Large crowds explore Derry’s historic St Columb’s College

St. Columb’s College welcomed a large number of parents and prospective pupils to its Annual Open Day on Saturday last at the Buncrana Road campus and the event was marked by an atmosphere of enthusiasm, energy and engagement.

Over 600 attended the two morning sessions with both curiosity and enthusiasm as P6/P7 pupils from schools throughout the city and county participated in a wide range of activities and experiments as well as numerous competitions throughout the school.

St. Columb’s is a boys grammar school founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest Catholic Grammer School in Derry with a proud tradition of scholarship and the unique distinction in Ireland of being the alma mater of two Nobel Laureates.

Principal, Mrs. Caroline McLaughlin delivered her address to a packed assembly hall, assisted by Aaron O’Doherty, Head Boy and Year 8 student Christian Ferguson who both gave an honest and trustworthy account of student life at St. Columb’s. Visiting parents and pupils were also entertained by the school’s wonderful Music Department. 

Mrs. McLaughlin highlighted the many great features of St Columb’s College, from the peer mentors who assist Year 8 in their first months, to the strong academic tradition of College boys. The Principal spoke about St. Columb’s as a school of nurturing, developing and embracing pupil talents and skills to ensure that in their seven years at the College that the pupils ‘grow from little acorns to great oaks.’

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Mrs. McLaughlin went on to point out that the range of extra-curricular activities, the strong Catholic ethos of the College and the long tradition of successfully educating the boys of Derry and beyond are among our most notable features. 

On Saturday, parents and children visited the various departments throughout the school accompanied by teachers and students and the highlight for the P7 boys appeared to be the chocolate fountain in the HE Department as well as partaking in the many experiments in Science, as they made their way around. The Sports facilities and activities were also very popular alongside practical activities in Technology and Design. 

One parent at Saturday’s Open Day said her son was amazed by what St. Columb’s had to offer. The parent commented: It’s the boys. The pupils are fantastic. I want my son to be one of them. 

Another parent contacted the school afterwards to say: I wish to thank the staff and pupils from Saint Columb's for a well organised event today.  My son thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  A special word of thanks to Callum (mentor group 14).  Callum was very attentive, reassuring, encouraging and made my son feel very comfortable.  

Other parents commented on being made to feel welcome. Principal, Mrs. McLaughlin and the Head Prefect, Aaron O’Doherty met each family at the door. Many visitors commented that staff and students were a delight., so welcoming and engaging. ‘The building is so large but easily accessible and I found it easy enough to find my way around. Classrooms were bright and airy and it had a feel of warmth about them. I think that’s important for young students settling in.

‘It was great the staff and students were so helpful, informative and gave of their time to answer questions from myself and my son. A massive well done to St. Columb’s today!’

Mrs. McLaughlin said while she was delighted so many were able to attend Saturday’s event, there was still an option to come and view the school at a later date by contacting St. Columb’s on 02871 28500 or email info@stcolumbs.derry.ni.sch.uk