BallyClare High School Magazine 2019/2020 by ThinkFinch

B AL

R E H IG H S

O HO

A CL

S I N DU T R IA

B IT AT E

AMMAR

Ballyclare High School Magazine 2019/20

am part of Ballyclare High

Ballyclare High School Magazine 2019/20

School Events

Foreword It gives me great pleasure to present to you our School Magazine for 2019-20. Given the unprecedented circumstances our whole community has faced, this will naturally be a curtailed magazine, but still very recognisable as a summary of the richness of what a year in Ballyclare High School brings. We have experienced a sadness and regret at the loss of current and former colleagues and at the limitations placed on the usual provision made for pupils,

Dr Michelle Rainey Principal

especially leavers. The range of activities normally available in the summer term too have been markedly constrained. However, it is also a year in which, despite the circumstances, the whole school family came together to support each other and to make things not only as normal as possible but the best that they could be for everyone, such is the spirit of Ballyclare High. The investment and care taken by Mrs Skene, Mr Nutt and the pupil editorial team of Jessie Kennedy and Rachel Dundee is hugely appreciated; compiling content has been made all the more difficult through remote channels whilst teaching and supporting pupils with their learning has been ever more challenging than the normal modus operandi. Once again in this edition you will be treated to an array of pupil accomplishments that are broader and richer than you can imagine. Prize Night and Honours assemblies are signature events that pay tribute traditionally to the highest quality of achievements but those that are marked and celebrated on those occasions are only slim slice of our pupilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; successes. Our investment in a culture of providing opportunities for every child and of

nurturing them in confidence and spirit, to feel their worth collectively and individually through whatever their talents and interests are, is an explicit and tireless pursuit. Enjoy your read, ponder the little faces, the smiles and the stories, all the little lives behind them, and I challenge you not to feel the power of our collective efforts to raise our children up. I am in awe of the strength of partnerships between the adults, the adults and the children and between the children themselves, that is displayed here for all to celebrate. I am indebted to my staff for all they strive for, for our children, and for their compassion in all they afford them to allow them to thrive. We remain hugely respectful of what our parents, governors and friends of the school bring to the table for without you we cannot do all this. Congratulations to everyone for another successful year at Ballyclare High! Dr Michelle Rainey Principal #Iampartofballyclarehigh

Contents Editorial 5 Staff

Pupil Leaders

School Events

Subject In Focus 64

Languages

Music

Trips and Tours

Creative Contributions 94

Art 104

Charities

Sport

126

132

84 Clubs and Societies 120

Final Words 176

Ballyclare High School Magazine 2019/20

Staff

Editorial Welcome to the 2019-20 edition of the BHS School Magazine. This year has been remarkable in many ways. Life has changed, routines have been disrupted, and we have had to adapt to things feeling a little different in school. Nevertheless, I am more sure than ever that it is the people - the staff, pupils and wider school community - that make Ballyclare High School such a special place to be a part of. We invite you to take time to read this new digital version of the School Magazine. Our hope is that as you look back over a remarkable academic year, you will see displayed the same spirit of hard work and honesty that is at the heart of our school. There are many successes, achievements, and awards to be celebrated. From academia, to sport, music and across all our extra-curricular school life, we have much for which to proud and grateful. There are staff members, the loss of whom we have mourned with great sadness. Skilled educators and wonderful colleagues whose lives impacted so many of us in so many ways. Gone too soon and not quickly forgotten. To the pupils reading: you should be proud of your efforts and of your contributions to the life of this school. You should also take pride in the successes of your peers and friends. These are the relationships and experiences that will help shape the rest of your life; go forward into this year emboldened with that knowledge. To the parents, teachers, school support staff, and wider family circles: your support and love has helped nurture the successes of these young people. Thank you! Finally, I am indebted to Mr Nutt for his tireless work, his proof-reading, and his help at all stages of production. Thanks also to Jessie Kennedy and Rachel Dundee, our Editorial team of 2019-20. This magazine is a team achievement and I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done it without you.

Mrs C Skene School Magazine Editor

Staff

In Memoriam Dr Austin Walter Millar 1964-2020

Dr Austin Walter Millar, highly esteemed friend, colleague and Senior Teacher.

The Ballyclare High School community is deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, colleague and teacher. Austin commenced his teaching career in the school on 1st September 1995. He faithfully and consistently served the school community over the last 25 years. Austin was born in April 1964 to the late Walter and Jean Millar of Ard Na Maine, Cullybackey and was twin brother of the late Audrey Reid and brother-in-law of Kelvin. After reading for a BSc in Botany and Genetics at Queen’s University Belfast, he remained there to complete his PhD in Genetics, before going on to attain a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. As a newly qualified teacher in 1995 he quickly established himself in the school in his role as teacher of Biology and Junior Science. He developed a particularly strong rapport with pupils and staff alike. As a young member of staff Austin assumed responsibility for pupil lockers and became affectionately known as ‘the locker man’. Austin was a highly intelligent individual and an esteemed statistician. He was promoted to the role of Senior Teacher in 2007. His tremendous abilities in data analysis and examination statistics are renowned in the profession and his work was shared with many schools across Northern Ireland. One of his endearing qualities was his humorous style of presentation which proved to be most popular with pupils, parents and staff alike. 6

Staff Austin also contributed fulsomely to the school’s extra-curricular programme. His love of cricket was infectious, and he was a dedicated umpire. He prided himself on his detailed knowledge of the laws of the game and enjoyed applying that knowledge on the cricket pitch. We fondly recall the extravagance of his hand gestures, especially when signalling a four, particularly in 1st XI vs Old Boys encounters. His distinctive Tilley Hat and body warmer conjure up warm memories of his enjoyment of his sport on sunny summer afternoons. Several colleagues remember with fondness travelling with Austin to watch Test Matches and the lively debates he ‘chaired’. From 1997-1999 Austin was Assistant Scout Leader of 1st Ballyclare Scouts (based in the school) and he progressed to the role of Scout Leader, a position he proudly held from 1999-2007. During this time, he is remembered for successfully introducing archery to the troop and school, developing excellent relationships with Muckamore Company of Archers, and securing funding for equipment. The annual Year 8 Languages Educational Trip was something he looked forward to. He thoroughly enjoyed seeing hundreds of pupils gaining a firsthand experience of foreign language and culture and colleagues enjoyed hearing of his travels upon his return. Austin was a well-read academic who had the ability to connect with pupils of all ages. He brought his subject to life in the classroom, combining his expert knowledge with his sense of humour and storytelling; for instance, he had an imaginary monster living in one of the filing cabinets in his classroom. He possessed an immense passion for justice and yet was as equally soft-hearted. In working with staff, he coined the phrase ‘corridor constable’ and took this role seriously, even acquiring a Sheriff’s badge to interject some fun. He had the ability to defuse tense situations with humour and charmed pupils into good behaviour. His adoration of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher undoubtedly nurtured his intolerance of gimmicks and furthered his unshakeable belief in the fundamental decency of our pupils. Austin’s passing will leave a huge gap in our hearts as a school community, but his memory and admirable values of integrity, justice and love will live on in our Ballyclare High family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his brother-in-law Kelvin, and his wider family circle.

Staff

In Memoriam Thomas Semple Young 1948-2019

Tommy Young was born in Larne in October 1948 and lived in the town or its vicinity almost all his life. At Larne Grammar School he became Head Boy, made lasting friendships and met Sandra, the love of his life. When they married in 1971, Tommy had completed the Physical Education course at Stranmillis College and secured his first teaching post in Greenland Secondary School. Stephen’s birth a few years later completed the family that was the centre of Tommy’s world.

At ‘Stran’ his mesmeric skills on the rugby pitch flourished. In recent years he enjoyed attending Kings Scholars’ reunions, meeting up with teammates from ‘Scholars’ Canadian tour of 1969 on which Tommy was the acknowledged star. Subsequently he was selected for Junior Ulster and played senior rugby with Civil Service and Ballymena. Men and women, boys and girls responded to Tommy’s positivity and genuine interest in them. His pupils benefited from his professionalism and humanity. From 1971 he was most closely associated with Ballyclare High School as Head of the PE Department. With unflagging passion and unfaltering integrity, he followed his core belief that his role was to enable children and young people to develop as individuals, acquire skills and knowledge for healthy lives and enjoy physical activity. Tommy was recognised by academics and his peers as a leading practitioner. He was an excellent organiser and a coach of the highest calibre. Events he led in school or for other organisations ran like clockwork; he co-coached the side that won the Medallion Shield in 1990; Ballyclare High pupils were repeatedly to the fore in athletics, with numerous all-Ireland successes and international athletes. Occasionally he had to call on his talents to coax and cajole colleagues who found themselves with games periods as a matter of timetable necessity, rather than sporting acumen. Ever self-effacing, he was quick to give credit to all involved in working with him. His real success, however, was as a caring 8

Staff

teacher with a pastoral awareness which he showed to such good effect as Head of Year. He was one of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great encouragers, rejoicing in the success of others and, as he saw the good in others, they responded to him. Tommy retired in 2016, after 34 years in Ballyclare High; a hugely well-respected educator, popular colleague and supportive teacher. Numerous tributes were received, including many from former pupils. In retirement, after a devastating diagnosis, he refused to let the condition control his life; he and Sandra enjoyed many holidays at home and abroad; he revelled in the company of family and friends. As his physical condition deteriorated he was grateful for the care he received from the medical and nursing staff in Antrim Area Hospital. Our deepest sympathies go to Sandra and Stephen who feel Tommyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loss most keenly. Mr R Hassard

In Memoriam Mr Roy McKay

Roy McKay was an extremely talented and accomplished pianist who was renowned for inspiring his pupils. Instrumental music was his real passion and he led the school orchestra and instrumentalists through a period in which the school was establishing its reputation across the province for nurturing musical talent. His colleagues remember him as an excellent teacher who possessed a great sense of humour. This made him very easy to work with, unless you compromised his music practices! He inspired many of his pupils to achieve great things in the world of music with one prodigy, former Head Boy Joe McKee, emerging as one of the prominent figures in music in Northern Ireland. A family man, he will be remembered with affection by all who knew him and sadly missed. 9

Staff

Welcome to New Members of Staff

Mrs Aline Tchekmeian-Iman Head of French

Miss Rebecca Bell Physics

Mrs Naomi Ellison Geography

Mr Thomas Spratt Geography

Mrs Beth Patterson R.S.

Miss Jessica Rollins ICT

Mr Michael Hawthorne Technology

Retirement Farewell to Mr Brian Tipping Congratulations to Mr Brian Tipping who has retired after 15 years of committed service to Ballyclare High School as a most valuable member of staff. His funny, kind and compassionate personality made him not only a colleague but a friend who was genuinely interested in this school, the staff and its pupils and who saw his job as a vocation. Rising through the ranks to Building Supervisor he not only attended to routine duties but also became involved in whatever was required in improvement projects such as the courtyard garden work, including his ongoing and vested interest in the wildlife pond; the school has won the Best Kept School Award on five occasions now, testimony to his involvement with Eco Club and work alongside senior staff. 10

As a former Linfield footballer, Brian’s keen interest in all sports made him a fervent supporter at all the main sporting events doubling up as our bus-man when needed. He became a critical coach to us too, both when things went well and not so well, often asking ‘why did you do that?’ His involvement in school life secured an affection held by pupils and staff alike. A testimony to him as a person, even after critical surgery, was his determination to return to work and we applaud him for such spirit and attitude. Brian is now busy with bowling, golf and membership of a walking group. Not one to be inactive, his days are vibrant with social and healthy pursuits and many others are benefitting from his sense of humour and fun-filled approach. We wish him all the very best for a long, happy and healthy retirement!

Staff

Teaching Staff Miss L Abbott

Mathematics

Mrs J McCluney

Biology, Head of Year 13, Timetabling

Mr R V Adamson

Head of Physics, Careers

Miss E McConnell

English, Teacher Librarian

Mr R M Barr

Technology, Senior Staff (Premises), Exams Officer

Mrs A McCullough

Physical Education, Senior Staff (PR & Recruitment)

Mr M Bell

Mathematics, Ast Exams Officer

Mrs A McKay

Vice Principal (Pastoral), Physics

Miss R Bell

Physics

Mr M McKeever

Physical Education, Director of Rugby

Mr S Black

Head of Technology, Silver DofE Coord

Mrs P McKeown

Mathematics

Miss V McKinty

Physical Education, Business Studies, Head of Year 8

Mrs J McQuoid

Head of German (shared), French, Careers

Dr A W Millar

Biology, Senior Staff

Mr R Milliken

Moving Image Arts, Art, Ast Head of Year 11

Biology, Head of Year 11, Bronze DofE Coord

Mrs C Montgomery

Biology, Head of Year 10, LLW Coord

Dr K P Conway

History

Mrs J Montgomery

Head of Business Studies, Teacher Tutor

Mr J Corry

Head of Physical Education (shared)

Miss L Murray

Head of Physical Education (shared)

Miss L Cosgrove

English

Miss H Myles

Religious Studies

Mrs N Craig

Head of Biology, Senior Staff

Mr J Nelson

Miss J E Dickey

Head of Mathematics, Teacher Gov

Head of Spanish, French, International Dimension Coord

Mrs C Doherty

Music

Miss R Nixon

Chemistry

Geography, Careers

Mr M T Nutt

Spanish, French, PR

Mathematics, Numeracy Coord, Gold DofE Coord, Transport

Ms D Orr

Head of Music

Mrs K Orr

History

Mrs L Fenton

History

Mrs B Patterson

Religious Studies

Mrs J Gaston

Head of Home Economics

Dr M Rainey

Principal

Mr J Gerrish

Head of Chemistry

Miss K Rea

Mrs O Gilkeson

Art

Home Economics, Child Development, Health and Social Care

Mrs T Gillespie

Physics

Mr P M Reid

Head of Art

English

Mrs J Richardson

Geography, Head of Careers

Technology

Mrs P Roebuck

Accounting, Mathematics

Mathematics, Online Safety Coord, Head of Year 12

Miss J Rollins

ICT

Miss J Scott

Mathematics, Timetabling

Mrs J Holmes

English, Ast Head of Year 9

Mr G Shaw

Mrs D Huddleston

Technology

Geography, ET Strategy, School Website, Parent App

Mrs D Johnston

Head of English

Mrs C Skene

English, School Magazine

Head of German (shared), French, Head of Year 14, Teacher Gov

Mrs L Smith

English, SENCo

Miss A P Spence

Chemistry

Mrs S Kent

German, French, Head of Year 9

Mr T Spratt

Geography

Mr P M Leckey

Business Studies, Business Manager

Mrs E Supple

Chemistry

Mr G M Lenaghan

English, Senior Staff (Teaching for Learning)

Mrs A Tchekmeian-Imam

Head of French

Mrs C Thompson

English, KS3 English Coord, Literacy Coord

Mr S Thompson

Physical Education, Head of Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Games

Mrs J Wallace

Spanish, French, Ast Head of Year 8

Mrs H Bleakley

English

Mrs S Carlisle

Head of History

Mr T J Coleman

Art

Mrs A Colville

English, Ast Head of Year 14, DofE Admin Coord

Miss L Conlon

Mrs N Ellison Mr J M Farquhar

Mrs E Hanna Mr M Hawthorne Mrs M Hill

Mrs A Kennedy

Mrs A McBurney

Home Economics, Health and Social Care

Miss A McClelland

Head of Drama, English

Mrs R McClintock

Religious Studies, Careers, Head of Year 12

Staff

Teaching Staff

Mrs V Walker

ICT

Mr A Wilson

French

Mrs N Ward

Head of ICT, KS3 ICT Coord

Dr A J Witherow

Mrs A Ward

Biology, Ast Head of Year 13

Vice Principal (Curriculum), Geography

Mr C Waring

History, Head of Politics

Mrs H Wynn

Mrs A Watt

Head of Religious Studies, Ast Head of Year 10

Home Economics, Child Dev, H & S Care, Healthy Schools Coord

Mrs K Young

Biology, Science Competitions

Mrs S Wells

Head of Geography

Mr P Young

Mr J B Whincup

Geography, Sixth Form Options, Prefects

Chemistry, Ast Head of Year 12, Photographs and Stationary

Support Staff

Miss Jane Miller

Laboratory Technician

Mrs Lynda McCullough

Senior Executive Officer

Mrs Caroline Maxwell

Laboratory Technician

Mrs Michelle McGuigan Senior Clerical Officer

Mrs Ruth-Ann Lynch

Laboratory Technician

Mrs Lyn Heaton

Senior Clerical Officer

Mr Brian Millar

Technology Technician

Mrs Natalie Killen

Senior Clerical Officer

Mrs Jackie Hanna

ICT Technician

Mrs Karen Wilson

Bursar

Mrs Susan Mairs

Librarian (part-time)

Mrs Sonya Lapsley

Classroom Assistant

Miss Kirsten Scott

Librarian (part-time)

Mrs Anne Smith

Classroom Assistant

Mr Brian Tipping

Building Supervisor

Miss Helen McCluggage Classroom Assistant

Mr Stuart McFarland

Assistant Building Supervisor

Mr Gary Clotworthy

Classroom Assistant

Mr Steven Morrow

Assistant Building Supervisor

Mrs Louise Metcalfe

General/Classroom Assistant

Mr Bryan McGookin

Groundsperson

Mrs Alison Cochrane

General/Classroom Assistant

Mrs Margaret Christie

Cleaning Supervisor

Mrs Julie Webb

Behavioral Support

Mr Mervyn Higginson

Security Attendant

Mrs Joanna Hassard

Sixth Form Cafeteria

Mrs Valerie Kelly

Catering/Supervisory Assistant

Mrs Laura Griffith

Chief Invigilator

Mrs Linda Turkington

Supervisory Assistant

Mr Harry Beggs

Sixth Form Supervisor

Staff

Dr Conway’s Study Visit to Israel

Dr Conway returned to school keenly anticipating the start of a new term having spent the first half of August studying in Israel, with the Holocaust Educational Trust. Dr Conway attended an International School run by Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, located just outside Jerusalem. The only teacher from the province to participate, he was part of a group of teachers from across the United Kingdom who attended an intensive programme of study on topics such as Holocaust education and effective ways to enable pupils to understand modern antisemitism and how it can best be countered. The group was led by Yad Vashem academic, Yiftach Meiri. Dr Conway said he was particularly fascinated listening to a lecture given by the 93-year-old legendary Professor Emeritus Yehuda Bauer on ‘The Holocaust and Genocide’ which included analyses of other genocidal events in places like Rwanda and Darfur. Another highlight was the opportunity to meet the world renowned Nazi-hunter, Dr Efraim Zuroff, who is the Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Jerusalem. All those attending the seminar programme were particularly moved when they listened to the testimony of Holocaust survivor, Ms. Channa Meiri.

