Minister's praise for Cross and Passion College

EDUCATION Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has visited Cross and Passion College in Ballycastle, where she discussed a range of issues with pupils and staff.

The Minister listened to views on policy areas including the Entitlement Framework and heard about the experience of the school as part of the Coleraine Learning Community and as a Specialist School for Sport.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister said: "It is clear to me that this school is forward thinking and open to working with other schools nearby to offer a wide range of subjects for their pupils. Cross and Passion College has strong links with Ballycastle High School collaborating to deliver a range of 18 courses and also works with the FE Colleges in Coleraine and Ballymoney in the delivery of three courses.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Cross and Passion has always demonstrated such a progressive ethos. When it was established following a merger in the 1970s, the school was one of the first in the north to become all-ability, enabling transfer from local primary schools on an equal basis without unnecessary testing."

The Minister continued: "I was saddened to hear about the sudden death of recent former Cross and Passion pupil Feargal McCaughan, who had just begun a new phase of study at the University of Ulster. Feargal's parents are closely linked to the school as governors and I offer my deepest sympathy to them as well as to everyone in the school and wider community at this difficult time."

The Minister was warmly welcomed to the school by the Principal Mrs Barbara Ward, Vice Principal Mr Gerry Kelly, members of the Senior Management Team, representatives of the Board of Governors, and members of the Pupil Senior Leadership Team.

Pupils from Sixth Year, as well as two representatives from each class, gathered in the Assembly Hall to greet the Minister. After members of the cast from the forthcoming school production 'Little Shop of Horrors' performed a short medley of songs, the Minister was formally welcomed by Jennifer Lappin, Head Girl, Mrs Bernie McKinley, parent and member of the Board of Governors, and Mrs Noelene Magee, past pupil, teacher of French and member of the Senior Leadership team in the school.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Drawing directly from their own experience, each speaker spoke of their trust and support for all-ability education, its success in Ballycastle and the tremendous opportunities which the school offered to young people.

The Principal, Mrs Barbara Ward, expressed her genuine delight in being able to welcome a Minister whose vision for education matched so closely with that of Ballycastle.

Mindful of the pioneering spirit of her predecessors and the Cross and Passion Order, she said that it had been her privilege to lead the school during this time of great challenges in education. Emphasising the school's commitment to excellence for all young people irrespective of ability, she reminded those present that all-ability education did not dilute standards in any way. The track record of pupil attainment in Cross and Passion spoke for itself, with year on year, pupils from across the ability spectrum achieving their 'personal best' and pursuing learning pathways appropriate to their strengths, talents and aptitudes.

Ms Ruane met governors, pupils and staff including the Head Boy and Head Girl, along with Mr Ian Williamson, the newly appointed Principal of Ballycastle High School, the Head Boy and Head Girl, Rev Dr. Godfrey Brown and Mr Sean Hamill members of the High School Board of Governors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mrs Ward read a 'Blessing for Those in Power' from 'Benedictus, A Book of Blessings' by John O'Donohue. Pupils from the school represented by Conleth Burns in Year 9, presented the Minister with a piece of glazed pottery which was an example of work produced in accordance with the Revised Curriculum and a landcape painting of Bonamargy Bridge, painted by past pupil Maria McGinn, as part of her A level course.