Founder principal ‘left a legacy which is still going strong today’

Principal Jacqueline Stewart began her address by highlighting the contribution made by Mr Jackson, who passed away in January.

“Mr Jackson founded our school in Downshire in 1977 and appointed many of the staff who were to remain in post for over 30 years. He put the ‘community’ in our community school and left a legacy which is still going strong today. He was a true gentleman, modest and unassuming, with a great sense of humour and fairness. Even in retirement Mr and Mrs Jackson attended many school events until ill health made it too difficult for him.

“We have very fond memories of him as a principal and as a person and extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Margaret and family circle.”

Welcoming parents, pupils and guest of honour Professor Richard Barnett, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ulster, to the distribution of awards, Mrs Stewart observed: “A school’s success is mainly determined by its performance in examinations. In the past academic year the combined work of our pupils and teachers has produced some excellent results at both GCSE and Advanced level.

“125 pupils were entered for 26 subjects at GCSE and BTec and we recorded a very pleasing 57% 5 A* - C – again an increase on the previous year.

“At A-Level the results were very pleasing: 28 pupils in Year 14 studied academic and vocational subjects with 100% of our students achieving two or more A-Level passes. Our students also recorded excellent results in the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness which gave them valuable UCAS points for University applications.

“With all of these results in mind I believe that we can recognise and congratulate the work done by pupils and teachers and the strength of the all-important partnership between school and home.”

Mrs Stewart went on to emphasise the importance of “community” at Downshire with the premises open in the evenings and weekends for a variety of sessions including art, flower arranging demonstrations and Boys’ Brigade displays.

“One of the main events this year was the fantastic concert held in this hall by the RAF Band, conducted by our very own former pupil, Flight Lieutenant Richard Murray. The evening was a huge success and I am very pleased at the strong link we have with the RAF.

“Our youth club is open four nights a week and offers a wide variety of activities to all the young people of the area

“We enjoyed a very positive link with the local PSNI who ran several projects with youth club on the flag protests and an initiative entitled ‘Guns and Knives ruin lives’. I would like to express my deep appreciation to our community police officers for their excellent engagement with our young people.”

The principal also noted the school’s involvement in the wider community including Faith Clarke and Lucy Rodgers sitting as members of Carrickfergus Junior Council, year 10 art class linking with Sheils House residents to produce paintings and the music department performing at the Citizenship Ceremony at Hillsborough Castle.

A major initiative in the past year, the principal added, was Downshire becoming lead school in the Carrickfergus Hub of the Confucius Classroom Project, which led to links with schools across the controlled, voluntary, maintained and integrated sectors in delivering the programme.

“Our co-ordinator, Miss Fotheringham visited China in November and in January, Mr Patterson, vice principal, also travelled east and linked Downshire with some Chinese schools – involving us in the wider world community.”

Mrs Stewart also referred to an “action packed year” as Downshire participated with great enthusiasm in a project to restore and return a Churchill tank to Carrickfergus.

“Since this our “Tank Team” have been invited to the Drumhead Service at Carrick Castle, they have visited Dunmore Army Base, home of the North Irish Horse Regiment and have taken part in Armed Forces Day in June when the restored tank was unveiled.”

Turning to business and careers, Mrs Stewart explained: “We encourage pupils to develop enterprise and leadership skills through a wide range of community, curricular and enrichment activities.

“In preparation for the world of work Year 12 and 13 students went on work experience to a range of employment from primary schools to dental practices, where, as always, they acquitted themselves in an exemplary fashion. They also benefited from interview skills days, careers interviews and a Careers Convention.”

Providing an overview of the many facets of life at Downshire, the principal recalled in particular the lasting legacy of former pupil Michelle Peacock, who lost her six-year fight with a rare form of cervical cancer in February, 2013

“Along with Mrs Robb and Mrs Shaw I attended the launch of Michelle Peacock’s book, ‘Time to Take My Life Back’ which was published this year. I am delighted that Michelle’s family are here tonight and want to congratulate them on their fantastic work for the Michelle Peacock Foundation which our school proudly supports.”

Turning to sport, Mrs Stewart said “2013-14 proved to be another excellent year for our many teams and individuals”.

In her concluding remarks Mrs Stewart acknowledged the vital support of the PTA and board of governors.

“All schools rely on fundraising to enhance depleted budgets. Our hard working PTA, enthusiastically chaired by Mrs McCrory, raised over £4,000 through events including quizzes, a talent show, Body Shop evening, Hallowe’en disco, Christmas and summer fairs.

Of the board of governors, she stated: “I value their wisdom, advice and support, especially at a time when reducing budgets are making financial management a real challenge and accountability has moved into another league altogether. As this particular board has reached the end of its four-year cycle I would like to most sincerely thank all of the members who have served so diligently and with integrity for the good of our school.”