Dr Conway with Dr Efraim Zuroff, Chief Nazi-Hunter of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre.

Hall of Names, Yad Vashem

In addition to a comprehensive programme of lectures and seminars, Dr Conway was also given guided tours around the enormous Mount of Remembrance where Yad Vashem is located, as well as attending the home of a Jewish family welcoming the Sabbath. He also visited King Herod’s Fort at Masada in the Judean Desert, bathed in the Dead Sea and visited Tel Aviv.

The Memorial to the Deportees is a monument to the millions of Jews who were put on to cattle-cars from across Europe and sent to their deaths in the concentration camps.

Dr Conway said it was “an unforgettable trip. Everyone was incredibly hospitable and the learning experience at Yad Vashem was phenomenal. All those who took part returned deeply enriched and challenged but with a huge desire to pass on our experiences and to become even more effective in our schools and communities tackling intolerance and the scourge of antisemitism.”

Staff

Head Boy

Head Girl

Ross Blackbourne

Leah Wilson

Deputy Head Boy

Deputy Head Girl

Mark Jackson

Timothy Moore

Molly Dougan

Ellen Farquhar

Katie Stewart

Senior Prefects

Jack Gamble Harry McBride Jordan Young

Leah Baird Chloe McNeilly

Prefects 2019/20 - Girls Rachel Armstrong

Katie Leckey

Tom Anderson

Christopher Nesbitt

Barbara Beatty

Beth McCrea

Matthew Curran

Matthew Orr

Zoe Black

Emily McDowell

Luke Dunlop

Owen Pook

Alexandra Crabtree

Katie McEwan

Ewan Forsythe

Jack Purdy

Corran Crawford

Erin McWilliam

Lucca Hamill

Sam Richards

Rachel Currie

Katie Patterson

Alan Matthews

Stefan Ross

Franki Gannon

Eve Sterrett

Andrew McFetridge

Ben Snow

Stephanie Gordon

Rebecca Walker

Adam McNeilly

Matthew Spence

Emily Green

Laura Watt

Calum McQuillan

Adam Todd

Nicky Jordan

Ellen White

Adam McWilliams

Lauren Kilgore 14

Prefects 2019/20 - Boys

Pupil Leadership

Head Girl 2019/20 Interview Leah Wilson

Which primary school did you attend? Straid Primary School.

Describe yourself in three words. Organised, motivated and positive.

Which subjects are you studying? Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

Which extra-curricular activities are you involved in? Hockey, hockey and more hockey.

What are some of your main responsibilities and duties? Helping and speaking at school events, organising prefect teams for duties and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget organising the school formal!

Name 1 highlight of your year in office. How successfully the formal went (phew!).

What are the main challenges of being Head Girl? Balancing my duties with my studies.

What advice would you give to a new Year 8 pupil? Join plenty of extra-curricular activities in Year 8 to make lots of new friends.

What advice would you give to a new pupil joining the 6th form? Ask lots of questions of your subject teacher.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully with a civil engineering degree under my belt and building bridges all over the world.

Complete the following sentence. The best part of Ballyclare High is... The sense of community and the support for each other. 15

Pupil Leadership

Head Boy 2019/20 Interview Ross Blackbourne

Which primary school did you attend? Templepatrick Primary School. Describe yourself in three words. Hon the Clare. Which subjects are you studying? Maths, Art, Geography. Which extra-curricular activities are you involved in? Rugby. What are some of your main responsibilities and duties? Organising prefects for events at school and day-to-day duties. Name 1 highlight of your year in office. Formal at Galgorm. What are the main challenges of being Head Boy? Keeping everyone happy. What advice would you give to a new Year 8 pupil? Get involved in as much as possible What advice would you give to a new pupil joining the 6th form? Talk to everyone. What would you show a visitor to illustrate the best of Ballyclare High? The busy working environment of the library and learning centre. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Mr Reidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room still painting trees. Complete the following sentence. The best part of Ballyclare High is... The community of pupils and teachers and their desire to succeed together. . 16

Pupil Leadership

School Council 2019/20

Chair and Deputy

Secretary and Deputy

James Russell and Harvey Loftus.

Emily McDowell and Daniel Knocker

Year 8 8B

Rory Luke

Ezra Stewart

Evan Carlisle

Zara McGrath

Madison Wilson

Keilah Beagon

Stuart Thompson

Oliver Fleming-Magee

Joshua Gilchrist

Anna-Rose Magee

Jenna Johnston

Ella-Mae Camleyt

Year 8, Joshua Gilchrist and Ella-Mae Camley

Year 9 9B

Scott McKendry

Adam Young

Zac Johnston

Hayley Rolston

Jacob Usher

Rose Topley

Matthew Hamilton

Jordan Walsh

Jenson Boyce

Alissa-Laurie Squires

Zoe Waddell

Ruby Gray Year 9, Ruby Gray and Matthew Hamilton

Year 10 10B

Year 10, Alex Chivers and Claudia Braiden

10L

10R

Alex Chivers

Adam Campbell

Miguel McRoberts

Zoe Young

Olivia McGuigan

Niamh Coey

10C

10A

10E

Hayden Greenfield

Matthew McCourt

Jacob Scarlett

Fern Kirkwood

Claudia Braiden

Amy Fleck 17

Pupil Leadership

Year 11

Year 12

Year 11, Martha Deyermond and Harry Duff

Year 12, Holly Conn and Jack McGaw

11B

11L

11R

12B

12L

12R

Joel Flynn

Kyle Hagan

Zack McCloskey

Kyle Ferguson

Jack McGaw

Max Sterrett

Lucy Bennett

Bethany Byers

Rachel Black

Emma Killen

Eve Cole

Shannon Mullan

11C

11A

11E

12C

12A

12E

Harry Duff

Neil McCrea

Bryn Goody

Tony Montgomery

Jake Turner

Callum Lockhart

Martha Deyermond

Rebekah Taylor

Holly Stirling

Harry White

Tegan Hurst

Holly Conn

Year 13

13 MMK

13 PMK

14AW

14HWN

Jamie Young

Allen Cuddy

Amber Gault

Anna Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara

Owen Pook Barbara Beatty

Matthew Orr Elliana Green

13 OG

13 KPC

114 CT

14PR

Philip Mawhinney

David Andrew

Alan Matthews

Emma Montgomery

Nicky Jordan

Daniel Knocker Molly Dougan

14VA

14JN

Matthew Curran Lauren Kilgore

Harvey Loftus Alanna Kerr

Katie King

Year 14

13 DJ

13 JMQ

Jay Khanna

Robert Reid

Emma Petrie

Rebecca McKenzie

14 LF

14AMC

13 KY

13 JDG

James Russell

Ross Campbell

Adam Todd Lucy McConnell

Jordan Young Emily McDowell

Aimee Manson

Erin Greer

14AC Ryan Lyttle

Erin Manson

Pupil Leadership

STEM ambassadors scheme

The 2020 cohort of Ballyclare High School STEM ambassadors

In January 2020 Ballyclare High School became just the third school nationally to take part in the STEM ambassador programme where 18 of our sixth form students were trained to become STEM ambassadors by Maurice Girvin (W5 and STEM education). They all passed a DBS check and completed child protection training and health and safety training as part of the process. The students are fully insured by the STEM ambassador hub in W5 and will remain on the STEM ambassador database during their university studies and future careers if they choose to do so. The role of a STEM ambassador is to bring STEM subjects to life by supporting and enthusing young people both inside and outside the classroom and we are

excited about the potential of this in our learning community, especially with our feeder primary schools. We have been awarded funding from the Institute of Physics to be able to carry out primary school projects and just before school closed our STEM ambassadors were starting to visit classrooms and after school groups in Fairview Primary and Ballyclare Primary. We are looking forward to developing these relationships further to support STEM education in our community once school reopens again in the autumn.

Developing our primary school programme 19

School Events

A Level Results August 2019 Pupils and staff in August ‘19 once again celebrated outstanding A level results. For the third year in a row scores across all key indicators improved. 99.9% of pupils secured pass grades in three or more A level subjects, with 82% of them recording three or more A*– C grades. A*/A grades accounted for 43% of the total and over three-quarters of all grades were B or above. The top student was Eoin Metcalfe with 4 A*/A grades, followed by Nukul Rajpoot with 4A grades. 30 pupils secured 3 or more A*/A grades.

2019-2020 Head Boy Ross Blackbourne and Senior Prefect Leah Baird with all As at AS level

Dr Rainey said: “I am thrilled with the academic achievements of our pupils. They have worked so hard, in partnership with their teachers and with the support of their parents, to secure the grades needed for university. I am also proud once again to see a year group of fabulously articulate and socially accomplished young people step forward confidently to embark upon the next stage in their lives; congratulations and best wishes to you all, you are brilliant! Ballyclare High School has a culture of nurturing and developing potential so each child can be their best and days like today are testimony to that.”

Ballyclare High’s Top A level student Eoin Metcalfe

All A stars and As for Laura Chestnutt (Beggs) and Alexandra Jenkins Dr Michelle Rainey 21

School Events

GCSE Results Day August 2019 Once again GCSE students at Ballyclare High have done exceptionally well. This year all pupils have been examined in new courses and grade boundaries have been recalibrated across the province with the award of fewer top grades. Despite that, pupils have maintained consistently high standards. 57 pupils secured all A*/A (9-7) grades, 28 had 9 A*/A grades and 14 had an incredible 10 A*/As. 92% of pupils walk away today with 7 or more A*/C grades and can be assured of a fabulously confident start to A level study. Dr Rainey said: “Our pupils’ GCSE results have always compared very well indeed with the NI grammar school indicators. This year they have held up against the adjusted grade boundaries and that is splendid. I am also particularly pleased with the top class pass rate for English and Maths. Our young people are fantastic, they mature into fine young men and women of whom we are very proud, each one a success story. I also applaud staff and parents who have worked so hard to help them reach their full potential.”

School Events

Year 8 First Day

School Events

‘We Will Rock You’ School Production

School Events

Bar Mock Trial Success The Bar Mock Trial took place in the Crown Courts in Belfast, and Ballyclare High was one of 16 teams competing to advance to the next stage of the competition, to which normally only one team is allowed to go forward. The team argued 3 very successful cases, in all of which the jury voted in our favour. After an exhilarating day in court, where we not only competed, but also got a chance to gain an insight into the legal process in Northern Ireland, picking up valuable pieces of advice and wisdom from the several barristers and judges who presided over the cases, the results were announced. Ballyclare High came joint second, narrowly missing a chance to compete in the next stage of the Bar Mock Trial.

The Year 13s and below who participated look forward to trying their hand at the competition again next year. The team could not have achieved our success without the help of Mrs Thompson, who guided the barrister team, as well as Mrs McQuoid and Mr Waring who helped the prosecution and defence witnesses respectively. Many thanks as well to Barry Gibson and Lee Brown (a former pupil), barristers who mentored our team this year, and whose invaluable advice was much appreciated. Rachel Dundee and Jessie Kennedy Year 13

School Events

Careers Convention

School Events

VocabExpress Competition

Bravo to all our pupils who took part in the VocabExpress Language Competition in October. 8A won the overall Form Class Prize with the top 10 Linguists listed below:

Jack Gibson 2. Ellie Strange 3. Jude Wilson 4. Scarlett Wade 5. Jenna Johnston 6. Alissa-Laurie Squires 7. Rebecca Young 8. Natasha Glasgow 9. Alexandra Apsley 10. Lukas Hyndman 1.

School Events

Health Education Talks Year 8 parents were invited to attend lively and informative health presentations delivered by ACET. These presentations highlight the topic of ‘Puberty’ for both boys and girls, and always prove to be a most positive feature of our health education programme.

Year 11 pupils enjoyed the ‘Icebergs and Babies’ presentation from Love for Life as part of their Health Education programme.

Years 12, 13 and 14 were introduced to topics such as mental health awareness, resilience and coping strategies as part of their Life-skills programme. These presentations and pupil resources were produced and delivered by Beth Gibb from Action Mental Health.

School Events

Hour of Code

School Events

Prize Night 2019

Sarah-Jane Dorrat, Zoe Harris, Freya McKinty, Neave Graham, Robyn McCollam, Hannah Waddell and Robert Reid

Ross Wylie GCSE Manufacturing

Aimee Jenkins A Level English

Anna Craig GCSE Home Economics

Alex Kappai GCSE History

Sports Captains Rebecca McCullough and Conor Dargan

School Events

Emma Ruddock A Level Music and Dallas Music Award

Freya McKinty top student at GCSE

Harvey Loftus (MIA), Timothy Moore (Musical), Leah McDonald (Public Speaking) and Sean-Mark Topley (DouglasTrophy)

Hannah Craig A Level Religious Studies and Creative Writing

Christopher Graham Brann Medallion Scientific

Hannah Waddell Progress in Senior School

Harry Beckington GCSE Design and Technology, English

Harvey Loftus Progress in MIA

Jay Dundee A Level Business Studies

School Events

Lana Graham GCSE Drama

Megan Stewart GCSE Spanish

Matthew McCullough Most Outstanding Boy in Sport

Leah McDonald Senior Public Speaking

School Events

Rebecca McKenzie GCSE Geography

Rory Lyttle GCSE Mathematics

Robert Reid GCSE Religious Studies

Scott Marshall A Level History and Politics

School Events

Yasmin Kidd GCSE PE

Sarah-Jane Dorrat Shield of Merit

Rebecca McCullough Most Outstanding Girl in Sport

Timothy Moore Musical Production

Zoe Robinson GCSE Child Development

Zoe Harris Progress in Junior School

Rachel Hunt A Level Languages

Adam McDowell and Alex Kappai with the Buchanan Shield for Digital Technology

Sean-Mark Topley Courage in Adversity

School Events

Year 8 Prize winners

Year 9 Prize winners

Year 10 Prize winners

Year 11 Prize winners

Year 12 Prize winners

Year 13 Prize winners

School Events

Top GCSE students at Ballyclare High School who have all achieved 11 or 10 A* and A grades

Some of Ballyclare Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GCSE students who all received A or A* grades 43

School Events

Ballyclare High School AS students who all received 4 A grades

A level special prizes

School Events

Formal 2019

School Events

Year 8 Christmas Party

School Events

Investors in People Award Ballyclare High School has been awarded the Investors in People Health and Wellbeing Framework Award at the ‘High Performing’ level, the gold standard measure of our capabilities. Three years ago we applied for the Bronze Award and were the first post-primary school to hold this award and we are delighted to have our continued focus on the health and wellbeing of our people endorsed once again at this industry standard. We believe that health and wellbeing is one of the pillars upon which we build a caring and creative community. Staff who are more able to cope with the demands of school life are, in turn, able to role model positive wellbeing behaviours for our children.

An exciting spin off from this focus on HWB has been the creation of the NI Wellbeing Academy, a partnership we established with 17 primary and post primary schools. Ballyclare High School staff supported these other schools through a variety of workshop sessions that covered coaching conversations, baselining wellbeing in the workplace, building resilience, change management, self- care

At the ‘High Performing’ level health and wellbeing practices are in place and understood, people are actively engaging and participating, the activities are generating positive outcomes, and the approach to health and wellbeing is embedded and always improving. Everyone at school is justifiably proud of the way in which health and wellbeing has been successfully integrated into the fabric of working life and is achieving positive outcomes in terms of supporting and enabling individuals and teams to be the best they can be.

strategies, time management and managing workload effectively. Sharing the lessons we had learned and our tried and tested approaches proved helpful in kick starting the focus on improving wellbeing in our partner schools. We would like to secure funding to extend this initiative to our colleagues in other schools in the future.

School Events

Winter Honours Our Winter Honours Ceremony took place in December with particular emphasis on the commitment of our Year 14s, who have worked consistently to improve themselves and contribute to others and in school life. 46 pockets for hard work, achievement and dedication were awarded across boys’ and girls’ hockey, orchestra, choir and wind band as well as drama and the Bar Mock Trial. Thank you Year 14 and to our staff for providing these opportunities.

