Larne High School creates virtual tour for potential new pupils

Prospective pupils can see inside classrooms and even meet teachers at Larne High School, thanks to new virtual technology.
Larne High School has created a virtual tour for potential studentsLarne High School has created a virtual tour for potential students
Larne High School has created a virtual tour for potential students

In light of current restrictions, Larne High School has created a virtual tour for potential students – complete with a 360-degree model of the school, tour of the classrooms and even a meet and greet from the teachers.

Larne High School made the innovative video as current circumstances mean pupils cannot be welcomed into the school in person this year.

The virtual tour comes as Larne High School continues its journey of steady development and improvement. Results in GCSE and A-level exams continue to improve, and pupils are able to access a wide range of courses and prepare for many and varied career pathways.

The virtual tour comes as Larne High School continues its journey of steady development and improvement.The virtual tour comes as Larne High School continues its journey of steady development and improvement.
The virtual tour comes as Larne High School continues its journey of steady development and improvement.

Larne High School now welcomes pupils from the local community and much further afield including Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Islandmagee, Ballyclare and the Antrim Coast and Glens. Interest in the school, which is now oversubscribed in most year groups, continues to grow rapidly and the school continues to create new opportunities for learners of all academic abilities.

The school welcomes pupils from all backgrounds and of all abilities and has an excellent track record in supporting children with all kinds of additional needs.

“The principle that guides us is always to put the individual needs of the young person at the centre of all that we do, and always to involve the young person in the decision-making process,” Principal of Larne High School, Dr Stephen Reid, explained.

“We are proud of the care that we offer to the pupils in Larne High School.

Larne High School now welcomes pupils from the local community and much further afield including Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Islandmagee, Ballyclare and the Antrim Coast and Glens.Larne High School now welcomes pupils from the local community and much further afield including Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Islandmagee, Ballyclare and the Antrim Coast and Glens.
Larne High School now welcomes pupils from the local community and much further afield including Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Islandmagee, Ballyclare and the Antrim Coast and Glens.

“Some children require a greater level of support and this can come in a variety of forms. The school has expanded its Learning Support provision to cater for young people with moderate learning difficulties. Children linked to the Learning Support Centre get targeted small group teaching in subjects including English and Mathematics, and at the same time access many other areas of the curriculum with their peers.

“In 2019 we were delighted to open our Autism Support Centre so that young people living with autism can also be welcomed to Larne High School, and we are hoping that approval will be granted to expand this provision further in the new school year.

“At Larne High School we believe that every child should feel safe, supported and valued as a member of the LHS community. Each child has the right to learn, develop and grow in an environment that is safe, supportive and caring. We keep our pastoral care provision under constant review so that we always deliver the best possible Pastoral Care to our pupils.

“When pupils join Larne High School they also join a Form Class with a Form Teacher who will be with them until the end of Year 12. In each year group there are two Year Heads and a team of Form Teachers who work closely together with the Head of Pastoral Care to ensure that all pupils are looked after and supported throughout their time at the school.”

Larne High School is investing heavily in new technology with Clever Touch screens installed in around half of the classroomsLarne High School is investing heavily in new technology with Clever Touch screens installed in around half of the classrooms
Larne High School is investing heavily in new technology with Clever Touch screens installed in around half of the classrooms

Larne High School also offers an innovative nurture programme at KS3&4 for pupils who require additional support, while at the same time offering all the traditional GCSE subjects including History, Geography, English Literature and Technology.

The school is investing heavily in new technology with Clever Touch screens installed in around half of the classrooms, and a plan to make more mobile devices available to pupils is currently being developed by the Governors. The sixth form continues to expand, allowing pupils to enjoy a seven-year journey through the school, before going on to employment or university level education.

Dr Reid adds: “We believe that learning is not just confined to the classroom. Pupils have a wide range of opportunities to develop their skills and interests far beyond the classroom door. We have had international success with our ‘Formula 1 in Schools’ programme, and pupils in the Junior School can begin the journey of designing their own racing car with a view to competing nationally and internationally as they progress through the school.

“We have had great success with our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and pupils have the opportunity to get involved in activities in Languages, Home Economics, Science, Maths and many other areas.”

The school also promotes music and pupils can have individual lessons in school to learn an instrument or develop their singing skills.

In 2019 the school established its Army Cadet Force and pupils can join from Year 9 to enjoy weekly activities and trips away to Palace Barracks and Ballykinlar Army Base.

Sport is also a central part of school life and our teams have enjoyed wide success in football, hockey, netball, rugby and other team sports, with many pupils also performing at a high level in athletics and other individual sports such as kick-boxing, BMX and dance.

“We also offer opportunities for pupils to experience life beyond our own shores and in recent years pupils have had the opportunity to visit the USA, take part in water sports in Barcelona, ski in Bulgaria and France and visit other parts of the UK and Ireland. We encourage all pupils to get involved in at least one activity outside the classroom in order to develop a wider range of skills and have valuable experiences.”

Dr Reid continued: “This year we cannot welcome you to see the school in person, so we have created a virtual environment for you to explore instead. You can travel through a 360° model of the school and explore the classrooms. In the rooms you can meet some of the teachers who have recorded short video clips to give you an insight into the subject areas the school offers.

“The virtual tour can be accessed at Virtual Tour — Larne High School.

“If you have specific questions, please e-mail [email protected] or phone the school on 028 2827 2159 and we will be delighted to have a conversation with you on the telephone or by Zoom.”

Related topics: