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www.ballyclarehigh.co.uk
Ballyclare High School Prospectus
“Developing lifelong learners in a caring, creative community.�
Contact 31 Rashee Road Ballyclare Co. Antrim BT39 3HJ T 028 9332 2244 F 028 9334 3809 E info@ballyclarehigh.co.uk
“Developing lifelong learners in a caring, creative community.�
...am part of Ballyclare High School.
Hello Welcome to Ballyclare High School. You will find a place here where I know your child will prosper. The culture is one of mutually respectful relationships based on clearly defined and agreed values. It is one of aspiration and of expectation. Pastoral care is the bedrock of all we endeavour to do. High standards of academic results and behaviour are realised through a belief in the empowerment of the individual. We have a rich history of academic attainment and conspicuous success across an outstanding range of co-curricular opportunities that strengthen confidence and spirit. Our pupils make our school special. They are nurtured by a highly-motivated and professional staff with a can-do attitude, who consider themselves also to be lifelong learners. Here there is a child-centred approach with focussed investment in the holistic development of each one to ensure they grow into well-rounded young adults with a range of competencies, emotional intelligence and resilience. Our pupils feel safe and happy. Regardless of their starting point, the majority thrive in the creative environment around them; there is a curiosity about learning here. A broad careers programme complements our core curriculum. Staff and pupils are kept abreast of the evolving labour market so that our children are equipped to compete in a globalised and technologies-driven world. Right from welldeveloped links with our primary schools through to the end of sixth form we have crafted an approach to supporting our young people to fulfil their potential and to prepare them for adulthood, not only academically, but emotionally, morally and physically. We invite like-minded families who want their child to flourish to consider what we offer here. We want parents who will trust us and work alongside us to nurture in their child good habits of discipline and self-worth as they steep themselves in the culture of the school. We want parents who aspire for their child, for together we do great things. As Principal, I am fulsomely committed to what we stand for and to what we aspire to. I am proud to be the guardian of a fine legacy, honed over many years for the benefit of your child; I am part of Ballyclare High. What about you?
Dr Michelle Rainey Principal
I am welcomed. Read more on page 29.
“I loved getting to meet my new class and by the end of the night I had already made some new friends… I can’t wait to start in September.”
Pastoral Care pervades everyday life in Ballyclare High School. It is the vital ingredient when it comes to realising the potential of every child in our care as we nurture them towards adulthood, confident about who they are and what they can achieve. Even before they arrive we focus on extending that welcome to all who aspire to be part of what we offer here with our:
• Primary School Outreach for sport, drama, music, ICT, languages • P6 familiarisation activities • Transition projects with feeder primary schools • Visits to feeder primaries by Head and Assistant Head of Year 8 • Open Night • AQE provision for 300 P7 pupils choosing to take their test in Ballyclare High • Liaison between P7 teachers, Head of Year 8 and our teacher in charge of special needs • Induction Evening for P7 pupils and their parents
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I am safe.
In Ballyclare High we believe that the most basic and powerful way to keep our children safe is to listen; perhaps the most important thing pastorally we can ever give them is our attention. In a recent independent external survey carried out by Kirkland Rowell, 1104 pupils and all parents who responded rated the following as “excellent”: • • • • • •
The safeguarding arrangements School discipline Control of bullying Ensuring pupils do their best and make progress Explaining to parents how to help their child The handling of complaints
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
We promote a fully inclusive education for our pupils to ensure that every learner is given an equal chance and the necessary support to achieve their full potential. Information from primary schools and parents is invaluable to the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Department as they start planning for provision prior to pupils’ commencement date.
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Counselling in school In Ballyclare High School highly qualified and trained staff work very hard to ensure that our pupils are challenged while they learn. Some, however, are hampered from achieving their full potential for a number of reasons including social and emotional issues, family bereavement or personal problems. Counselling provides an opportunity to talk to a professionally qualified Familyworks counsellor who will listen to their concerns.
Safeguarding Children cannot learn effectively or develop unless they feel secure and therefore we expect every pupil to work to create an ethos which contributes to the care, safety and well-being of all pupils in our school community. As well as having a statutory responsibility for pupils’ learning and pastoral care, Ballyclare High School recognises that pupils in our charge have a fundamental right to be protected from harm. In particular, we undertake to do whatever is reasonable to safeguard or promote our pupils’ safety and well-being. All our staff are fully trained in Child Protection procedures and in identifying any problems of this nature. Our Safeguarding Policy sets out clearly the procedures to be followed, drawing on the advice provided by the Education Authority and the Child Protection Support Service for Schools (CPSSS).