In addition, 14 Honours Blazers were awarded to pupils who gained representative recognition in their sports at Ulster and Irish level: • Kelsey Smyth for the Ulster Schools’ Athletics Team • Beth McCrea for the NCU Women’s Cricket Team • Lauren Welsh for the NI U17 Football Team • Ewan McArthur for the Ulster and Irish U16 Golf Team • Ross Campbell for the Ulster U16 Golf Team • Katie Stewart for the Ulster U18 Hockey Team • Niamh Hogan for the Ulster U18 Hockey Team • Megan Cochrane for the Ulster U18 Hockey Team • Rachel Steele for the Ulster U16 Hockey Team • Owen Warren for the Ulster Schools’ and Clubs’ U18 Rugby Team • Jack Gamble for the Ulster U19 Rugby Team • Ben Woodside for the Irish Performance Pathway Swimming Squad

School Events

Open Night 2020

School Events

Mock GCSE Results Day On Tuesday 28th January 2020 Year 12 pupils took part in our annual Mock Results Day. This important event in our calendar allows our pupils to develop a better awareness of what to expect when they collect their GCSE results in August. Mrs Hill, Head of Year 12, hopes that this will be a valuable experience for our pupils as they reflect on their preparation for their mock exams: it is important to acknowledge the hard work that many of our pupils have put into preparing for these exams. The pupils go through the same procedure as in August, collecting their results envelopes and then move to meaningful conversations with staff about their grades, target setting and what should happen next, which helps add to the momentum that is building in the run up to May. Pupils were encouraged to consider viable options based on their mock grades and we aspire for all of them to experience what is a more adult environment in Sixth Form in preparation for university education or the world of work at the end of another two years with us.

School Events

Lap of the Lough Congratulations to all our staff members who took part in cyclingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lap of the Lough. A group of seven staff undertook this challenge to support former Head Boy Dave Hollinger in his recovery from a brain stem stroke. Please visit Inspired by Dave to find out more: www.inspiredbydave.co.uk

School Events

Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) As a school we feel very strongly about the importance of early screening to prevent a sudden death.

• In 80% of cases of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD) there are no prior symptoms.

Every week at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions.

• CRY’s mission is to prevent YSCD through awareness, screening and research, and to support families after a tragedy.

In our eyes just one is too many and we are particularly aware due to the death of one of our own pupils.

• CRY promotes the choice for screening. All people aged 14 to 35 should have the choice to be screened. www.testmyheart.org.uk

For more information visit: www.myheart.org.uk to find out more.

• 1 in 300 people will have a potentially life-threatening heart condition. • CRY’s screening programme is heavily subsidised and all of our publicly available screenings are funded by CRY families. These are in memory of someone who has died a sudden cardiac death, meaning CRY’s screenings are free for the public to attend. www.testmyheart.org.uk • CRY’s screening programme tests elite Olympic athletes; England Rugby Football Union and all Premiership Rugby Football Union clubs; Great Britain Rugby League and Super Rugby League clubs; Lawn Tennis.

School Events

Soroptimist Public Speaking The first stage of the Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition took place in early November and Ballyclare High was represented by Kathryn Coombs, Jessie Kennedy, Leah McDonald and Emma Petrie - all four speakers delivered powerful and persuasive speeches on a range of issues related to the experiences of young women in Northern Ireland today.

After careful deliberation among the adjudicators Leah McDonald and Jessie Kennedy were awarded 1st and 2nd place with Kathryn Coombs in 4th. Leah McDonald, in Year 12, progressed to the NI Final of the Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition, in which she placed third. She won a bursary of £50 following her speech, “Young women of today – is it a glass ceiling or a sticky floor?”

School Events

Presiding District Judge Shares Perspectives with 6th Form Pupils Presiding District Judge in Northern Ireland, Mrs Fiona Bagnall, took time to chat with 6th formers as part of our schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drugs awareness programme. Mrs Bagnall is a past pupil and Head Girl of the school and served for many years on the Board of Governors in the role of vice-chair. Mrs Bagnall was appointed to the bench in 2003 having been a solicitor in private practice before that. She sits in the Magistrates Court in Laganside Courts in Belfast and presides over the substance abuse court, which is aimed at offenders who commit crimes related to their drug or alcohol abuse.

It allows a judge to send them on an intensive treatment programme, before sentencing, to help them beat their addictions and change their behaviour. Mrs Bagnall gave pupils an overview of the court, the types of people who have ended up there and some of their stories. She also talked about how the court has affected her and her impression of the impact of drugs on these peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives. The question and answer session at the end was very enjoyable and the whole event was an enlightening one for pupils.

Dr William Henry Visits High School Pupils The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, Right Reverend Dr William Henry, met with 6th form Religious Studies pupils for a question and answer session. He was accompanied by Reverend James Rogers, of Ballynure Presbyterian Church. As part of their A level course pupils study ethics so perspectives on many topical and contemporary issues were shared and considered. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching experience for all and we wish Right Reverend Henry well for his remaining months in office.

School Events

Harry Potter Frenzy on World Book Day! The Harry Potter theme tune whirled around the Library as pupils celebrated World Book Day this year. The 6th form literacy prefects helped organise a raft of activities for everyone to enjoy. The library was a hive of activity as pupils took part in the ‘Harry Potter head hunt’ and various quiz challenges and word searches. There was also much deliberation over guessing the number of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans in the jar and ‘Guess the shredded book title’. There were even rumours that Harry himself may have made an appearance! • W inner of Guess the shredded book title: Ellie Andrew 9A (James and the Giant Peach) • Joint winners of HP Quiz: Holly Collins 8E and Mia Grills 8E • Winner of Harry Potter story in 15 words: Matthew Edwards 8A • Winner of quotations quiz: Sophie Robinson 8A • Winner of jelly bean count: Daniel Wilson 8E

Debating Team Success Congratulations to Rachel Dundee and Jessie Kennedy of the Literific Debating Team in achieving a place in the finals of this competition, facilitated by Queen’s University.

They were narrowly beaten by Methodist College Belfast. The girls had to propose the motion: “Now that we have damaged the earth through pollution, humans should make plans to locate to another planet.“

School Events

National Youth Theatre Following a successful audition earlier this year Tait Brennan (10R) has secured a place in the National Youth Theatre. This is an incredible achievement. Places are highly sought after and thousands apply every year. National Youth Theatre discovers, develops and platforms exceptional performers, aged 14-25 from all over the UK, and is recognized as a world-leading youth arts organization. Former alumni include Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Matt Lucas, Sir Derek Jacobi and Orlando Bloom to name but a few. Tait will complete an Intake Summer Course and then become a NYT Company Member until the age of 26. Tait as Ginger in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Zombie Promâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Oct 2019

UEFA IFA Elite Programme Jack Patterson has been selected for the Club NI elite football programme from September 2020. This programme is the UEFA IFA elite player pathway. He will be boarding at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown from Sunday to Friday and after attending school he will have specialist training sessions each afternoon and evening. We wish you every success Jack.

Subject In Focus: HE

Subject In Focus: HE Cookery Club Cookery club took a very different twist this year with the introduction of the Future Chef competition. Future Chef is a UK-wide competition that allows students with an interest and passion in cookery to showcase their skills. Future Chef practice took place every Tuesday after school with various chefs coming in and demonstrating their knowledge and expertise to the children. What made it even more special was the fact that both the chefs - Michael Gillies and Callum Irwin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; were students themselves at Ballyclare High School. The first heat saw nine students from Year 9-Year 11 participate in the school heat which was judged by Michael Gillies and Callum Irwin. The students really excelled themselves with some fantastic dishes being produced. Erin McClernon (9E) was placed first and Emily Gilchrist (10E) was runner-up. Both of these girls made it through to the County Antrim heat held in Ballymena Technical College. Emily secured a place in the Northern Ireland final with her delicious risotto and lime cheesecake. The Northern Ireland final took place in the Titanic Quarter with some well-known Northern Irish faces of the culinary world including Paula McIntyre. Unfortunately, Emily narrowly missed out on a place in the UK final but we are very proud of her achievements and we are excited to see where this takes her. K Rea

Subject In Focus: HE.

A2 Nutrition and Food Science Trip Year 14 A2 Nutrition and Food Science pupils were delighted to be invited to visit Doherty and Gray in Ballymena with teacher Mrs Wynn, to enhance their understanding about food safety and traceability. We had a most interesting and informative morning finding out how the necessary requirements and procedures are carried out within the meat processing environment, to achieve high quality assurance. We were even encouraged to have a go at making our own sausages, ‘Ballyclare High style’ of course... (they should not be appearing in the shops any time soon!) Spoiling us, in the Board Room, we were introduced to the many different attributes and varieties of sausages and burgers produced by Doherty and Gray for their own branding, and also the ‘finest’ varieties they produce for major supermarkets. Indeed we are impressed at where these products do end up. Some lucky sausages get to travel first class with British Airways! We would like to sincerely thank Doherty and Gray for the kind invitation and for making us feel so welcome. H Wynn

School Events Subject In Focus: HE

Year 11 and 12 GCSE Food and Nutrition students visit Tayto Castle On Wednesday 11th March 2020, 35 Year 11 and 12 Food and Nutrition students set off for Tayto Castle, Tandragee. The trip was organised by Zoe Wilson, who has been working as an intern in the Home Economics Dept this year. As well as being an international Irish hockey player, Zoe is also studying for a BSc degree at the Ulster University in Human Nutrition. Mrs Gaston and Mrs Wynn also accompanied Zoe and the pupils to Tayto.

The new GCSE Food and Nutrition specification includes the study of the food supply chain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from farm to fork, as well as primary and secondary food processing. The trip provided the students with an excellent opportunity to see this in action, as well as meet the infamous Mr Tayto, and have the opportunity to sample many different Tayto varieties as we went along. Thanks must go to Jill and the other tour guides who made the visit so informative, great fun and very filling! We will definitely be making a return visit.

Languages

Languages European Day of Languages 2019 As ever, Ballyclare High School celebrated European Day of Languages in style this year. Our Year 8 pupils learned how to say hello in ten different European languages and then had to hunt the words around the school – these were worn in the form of badges by numerous members of staff! Year 9 pupils took part in our Cultural Costume Day in which they dressed up as Spain, France and Germany. Furthermore, we introduced a Euro Bake Off competition for Years 9 and 10. We were blown away by some of the culinary talents shown by pupils – the cakes and buns were outstanding! Our overall winners were 9L, who dressed up as Germany and transformed Mrs Ward’s ICT suite into a bustling patisserie! All events helped create a real ‘buzz’ around school during European Day of Languages and the continued level of commitment shown by both pupils and staff alike is another example of our enthusiasm towards all things international. Mr Nelson International Coordinator

Languages

French Debating 2020 This year, our A level French students were given the opportunity to participate in a French debate, held at Queen’s University. The competition involved 10 teams, each facing one other team in a debate on a topical issue relevant to the AS specification. We gathered a team, comprised of Grace, Oliver and myself, with Stefan as a reserve, then began preparing by meeting every Wednesday during lunchtime, ably guided by Madame Tchekmeian-Imam and Eve (our French assistant for the year). As the debate topics were only revealed a few weeks before the event, we chose to familiarise ourselves with the format of the debate by preparing arguments and gathering information on another theme, using these points to hold a few mock debates and practise our public speaking skills. It’s safe to say we were all daunted by the concept of heckling – the thought of being interrupted whilst trying to deliver a speech doesn’t exactly help to inspire confidence! However, fortunately this year the rules had been revised to forbid this, for which we were all very thankful.

At last, the pairs of teams who would debate against each other, and the issue they would cover, were revealed, and it was a bittersweet announcement. Of all the motions, we concluded that we had been assigned the best one – sexism. There’s no doubt that it’s a controversial and particularly relevant issue, and we felt that we were in a strong position when supporting the idea that it is ‘the biggest societal problem of our days’. Our opponents were Campbell College, so we knew that they would have a strong team, although the thought of an all-male team seemingly claiming that sexism isn’t the biggest problem we face was somewhat amusing, and spurred us on to do our best and prove their given stance to be incorrect.

Languages Finally, it was the day of the debate. Our round was due to take place second, meaning we could get it out of the way early and then enjoy a day out of school, along with the rest of the class - who were definitely grateful! It was a nerve-wracking experience; however, we all stood up and presented our arguments fluently, doing ourselves and the school proud. Afterwards, we enjoyed watching the rest of the debates, then, following a brief trip to Subway for lunch, we returned to receive the results of the day. Grace earned the title of Best Speaker for our debate for her poignant speech and striking delivery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; certainly a well-deserved achievement. After the judges named the overall winning team, concluding the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, we headed back to school with plenty of time to spare. French debating was a wonderful experience, and everyone is already eagerly looking forward to next year too! Freya McKinty

Languages

Francofest 2020 What is Francofest? A team of four Year 10 students (Niamh Coey, Amy Gordon, Katie Gunning and Rebecca Young) from our school created a French company and set up a trade stand to sell the products they had made in French. It was the perfect opportunity to practise our language skills in a realistic environment, speaking and listening in French, giving information, answering questions and writing down details. It helped to boost our confidence in French, but also encouraged us to develop new skills: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Marketing and enterprise skills All 5 Thinking Skills & Personal Capabilities All 4 linguistic skills in French French for real purposes ICT to create advertisements

How did we prepare for Francofest? We started to prepare for Francofest before Christmas. Every Friday we would go to Madame Tchekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classroom and plan what to do. After a couple of weeks, we decided on the theme of a bakery specialising in events (weddings, birthdaysâ&#x20AC;Ś) After this, we sprang into action. We discussed the company name (Notre histoire gourmande), the theme (a wedding in Paris), objects, colours, what we would bake, the menu and how we would set it up. It took a lot of work, but we managed

to pull everything together in time. Everyone was assigned different desserts to bake, whether it was brownies, gingerbread men, macaroons or cupcakes. We also made and painted the Eiffel tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre out of cardboard. As more weeks passed, our project started to come together. After this was completed, we moved on to the roleplay. This was the harder part. We each had to learn different sections in French which would later on be used in the competition to speak to the judges.

Languages The day of the competition We arrived in school early on Tuesday morning on the 4th of February. We did a quick setup to make sure everything was there, and after confirming it was, we packed up the car and we were on our way. Once we arrived at Queen’s University, we went straight to the Whitla Hall. There were a lot of other schools there, also setting up their stands. It looked like we were going to have some pretty serious competition. It took us about half an hour to set up, so we practised our roleplay together until we could almost say it backwards. Just as we finished, the judge announced the competition was beginning. We stood behind the table and prepared for our first judge. We had four judges in total. They were all really nice, but spoke very fast in fluent French, which was quite hard to translate.

We had to take down their order from our menu, their name, their email address and their telephone number. Our first conversation was a little hesitant, but after that it came naturally. The competition took about an hour, then we packed up and headed off to lunch. While the judges discussed their decision, we were given a tour of Queen’s. We were taken around the language section, the arts and film studio, and their massive library. We also learnt that they had their own cinema! After the tour, the prizes were given out. Our school didn’t win any, but it was still a great day, and we really enjoyed it!

Languages

What we learnt

Why should you do Francofest?

Doing Francofest really helped us to expand our French vocabulary. We learnt new words, and gained confidence by speaking to French people. We also got to be creative when creating structures, and had fun baking goodies. We made new friends, and learnt that Madame Tchek is definitely the best (and most fun) French teacher. We had a really great day out, and loved being inside Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University and seeing what it was really like. We also learnt that Niamh is amazing at making macaroons. By doing Francofest, we developed new skills that will really help us later on in life.

You should do Francofest if you love French, because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really fun. It challenges you to be brave, and encourages you to learn new things. You should do it to make new friends, and because you get to be creative. By doing Francofest, you will gain confidence for your French tests, especially your speaking. When doing Francofest, you can expand your imagination, and give ideas. Also, if you do a bakery or desserts for the competition, you get to eat them all afterwards. Amy Gordon

Music

Orchestra After 7 years of orchestra in Ballyclare High School, I was really excited for my last year, as this year we were going to be playing the best music I had ever played in the school orchestra. I had been given the opportunity to lead the orchestra this year and was really up for the responsibility. Unfortunately, as with many other aspects of school life, the Coronavirus outbreak has disrupted the second half of the year, which was very frustrating. Despite this, we still had a good year. The first term ended with the School’s Annual Carol Services, in which we accompanied the traditional congregational carols and played the legendary Christmas sing along with gusto! However, this year we added a new piece to our repertoire, A Holst Christmas. This was an enjoyable piece to play, as it cleverly combines several of Holst’s best known and loved Christmas titles, including In the Bleak Midwinter, Lullay My Liking and Christmas Day and was well received by the orchestra’s musicians and the audience. After the Christmas break, we began work on the repertoire for the Spring Concert. Continuing with the Holst theme, we were going to play an arrangement of Jupiter from the Planets Suite, which is one of my favourite pieces. We were also planning to play another of my favourites, Mr Blue Sky. This was written by Jeff Lynne in a little chalet in the Swiss mountains just beyond Lake Geneva. It was going to be a real crowd pleaser and would have put a smile on everyone’s face, not just the members of the orchestra. Finally, we were going to play an arrangement of the music from the famous TV series Band of Brothers and Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. I think the variety of the repertoire would have demonstrated the versatility and talent in the orchestra and I am just sad that we did not have the opportunity to perform this programme for our faithful Ballyclare High audience.

