The Belfast Model School for Girls and is engaged in a Full Service School Pilot Programme which is running until the end of March 2008.

A Full Service school focuses on the needs of the whole child - physical, emotional, social and academic - to create the conditions necessary for all children to learn. It is open to students, families and community members before, during and after school, all year-round. It has high standards and expectations for students, teachers and a challenging curriculum. Full Service Schools also strengthen families and communities so they are better able to support student success. School and the Community work together to help young people succeed; schools do not work alone.

The launch of the Full Service Extended School: ”The Journey So Far“ took place on Wednesday 19th September 2007 at 10.00am at the Belfast Model School For Girls. The guest of honor was the Minister for Education - Mrs Katrina Rouaine.

The aim of this launch was to celebrate the program to date and to impress upon the Minister the need for continued funding.

Much hard work was needed in preparation for this special day and displays were created to illustrate the work in relation to:

· Attendance
· Family support
· Counseling
· Mentoring
· Transition
· Homework and breakfast clubs
· Summer Schemes
· Easter Booster
· Sport
· Stage School
· Sentinus
· Health

Each of these areas are vital in the day to day running of our school and we would like to thank all the staff involved as it would not be possible to provide such complimentary services to the local community without them.

Guests for the launch included representatives from health and education boards, Health Action Zone staff, Department of Social Development, Neighbourhood Renewal
Primary and Nursery Principals, members of our Board of Governors and also 22 community organizations.

The Minister was given a tour of the school allowing her to see some of the areas of support the school currently provide and she asked many questions. Mr G Maguiness (DSD) who is the chair of the Steering Group outlined the aims of the program and the need for continued funding.

During the day, our music department provided the musical entertainment which was enjoyed by all. Again, thanks must go to Mrs Cruise and her team for the hard work they put into providing such professional performances. Mrs Cruise also organized a choir consisting of pupils from local primary schools and the Boys Model provided drumming (previously performed at the First Within Concert). Forthriver Primary also demonstrated their dancing ability with a perfect routine, all pupils where outstanding and was a prime example of the musicality and performance capabilities held within the North Belfast Schools.