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I am safe. Read more on page 30.
“The school is to be complimented for the way in which it strives to share its good online safety practice and has taken a lead in this respect in Northern Ireland.” Online SafetyMark Assessor’s Report, March 2018
I am supported. Read more on page 31.
We appreciate all children need help to learn at some point in their school journey. From the earliest possible opportunity support is given and tailored to the individual needs of the child. Embedded in every year group and in every subject are programmes of marked assessment tasks which have been designed by subject specialists to track the progress of every pupil. At regular intervals throughout the school year this information is entered onto a central database where all teachers who have responsibility for a child’s learning can view their performance and evaluate whether or not help is required. This review process is a collaboration between the subject teacher and the form tutor which begins early in the first term of the academic year. From this point a series of initiatives meet the precise needs of each pupil to support their progress.
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Junior pupils are mentored in a range of subjects by Sixth Form guides who share their experience and knowledge. In addition, these programmes provide excellent leadership opportunities for Sixth Form pupils, particularly those who wish to pursue careers which involve working with children.
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I am developed. Read more on page 32.
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Ballyclare High is a traditional grammar school which, unapologetically, places a strong emphasis upon high standards of academic attainment. In an age of unprecedented distraction, it is vital that children are challenged to learn in ways which satisfy their natural curiosity and meet the demands of living in the twenty first century. Staff are highly qualified subject specialists with an expertise in drawing from their pupils the best outcomes through the use of a wide range of strategies and practices in the classroom. We are all different. It is an essential part of any child’s education that they are given opportunities to explore what they can do and pursue that ability as fully as possible within and beyond the boundaries of the classroom. 13
I am given opportunities. International
The international dimension is an integral aspect of life in Ballyclare High School. From the moment pupils are welcomed to our school they are offered invaluable insights into international connections and cultures. As current holders of the British Council International School Award 2015-21, we are proud of an unbroken record of 7 consecutive accreditations since we became the first school in Northern Ireland to receive this accolade in 2000.
• • • • • • • • • • • • 14
3 languages in Years 8-10 Annual exchange trips to France and Germany GCSE Spanish trip to Barcelona Language Leaders Award Scheme Native Language Assistants Primary School Outreach European Day of Languages Euro Village on Open Night Ski trip Year 8 trip Hockey and Rugby tours Field Trips
I am given opportunities. Drama
“I can work with others. I can understand other people’s point of view and express my own. I can make myself seen and heard. I can present to others with confidence. I can become someone else. I can face things that make me nervous. I can use my imagination. I can create. I can be myself.”
“I can study drama in class and practise it after school. I can enjoy it as a subject or as a hobby. I can learn about careers in the performing arts industry. I can find out about past pupils working in the industry. I can choose Drama for GCSE and A Level. I can join in the school production. I can be part of a team.”
“I can use Drama to understand history, society and the world. I can use Drama to teach others about the world around us. I can understand a range of genres from Musical Theatre to Modern Drama. I can design. I can direct. I can perform.”
“I can be an actor. I can be a set designer. I can be a stage manager. I can be a teacher, a lawyer or an entrepreneur. I can do anything and I can do it better because I am confident in who I am.”
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I am given opportunities. Music Read more on page 33.
Music is at the centre of a great deal of pupil life in Ballyclare High. The sound of instruments playing and pupils singing can be heard to reverberate before, during and after classes on every day of the school week. Music’s importance is reflected in the fact that it is offered as a curriculum subject to all pupils in Years 8–10 and it is an option for formal study at GCSE and Advanced Level. The school also facilitates preparations for ABRSM, Trinity and Rock School examinations.
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“I am part of the Ballyclare High School Music family… I have been given the skills to work alongside other people and perform in public.”
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I am given opportunities. Sport
Ballyclare High has a proud tradition of high performance alongside participation for all: this school believes in sport.
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School sport epitomises and demands the values which lie at the heart of our shared vision. Hard work and integrity sit perfectly alongside success, respect and teamwork. These are key attributes not only for sport but for the wider world of life and work. Sport complements our school ethos to develop lifelong participants and reinforces the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for both body and mind. At this school, sport provides an unrivalled route for young people to learn new skills, become more confident and maximise their potential. They develop the art of selfmanagement through commitment, discipline and a determined work ethic.