My 7 years of orchestra has been a really fun and enjoyable experience. At times we have worked hard, very hard, Industria et Probitate, but it has developed my musical ability and I have made many new friends, who will be friends for life. As I leave the orchestra and the school, I would like to thank Ms Orr for her enthusiastic leadership that made this a very enjoyable year. I would also like to thank Mrs Doherty and Mr Moreland for all their hard work in previous years and I look forward to seeing how the orchestra develops in future years. Timothy Moore Year 14

Music

Wind Band 2019 – 2020 2019/2020 was the Wind Band’s most successful to date, even though it was sadly cut much too short. From the start of September, it was “all systems go” for our adjudication by visiting assessors from the National Band Festival in England. For this adjudication, we rehearsed a programme including Ulster Division, A Quiet Moment, How Does a Moment Last Forever, Radio Ga Ga and How Does a Moment. With some of our very loyal supporters in the Assembly Hall to add moral support, we gave a performance which won over the judges and earned us a gold standard award. This resulted in the offer of a place to compete in the National Concert Band Festival finals at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in April. This prestigious event has been running for over 35 years and 48 groups would participate over 2 days in April. Ballyclare High School Wind Band was to be up against 3 other school bands from across the UK. This was really going to be the big time for us! For this performance, as well as the Annual Spring Concert, we had decided to play almost an entirely new programme consisting of Ulster Division, The Minstrel Boy, Pinball Wizard, David of the White Rock and a medley from the musical Jersey Boys (my personal request!). We rehearsed as diligently as ever amid growing fears about the coronavirus pandemic. Our warm up event was Ballyclare Festival where we performed The Minstrel Boy and Pinball Wizard – the latter had our groupies ecstatic! We retained our title for the fourth consecutive year, winning our class by an astonishing 11 marks.

The adjudicator also awarded us a £100 bursary as the Best Instrumental Ensemble performance of the week. Lots of much-needed fundraising was going on in the background, and a special word of thanks is due to Mrs Donna Kidd who organised an Afternoon Tea event, and Mrs Blackbourne who had organised a bag pack which had to be cancelled. Sadly, our celebrations were short-lived. Within a couple of days, the escalating COVID-19 crisis meant that both the concert and the NCBF finals in Manchester had to be cancelled, leaving a very sad Wind Band and an even more upset group of Year 14 Wind Band leavers. From being the band leader and Miss Orr’s right-hand woman this year, I want to say thank you from all the members of the band, especially the older ones, for all the support from the parents, other teachers in school, Mr Leckey, Dr Conway, Mrs D and the main woman herself Miss Orr! Wind Band is what we’ll miss most. Corran Crawford Year 14

Music

Junior Band 2019 – 2020 Every Wednesday afternoon Junior Band rehearsal takes place. Junior Band members are usually in Years 8-11 but we also welcome P6s and P7s from our neighbouring Primary Schools. In Junior Band, we play both enjoyable and challenging pieces to help constantly improve and develop our music skills. This year in Junior Band, we have been playing a range of music such as a medley from the musical Les Misérables, a medley of the movie Mamma Mia and the well-known song You Raise Me Up. The big day out for Junior Band this year was competing in Ballyclare Music festival. We competed in the post-primary Wind Band class, playing Les Misérables and were placed joint second. Unfortunately, our year was cut short, due to covid-19, meaning that we were unable to hold our annual Junior Concert. Overall, I think Junior Band is a great way to make new friends and learn new skills. I would encourage all Year 8 brass and woodwind players to come along from September. Anna Wylie Year 10

Music

Junior Choir 2019 – 2020

Junior Choir is an extra-curricular activity after school every Tuesday from 3.40 -4.30pm. I have been a member of Junior Choir throughout my years of junior school and it’s been an amazing way to make new friends. It also enables us to meet regularly and express ourselves through music. Junior choir has given me many opportunities since Year 8. I have also had the opportunity to take part in the school musical last year, ‘We Will Rock You’, which was so fun to be a part of. We also get to take part in school concerts like the annual Carol Services and Spring Concerts. Personally, my favourite part of Junior Choir has been the Carol Service as

I love coming together with the Senior Choirs and Orchestra and performing traditional carols. It brings such a Christmas spirit to the school. My choir teachers Miss Dickey and Miss McClelland put so much into the Junior Choir like organising rehearsals before concerts and shows and coming up with different pieces for us to sing and making Junior Choir such a great environment. Being part of Junior Choir helped me feel like ‘I am part of Ballyclare High School’. Ellie Hanlon Year 10

Music

Junior Strings 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2020 Junior Strings is an extra-curricular activity that takes place weekly on Wednesday afternoons. The members of Junior Strings are usually in Years 8, 9 and 10, but we also have some helpers from the senior school. We are also delighted that we are able to welcome some P5, P6 and P7 pupils from neighbouring primary schools to come and join in with us. Junior Strings welcomes musicians of all abilities, mainly from grades 1-5. Our string group is amazing for improving our skills, techniques and overall ability to play our instruments as we play pieces from many different genres in an environment that is encouraging and fun. Some pieces we have worked on and played this academic year include Palladio and a medley of Queen songs.

helps us develop other skills that could be useful in our school career and future life including performing, presenting and the ability to work as a team. Overall, Junior Strings is much more than just a fun activity as it also opens many doors and gives all of its members many opportunities. The skills that I have developed through Junior Strings are incredible and as I am leaving Junior school I know that I am not only a better musician but I have many friends that I will be able to bring with me and I owe that all to Junior Strings. Huge thanks must go to Mr Heron from EA who leads this group. He is an inspiring teacher and makes music-making so much fun for all of us. Owen Beckington Year 10

Junior Strings usually performs in the Junior Concert in June. Sometimes we even compete in the Ballyclare Music Festival. These performances are amazing as it

Music

Our Week as Army Musicians The summer holidays were ending. ASDA had been ransacked of stationery and mums across the country were frantically ironing the creases from last year’s school shirt. Everybody was feeling a little dismal about the formidable return to school. So naturally, we went to London. Looming over Belfast, the clouds looked greyer than usual as they waved us goodbye, but our conversations fizzed with vibrancy. We knew this week would be one to remember; a week filled with breathtaking music, unforgettable friendships and exhilarating experiences that would stay with us forever. From countless applicants across the UK, Corran, Ellen, Amy, Emma and I had been chosen from Ballyclare High to spend a week with 35 other young musicians in one of the most prestigious musical establishments in the country: The Royal Military School of Music. When the day had finally arrived, we stepped into the grandeur of Kneller Hall’s historic mansion with nothing but wonder on our faces. Nicely settled in our dorms, the dizzying routine sprang upon us. But boy were we ready! Each day began with an early start, followed by rigorous marching drills in the hazy morning sunshine (the real challenge was playing whilst marching!). Alongside the professional musicians of The Band and Bugles of the Rifles, the long summer hours were then spent soaring to new heights of musicianship and expertise. We ventured into a new world of repertoire, exploring bravura military marches, such as Coates’ “Knightsbridge” and Zehle’s “Washington”, contrasting with whimsical masterpieces such as those of Eric Whitacre and John Barry. As unforgettable as the music was, the real lessons learned and memories made came in those moments between. The craic was certainly mighty when we

suited up in camouflage, trying our hand at team building and rations, or during the host of special performances ranging from saxophone quintets to rock bands, and a parade from The Bugles themselves. But by far my favourite aspect of this incredible experience was the people we got to know from all over the UK, and the sincere laughter we all shared despite our background and differences. It was incredibly hard to leave the sunny smiles and glorious music we had all connected through, especially after our virtuosic concert on the legendary ‘Rock’ stage, featuring a gorgeous solo from our very own Emma Blacoe. The Corps of Army Music has taught us a lot about musicianship, comradeship, friendship and unity and, whilst saying goodbye was truly heartbreaking, those clouds over Belfast somehow seemed a little happier on our return. Abigail McQueen Year 13

Music

Army Music Autumn Academy

From the 28th to the 31st of October 2019, Amy Blackbourne, Corran Crawford, Ellen Farquhar and I headed to the Palace Barracks in Holywood for the Corps of Army Music’s Autumn Academy. This was our second week away with the army music. On arrival, after the many wrong turns leading to the correct entrance, we were greeted with a friendly face who led us to our accommodation. This experience was very different from our Summer Academy week at Kneller Hall in London. For starters, all of the girls had to share a big dormitory room, and everyone had to march across campus while being escorted! This was because of the higher security risk in Northern Ireland than in mainland UK. We started the week with our first practice for our concert performance which was for family and friends at the end of the week. The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland were playing alongside us and gave us great playing tips and techniques throughout the practice sessions. That evening, after a quick trip to the shop, we played some ice breakers with the rest of the campers and went for an early night. Over the next few days, we took part in lots of activities with our new friends. The highlight for me would be the ‘Green day’. This involved three army-based activities: a competition of slinging a rifle, trying out

the shooting simulator and learning how to set up a basha to sleep outside! Another fun activity was learning how to march AND play at the same time! Corran and I had to swap our flutes for piccolos and joined in with everyone’s attempt at the various marching sequences. Thankfully the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland showed us how it’s done during their own amazing Beating of Retreat performance. Our evenings were also packed with planned activities such as interviews with current army music performers and recruiters, a quiz night and a musical Cèilidh performance. After multiple sectionals and rehearsals, the week then came to a close with a performance at Glenmachan Church. All our families and friends came to listen to our final set list with some pieces supported by the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment. Some of the pieces on the programme included Lord of the Dance, the Lion King, Scotland the Brave, Wellington and Killaloe. Our exciting and inspiring week had come to an end, and I’m sure the Corps of Army Music won’t have to wait long before seeing us back again. Emma Blacoe Year 13

Trips and Tours

Year 8 enjoy their team-building visit to Breckenhill

Trips and Tours

Colmar Exchange The French exchange to Colmar in the beautiful Alsace region was certainly an experience neither we nor our correspondents will ever forget. From the culture to the families to the vast amounts of food we ate, it was an absolutely incredible trip. It was an early start at Belfast International airport on the 8th November but none the less we got through two flights and two rounds of airport security and arrived at Basel airport luggage intact and Krispy Kreme donuts in hand. Some of the parents and teachers of our correspondents were kind enough to take us from the airport to the school where we then met them and got a tour of their school. The nerves started to set in when we were waiting for the parents to come and take us back to their house but all was well when we got to know the family and we certainly ate like kings and queens that night! The next day was one of the highlights of the trip for me – Strasbourg! It was an absolutely stunning city and we were so lucky with the weather as it was completely clear and sunny even though it was cold. From the incredible architecture and history of ‘la petite France’ to the magnificent cathedral and of course the fabulous shopping it was a really good way to get to know the city as well as our correspondents. The next day was 10th November and in the morning we went to the Col du Linge to visit some First World War trenches in the Vosges mountains which was really interesting and hard-hitting especially since it was Armistice Day. Mr Dillman, our correspondents’ History and Geography teacher, guided us around the trenches, telling us about the history of them and what the soldiers would have experienced. One of the most heart-rending features of the trenches was the crosses – white for French, black for German – that were placed in the sites where bodies had been recovered. The afternoon was spent with the families. I went to my correspondent Sarane’s grandmother’s house for Sunday lunch which was delicious. I actually found out that her grandmother had been on many exchanges with Carrick College as an English teacher.

Trips and Tours

Monday 11th November was Remembrance Day and a public holiday in France. It was a free day to spend with the families. In my case, Sarane, her mum and her sister took me to lots of little villages up in the hills above Colmar. We also had lunch in a traditional Alsatian restaurant; I had foie gras, veal and pavlova. Later on we went to her other grandmother’s house for yet another 3 course meal. Needless to say I was absolutely stuffed that night! On Tuesday we all headed to Struthof – a World War II concentration camp. It was by far the most emotional visit of the trip. Mr Dillman once again acted as our guide and shared his knowledge of the horrors of the camp with us. He told us that it was not a death camp for the Jews like Auschwitz but a concentration camp for the political opponents of the Nazis. Mr Dillman had previously met with the survivors and visited the camp with them along with his students in the past. The most disturbing aspect of the camp was, in fact, how cold it was. We were all bundled up in five or more layers but were still freezing so it was hard to imagine how cold the prisoners were with only one thin layer on.

Wednesday was the last day. We had all bonded together despite language and cultural barriers – Northern Irish and French students alike – so it was a very hard goodbye. We got to experience a lesson of our choosing when we went to school with them in the morning. Emma, Charlotte and I went to geography… for two hours! It was certainly interesting. The mayor also organised a reception for us all in the Town Hall to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the exchange between our two schools. We ate in the canteen that afternoon and soon departed for the airport. Thankfully, yet again, we managed to arrive at Belfast luggage intact and Krispy Kreme donuts in hand. The exchange was an absolutely unforgettable experience for us all and we all felt so lucky to be made so welcome and to be the recipients of such kind hospitality. We look forward to seeing our correspondents next year and extending the same hospitality – Ballyclare style! Susannah Wallace and Emma Clarke

Trips and Tours

History Trip The excitement of getting to learn out of the classroom was palpable once more as Year 10 pupils walked down to War Years Remembered. This museum in the Dennison Industrial Estate is the embodiment of all things World War One and World War Two. The range of artefacts and the outstanding knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise of David McAllister the proprietor makes this a highlight in the History department calendar! This year was no different. Pupils focused their learning on the first world war and were keen to learn about the personal experiences of people from County Antrim and indeed Doagh and Ballyclare specifically. The best fun was had trying on uniforms and having a go with the replica rifles! What a way to learn about the past and make it come to life in the present.

Trips and Tours

Senior SU Weekend 2020 This year’s SU weekend was at Greenhill YMCA centre. On Friday 6th March we loaded our bags onto the already rowdy bus mainly because the SU weekend soundtrack had begun. The Committee was nervous for the weekend to start because they were still planning quizzes and changing room plans hours before arrival! Sorry! Once we got there we got settled into our rooms and we had our first worship session and an interview hosted by Tim with our guest speaker Jonny Rainey. The committee then split us up into our small groups by giving us each a piece of Lego in different colours. If we didn’t bring it with us everywhere, forfeits were enforced. The best forfeit had to be Mrs Montgomery dancing at the front! After that, we had to be in our buildings by 11pm. We had chats with some of the teachers and got ready for the next day.

On Saturday, the morning walk was optional so many of us didn’t go as we were in need of those extra 30 minutes in our beds! The breakfast was superb and fuelled us for our next session of worship and small groups later on. Our theme this year was Jonah’s story and we discussed it in depth in our small groups. We realised that God‘s plans often happen in the ways we least expect them, as we saw in Jonah’s story when he tried to run from God. God is always in control. After that we had a quiz made by Emma and Emily. This quiz was not only intellectual but physical as well. It gave us an insight to the training done by certain rugby players! However, the quiz upheld the tradition with a round devoted to finding Nathaniel because he always gets lost!

Trips and Tours

After the quiz we set off in search of food in Newcastle. The hardest thing about going to Newcastle was keeping the small group’s egg intact. Yes! A raw egg. Some forgot about this and had photo shoots on the beach instead. It started raining so we went back up to the centre and had some free time on our hands. We then had our dinner and a night of worship to follow. We had a guest guitarist come in and had a night of reflection and prayer with the help of our prayer stations. Saturday night is known for how emotive it is so we knew what we were getting ourselves into but we were overwhelmed by how much more meaningful it was than usual. We then had the annual social held by Miss Abbott, the highlight of most SU weekends. After a ton of laughs we had a bonfire… in the rain... but Mr Thompson with his magic got the fire going. There was a party with High School Musical making an appearance and food being passed around the room to nearly midnight. The next day was full of mixed emotions from the night before and the maths homework waiting to be done later on. We had our

final praise session with the song of the weekend, Days of Elijah, and handed out the annual awards. The prizes were donated by Mrs Montgomery along with some smashed cream eggs bought by Allen but it worked out in the end! Overall, the committee can breathe a huge sigh of relief because the weekend was a hit. Praise God who is always in control! All in all, the weekend was an amazing experience and was something I’ll never forget. Thank you to the teachers who helped the committee in their madness of Lego and eggs! I also would like to thank my fellow committee members for making this year of SU so enjoyable and we apologise for the madness. Thank you to David for the music and PowerPoint. And we thank God that we had the opportunity to further his Kingdom in any way we can. The weekends get better each year so I’m excited to see what next year’s weekend has in store. Emily Irwin Year 12

Creative Contributions

Quarantine life Quarantine life has been so slow, There’s lots of places I want to go, It’s been quite boring and quite fun, But there’s been loads of sun. When I’m on my phone, My mum likes to moan, We can’t go to the park to play, And if we do go to the park we get told to Stay away. I’m very bored, It’s like sitting in a ford, We sometimes get to eat junk food, But my mum has to give me haircuts and They are not good. By Billy McFadden 8L

It’s a dog’s life Lazy, sleepy Dreaming of bones Barking, growling Watching passers by Chasing their tail Watching the birds. Jumping, running Walking around the park Tail wagging, nose twitching Aroma of dinner in the air. Digging holes in the garden Burying treats and bones Patiently waiting owner’s return.

A Teacher’s Head In it there is an equation And a project For doing away with children And there is A cup of coffee Which shall be first And there is An entirely new child An entirely new destination An entirely new question There is a child That runs backwards There is a multiplication table There is another poem And it just can’t know enough I believe That only what cannot know enough Is evil There is much promise In the circumstance That so many people have heads. Alice Hughes 8E

By Joshua McFall 8E

Creative Contributions

A Nurse’s Head Mind set to get things done With a patient one on one They think about their patients every day Bravely facing what comes their way Thinking they aren’t doing enough When they should realise they do too much They work non-stop to protect our lives Putting their own on the line They are racing against time So they leave lunch behind Their thoughts are mixed with happiness and relief Other times with sadness and grief When their Covid-19 patient dies, they think it’s their fault Suddenly their whole world comes to a halt It must be so hard for them doing what they do Thank you NHS, we all love you! Lucy Ball 8B

Clouds Trees are cages for them whilst lying In your garden looking up at the sky Candy floss in the sky Artwork in the sky Light and fluffy Clouds bring shade from the sun Dark heavy clouds tell of the storms to come And they keep the heat in. By Joshua McFall 8E

Creative Contributions

Humanity Humanity isn’t a word Humanity is an action Humanity is full of the unheard Humanity needs to find a solution Philanthropy is an associated word with humanity Philanthropy means for the love of it Philanthropy also means to promote everyone’s happiness It’s a shame philanthropy is scarce, isn’t it? Amity means friendly relations Amity contributes massively to philanthropy Amity is being stepped on by segregation This is due to grim opinions in society Simply including someone makes a difference Simply act kindly Simply make yourself an influence Simply doing these things will add to humanity

Boredom Boredom, it’s like a police officer with no victim, It’s like having an empty column. It’s like being troublesome but no trouble to sum up. It’s like having a system but nothing in it. It’s like a ransom but no one to release. Is there really such a thing as boredom? Boredom is dumb, All you can do is twiddle your thumb. Boredom is dumb, Because there is nothing to run from. Boredom is dumb, Because you can’t be wholesome. Boredom is dumb, Because there will be no income. Is there really such a thing as boredom?

