Cullybackey High opens doors for transfer evening

The Headmaster, Mr Boyd, welcomed visitors to the school and thanked them for giving up their evening. Mr Boyd remarked on the transfer tests which the selective schools had organised at the end of last year.

He encouraged pupils and parents to put these tests behind them and to now concentrate on the process of selecting a post primary school. Of course, a sizeable number of pupils had not been involved in the tests and they too were equally involved in choosing a school. Parents and children with learning difficulties or with statements were encouraged to speak to the Special Educational Needs Manager about next year and were reminded that they were particularly welcomed and valued by Cullybackey High School.

During February parents will be meeting their Primary Principals to discuss their post primary preferences. Mr Boyd emphasised that the choice of post primary school was a very important decision but parents were in the best position to make that decision.

Parents know their children’s ability to study, willingness to read or write creatively.

They are aware of their son’s and daughter’s skills, abilities, confidence levels and wider interests. On that basis parents should decide which type of school was most appropriate for their educational needs – even if a Grammar School place was available parents should consider if that was the appropriate choice for their child. Parents were reminded that a Secondary School Education was NOT a second class education.

It was explained to parents that Cullybackey High School paid particular attention to, and put particular emphasis on the induction process of new pupils transferring to High School. The residential experience at the Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra was particularly highlighted as an integral and fun element of the process and new pupils are encouraged to participate.

Parents had the opportunity to study the examination results openly and transparently provided in the School’s prospectus. Results at both GCSE and at A level have been at a very high standard over a considerable period of time. Parents were also reminded that Education at Key Stage 4 and particularly at Post 16 is already changing rapidly, and will continue to change, through developments in school and in developments collaboratively with other schools in the area.

Parents and pupils were then invited to tour the school to visit exhibits and activities in all the curriculum areas. These were manned by Teaching staff and by pupils, many of them from Junior School and their efforts and those of the guides were most appreciated, particularly in the very wintry conditions.5