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1022 pupils out of a population of 1234 have undertaken an extra-curricular sport (EFQM study).
Through participation children have fun, make new friends and experience life in a way that will enhance their personal growth. Working together as members of teams they learn to respect one another and their opponents whether through house or inter-school competition. We also instil in players the need to give something back, whether to younger age groups or by taking on a role for their team or sport. In tandem with this we create an awareness of other pathways in sport and promote leadership activities where pupils acquire the skills to become a good coach and volunteer in our community. Ballyclare High can boast a myriad of sporting titles at Ulster and Irish level across a range of activities, both as team and individual champions. This has led to a significant number of pupils being selected to represent Ulster and Ireland at all age groups and activities as noted in the array of individuals in our Hall of Fame. 20
“I get opportunities and support to reach the top.�
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I am given opportunities After school
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Athletics Badminton Cricket Cross Country Football Golf Hockey Netball Rugby Swimming Table Tennis Tennis Fair Trade Club Geography Buddy Club Duke of Edinburgh Eco Club Debating Public Speaking Drama Club Science Club Orchestra
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Wind Band Junior Choir Boys’ Choir Senior Choir Chamber Choir Junior Strings Flute Ensemble Language Leaders Bar Mock Trial Language Debating Outdoor Pursuits Literacy Shed Pins & Needles Sewing Club Model Railway Club AIM (Maths) Digital Leaders Scouts, Beavers and Cubs School Council School Musical Maths MOT Creative Writing
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I am prepared. Careers Read more on page 34.
Young people’s time in Ballyclare High School is a transitional stage from childhood into the world of work, often via further and higher education. Careers staff work passionately alongside our young people to prepare them for a future which is fast paced and globalised. Leaving school is both an exciting and daunting prospect so levels of support and guidance are high. This school invests heavily in ensuring cognisance of labour market trends is an integral part of both curriculum planning and the Careers advice and guidance programme. From the gentle introduction to their careers journey in Year 8 through tailored GCSE and A level choices, appropriate pathways are targeted at both post-16 and 18 for individuals:
• Year 10, 12, 13 and 14 weekly careers guidance is complemented with careers interviews, work placements and subject choice support to lay the path for confident higher education decisions. • Interview skills, guidance on completing application forms and CVs, and employers’ expectations are all preparation for the world of work. • Year 8 and 9 pupils are introduced to a variety of careers, skills and qualities required in the workplace. • An annual Ballyclare Learning Community Careers Convention brings employers, professionals, colleges and universities from across the UK to our doorstep.
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I am prepared. Digital Read more on page 35.
“Ballyclare High is an excellent example of a digital school where the learning, teaching, assessment, monitoring and administration are seamlessly supported by digital technology. Teachers have enhanced their primary goal, that of inspiring and enabling lifelong learners, using effective and innovative digital technologies. This creates a learning community that helps pupils engage with and indeed shape the future digital world.�
Digital Schools Award 2018 Assessor Report.
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I am prepared. Sixth Form Read more on page 36.
We consider our Sixth Form at Ballyclare High School to be a key part of a large and highly successful school. We pride ourselves in creating an environment in which all students achieve the right balance of independence, challenge and supportive guidance.
Sixth Form is a unique place within the wider school community where students are required, within a continued framework of guidance, encouragement and support, to be creative, take responsibility and demonstrate a commitment to independent study. Pupils are prepared for the transition to Sixth Form through a comprehensive Induction programme. Expectations are high and progress is regularly monitored through a process of target-setting, early intervention strategies and pupil interviews.