You could say humanity is the difference between men and others People don’t know but that is for them to discuss Support everyone like you would support your brothers and sisters The action of humanity is us.

Or is it just that you can’t do the things you want to? By Alex Kelly 8L

By Erin Caines-Robinson 10C

Creative Contributions

The Horrors of Home Schooling – a Dad’s Experience Without a doubt teachers are underappreciated, underpaid, and have the patience of a saint! Covid-19 changed the comfortable world I used to live in 10+ weeks ago. My family now exists in a “Twilight Zone” version of “Groundhog Day”. We are reliant on a good internet connection: on the days it stops working, our lives have no purpose. The six of us fight for control over the computer and tablets throughout the day. My wife continues to work from home and has deadlines to meet. Our daughter completed her first year of University online, including real time examinations and live lectures; keeping the household quiet was the biggest challenge. Our two sons at Ballyclare High reassure me they have done their work despite the “pings” I get while at work from the SIMS parent app. I have no idea how to look up what work they are meant to do unless they show me. My ability to help with home schooling is limited. I can’t speak any of the languages they are learning, don’t know much about their other subjects, and am the last person you would ask about computer problems. We now have a good supply of printer paper but ink levels are critically low and it is difficult to source. The children have developed hypersomnia as the weeks have progressed and have entered “holiday mode” being away from school for so long. Meanwhile I am turning into a sergeant major trying to motivate the troops. Our attempts at home haircuts would not pass school regulations.

We miss school, our friends, (X-box Live and Zoom are just not the same) and team sports. Rugby and cricket are both hard to practise in a back garden – but we try, when the neighbours throw our balls back. We continue to study Home Economics (BBQ and pizzamaking), Art (painting house and fence), Science (turning ingredients into banana bread), and Maths (trajectory of water bombs). The prospect of four children (two at university and two at school) trying to use one internet connection for online learning from September onwards concerns me. The logistics of who has priority throughout the day for live lectures, Zoom group meetings, examinations, downloading work and uploading work will be difficult. Nothing replaces good face-to-face teaching. Most importantly, we are all safe and well. We understand the importance of social distancing and good hand hygiene. We will continue to do our best to home school as long as we have to in these difficult times. A big thank you to the teachers at Ballyclare High for all their hard work and the online resources they have made available. Ivan Beattie

Creative Contributions

I Spy Some of our pupils have been using time during lockdown to write novels. Here is an extract from “I Spy”, a thriller about teenagers training - and competing with each other - to be secret agents. As I prowled the entrance of the hotel, I slid in my earpiece and tried to reach Ashlyn. Ashlyn had been my technical team (with only one member, yes) and was actually very good at it. I waited outside the entrance to the hotel while I waited for Ashlyn to give me the signal to head inside. Finally, after ten minutes, Ashlyn’s voice was ringing in my ear. “Go, now! The guards just headed off on lunch break!” Ashlyn told me. “Alright, I’m going in.” Nervousness tingled down my spine as I walked through the doors. I headed straight for the elevator, punching in the room number the weapons were stored in. The elevator had a sour milk smell, and I tried not to gag. When I arrived at the correct floor, I silently scampered down the corridor, being careful to not bump into any of the ornaments dotted along. 312, 313, 314… aha! 315. The room where the weapons are, I thought. I decided not to kick down the door as I usually would. Instead, I decided to pick the lock. Kneeling down, I plucked a pin from my hair, causing a loose strand to fall. I began to work with it, being as quiet as possible and continually checking down the corridor for any guards that might be returning from their lunch break. Click! Aha! I had cracked the door. Suddenly, Ashlyn’s voice filled my ear and I jumped. “Hey, Ari! You might wanna speed up, or else you’re gonna have a whole load of guards on your hands!” I had to decide on a plan, and fast. How was I going to do this? I didn’t have much time. I eventually decided to shove the door open and hope the guards were either asleep or didn’t have any guns.

As the door swung open and banged against the wall, the two guards on duty jumped. I couldn’t do two at a time, knowing it would result in more injuries, and a likely fail. So, I swooped in on guard number one, knocking him in the face and then sending a knee to his stomach, then, to end the first fight, I grabbed a pan from the kitchenette (not forgetting I was in a hotel) and whacked him on the head. I repeated the same process with the other guy, but decided to tie him to a chair so I could question him. Time to grab the weapons. As I began to advance on the weapons, I wondered about the guards on lunch break. Surely they should be back by now… Suddenly, something crashed through the roof, making me jump. I stared up at the roof, but could barely make anything out. A bit of plaster came flying and whacked me in the face. I ducked before another stray piece tried to hit me, and looked up at the person descending. A smoke bomb of sorts had been thrown in, making it hard for me to see this person. However, the mystery person grabbed the weapons easily and, as I lunged for them, the person was pulled back out of the room. The smoke began to clear and I noticed that a letter had fallen to the ground. It had a fancy wax seal, although it had no writing. Strange. So, I opened it and began to read. Dear Wendy, I read. And I couldn’t read anymore. Because the person in question was none other than my arch-nemesis. And once again, she had stolen my mission. However, this time I had a letter. And this time I was going to steal her mission. Isabelle Benning 9L

Creative Contributions

The Lighthouse Keeper 24th January 1955 8pm: Prepared boiled ham and soup for my supper. It was tasteless as usual but sufficient to fill me. I have run out of ale so had to make do with water, nothing to cheer me even a little today. Completed my check of the lighthouse and all is well. The wind has really started to blow hard and it is whipping the sea into large crests of waves already. I think we might be in for a bad night. I saw the villagers (from afar) as they started to gather, smiling and talking with each other. 11pm: Here I sit by my lantern at my writing desk, ready to retire with my warm milk. I look longingly out into the darkness and stare at the villagers as they revel together, no doubt fortified with ale – they look so happy together and yet here I sit all alone with only the flashing light for company. All my life I have spent here, lonely and sad now into my old age. The waves around me are huge and the wind is howling so I think I will check the lantern once more before I spend a restless night in bed listening to the wind and the waves crashing around me. All of a sudden things went dark, the window blew wide open, the candle blew out and I was left in foreboding darkness. My instant thought was one of fear, I was disorientated. Think, think, I must check the lantern. It seemed like a lifetime but I managed to light a lamp and ran up the stairs, round and round, as quickly as the dim light of the lamp would allow. Almost like the motions of the lantern itself but a pathetic, dim and useless version. The only fleeting light now coming from the lighthouse, my lamp flitting round and upwards. I opened the door of the dome, I scrutinised the interior and then studied the internal workings of the light. Then to my horror, I heard a ship approaching and my years of lonely experience knew that it was getting closer and closer. Oh, imminent danger, what was I to do? Its horn grew louder and louder and more ominous each time.

100

Worse yet, I stumbled in the darkness, I fell backwards and the lamp smashed into smithereens on the floor – shards of glass lay all around me. What a clumsy oaf I am, how could I have tripped and stumbled, broken the piece that would have saved the ship and its crew? Horror, horror, horror. Horror, horror, horror; pure and utter horror. There lay the shattered shards in hundreds of pieces all over the floor. The lamp – the saviour of many ships coming to their destruction upon the rocks - torn apart like shreds of sackcloth on knives. The saviour of thousands of seamen, lives taken in an instant, snuffed out like a candle in the wind. At first I steadied in disbelief, then as I heard the ship’s horn repeating itself with increasing volume as if to compound the guilt in my heart, I started to panic. The waves were crashing around the lighthouse, my lonely abode, and soon I would feel the anguish of witnessing the ship hitting the rocks. I dreaded the next minutes, the next chimes of the clock, the inevitable crash. I felt helpless, alone, pathetic. But then, could it be? What was I seeing in the distance, again disbelief, rubbing my eyes, could it be? Was it a mirage? Could I see twinkles of light approaching? I rubbed my eyes again, trying to make them see clearly in the darkness, all the while my other sense of hearing bringing the approaching disaster back to mind with the wind, the waves and the ominous sound of the ship’s horn. I peered and shook myself, pinched myself to make sure I was sane, seeing the reality of hundreds of lamplights approaching. It was like a sea of light lava advancing towards my lonely tower.

Creative Contributions

In a few minutes the friendly, anxious but smiling faces appeared in my vision, their expressions lit up by their lanterns and at once I realised they were coming to my aid, to help, to rescue, and like a swarm of welcome bees they enveloped the lighthouse, inside and all around outside. A marvellous scene. Once in place, the ship made a sudden amazing turn, like it was being swished around in a waltz, and away from the rocks, away from the danger it went.

The relief consumed me, I shuddered at what had been evaded. After that initial feeling though, I was overtaken by another sensation that would stay with me forever more. A great warmth, surprise, happiness, as my friends as I now know them surrounded me, embraced me, slapped my shaking shoulders. I was and I am part of the community, I am a friend and I have many friends. From that day until now, they bring their parties to me, we clink our jugs of ale, we laugh, we eat and we all rejoice in the lighthouse. I am no longer just me, we are we. By Andrew Blakely 8A

101

Creative Contributions

Lighthouse It was near midnight and I was working alone at the old wooden table, trying to concentrate on my writing. The window was open and I was enjoying the gentle breeze. However, the sound of the people further down the valley, who were having a good time, shouting and cheering every time the bright, yellow light from the Lighthouse swept over the village, distracted me from my work. I was not amused. I reached over and shut the window that was right beside my desk. It clattered shut and I finally had some peace and quiet to get on with my work. Suddenly, there was a loud crash and clang from upstairs in the Lighthouse. It did not sound good! The bright, warm, glowing light at the top of the building went out. The window beside my desk blew open with a loud bang and the candle on my desk was extinguished. There was total darkness. What was I going to do? The noise from the village stopped as soon as they realised that the light was no longer visible. I stood up quickly, in shock and panic. As I turned towards the stairs, I stumbled and staggered and fell to the floor with a loud thud. I stood up, found my lantern and quickly lit it so that I was able to see my surroundings. I quickly ran up the steps to the next floor where the large machinery was located. The machinery was important because it made the light rotate, so that it could be seen by ships far out at sea.

102

Using the light from the lamp, I went around and investigated the cogs and the wheels in the machinery. Everything had stopped and there was no movement at all, but I could not see anything that was damaged or find anything that could explain why the light had stopped rotating and glowing. It was very confusing. I realised that I would have to go to the top of the Lighthouse to investigate further. I turned around and grabbed my toolkit which was in an old, heavy, wooden box on the floor. I grasped the full toolbox as I scrambled up the next flight of steep stairs to the top of the Lighthouse. I had to use the handrail to support myself because the toolbox was so heavy. When I reached the top of the stairs I dropped the toolbox, which landed with a thud, and I went over and opened the small glass door so that I could look inside the large, glass dome to examine the inside and find out if I could see what was wrong. I scrutinised the interior of the light, studying the internal workings to see if there was any damage or broken parts. I heard a shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horn sound in the distance, and I knew that if I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the light to work again as soon as possible there was a real risk that the ship would crash onto the sharp, jagged rocks at the bottom of the cliff. The sound of the horn kept getting closer and closer. Frantically, I tried to lift the large, heavy glass dome from its stand. I underestimated the weight of it and I staggered back, tripping over the toolbox that I had abandoned nearby. The glass dome fell from my tired hands and smashed on the floor into thousands of tiny shards that glittered in the light of my lamp.

Creative Contributions

I sat on the floor in shock at what had just happened. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to do. I looked up and through the window I could see in the distance a big ship getting closer to the cliff. I felt hopeless as, without a light to warn them, the ship was going to crash straight into the rocks below. Suddenly I realised that the only hope was to ask the villagers for help. If we all worked together, we might be able to warn the ship and it could change its course. I knew what I had to do. As quickly as I could, I ran down the stairs holding on to the banister the whole way to make sure I did not fall. Out of breath, I snatched open the door and stood in amazement. There, walking up the hill, were the villagers with their lamps in their hands. Together we stood on the balconies of the Lighthouse and at the cliff edge. The light from all the lamps shone brightly and far enough to warn the approaching ship. The ship quickly changed its course as fast as a cheetah and headed away from danger. I had never felt so relieved or happy. By Daniel Caulcutt 8R

103

Art

A Level Art

Eve Lowry

105

Art

Adam Todd

Hannah Williamson

106

Art

Harvey Loftus

Luke Dunlop

107

Art

Key Stage 3 Art

Erin Harte Year 10

108

Art

Jacob Davis Year 8

Chrissie Marshall Year 10

Sarah Weatherup Year 9

109

Art

Katie-Anna Weatherup Year 10

110

MIA

A Level MIA

Aaron Henry

Ellie Archibald

111

MIA

Harvey Loftus and Adam Todd on set

Emily McDowell

112

MIA

Lucy Logan

Michael Glasgow

113

MIA

Aimee Higgins

Hannah Smyth

114

MIA

Hannah Williamson

Jack Brierley

115

MIA

Phillip Rainey

Phillip Rainey 116

MIA

AS Level MIA

Mia Stewart

Sara Graham

117

MIA

Adam Milligan

Josh McAree

118

MIA

Sam Hall

Nathanael Barr

119

Clubs & Societies

Clubs and Societies

Senior Scripture Union This year senior SU met every Tuesday at lunchtime in the Lecture Theatre. A typical SU meeting consists of some announcements, a short prayer and a talk usually given by a guest speaker that week. This year we have been so thankful to have so many speakers from many local organisations and church come and speak to us each week. The themes for the first term consisted of three points: becoming a Christian, growing as a Christian and sharing your faith. From January onwards we looked at different heroes of the Bible including Paul, Esther and Noah. We also have small group meetings once a month to talk over what we have heard from speakers in previous weeks and pray together.

Despite SU not ending in the way we all expected, it did end on a high with a joint BSS and BHS event held in the Secondary School. It was a great chance to hear from members of our own SU and from those in the Secondary.

This year, we had many exciting events taking place. The first major event was the SU party in September where all years were able to take part in games organized by the PE department and enjoy a social led by Miss Abbott. It was also great to hear from the Year 14 committee member, Timothy Moore, who shared some thoughts and we heard from our very own praise band. We also ran a Shine Outreach Week from the 2nd-6th December where we had free pancakes and tea at break, a joint junior and senior SU meeting and a lunchtime drop in session where a panel of teachers answered some tough questions on Christianity. The joint schools’ Christmas event was held this year in Ballycraigy Congregational Church and saw members of over a dozen Scripture Unions in schools from the surrounding area. This was a great opportunity for fun and fellowship while meeting other Christians from other schools as well as celebrating the true meaning of Christmas!

Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

The Senior Scripture Union is not only a lunchtime activity but a great way of making new friends. Everyone is always welcome even if you are not a Christian. SU has been a focal part of my school experience and it has been an amazing opportunity to be involved in the committee this year who have been supported by the amazing teachers Mrs Young and Mrs Montgomery.

Barbara Beatty Year 14

121

Clubs and Societies

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to be very popular in BHS. Offering pupils the opportunity to take part in a wonderfully diverse range of exciting activities, it is an award that is highly prized by colleges, universities and employers. We are delighted that so many of our pupils are prepared to challenge themselves, and discover that there is so much more to life than sitting on a sofa sharing information on social media.

Thank you for helping the DofE participants of

Ballyclare High School in 2019-2020 to complete

Obviously, the coronavirus pandemic severely impacted on our year and brought a swift halt to all expeditions. We hope that at some stage these expeditions can go ahead but, like everything else during these uncertain times, we have to wait and see. However, despite the lockdown, pupils have been able to continue with the other sections of their award. DofE made temporary changes to allow pupils to complete their other activities and issued a Certificate of Achievement for those who finished their Volunteering, Physical and Skill sections. It has been very encouraging to see so many pupils rewarded for their participation in sections that are now more important than ever. Indeed, in June, BHS was recognised as the top school in Northern Ireland for the hours of volunteering undertaken by our young people through their awards. The social value of the 3588 hours that our pupils worked in the local community was in excess of £15,600, an amazing contribution by everyone, across all levels of the award. With life as we know it put on hold, at least temporarily, DofE is more valuable than ever. Today communities need young people volunteering through their award to support our most vulnerable neighbours and friends. In addition to this, we also believe that participation in the award programme is hugely beneficial in helping the mental and physical wellbeing of our young people.

122

3,588 hours volunteering in their local community. The social value of these hours is

£15,607.80 Kate Thompson – Director Northern Ireland

Clubs and Societies

Outdoor Pursuits

Bar Mock This was my first time competing in the Bar Mock competition and it was a massively rewarding experience. Previously, I had never even considered a career in law but speaking to and learning from Barry and Lee - the lawyers helping us with our cases â&#x20AC;&#x201C; made me want to seriously look into law as a future job option. Being in the Royal Courts for the competition and meeting people from other schools with similar interests and passions was a great opportunity and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to hopefully do it all again next year. Being a part of the Bar Mock team has aided me with vital transferable skills such as team work and public speaking, particularly as the team as a whole bonded and each helped contribute something important to our competition effort.

