Huge turn out despite weather warnings

Visitors were treated to a superb compilation of photographs depicting “Life at Dalriada”, displayed on the School’s display screens and in the five venues used for the Introductory Talks. Such was the volume of interest on the morning an additional talk had to be scheduled.

The school, which achieved the prestigious ‘The Sunday Times, Northern Ireland School of the Year” Award for 2008 was in full swing. The work of all academic departments and many after-school activities was on display. Visiting pupils had the opportunity to take part in practical activities in laboratories, workshops, art rooms, information technology rooms and the Sports Hall, and to listen to a wide range of musical performances including songs from the School’s highly successful production of “Footloose”.

The Sony Robotic Dog display in the ICT Department created great interest amongst the young visitors, and in English, costumed characters from novels came to life at the touch of a button. Year 8 drama classes performed role plays and entertained all with a balloon debate. The Geography Department gave us ‘Dalriada Dharavi’ looking at Geography at the Movies creating a scene from ‘Slum Dog Millionaire. Many parents who were ‘old Dalriada’showed great interest in the “Blast from the Past” display of school magazines in the Library. In the History Department visitors were able to experience a Medieval Banquet. The corridors were not only full of people but also full of the pleasant smell of freshly cooked food from the Home Economics Display. Added to this was the smell of bacon and sausages being cooked by the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme pupils.

The Sports Hall was one of the most popular venues The various displays really demonstrated the wide range of sports that the school offers and also reinforced the growing levels of success the school is enjoying. All visitors were encouraged to join in the activities, both boys and girls, indeed many parents struggled to get them to leave such were their involvement.

In his introduction, Mr. Tom Skelton, the Headmaster, pointed out that Dalriada attracts pupils from a wide catchment area of some 400 square miles. Dalriada welcomes pupils from the full range of social, religious and cultural backgrounds.

Mr. Skelton pointed out that Dalriada is a happy school, where children and staff feel safe, secure and comfortable. The school ethos is evident in the everyday life of the school and is based on positive relationships where respect for each other is paramount. He stated “Happy, interested children work hard and achieve highly. Our pupils and teachers set their sights high and constantly work to improve the quality of what they do, in order to achieve the highest possible standards in academic work, and in a very wide range of sporting and cultural activities”

.He encouraged visitors to talk to the staff and especially the pupils, all of whom had volunteered to participate in the Open Morning.

A number of Year 8 pupils gave a short account of what life was like for them at Dalriada and this was greatly appreciated by visitors.

To the Year 6 pupils Mr. Skelton emphasised the continuing need for pupils to sit an entrance test in order to be considered for admission to Dalriada.

All visitors received a copy of the newly-published prospectus which contains detailed information about many aspects of the life and work of the school with comments from current Year 8 pupils such as “I know I made the right choice in coming to Dalriada and I am really pleased to be part of this super school”.

Any Year 7 pupils and their parents who were unable to attend the Open Morning will be very welcome to arrange a visit. There is a follow up session scheduled for this Friday 15th January at 2.00 pm. Anyone requiring further information or wishing to attend the follow up session should contact the school office to reserve a place. (tel: 028 2766 3066 or e-mail [email protected].

A prospectus can be obtained from the school office