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Accolades Ballyclare High School has received many awards/accolades as we work hard to continually raise the standard of education offered to our pupils through quality assurance. Accolades achieved by the school include: • 2001 Institute for IT Training Silver Award (UK) • 2002 Institute for IT Training Silver Award (UK) • 2006 ICT Excellence Awards (UK) • 2006-2011 ICT Specialist School • 2007 & 2010 National Training Awards (UK) • 2007, 2011 & 2014 ICT Mark (1st in NI) • 2012 3rd Millennium Learning Award (1st in NI) • 2014 British Academy Language Award • 2007, 2011, 2014 & 2017 Secondary Geography Quality Mark (1st in NI: only NI school to be awarded 4 times) • 2006, 2008, 2001 & 2014 Investors in People Core Standard • 2014 & 2017 Investors in People Good Practice Health and Well-being Award ( first school in NI) • 2015 ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Award (Eco Club) • 2015 ECO-UNESCO Most Innovative Action Project (Young Scientist Team) • 2015 & 2018 E-safety Mark (1st in NI) • 2015 Intel World Visionary ICT Teacher (1st in NI; only 40 in the world) • 2000-2021 British Council International School Award (1st to receive in NI and now 7th consecutive time) • 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 Best Kept School Award • 2017, 2018 Digital Schoolhouse Status • 2017 Digital School Award (UK Award)
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A little extra detail.
I am welcomed. Starting a new school is a huge change for
Year 8 Form Tutors are key figures in the
everyone so we have a carefully crafted
pastoral system whatever the question or
programme to help pupils and parents adjust
issue. They meet and take time to listen to
and feel comfortable. In June they both come
pupils in their form class at the start of every
into school to get a feel for what lies ahead
day. They also deliver a challenging Life Skills
in September and during Year 8. This is a
programme each week that incorporates
great opportunity to alleviate concerns about
aspects of personal development, citizenship
classes and the support that is on offer and to
and employability. They ensure standards of
ensure that their introductory period is free
conduct and work are maintained at a high
from worry. New pupils meet their form tutor,
level and liaise with parents regarding these
their buddies and classmates in the room
matters. Their first task is to verse our children
they will be based in for registration during
in our commonly observed routines that benefit
the year ahead. Parents meet key staff and
them in adjusting to life at Ballyclare High.
hear all about how to help make the move
They provide a clear understanding right from
to big school easy as they too begin their
the start about what is expected and provide
partnership with us.
continuity with primary school experiences.
We bring Year 8 in again for a half day at the
Early in the winter term the year group spend
beginning of term to ensure they have time
a day off timetable designed to allow them all
getting to know the school environment as a
to get to know each other better, enjoy team-
year group without the busy corridors full of
building activities and grow confidence in a
other pupils.
supportive environment.
Senior pupils are appointed as Buddies to
Their parent consultation is deliberately
support and help our new Year 8 children
scheduled before Christmas to afford an
to settle into their new school, mainly by
early pastoral opportunity for parent and
returning the kindness shown to them in Year
school to come together to ensure things are
8 by their Buddies. Buddies have applied for
progressing just as they should. Active parental
and been interviewed to undertake such a
support is an invaluable element not only
special role.
during this settling in period but throughout the rest of each child’s life here at school.
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I am safe. Our whole school strategy for Online Safety involves governors, staff, parents and pupils and features: •
A bespoke Online Safety education programme, delivered by Form Tutors
•
Peer support from trained Childnet Digital Leaders
•
Pupil leadership opportunities through close working relationships with leading online safety and
anti-bullying organisations, including gaming developer Supercell, The Diana Award Anti-Bullying
Pro, Childnet and the Safeguarding Board NI
•
Support for parents managing online safety incidents that occur outside school
Some of the public roles undertaken by pupils in the last 4 years include: •
Representing the UK on the EU Safer Internet Forum in Luxembourg.
•
Speaking to business leaders at a national conference as a representative of the National
Children’s Bureau Youth Panel.
•
Contributing to the Safeguarding Board app for young people, working alongside online
safety organisation Ineqe.
•
Acting as members of the Supercell Youth Anti-Bullying Panel, visiting Helsinki for the
launch event.
As with all aspects of your child’s
At Ballyclare High School we are acutely aware that
education, a joint approach between
there is an ever-changing world of online learning,
school and home will help to keep every
collaboration and global connection. We encourage
child safe online. As such, we endeavour to
the use of emergent technologies in a safe and
share relevant and up-to-date information
responsible way to ensure that pupils are engaged
with parents via various media including
and equipped with the digital skills needed to work
dedicated social media channels, school
beyond the confines of the classroom walls.
newsletters and our website. Parents receive a copy of the Digital Parenting
As a result of demonstrating exemplary practice in
Magazine annually.
online safety, Ballyclare High is the only school in Northern Ireland to have achieved the Online Safety
Follow us on Twitter @BHS_DL and our Facebook page Online Safety at Ballyclare High School.
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Mark at post-primary level.