Many thanks to Barry, Lee, Mrs Thompson and other members of staff who worked extra hard to help us succeed! Jessie Kennedy Year 13

123

Clubs and Societies

Groundforce Although this year was cut short BHS Groundforce has been able to achieve so much. At the start of the year we welcomed new members from Year 8, Year 9 and Year 12, showing that Groundforce is a club that you can be a part of, all the way through your school career. We look forward to welcoming more new members next year. This year the older members of Groundforce have been leading our efforts in trying to attain the Green Flag, and this will continue on next year when we hope to submit our application. Our junior school spearheaded efforts with a Rotary Club competition, raising awareness of the environment with the help of posters, informational presentations, stop motion animation and props that illustrated waste reduction. In February and March we designed and built new raised beds in the Millennium Garden which will be used next year for planting potatoes, rhubarb and other ingredients for the Home Economics department, and for members to take home.

124

Throughout the year we had been planning to create a sensory garden; however, this project had to be put on hold, and this will be one of our projects for next year. We continue our efforts to promote whole school recycling, and plan to continue this next year. Every year we have successfully become a little bit greener, whether it is encouraging everyone to use reusable water bottles, or making sure each classroom has a paper bin. Next year we hope to put more recycling bins around the school and encourage younger pupils to tell us how we can become a greener school. Jamie Young Year 13

Clubs and Societies

125

Charities

ReadOn Our continued commitment to supporting worthy causes was recognised by the NI Cancer Fund for Children after pupils in the junior school took part in ReadOn, a sponsored reading week where they collected a magnificent total of ÂŁ6500. This money is used to provide practical, emotional, financial and therapeutic support to young people living with cancer, and their families.

Blythswood

Miss Scott receives books donated to our school library by Blythswood

127

Charities

Simon Community Year 12 pupils were invited to demonstrate care and kindness for others by taking part in our Kindness at Christmas collection for the Simon Community. The Simon Community is a charity whose number one aim is to end homelessness in Northern Ireland. Pupils were encouraged to donate items to be

distributed by the Simon Community to those who needed them most in the run up to Christmas. These gifts in kind included warm coats, gloves, warm socks, toiletries or sanitary items, scarves or hats. These items may not have cost a lot, but made a huge difference to those who faced Christmas without a warm home.

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heartbeat Trust Congratulations to our Year 13 and 14 who earlier in the term held a fundraising break event for the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heartbeat Trust. This event was led by Zoe Fleck and the aim was to raise ÂŁ300 for a home device for this charity which would allow another young person more freedom instead of travelling to and from hospital to perform these checks. Well done to all our young adults who continue to inspire us.

128

Charities

Sixth Form Charity

Sixth Form Charity Break Organisers

A2 Event Aware NI

Sixth Form Charity Break

Christmas Fayre Apprentice Style Challenge at Xmas Fayre At the Christmas Fayre 2019, our Business Studies students battled it out to become BHS Apprentice Winners.

Each class developed, made and sold items at the Xmas Fayre with the beneficiaries being charities, Macmillan, Cancer Research and Hope 365. Kathryn Coombs Year 13

129

Charities

Year 8 Christmas Shoebox Appeal 8E really embraced the spirit of generosity as they packed their shoeboxes. Before we began we had a look at photographs and videos of where previous boxes had gone. 8E realised just what an impact these shoeboxes would have on the lives of those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t often receive Christmas gifts. They worked in pairs to wrap and fill their boxes with care. Thanks to our buddies for their help!

130

8L loved working together to thoughtfully select items for the shoeboxes that would bring joy to those receiving them. 8R pupils loved giving generously to those less fortunate than themselves. 8C were very enthusiastic and extremely organised in their approach to shoeboxes, with the help of their buddies, and were very pleased to be able to help others.

Charities

131

Sport

Year 8 Boys

Boys’ Badminton 2019/20

On the 30th November the Year 8 boys’ badminton team travelled down to Ballyclare’s Six Mile Leisure Centre for the Ulster Schools’ Year 8 Round Robin badminton competition qualifying event; Coleraine and RBAI also joined them. The format of 2 x singles and 1 x doubles suited the Ballyclare boys really well and they came out on top to win this event to qualify for the Round Robin finals. The qualifying squad was 1 Sam Mulholland, 2 Alex Kelly, 3 Blayne Madden, 4 Taylor Cowie, 5 Callum Andrews, 6 Jude Wilson.

Year 8 Round Robin winning qualifiers

Champions of Champions 2019

The Ulster Schools’ Champion of Champions tournament was held in November and Year 10 and Year 12 boys and girls took part in the singles and doubles tournament organised by the Ulster Branch. Of note was the success of Issac Shiels and Ryan McCauley who were runners up in their Under 14 minor boys’ section and, qualifying for the Ulster Schools’ semi-final playoff, they narrowly lost to a pair from Friends’ Lisburn in 3 sets.

The Ulster Schools’ final took place the following week in Ballyclare High School (Mr Thompson, event organiser) where the boys faced Wallace High School and Sullivan Upper, other section qualifiers. The matches were challenging for the boys who used their skills and tried their best but lost out to Wallace High 1st and Sullivan Upper 2nd. The U12 Ulster Schools’ knockout cup was played in the new year with the 4 x singles and 2 x doubles format. The squad was whittled down to 4 players who defeated RBAI in their opening match 6-0. The following match was a friendly against Friends’ School and the Lisburn side fielding two Ulster and Irish players defeated the boys 6-0 but a number of the games went up to the high teens. The Ulster Schools’ Division 1 semi-final against the number 1 seeds Wallace HS saw the boys playing exceptionally well but lost out 5-1 with Alex Kelly winning at 4th singles. However, the losing Division 1 semi-finalists were to play off for the Division 2 final on the Ulster Schools’ Finals Day. 133

Sport

The U12 team travelled on Friday 6th March to the National Badminton Centre in Lisburn for the Division 2 final against Sullivan Upper, a team that had beaten them previously! The team was led superbly by their captain and No 1 player Sam Mulholland winning both his singles and doubles with No 2 Evan Carlisle. Both No 3 Taylor Cowie and No 4 Alex Kelly had convincing singles and doubles wins. After some excellent all round play the Ballyclare boys came out on top to win 5-1 in games.

Under 12 Boys Division 2 champions 2020

134

Minor Boys

Junior Boys

The U14 Minor boys’ team started their Ulster Schools’ league campaign with a comprehensive 6-0 win over RBAI before taking on Bangor Grammar and recording another good 5-1 win. However, the news of No 1 player Issac Shiels breaking his leg in football was to prove crucial in the remaining league campaign. The team did travel to Sullivan Upper and recorded an excellent 5-1 win to qualify for the Ulster Schools’ Division 1 semi-final playoffs against Bangor Grammar (finished their section as highest runners up). However, missing the power of Shiels, the Bangor boys won 5-1 in a match that was much closer than the score suggests. The boys knew with this loss that they would play the Div 2 semi-final against Friends’. Despite trying their hardest, the Friends’ School fielded their Ulster players in Division 2 and ended up winning convincingly.

The U16 Junior boys’ team had the misfortune of playing the No 1 seeds in their first league match and the RBAI team, led by an outstanding Irish player, won 6-0. There was not much joy for them in their Friends’ league match with only the most improved player of the year, Stuart Gibson, recording a hard-fought win, the team losing 5-1. Again, the team was weakened with potential No 2 Andrew Leckey unable to play the season due to injury. The squad was led by No1 Tony Montgomery who, in joining Ballyclare Senior Badminton Club this year, has brought his game up to Division 1 standards. Ben Mathew was at No 2, and the ever-running Gareth Leckey played No 3, with Stuart Gibson No 4 and Ben Blacoe at No 5.

Sport

Girls’ Badminton 2019/20

Year 8 Girls The Year 8 girls’ Badminton team made the long journey to Coleraine on 28th November to compete in the Year 8 Round Robin badminton competition. The girls won their first match against Cookstown High, lost the second match by one game to Coleraine Grammar and were beaten by Sullivan Upper, who themselves progressed to win the overall competition. The squad consisted of 1 Emma Robinson, 2 Sophie Montgomery, 3 Jenna Den Haese, 4 Anna Treacy, 5 Caitlyn Mulligan. The next fixture for the Year 8 girls’ team was the U12 Ulster Schools’ knockout cup. The girls faced strong competition in the quarter final having been drawn against Friends’ School Lisburn. The games were difficult, particularly first and second singles, as Friends’ School fielded two Ulster players. In the end the girls were defeated 6-0, with two games going to three sets.

Year 8 Round Robin winning qualifiers

U14 Minor girls’ badminton

Minor Girls This year the U14 Minor girls’ squad was highly competitive, with team selection changing based on the development of players throughout the season. The top four girls started off their Ulster Schools’ league campaign away to Coleraine Grammar. This match was a tough fight but, in the end Ballyclare lost 4-2, with several of the girls’ games going to three sets. The girls then hosted one of the strongest teams in the league competition, Wallace High. Wins in singles from Jane Martin and in doubles, from Grace McAllister paired with Jane Martin, were not enough as again the girls lost out with a 4-2 scoreline. The squad was as follows: 1 Lucy Millar, 2 Ellie Andrew, 3 Grace McAllister, 4 Jane Martin, 5 Keeley McCrea, 6 Lois Simpson.

U16 Junior girls’ badminton

135

Sport

Junior Girls The U16 Junior girls’ team had a tough draw this year playing against the No 1 seeds Royal and Prior A in their first league match. Although defeated, Rebekah Woodside and Sophie Jennings achieved a competitive scoreline in their first doubles match. In the end Ballyclare lost to Royal and Prior 6-0. Next, they played Coleraine Grammar in a tightlyfought match. After the doubles, both teams were a game apiece, with Hannah Taylor and Sophie Arnold getting a win. Sophie Arnold also delivered in her singles, winning convincingly in two sets. It didn’t go Ballyclare’s way and they were defeated 4-2.

Under 14 Boys Allen Cup finalists

The girls hosted a strong Wallace High in the final match of the year. Sophie Jennings was unlucky in her singles, taking the Wallace opposition to three sets, only to lose the last game 21-19. Although the game scores were competitive Wallace won the match 6-0. The U16 squad consisted of 1 Rebekah Woodside, 2 Sophie Jennings, 3 Hannah Taylor, 4 Sophie Arnold. Senior Boys Allen Cup finalists

Allen Cup The Allen Cup singles competitions, running for over 28 years in school, were all again keenly contested by the boys and girls. In the Senior girls’ U19 singles Rachel Campbell defeated Katie McCullough in the final 21-11. In the Minor girls’ final Lucy Millar defeated Grace McAllister 21-14. In the Senior boys’ final Matthew Walker defeated Tony Montgomery 21-11, 21-10. In the Minor boys’ final Ryan McAuley defeated Adam Oswald.

Junior Girls Allen Cup finalists

Senior Girls Allen Cup finalists 136

Sport

Representative Honours

Cricket As with most years in school, the cricket season got under way the first week back after February half-term; the Junior practice (Years 9-10 both boys and girls) on Thursday 27th February and the Senior practice (Years 11-14) on Friday 28th February, both morning practices 7:45-8:45am. The turnout numbers were great and the players were very keen to start into working on their batting, bowling, and fielding. After discussions with the NCU’s Coaching Development the services of Wayne Hughes (School and Club Engagement Officer) were gratefully accepted for Thursday mornings with the juniors.

The following cricket representative honours by school pupils occurred between July–August 2019 and were unable to be recorded in last year’s School Magazine: Beth McCrea Women’s NCU Inter Pro cricket team Ewan Wilson Irish U17 and NCU U16 cricket teams Josh Cowan Ulster Schools’ U19 cricket team Finn Lutton NCU U14 and U13 cricket teams Beth (Cornwall) and Finn (Somerset) were involved in English tours, while Josh was involved in a Scottish tour (Glasgow).

Beth McCrea NCU Ladies 2019

Junior Cricket practice Feb 2020

Ewan Wilson Irish U17s 2019 137

Sport

After consultations with the Ulster Schools’ committee, a majority of schools in the Northern Cricket Union area wished to continue to field 1st XIs and four junior teams in the Saturday mornings competition. The following two-pool block fixture structure was proposed as The McCullough Cup Saturday morning league competition: Pool A – Ballyclare HS, Bangor GS, BRA, Down HS, Friends’ School, Campbell College. Pool B – Grosvenor GS, Methodist College, RBAI, Sullivan Upper School, Wallace HS. (As Down HS and Sullivan Upper School have opted not to field 1st XIs, their block fixtures will be confined to the four junior age-groups). These Ulster Schools’ cricket fixtures were organised and sent out to schools prior to the Covid-19 season cancellation.

The 1stXI squad this year was to be captained by Year 14 student Matthew Hamilton and Jay Khanna in Year 13 was to be vice-captain. Both boys were honoured and excited to be given these responsibilities and from the first winter indoor practice, their enthusiasm showed through. Having represented the school in junior teams Matthew has developed into a very useful medium quick, opening bowler. His finest performance in school colours was his outstanding bowling against Grosvenor Grammar last year, where he clean bowled the first 4 batsmen and finished with 5 wickets for 1 run off 4 overs. Matthew has also experienced captaincy with our local Templepatrick CC. Jay has been a developing right arm leg spin bowler and no doubt would have taken wickets this year. He has also worked hard, like Matthew, on developing his batting and fielding.

1stXI CRICKET SQUAD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

138

Khanna, Jay (Vice-Captain) Clarke, Harry Lloyd, Ben Montgomery, Oliver Gordon, Jake Johnston, Nicholas Hamilton, Matthew (Captain) Shanks, Mattie Beckington, Harry McQuillan, Calum McCallan, Bryn McIlwrath, Luke Scarlett, Zachary Wightman, Matthew

1st X1 Cricket

Sport

The cricket squads below display the numbers that were very keen to participate in Ulster Schools’ competitions this year: U16

CRICKET SQUAD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Anderson, Saul Butler, James Corr, Alex English, Blake Johnston, Zak Gannon, Max Kidd, Jason Kinghan, Joel Luke, Harry *McCallan, Bryn McClean, Lewis *McIlwrath, Luke *Scarlett, Zachary *Wightman, Matthew

*Plus 1stXI Squad

U15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

CRICKET SQUAD

U14 CRICKET SQUAD

Albury, Matthew Catherwood, Angus Charlton, Jacob Clarke, Daniel Dougherty, Will Duff, Harry Farquhar, Matthew Kerr, Adam Leckey, Andrew Leckey, Gareth Lucas, Jack Manson, Isaac McAllister, Tom McClernon, Matthew Millar, Marcus Ruddy, Matthew Scott, Max Warwick, James

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Lutton, Finn Maze, David Beattie, Aaron Scarlett, Jacob O’Hara, Ian Meikle, Luca McCourt, Matthew Lucas, Matt Pyper, Jay McKenzie, Alex Allen, Peter McCord, Ben Smyth, Matthew Baird, Scott Bhamra, Kavyadeep Stewart, Noah McMinn, Luke McCooke, Daniel Newell, Duncan Baird, Ryan Ward, Ethan Mitchell, John Turkington, Charlie Clements, David

139

Sport

A number of pupils had been selected and were involved in the NCU Winter Coaching Development Squads since Nov 2019. Year 13 pupil Beth McCrea was training hard with the Women’s squad, Andrew Leckey was invited to the U15 squad but was unfortunately unable to attend due to injury. U14 Player Finn Lutton, the school’s best prospect, trained hard with the U14 NCU and Irish squads.

140

It is envisaged that the 1stXI will play a special testimonial match toward the end of the August, if local Government Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed to allow participation in cricket. The match will be to honour the memory of Dr Austin Millar, who suddenly passed away just at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. It will be a fitting tribute to our esteemed colleague who loved his cricket and umpired, each summer during his 25-year teaching career, at all levels of school cricket on Saturday mornings, as well as the annual Old Ballyclarians versus 1st XI match.

U12

CRICKET SQUAD

GIRLS’ CRICKET

U13

CRICKET SQUAD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Jude Wilson Sam Mulholland Taylor Cowie Evan Carlisle Blayne Madden Matthew Spence Joshua Gilchrist Jack McKnight Lea Matthews Sophie Montgomery Rory Luke Harry Scott Alex McAllister Harry Thompson

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Noah Anderson Ryan Black Spenser Thompson James Hood Luke Wilson Ben Vance Jack Harris Zane Johnston Sam Geary Zac Johnston Jack Fulton Joel Stevenson Jessie McMaw Andrew Cooper Ryan McCauley

Ellie Andrews Emily Gilchrist Tait Brennan Beth Proctor Grace McAllister Jenni Crawford Kailen Gault Sarah Campbell Alice Templeton Anna Louden Joy Duncan Cally McWhirter Grace McKinstry Rebecca Smyth

Sport

Cross Country Districts

Senior Boys

District C Cross Country Championships in Donegal on the 21st January 2020 After a long, long journey to Donegal and the usual cross country weather Ballyclare High pupils performed well in the District Cross Country Championships with boys and girls in all age groups. Qualifying for the Ulster Finals from this event were Holly Collins Year 8 and both the Senior Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and Senior Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Teams. The Ulster Finals were on the 12th February at Mallusk.

Minor Girls

A focused start

Senior Girls

Minor Boys 141

Sport

Junior Boys

Junior Girls

Olivia Boyd

Intermediate Team members

Holly Collins, Year 8, who qualified for the Ulster Cross Country Finals

142

Mini Team

Sport

Cross Country Ulsters The Ballyclare High School Cross Country Club has had another successful year, and continues to facilitate training sessions for both competitive team athletes and recreational athletes. Our racing season always begins with the NEBSSA Cross Country Championships, which were held on 27th of November in our favourite training location, The Six Mile Park in Ballyclare. 38 athletes, forming 8 teams, competed with great determination against schools from all over the North Eastern area. Our school placed 4th overall from 15 schools. Of particular note are the following team successes and individual top 5 finisher results.

