilities and therapies, including soft play, sensory and immersion rooms, rebound therapy, and hydrotherapy. We also work closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and reflexology, ensuring a holistic approach to each child’s development.

Parents can expect a nurturing and supportive environment, with clear routines, engaging learning experiences, and strong collaboration between home and school. We are committed to helping every child make meaningful progress and to preparing them for the next stage of their educational journey.

Name: Miss J McClelland

Role: Head of Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4

Age Group: Key Stage Three (Year 8, 9 and 10)

                     Key Stage Four (Year 11 and 12)

At Key Stage 3, pupils follow learning aligned with the Northern Ireland Curriculum Framework. Work is provided at a level appropriate to each pupil’s individual needs.
Pupils will follow either:

• A formal learning pathway, or
• An informal learning pathway

At Key Stage 4, pupils will engage with learning that matches their abilities and future goals. They will follow either:

• A formal pathway, pupils will begin their accreditation work such as Entry Level Subjects, or
• An informal pathway, such as Equals or PEER Awards.

Name: Miss R Cunning

Role: Head of Post 16 (Horizons)

Age Group: Post-16 (Year 13, 14 and 15)

The Horizons Programme offers extended provision for post sixteen pupils who wish to pursue up to three years of continued education beyond the statutory requirements. In Horizons, we aim to provide pupils with experiences and opportunities that enable them to improve their independence and to develop skills that will benefit them throughout their adult life. 

Our pupils can work towards achieving Entry Level qualifications with CCEA, ASDAN and OCN in the following subjects: Literacy, Numeracy, ICT, Occupational Studies, Life Skills, Employability, Personal and Social Development and Vocational Skills. For pupils whom a formal curriculum pathway is not appropriate, there is the EQUALS programme. Pupils explore a range of topics to develop life skills across the following areas: Literacy, Numeracy, ICT, World Studies, Independent Living and Vocational Skills.

Pupils have the opportunity to attend one day of community work placement each week. For pupils whom a community placement is not suitable, we run a number of enterprises on our work-based learning days in school. These include: Rossmar Coffee Corner, Tuck Shop, Crafts, Gardening, Car Wash and Hair and Beauty. We also have a Farming Programme where pupils visit a farm weekly to gain experience of agricultural work.