Education Minister sees first hand Larne schools’ ‘fantastic offering’

L-R: Stephen Reid, principal of Larne High School, Rev Colin McClure, chair of board of governors , the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston, Education Minister Peter Weir, Gordon Lyons MLA and Bethany King, head of school.

The Education Minister called at Larne High School, Moyle Primary School and Carnalbanagh Primary School.

Mr Weir, who last month appointed an expert panel to examine links between persistent educational underachievement and socio-economic background, met with staff, pupils, governors and political representatives.

In a statement, Larne HS said it was delighted to host the minister.

Minister Weir learning more about life at Larne High School.

The statement added: “The school were especially pleased to welcome Minister Weir given the focus he has placed on addressing educational underachievement. One of the biggest challenges faced by the non-selective sector is to overcome the burden of socio-economic disadvantage and to instil in pupils from a wide range of backgrounds a sense of ambition and self-belief.

“Larne High School has developed some key initiatives to address underachievement at all stages of a pupil’s school career. In 2017, the school piloted a programme of nurture provision for pupils in Key Stage 3 and has now extended this provision to learners in Key Stage 4 who need additional support to achieve 5 good GCSE passes.

“The school has also developed projects beyond the classroom to allow KS4 pupils to extend their vocational skills and experience. Year 12 pupils showed the minister how they have developed an outdoor garden to be used by senior pupils and demonstrated their carpentry skills.”

The minister also heard the school has expanded its sixth form curriculum significantly.

Pupil Bethany King sharing her Larne High School experience with the guests.

“Mr Weir visited the School of Engineering which offers BTEC Level 3 Engineering up to Extended Diploma level. Similar provision is available in Music, Child Care, Travel and Tourism and Sports Studies.”

Pupils in the school’s Football Academy were involved in a strength and conditioning session and two past pupils spoke of their experience in the sixth form – both are now employees of the school.

In September 2019 Larne High School inaugurated its Army Cadet Force. The cadets were on parade for the first time since the lockdown and told the minister of the opportunities that it gives them beyond the classroom.

The Larne HS statement continued: “An area of the school has been refurbished for Cadets and once more normal times return funding is available for skills development, trips abroad and training weekends at Ballykinler Army Base.

“Despite the challenges faced by the education sector in current times, the school demonstrated to the minister that much can be achieved to engage young people in learning and skills development, and to create opportunities for young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds to have success in a wide range of areas.”

On his third visit of the day, the minister met with Gareth Hamilton, principal of Moyle Primary School, Rev Dr Paul Reid, chair of board of governors, staff and others to discuss enrolment and the school campus.

East Antrim DUP MLA Gordon Lyons was among those who met with the minister.

Mr Lyons said: “Great to have the Education Minister, Peter Weir MLA visit Larne High School, Moyle Primary School & Nursery Unit and Carnalbanagh Primary School.

L-R: Gareth Hamilton, principal, Gordon Lyons MLA, Education Minister Peter Weir, Rev Dr Paul Reid, chair of board of governors and the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston at Moyle Primary School.

“All three schools have a fantastic offering for our young people and I want to thank the staff for all their hard work and commitment to the pupils, especially in the current climate.

“The minister received useful updates about the different issues each school is facing and we will continue to work with each of them going forward.”

At Carnalbanagh PS, which is facing the threat of closure in summer 2021, Mr Weir was told of the school’s important role in the community. Read here

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Education Minister Peter Weir at Carnalbanagh Primary School.

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