143

Sport Year 8 boys’ team: 3rd place Evan Carlisle (5th), Joshua Gilchrist (7th), Aiman Abd Razak (26th), Joshua McColgan (37th) Year 9: Grace Cowden, 3rd place Year 9 boys’ team: 3rd place Tom Fleming (4th), Jacob Usher (17th), Peter Johnston (20th), Joel Stevenson (30th), Jacob Buchanan (33rd), Adam Young (45th)

144

Year 10: Ellie Gould, 3rd place Year 10 boys’ team: 3rd place Noah Grills (8th), Jacob Simpson (9th), Ethan Clotworthy (11th), Ewan Ellison (19th), Matthew Kenny (22nd), Calum Barkley (33rd) Senior girls’ team: 3rd place Bradie Hogg (4th), Olivia Boyd (6th), Grace Montgomery (9th), Sophie McConnell (21st), Alex Apsley (26th)

On 21st of January 54 runners travelled to Finn Valley, Co. Donegal, to represent the school at the District Cross Country Championships. The competition was tough, the course flat and fast and more schools from Donegal competed due to the location. 9 athletes qualified to represent the school at the Ulster Championships. Holly Collins (Year 8) qualified as an individual, finishing impressively in 5th place. Both of our senior teams placed 3rd. Senior girls’ team: Molly Dougan (11th), Ellie Gray (13th), Emma Montgomery (14th), Alana Kinkaid (21st). Senior boys’ team: 3rd place - Joshua Kerr (15th), Jamie Young (18th), Nicholas Johnston (19th), Conor McKenzie (20th).

Holly Collins placed 32nd. Senior girls: Molly Dougan 28th; Bradie Hogg 37th (Bradie should be congratulated for being selected to compete in an older age group); Ellie Gray 40th and Emma Montgomery 44th.

The Ulster Championships took place as always at Mallusk Playing Fields. All of our qualifiers competed with great determination and talent against a very competitive field of athletes from all over Ulster.

O Gilkeson

Senior Boys: Joshua Kerr 60th; Jamie Young 71st; Nicholas Johnston 73rd and Conor McKenzie 74th. Congratulations to all members of our cross country club for contributing to another great season. A huge thank you must be extended to our staff team of coaches, whose dedication and efforts are greatly appreciated.

Sport

Football Year 12 Boys’ Football Team progressed to the third round of the NI cup.

Year 11 Boys’ Football Team played in the Semi-final of the East Antrim Cup but lost out on penalties.

Year 10 Boys’ played in the NI cup participating well and also played in the East Antrim Cup but were eliminated in the quarter finals.

145

Sport

Golf As with so many aspects of life this year, the 2019/20 golf season was cut short prematurely. We continued to enter teams for all GUI Ulster and Irish Schools’ championships in the 2019/20 season. In June 2019 we managed to convert our consistent recent top 5 placings into a trophy with a 4-boy team lifting the Ulster Schools’ Junior Championship at Moyola Park GC. The emphatic 6-point victory secured the trophy that the school last won in 2014. We have 9 boys involved with Ulster development panels who are all keen to get back to the sport when lockdown lifts.

Moyola Ulster Junior Champions

U18: Ewan McArthur, Ross Campbell and Adam Buchanan. U16: Joel Flynn and Jamie McArthur. U14: Stewart Nesbitt, Jenson Boyce, Evan Carlisle and Lewis Flynn. Ewan McArthur has also represented Ireland at U16 level. Mr Bell and the teams would like to take this opportunity to thank retired teacher Mr Stewart for taking us to our tournaments this year and for his interest and enthusiasm in the team’s progress and performances!

Ballymena GC Irish Schools Junior Team

Unfortunately this year we were unable to field a girls’ golf team at the ILGU tournament. If you are a girl and play golf with a current handicap from your club, please make yourself known to Mr Bell! You can follow our golfers’ progress via Mr Bell’s twitter account @mrbell_maths Spa GC Irish Schools Senior Team

146

Sport

Gymnastics Congratulations to Yasmin Kidd who has been named the 2019 Northern Ireland Gymnast of the Year. She represented Northern Ireland at the British NDP Acro Finals in Stoke and has also added coaching to her list of achievements, qualifying as a Level 1 coach and working at Flight Gymnastics with those starting gymnastics. She also competed with her club at the Scottish Acrobatic Gymnastics Invitational. Congratulations to Rachel Campbell who, with her team, has been awarded the Northern Ireland Master Gymnast Award 2019. She participated in the World Gymnaestrada in Austria where Abbey Gymnastics Club represented Great Britain. Congratulations to Year 8 pupils Faye McCalmont and Erin Hall who represented Flight Gymnastics Academy at the Scottish Acrobatic Gymnastics Invitational.

Rachel Campbell

Yasmin Kidd

Faye McCalmont and Erin Hall

147

Sport

Hockey 1st X1 Girls Although this season has not been the most successful for the 1st XI, it has been a mad mixture of achievement, disappointment, celebration, ugly crying, and of course Mr Corry’s terrible banter, before coming to an abrupt end due to a pesky virus. With quite a young team this year we had a bit of a shaky start, while we got used to playing with new people and new positions; I wasn’t so keen when Mr Corry put me in to play centre back! Despite this, we managed not to lose a match in our Superleague group, and we progressed to the quarter final against BRA. Tensions were particularly high facing our old rivals at “The Fort”, but the girls came out strong having an early goal disallowed. Although we played our hearts out in a nail-biting match, we were very unlucky to come away with a 1-0 loss. However, we picked ourselves back up again, as the season and the Schools’ Cup were still ahead of us, plus the Superleague is cursed anyway! One of the best things about this season was having such an enthusiastic bunch of girls on our team, there was never a dull moment. I would look forward to seeing them at training every Monday, Wednesday and even Tuesday mornings, itching to hear about Rachel Steele’s latest injury, or Eve Cole’s new fake tan disaster, or see what Megan Cochrane would be up to next in the crazy events of her life! Even though there were a lot of fresh ‘babies’ on the team, the age gap was not evident and we started to mould together like a little family. With the Superleague out of the way, we began to focus on the incoming cup campaign, and soon we were ready for our third round match against Lurgan. Cup matches are always the best kind of matches, so

148

1st XI squad v Strathearn 7th March 2019

an excitement filled the cold air that Saturday morning at our home pitch. Although we started slowly, the girls worked hard coming away with a fabulous 5-0 win, with some wonderful team goals, and an elegant penalty corner strike from Katie Stewart. We left the pitch feeling on top of the world, and in my opinion it was the best team performance we put in all season. However, this excitement was soon dampened by the realisation of having to face BRA away in the quarter final, and we all tried not to think back to the Superleague. Nevertheless, the girls were determined and, after some pep talks from Mr Corry and Zoe, intense training sessions, and team bonding nights, we felt we were ready. As always when playing BRA, there is no such thing as ‘taking it easy’. Every player from both teams fought tooth and nail on the pitch that day, with multiple cards handed out, while the side lines were packed with a mixture of BHS and BRA supporters, either holding their breath or creating an uproar of encouragement for their team. Despite a strong Ballyclare defence, BRA managed to get 2 goals past Niamh Hogan, leaving us in a very difficult position. However, it is a testament to the strength and determination of these girls that they kept putting in the hard work for each other, and this was rewarded by a cracker goal from Chloe McNeilly to make it 2-1. With a new boost of adrenaline, Ballyclare kept the pressure on BRA right until the final whistle, but it was not to be and our cup run ended there with a 3-1 loss. It was a very tearful finish to our Schools’

Sport

Cup campaign, and we all came away exhausted after leaving everything on the pitch, but BRA were a talented team and proved that by their success in the rest of the competition. I felt extremely proud of my girls that day because I knew that we had all given our best and, although we didn’t leave with a win, we had still held on to that tight bond keeping our little family together. Although it was heart-breaking to be out of the Cup, we regrouped as we still had league matches to play. We had some brilliant team play in matches against Carrick and Larne, with outcomes of 4-0 and 6-0 wins respectively. Another great performance came against Antrim Grammar, with 7 goals being scored by Megan, Joanna, Eve, Rebecca and myself! Our final league match was Belfast High, where we gained another 3 points with a 1-0 win. Unfortunately, the result of the league is unable to be decided due to covid-19 ending the season before we could play BRA again, maybe a good thing? Our final match of the season was against Strathearn, an emotional day especially for the Upper Sixths. By the end of the first half we were winning 1-0, and so Mr Corry thought “let’s mix it up a bit”. Our opponents must have been wondering what on earth was going on when they saw Rachel Hill steaming up the right wing to the circle, and Eve Cole trying her best to tackle without giving a free in defence. By the end of the match we came away with a 2-1 win and with a huge smile on every face. It was the first time Issy McGrugan had enjoyed a match all season! I would like to say thank you to all the coaching staff that have helped make this season so special, but especially to Mr Corry and Zoe. Even though at times it was a love-hate relationship and we grumbled about the fitness, we appreciate you giving up your time to coach us and we are forever grateful for all the memories that have been made this season, and none of it could have been made possible without you. On behalf of all the girls, I would like to wish Mr Corry all the best in his forthcoming marriage this year, and also send Zoe the best of luck as she looks forward to representing Ireland in the Olympic Games.

Sponsorship 2019/20 Rob Ireland from Dennison JCB Co-Captains Katie Stewart and Molly Dougan

For both myself and Katie, it has been a dream come true captaining such an epic group of girls, and being able to share both the good and the bad times with them. Ballyclare High hockey has been a huge part of my life for 7 years and I want to thank each and every one of you for making it an experience I will never forget. I wish all of the girls the best of luck for next season and hope that among the chaos they can find that bond to reform the BHS hockey family, because it is something that I will miss very much, and always keep close to my heart. Katie Stewart and Molly Dougan Co-Captains

149

Sport

2nd X1 Girls What a season for the mighty 2s! The girls worked so hard throughout the season and week after week they outperformed themselves. From our youngest player to our oldest player right from the start we bonded instantaneously and we always worked for each other. The Leahs’ army was destined for great things. We started off the season well with wins against Banbridge and Omagh. We had several bonding nights, where we ate Chinese until we couldn’t, and sang until we lost our voices. With the occasional sleep-in or Abigail forgetting to bring her hockey top, we played well in each game prior to our cup run so we started with a lot of ambition and energy. Our first cup match was against Glenola where we won 6-0. This definitely has to be a highlight of the season and the most memorable match due to Anna O’Hara having a hamstring disaster halfway through and being carried off the pitch. Despite this, our performance put us in good spirits and we knew we could go far in the McDowell Cup. Our next opponents were Victoria which we won 3-1, with an own goal from Holly for good luck! We then played Friends where

150

we won 2-0 and then Strathearn, winning 4-0 which brought us to the semi final of the McDowell Cup! We played Ballymena which was definitely our toughest match of the season but with our determination and team spirit we won 1-0. The McDowell Cup final was going to be our last match of the season and last time playing all together, so everyone wanted to give it their all for one last time. With our hair plaited, tan on and our theme tune ‘pump it up’ on before the match, we were ready. With a few patchy tans and one broken collar bone later we came out as McDowell Cup champions with a 2-1 win against Rainey! We are so proud of how the team played and all they have achieved. For the girls leaving school this year it was a super way to end seven years of hockey at BHS. We wish all the players and coaches the best for the future and we will definitely miss the mighty 2s’ team bonding. Thanks for the best season, we’ll never forget it. Leah Wilson and Leah Baird Co-Captains

Sport

2B X1 Girls The season began with a rough start with many injuries including a pulled hamstring, a series of shin splints and twisted ankles. However, this did not dampen our hopes with a series of wins at the beginning, starting the cup run off strongly with a 3-0 win against Armagh. However, the streak was broken when we played B.R.A. the day after the formal, which was an unfortunate loss and a tight match with the final score being 3-2. We played very well considering the circumstances. This led to another 3-2 loss to Sullivan in the Gibson Cup; however, we had excellent performances with two strong wins against Banbridge and Grosvenor with scores of 6-0 and 8-0 respectively. The quarter final was against Ballymena Academy, whom we had played previously in the season. This was a hard match with many penalty corners and chances for both sides, but we remained determined and focussed, resulting in a 4-1 win, putting us through to the semi-finals. Leading up to the semi-finals, we were nervous due to the draw with Friends at the start of the season. The semi-final was a tense match, where at points it could have gone either way. Rhianna Logan made amazing saves that kept the 2Bs in the match by leading the defensive short corners. Olivia McCartney made the first goal by picking up a long ball and driving it into the back of the net. Jade Allison soon followed suit when Ballyclare won a short corner and,

with Kelsey Smyth’s help, put the ball in the back of the net. The highlights of the match were the amazing saves and goals as well as Katie McCullough getting her first card ever and getting sent off and Jade Allison crying yet again… but she had leg cramps. After a psych session with Doc and Gemma Ferguson, we felt ready for battle. We went into the final against Strathearn knowing it would be difficult. We let the nerves get to us, allowing the opposition to swiftly score two goals in quick succession. This kicked us into gear and with fire in the belly we scored a goal by a short corner with Lucy Graham putting the ball in the back of the net. With the new found confidence, we continued the match with vigour. Unfortunately, Strathearn had a quick break, scoring a goal and bringing the final score to 3-1. It just wasn’t meant 2B. Overall, the season was very successful with a small number of losses. We developed not only as players but, as young women forming a strong bond with one another which played a large part in the team’s success. The girls will be sad to see the upper sixth and some fifth years leave. Favourite quote of year for hockey and life “control the controllables”. – Doc 2020 Jade Allison and Katie McCullough Co-Captains

151

Sport

3rd X1 Girls

Under 13C Girls

This year we had a very successful season, only being defeated a handful of times. We played very well as a team and were able to play off each other’s strengths within the team. This season we were lucky to have a range of age groups within the team from 4th formers to Upper Sixth. We had a talented squad with special mentions to players such as Holly Conn, Rachel Neill and Katie Simmons. Also, our goalkeeper Grace Marks, who saved many goals and stepped up to the plate in our run-ins in the cup. We started the season on a 2-0 win and this streak continued well into the season. We managed to reach the semi-final of our cup but were unfortunately knocked out by Methody, this was a disappointing loss as all hopes were set on the final. This is the same place we were knocked out last year, but I really believe next year’s team and Mrs Wells will be able to reach the final!

Overall this season has been a hugely successful one, we have not lost any matches, particularly amazing as most of the teams we played against were their school’s B team.

Katie Patterson Captain

There are amazing players in this team who have been very dedicated to training even campaigning for early morning training which was a shock to the system. Not only has it been a great season hockey wise with us all improving our skills and tactics but we have all become good friends, sharing the same interests and working well together. I love being part of this team and I love how they all push to reach their potential during matches which makes us all the prouder when we win. We have had singalongs – but only when we win treats when we win and lots of fun and laughter along the way. We have players who run and run to move the ball and those who steadily stay on the post and calmly but determinedly put the ball into the back of the net. Thank you to everyone for being so on the ball with organising themselves to be on time and where they should be and thanks to Mrs McCullough for being there and enjoying it all with us. Alex Caldwell Captain

152

Sport Apart from all the friendly fixtures we entered the Methody tournament and again reached the final but this year the girls went one better and won this event. They went on to do the double by winning the Area Board tournament as well, huge congratulations girls! Our last fixture was on a Saturday playing at the same time as the seniors and getting to grips with the bus depot and Saturday morning organisation so we are all prepared for next year and it was a great way to end the year. Thanks to everyone who helped us develop as players and to your parents for all their support with lifts. We cannot wait until next season and where we will see you all at training. All Year 8s!

Under 12 Girls A total of 54 girls attended Friday training with the bulk of these also attending on Saturday morning. This welcomes the girls into the Saturday sporting tradition that Ballyclare High is renowned for. Plenty of fun and games were had, lots of matches were played by everyone who came to training and we all really enjoyed being together as a group. Our ice hockey visit saw the start of the social side of the club, and importantly we impressed with our Santa hats on. The only thing we could improve upon is the notice we take of the weather, with some of the girls believing that we were warm weather training at 8am on a frosty morning by only wearing their playing kit! At this age group, we mainly play 8-a-side matches so that there is more time on the ball for players. Our Friday fixtures began with a flourish and the usual â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;you can sing on the way home if you winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rule was applied. So, you guessed it, there was plenty of singing but whether it was good or not depends on who you ask (staff or pupils).

Methody Tournament Winners

Presentation of Year 8 Methody Tournament Trophy

153

Sport

two from Josh. These results gave us 10 points putting us 3rd in the table narrowly missing out on a place in the next round of the Prior Shield.