I am supported. An integral part of the Life Skills curriculum is spent advising pupils of helpful coping strategies to build resilience and selfconfidence. This is a programme that is enhanced by the inclusion of outside agencies which exist to provide children with help in navigating the many challenges faced by young people in today’s society. Staff are trained to have coaching conversations with pupils who are then enabled to develop independence through a process of questioning and self-discovery. This approach supports children as they develop the skills to reflect on areas for improvement and make better choices to fulfil their potential and improve their learning From time to time it is effective to introduce experts from external bodies into school. “Amazing Brains” presentations are given to pupils at all levels of learning to encourage better habits of study and effective skills in organisation. “I know more about how my memory works and how I can use this in school.” Parents are also invited to presentations to encourage them to be better equipped to support their children’s learning. It is a core tenet of the school’s approach to supporting a pupil’s progress that this is best secured as a partnership in which teachers and parents work together for the benefit of the child.
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I am developed. Direct instruction, group discussions, oral
We have pioneered links with the University
presentations, role play and digital processes
of Oxford and the Wellcome Trust who are
are among the strategies children experience
researching methods of improving resilience in
on a daily basis. Active learning, informed
teenagers via the MYRIAD programme which
feedback, effective questioning, flipped
feeds into a national scientific study. We believe
classrooms and advanced research skills
that healthy, resilient pupils who can cope with
all provide pupils with a creative learning
everyday pressures are equipped to meet the
experience.
challenge of later life.
Ballyclare High is only the second post-primary school in Northern Ireland
Pupils are guided into opportunities for leadership throughout their school career. A wide variety of extra-curricular experiences involving sport, the performing arts and programmes for peer instruction nurture leadership responsibility, independence and accountability in our children. The challenge to pursue high standards of personal attainment will require children to develop habits of resilience. Ballyclare High is the only post-primary in Northern Ireland to have achieved the Investors in People Health and Well-being Award for the second time. The assessment panel for the award highlighted the positive and supportive culture found in school which has motivated teachers who actively manage their own health and well-being as a route to securing high performance. They provide positive role models for our pupils to develop good wellbeing practices. A climate of openness and trust is promoted throughout the school and effective coping strategies are taught explicitly in Life Skills classes throughout the school year.
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undertaking this initiative.
I am given opportunities. Music An extensive co-curricular programme is available which offers weekly tuition on strings, woodwind, brass, guitar, percussion instruments and vocal lessons. There are four separate choirs: junior choir; boys’ choir; senior choir and chamber choir. They all perform regularly at school events, music festivals and public occasions. Many of our singers gain places in the Ulster Youth Choir and the Chamber Choir have frequently been finalists in the Ulster Choir of the Year competition. All pupils who receive string, woodwind and brass lessons combine to form our school orchestra. In addition, there are string and flute ensembles as well as a wind band. Many of our instrumentalists are selected for places in the Ulster Youth Orchestra and Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra. There is a long and successful tradition of light opera and musical theatre in school. Recent performances have included Beauty and the Beast, Carousel, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. The popularity of these enterprises, on occasion, has prompted a move for these productions to the Theatre at the Mill and Ballyearl’s Courtyard Theatre.
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I am prepared. Careers In the last comparative study conducted by
In the school’s most recent ETI Report work-
Kirkland Rowell, both pupils and parents
related opportunities were highly commended;
rated the choice of subjects and careers
particular note was made of provision for all
advice as “outstanding”.
careers-related pathways not just university.
According to Northern Ireland grammar
“I would like to take this opportunity to both
school statistics Ballyclare High School
thank and congratulate you on the exceptional
pupils are more likely to enter higher
careers event organised at school. Our staff and
education in comparison with other
faculty marketing team visit many such events
grammar schools: 94% continue into
at regional, national and international levels but
further or higher education.
the event management at Ballyclare High sits at the pinnacle and continues to reach new levels
A number of universities seek applications from our pupils because of their highly developed skills set and can-do attitude. 98% receive offers from their first choice university courses. Such is the staying power of our pupils, retention rates at their university courses are extremely high; over 30% proceed to secure first class honours.
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of excellence.” Stephen McKay, QUB
I am prepared. Digital
There is a recognised tradition of excellence in Using ICT as a central feature of the classroom experience at Ballyclare High. We are awardwinning innovators in the use of progressive technologies to enrich standards of teaching for learning. Our continuously evolving expertise and investment in creative learning opportunities are endorsed by an impressive number of external awards over the years. Most recently, the growth in creative industries across Northern Ireland has shaped what we do to ensure our pupils remain competitive as potential employees.
