PICTURE GALLERY: High School open night showcases successful

THE classrooms and corridors of Ballymoney High are always throbbing with activity, but even more so at the school's annual Transfer Evening on Thursday night past (21st January).

Principal (Rodney Scott) and Vice Principal (Cynthia Currie) were delighted as always to welcome a bumper crowd of visiting parents and pupils, to share with them the strengths and successes of learning in Ballymoney High.

Hundreds of visiting Primary 7 pupils and their parents joined High School staff and pupils to pack out the school and to view, touch, smell, taste and hear the variety and vibrancy of learning on offer. All the senses were truly and actively engaged around the school as activities and displays were experienced and enjoyed in each subject area.

Making and baking and of course tasting were well enjoyed in Home Economics, while nearby in Science the usual range of experiments, models and equipment proved a huge attraction for enquiring minds. Designing, drawing and manufacturing were actively demonstrated in the Art and Technology wing, where the school's excellent resources and wide range of courses were eagerly viewed and used by the visiting pupils and parents.

In music and drama the long established vibrancy and excellence of work and performance were warmly appreciated, while warm bodies were the product of a whole host of sports and leisure activities being demonstrated in PE.

Colourful resources, costumed characters, real life and static displays, quizzes and practical activities, oral and written tasks brought learning to life along the junior corridor rooms for English, Maths, History, Geography, RE and Languages. Business Studies and IT were popular and active as always with the wealth of equipment, lessons and examination opportunities clear for all to see.

There was also the happy haven of the school canteen for a rest, refreshments and a chat.

Mr Scott expressed his passion and pride in the rich and fulsome provision of the school along with its expectations and achievements built upon honest efforts and partnership amongst pupils, teachers and parents. He encouraged new parents and pupils to sample and share that same belief. Mrs Currie emphasised the strength of pastoral care and practical support that underpinned the pupils' learning and development and was a true hallmark of the school work for and with its young people.

"The school remains committed to LEARNING for ALL … LEARNING for LIFE …and … LEARNING TOGETHER. This is soundly based on the delivery of quality lessons in a caring and well ordered environment, with proven high standards of achievement across a full range of subjects and qualifications, enriched by an additional wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. Last year's record GCSE results are clear evidence of the school's excellent provision and performance for pupils of all abilities. Contented and successful young people who enjoy and benefit from all the school offers within and beyond the classroom are further clear proof. So too is a recent parent satisfaction survey showing 90%+ approval ratings for school provision.

"Selection tests might have dominated the news and may lead some to feel that grammar school placement is the only or best next step. This is not the case for a great many pupils and the excellence and worth of high school education should not be overlooked or undervalued. Ballymoney High is most suitable and successful for pupils of all abilities. Being non-selective does not mean second rate and people in Ballymoney and surrounding districts should note and trust the standard, strength, support and success of learning in the High School. For all our young people the Transfer to secondary education is a continuing of learning and a beginning of new opportunities to learn. Quality education is a right for all and Ballymoney High is well able to provide suitable and successful education to all.

"The school has continued to develop its provision in terms of the wide range of examination courses on offer, the care and support and challenge it provides to help pupils be and achieve their best and the excellent up to date facilities and resources on offer. Most recently, the entire computer network has been totally upgraded with the latest specification machines, audio-visual and inter-active computer resources installed across all subject areas, CAD equipment has been upgraded in Technology and the ECO Schools Silver Award achieved. Continuing improvement to enhance already high standards is the aim of the school for the benefit of the pupils."

The positive atmosphere and ample provision of learning and extra-curricular opportunities in the school brought ready comments from many visitors who remarked upon the "warm welcome", "friendly relationships", "busy pupils who obviously enjoy what they are doing", "great range of resources" and the "excellent results" being achieved in qualifications and personal development - "The school is passionate and well organised in what it does".

Further contact from interested parents is welcome. (2766 2361)