'We provide a very broad education, producing well balanced, rounded individuals' – Headmaster

Addressing guests, governors, parents, pupils and colleagues, Acting Principal William Borland reflected on 50th anniversary celebrations which commenced with a very successful 'Down Memory Lane' evening and also included a Spring Concert and publication of the 50th Anniversary Yearbook.

Extending a welcome to guest speaker, David Spurdle, Executive Director of Kids Alive, the Headmaster highlighted support for organisations such as this as an important aspect of life at North Road.

"Our school has always been good at raising money for charity, and one of the charities we supported last year was Kids Alive, who work hard to improve the lives of disadvantaged children throughout the world."

Touching on some of the main highlights of the past 12 months, he continued: "In the summer just passed, 99% of all subjects entered at GCSE level were graded A* to G. We had a very creditable 52% pass rate over all subjects at A* - C grade. We were delighted that 56 pupils returned to undertake advanced level studies. This gives us a total of 100 students in our 6th Form.

"In upper sixth last year there were 38 pupils and we were pleased with a 98% pass at Advanced level. The destinations of last year's Upper 6th can be found in the programme. 27 have gone on to university, 10 to institutions of higher education and one taking a gap year. Last year's lower 6th group had good results with 96% success at AS level.

"The Carrickfergus Learning Community has gone from strength to strength over the last year. In September 2006 we became involved with this collaborative venture between the four post-primary schools – Downshire, Carrickfergus Grammar, Ulidia and ourselves – with 41 students from lower 6th. We now have over 80 students studying 24 different subjects. This collaboration has allowed all four schools to work towards being able to offer the 27 subjects required at post-16. Collaboration is the way forward with all schools in the province developing area plans for even closer cooperation."

Mr Borland went on to draw attention to other aspects of college life including the primary school programme and community links with the Parents and Kids Together project, success on the sporting field and group and individual endeavour in the arts and participation in international learning initiatives.

He also focused on Carrick Colleges' experience as a specialist school for Business and Enterprise.

"Our specialism goes right across all departments, with everyone engaged in a range of activities to promote the development of enterprise skills and to help prepare pupils for the world of work. Visits by guest speakers, trips to industry, and innovative teaching and learning have contributed not only to raising levels of attainment across the curriculum, but have also allowed our pupils to develop skills for independent and life-long learning.

SEE THIS WEEK'S CARRICK TIMES FOR AWARDS PHOTOS. We came through a successful inspection in January and have a further year to run in this present Specialist Schools programme.”

Mr Borland added: “We are a school that aims to provide a very broad education, producing well balanced, rounded individuals.”