Key features: •
Extensive use of innovative software and apps to develop digital literacy
•
Gaming to engage learners in mastery of the digital world
•
Commitment to developing coding and programming skills
•
Bring-your-own-device scheme
•
Online safety focus
•
Film and screen industry links through Moving Image Art
•
ICT links with Industry
•
Year 8 off-timetable Blitz Days
•
Parent App
•
Green hardware-recycling scheme
•
Primary outreach – Digital Schoolhouse
•
E-learning with Fronter
Digital Schoolhouse “Digital Schoolhouse” status has been awarded to Ballyclare High School by Ukie, the only trade body for the UK’s games and interactive entertainment industry, which is delivering this innovative project. Ballyclare High School staff lend their expertise by using playbased learning with local primary school pupils to educate the next generation in the possibilities and opportunities in computing industries.
IT Industry Links •
Kainos Earn as you Learn scheme
•
PwC Software Engineering degree apprenticeships in partnership with Queen's University
•
Deloitte BrightStart: Consulting – Technology apprenticeships
•
Allstate partnership including education and apprenticeships programme
•
LibertyIT partnership including education and apprenticeships programme
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I am prepared. Sixth form Sixth Form students play an invaluable role in assisting with the running of the school and act as role models for younger pupils. The Heads of Year 13 and 14 work, in conjunction with a team of form tutors, to support, engage and advise pupils. All tutor groups follow a Life Skills programme, central to which is the development of personal skills. Careers advice and guidance also feature prominently. Work experience undertaken in Year 13 and detailed information about progression from Sixth Form guide pupils in making their application to Higher Education. The timetabled enrichment options are designed to be fun and to provide relaxation but also afford an opportunity to acquire additional skills, not offered as part of the curriculum, which can enhance CVs and UCAS applications.
Options include: •
Community Service
•
Self-Defence
•
Magazine
•
Food Safety
•
Yearbook
•
Survival Cookery
•
Language Leaders
•
Careers
•
Russian Studies
•
Musical/Choir
•
Japanese
•
Primary School Support
•
Ulster Scots
•
Programming
•
Sign Language
Pupil Leadership Opportunities to accept leadership responsibilities include roles as:
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•
Class representatives
•
Pupil Mentors
•
School Council representatives
•
Junior School Buddies
•
Digital Leaders
•
Prefects
•
Language Leaders
•
Music Monitors
•
Sports Leaders
•
Contributors to Musical and Drama productions
•
Team Captains
•
Outreach Ambassadors to local primary schools
•
House Captains
•
ICT Buddies
Our values Caring This is a caring environment in which pupils can rely on their teachers and others for sympathetic support when it is needed; this is a place where we learn to listen to one another as we try to help others when they feel they are on their own.
Respect Everyone is encouraged to be courteous to each other and respectful of the school environment. Respect is at the heart of Ballyclare High and this contributes to a sense of a community where everyone feels supported and valued.
Ambition Everyone at Ballyclare High is encouraged to be ambitious for themselves and for the school; this ambition includes pursuing academic, sporting and cultural experiences and achievements. Ambition should reach beyond self-interest to serve the interests of the whole school community and embrace the wider world.
Perseverance All are encouraged to persevere through difficulties that may arise to pursue their goals and meet their targets regardless of the circumstances that may constrain them. Everyone is encouraged not to give up and will be given support in all circumstances.
Success To nurture every member of Ballyclare High academically, morally, emotionally and spiritually. The maturity of the individual who leaves school is reflected in their wider interests and achievements which have equal value with academic attainment in measuring success.
Creativity To work in a highly focused way on ideas and projects, crafting them into their best forms and making critical judgements along the way about which work best and why.
Ballyclare High School is a competitive grammar school with a proven record of achievement in academic distinction and extra-curricular excellence. 
It is steeped in a tradition of high performance that reaches back over one hundred years and is best represented in the school motto, “Industria et Probitate�, which emphasises the fact that hard work and personal integrity are at the heart of our values. In our determination to blend the best of long-established processes and cuttingedge contemporary approaches to learning, we believe that we offer an approach which provides an ideal basis for our pupils to advance into the adult world with confidence and success.