1st XI Boys The 19/20 hockey season started off well for the boys’ 1st XI. A friendly against our rivals BRA was our first game of the season. Going one down early in the game we fought back with two goals from Joshua Kerr and one from Calum McQuillan which saw us win 3-1; a good start to the season. Then we started our run in the Prior Shield. In our group we had Kilkeel HS 1st XI, Regent House 2nd XI, Friends’ School 2nd XI and Grosvenor Grammar 2nd XI. We played Kilkeel away and won 1-0, Joshua scoring the only goal. The next game was a close game against Regent. Joshua scored our only goal of the game which ended as a 1-1 draw. The next game against Friends was a hard game and David got our only goal, losing our first game of the season 3-1. The next game we won 4-2 against Grosvenor with goals coming from Ethan, Calum and

To qualify for the Burney Cup, we had to play a qualifying game against Antrim. We beat Antrim 6-0 with Joshua scoring an impressive 5 goals and Ethan picking up a goal. This put us into the first round of the Burney Cup. The first round saw us play Grosvenor 1st XI away. This was a tough game for Ballyclare playing a very strong side. This put us out of the Burney Cup and into the Burney Shield. The quarter final of the shield saw us play away to Kilkeel for the second time that year. It was a tough and hard-fought match between the two sides, both having their stages of pressure and chances. The game ended 1-1 at the end of normal time, Joshua Kerr picking up the only goal. As the game had to be decided it went to penalty runs. A heroic performance by our goalkeeper Harry Duff saw us win 2-1 on penalty runs putting us through to the semi final of the cup. Unfortunately, this is where our season has ended for now due to the recent coronavirus pandemic. It has been an outstanding season for our boys’ 1st XI and the best season and the most fun season I’ve ever had. Hopefully the games can be played at the start of the next season to give our boys a chance at a cup final. Calum McQuillan Captain

Junior Boys The junior boys had some great matches throughout the year, in particular against BRA on a number of occasions. It was great to see so many junior boys taking part in hockey throughout the year. We had over 20 boys signed up and attend regular training every Friday. Well done to all involved.

154

Sport

Senior Hockey Tour Wednesday We departed for Antwerp on a Wednesday evening, so having to get up at crazy hours of the morning wasn’t a problem. Being an excited and bubbly group of girls, even more so than usual due to being on tour, meant that it proved a little hard for us to keep the noise down when we arrived at our accommodation late at night. However, we settled down after we all got our room keys and made a beeline for bed to get rested up for the days ahead. Thursday The sun was shining and it certainly did not feel like what a day in October in Northern Ireland would. We started the day with a walk in Stadspark which helped to wake up a few dreary-eyed members of the squad. The picturesque scenery saw the Ballyclare girls looking like your typical tourist, snapping pictures here, there and everywhere. Since we were staying in apartments, we had to cook for ourselves. Having said that McDonald’s, Pizza Hut or Wagamama, sorted us out for most of our evening meals to our delight. I also wouldn’t say we created much gourmet cuisine over the course of the few days either. A few slices of ham in a baguette was more our style. To get what we needed we went on a shopping trip to a nearby supermarket after our walk, and then headed back to our rooms to make a packed lunch each. Later on that day, we found ourselves back at the park having a bench ball tournament. With playing team sport, most of us have a bit of a fiery and competitive side so to speak, which made the mini matches all the more exciting. All that physical activity made us rather peckish and so we sat under the trees and had the lunches that we’d made.

picture with Felix Denayer. He plays as a midfielder for Dragons and is also a member of the Belgium national team. Friday We got up and had breakfast at 8am and then started making our way to the hockey club for a day of training. In the morning session this consisted of various challenges and drills. From throwing aerials and reverse hitting to doing crossbar challenges, the day was packed with fun. We sat at the outdoor tables and had our lunches with the warmth of the sun hitting our backs. During the afternoon session we played some matches and then after we had our evening meal in the clubhouse. We had spaghetti Bolognese which was to die for- certainly better than any of our creations back at the apartment!

That evening we played a match against Dragons at the KHC Dragons club in Belgium. Despite losing, everyone was still in great spirits and had really enjoyed the experience. Whilst leaving the hockey club to go home, some of the girls even managed to grab a

155

Sport After a much-needed shower back at the apartments following that day of training, we got ready to go to the Escape Rooms. This was a great evening’s entertainment. The clues were challenging and when the lights went out suddenly you could’ve heard the screams back in Ballyclare. However, it turned out this was nothing to do with the activity, someone had just leaned against the light switch! Following an action-packed day, everyone fell into bed exhausted. Saturday On Saturday morning the group gathered and for once, there wasn’t a piece of school kit in sight. We were all dressed up for a full day of shopping. It was just the distraction we needed as JCO had to cut his trip short and head home to Garvey for an important match. It’s safe to say we used the majority of our spending money that day.

Arms laden with shopping bags, we made our way back to our rooms and began showing each other what we’d bought. With it being our last night in Antwerp, we had to get our cases packed and ready for going home the next day. This proved to be a bit of a struggle with the addition of all the new purchases! Sunday This morning’s activity was rather relaxing. Yoga was just what we needed to wind down after an actionpacked tour. Once the giggles subsided, everyone really got into it, with the odd person falling over from time to time. Feeling calm and refreshed, bags in hand, we left for the train station to begin our journey home. Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Thanks to all the hockey staff and coaches that made it all possible.

Junior Hockey Tour On Thursday afternoon 50 of us headed off on Junior Tour full of excitement. We left school and headed to Belfast docks where we caught the 3:30 boat to Cairnryan. We then got a coach to Glasgow and on the way had lots of fun, films, food and sing-alongs. When we arrived at Novotel Glasgow we went to our rooms and down for dinner. There was chicken, pizza, chips, potatoes and a choice of cheesecake and fruit for dessert. It was the quietest we were the whole tour. After dinner we played the newspaper game which involved each group getting a newspaper and finding the answers to the questions in the articles or adverts that were in the day’s paper. It showed our competitiveness and there was lots of screaming and shouting! We then went to our rooms for an early night with high hopes of winning our matches tomorrow. On Friday the day started with a nutritious breakfast at nine. Then we all walked to Buchanan Shopping centre which was a fifteen-minute walk away from

156

the hotel. After we arrived, we all split into our individual groups and rushed to get to our favourite shops. After we all did a bit of shopping we went for our own lunch, Mollie and Felicity thought it would be funny to talk in a Scottish accent to the people in McDonald’s and the Scottish people thought it was very funny. Finally, when we finished shopping all the groups met up at 1:30 outside the shopping centre. Due to our change of boat time we

Sport made our way to Jungle Rumble for some crazy golf. It was very fun because the rooms were dark and neon coloured. Let’s just say I don’t think everyone got the aim of the game when Tori went to hit the ball and threw the golf club away. After the golf we all enjoyed some birthday cake for Ellie Kerr’s 14th birthday. Then we made our way back to the hotel with a bit of time to get changed for our hockey matches. After we got organised and changed, we made our way to Clydesdale Hockey club. The U14A team won 6-0. The U14B team unfortunately lost 2-1. The U13As won 11-0! The U13 Bs won 5-0. We all thoroughly enjoyed the matches, then we went back to the hotel and had a really nice dinner. Then we played a singing game which consisted of us thinking of a song and singing it to the tune of Miss McKinty’s alphabet song. After lots of fun we all went

original itinerary had to be changed due to the high winds therefore we had to get the first boat as there was a risk of later sailings being cancelled due to the increase in wind speeds. After breakfast we put our bags on the bus and got settled for our 2-hour bus journey. The bus journey was 2 hours long but most of us slept anyway as we hadn’t had much sleep the night before with talking and laughing!

back up to our rooms and got packed up. We all really enjoyed the weekend and let us just say there were a lot of TikToks made. On Saturday we had to get up at 7am to have our buffet breakfast. We had to make sure all our bags were packed and ready to go after breakfast to ensure we stayed on schedule to make the boat home from Cairnryan. Our

On arriving at the docks we left our bags and then went and found a seat. To entertain ourselves on the boat we played lots of card games and went to the cinema room which was quite cool. The boat started to get very bumpy and we all started feeling sick so we had to lie down! When we finally arrived home to Belfast we had to wait and get our bags off the boat and then we got collected. Despite our trip being cut short due to the bad weather we all thoroughly enjoyed our junior hockey tour to Glasgow and had so much fun! We would all like to thank the coaches for making our 2020 tour very memorable, one we will never forget! U13 team

157

Sport

Representative Honours Well done to the following players on their selection for the Ulster 18 Interprovincial Team 2019: Katie Stewart, Niamh Hogan, Megan Cochrane.

Congratulations to the following players on their selection for the Talent Development Squad within Ulster Hockey.

Both Megan and Niamh were selected as part of the Irish U18 training squad following this tournament.

Year 9 Evie McCullough, Rebecca Smyth, Cally McWhirter, Grace Cowden

Year 10 Joy Duncan, Erin McCartney, Katie Ireland and Rachel Cox Year 11 Christina Jenkins, Rachel Black and Jen Lamont.

Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Representative Players

U15 TDP Ethan Clotworthy (Selected for the Ulster U16 Training Squad) 158

Matthew Weatherup

Harry Creighton

Josh Kerr U17 TDP

Sport

Representative Honours

Ulster U 18 Squad

Ulster U16 Squad

Katie Stewart, Niamh Hogan and Megan Cochrane

Rachel Steele and Rachel Cox

Under 18 and 16 Interprovincial Champions

159

Sport

Netball Our school netball club continues to be popular and affords us the luxury of having plenty of players competing for a place on the team. As you would expect there is always so much interest with new Year 8s looking to try something new, or gain further experience in a sport they have had a little introduction to in primary school. In Years 9 and 10 pupils compete in a league competition which is played in sections, with the winner going forward into a playoff competition with schools from all over the province. In Year 8 there is no league competition, but a one-day blitz tournament which is always very competitive. Our Senior team do not compete in a league due to other commitments, but there is always an attempt to get them as many friendly matches as possible.

Year 8 Year 8 netball thrived this year, with up to 40 girls committing to training each week on a Tuesday afternoon with Miss Bell. All abilities were welcomed; from those who had little experience of netball to those currently playing for junior clubs outside of school. Training was an opportunity for new challenges and experiences, alongside making friends with other girls in the year group. Each session involved dynamic drills and skills work followed by competitive practice matches. This gave all girls the opportunity to grow and develop as individual players and within a team. One of the highlights of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group was the support they showed to each other during training, as well as their determination to improve and learn. Unfortunately, after working so hard all year, our Year 8s never got the chance to show off their skills in the Blitz tournament, as it was due to take place at the end of March.

160

Year 8 Netball Team

However, it was fantastic to see the commitment and enthusiasm the girls put into their training. May it continue as netball kicks off next year!

Year 9 This year we had a very excited and motivated Year 9 squad who regularly attended training sessions on a Friday and sometimes on a Monday afternoon with Miss McKinty. The enthusiasm of this group was evident in their preparation for each match and in the effort they put into every training session. Each individual showed up to training with one focus, to improve their core skills and develop their understanding of the game. Their movement, footwork and handling skills showed excellent progress throughout the year, which also contributed to making them the team of the year. Teamwork was crucial in winning tight games and these players showed that they could adapt their patterns of play to compete with any team they came up against. They worked hard for each other on and off the court, with a true spirit of encouragement and support of each other. We competed against a number of schools throughout the season. However, the most memorable game was a gallant effort against St. Killians, who are a strong netball orientated school. We narrowly lost by two goals, leaving us as runners

Sport

up in our section, which meant we didn’t qualify for the finals. A great result for us with a very coachable group of young ladies who will no doubt excel further in their skills next season.

were not able to dominate the league table this year. Competition was fierce and training was the key for success. Our toughest match was undoubtedly against Cambridge House. Having been narrowly beaten by them last year, the girls came on to the court wanting a win. It was a closely contested game with only a few goals between them, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be our day. There’s always next year girls!

Year 9 Netball Team

Year 10

Senior Squad

Training took place every Wednesday afternoon with Miss Abbott, where initially a very eager bunch of girls were committed to compete for their place in the school squad. This group were very competitive and this showed in their match play; however, at times other sporting events meant that some players were not able to attend training with the same vigour.

Senior pupils had their opportunity to perfect their skills and let off some steam on a Monday afternoon in the Sports Hall with Miss McKinty. This year it was mainly Year 11 pupils who attended, with a mix from Year 11 and Year 12 some days.

League matches were always highly competitive and played to a very good standard, but unfortunately we

As the year progressed the girls began to take on more of a coaching and umpiring role, when it became evident that it wouldn’t be possible to get them many matches. At first, umpiring a game was very daunting for some shy pupils but, after a few weeks of working closely with the Year 9 group, pupils were able to overcome this fear and learn how to be a good umpire. Miss McKinty would like to thank the netball staff for giving of their time and also the sports leaders for volunteering to coach over another school year.

Year 10 Netball Team

161

Sport

Rugby 1st XV By the time September and the school year came around, excitement continued to grow for the coming season. With a promising group of players emerging into 5th year and many already experienced players, aims were high to match and exceed the success of the previous seasons. We began our season, as always with a tough set of fixtures against some of the strongest schools. A home fixture to Ballymena Academy kicked off the season and gave lots of the boys a real taster of what 1st XV rugby is all about. An unfortunate loss set us off on the wrong foot but reminded the boys that we need to work hard for results. It proved effective, moving into the next couple of weeks where we secured a huge 52-17 win against BRA, our rivals who always are a tough fight and a narrow 19-10 loss to Campbell College. With the new format of the Schools’ Cup presenting more important games earlier on in the season via the group stages, it was good to get dialled in early and perform to our best.

Towards the end of our first month came a trip down to Dublin to face Wesley College in the squad’s annual fixture. Although suffering a 33-15 loss it was a great game with some brilliant rugby played by the backs through Matthew Spence at scrum-half and Scott Martin in the centre, two very important players this season. A convincing win against Larne Grammar and a narrow loss to RBAI in the following weeks led us into our first Schools’ Cup group stage fixture against Omagh Academy, a match everyone was ready to prove a point in. An early lead, through an excellent break from Alex Darrah at out-half and a powerful try from Robert Reid, set us ahead at half time. This was followed up in the second half by a dominating performance by the forwards allowing us to cross the line a few more times and secure a 36-15 bonus point win.

162

Sport With a win under our belt the boys were keen to continue the standard and a 14-0 away win over Grosvenor did just that. All these matches counted and were important in helping us to be at our best for group match 2 away to Cambridge House, who were expected to be a challenging opposition.

The wet November day added a whole new challenge to the equation. Straightforward, hard Ballyclare rugby was required, just how we like it. Strong carries from Owen Warren, Adam Barron and Jordan Young allowed us to stay on the front foot. With the second half commencing, there was minimal difference between the two sides. It was a deadlock until with 3 minutes left to play, an excellent strike from a penalty by Mark Jackson gave us the lead. The win was there for the taking but, with a lapse in concentration and nerves getting the better of us, Cambridge managed to get the ball back, shift it wide and get over in the corner during overtime for a 19-16 win. A devastating loss for the boys but there was still one group game left and we could not dwell on this loss.

A match against regular opponents Bangor Grammar saw us take a narrow loss in an excellent team performance and great displays of defence and determination against one of the top sides this year. This alongside a 48-0 away win against Dalriada regained our consistency and confidence and sparked excitement for the next group game. In Group game 3, with Christmas approaching, we were all anxious to put in a performance to be happy with over the break. It was a tense first half with not much difference between the two sides but a try and a conversion from fullback Mark Jackson allowed us to take the lead at the break. Lurgan continued to push us to the limits but we made it difficult with excellent pressure at the lineout and a strong defence. Another try from Mark Jackson opened the floodgates and the home advantage began to kick in as second row Harry McBride and Alex Darrah both added to the score sheet, giving Ballyclare a much-needed 24-0 bonus point win to top the group and emerge into the last 16 of the Schools’ Cup. A true display of heart and commitment paid off and every member of the squad was delighted with the result. However, we then had to prepare for a home tie to Friends’ School Lisburn, another familiar Schools’ Cup opponent, for a place in the quarter finals. A set of matches including a loss to Dublin team St Gerrards and two wins over Rainey (29-0) and Coleraine (31-0) led us into February and our home tie against Friends’ School Lisburn. The mild day showed perfect conditions for a game of rugby and after the recent performances the boys were eager to get out on the pitch again. A slow start from Ballyclare saw us concede 3 tries in the first half bringing the score to 0-17 at the break. With our own crowd silenced, a few strong words at half time and reassurance of what it meant to us brought a different side out after the break and a rampaging display from the forwards, keeping the ball for phases on phases which allowed us to get back into the game. We continued to move up the pitch, with all 15 players weighing in and we grabbed our tries back. At this point the Friends players were astonished at the willpower of the boys and they simply could not handle the straightforward barrage we continued to bring. The final whistle went and the score line was a 17-17 draw.

163

Sport

A relief that we did not lose but disappointing to see what we could have achieved if we performed well in the first half. A replay of the match the following Wednesday at Friends had everyone excited, the teams knew each other, the supporters would be out and all we had to do was go and prove ourselves. Unfortunately, a similar scenario occurred and, with nerves getting the better of us, we found ourselves 24-3 down at half time, a seemingly unchangeable score line. However, once again our spirit was shown and we did the same thing in the second half, hard, straight rugby. We moved again grabbing our tries through tremendous effort and carries but unfortunately the time was not enough and the game ended giving Friends the 24-22 win. As captain I can say that every player on that squad gave their all on that pitch and did everyone at Ballyclare and their families extremely proud. This was not the end; a Subsidiary Shield quarter final at home against Bangor Grammar provided us with a new beginning and a chance to achieve success. After a trip down to Johnstown House in Dublin for training and preparation the boys were once again ready to go. Another great performance and two tries from Adam Barron and Mark Jackson, two standout players, did not give the boys enough to defeat the strong Bangor side, suffering a 10-17 loss.

I can speak on behalf of everyone in saying that we owe all of our success and enjoyment to the brilliant coaching and support we received throughout the whole year. I would like to thank Mr McKeever, Mr (Gary) Clotworthy, Mr McIlwaine, Mr Lenaghan, Aaron Playfair, Matthew Coulter and our Physio Lucy for everything they do, week in week out, to prepare us for our matches and allow rugby to be as fun as it is. On behalf of the Upper 6th boys, we would like to thank the staff and the boys for an amazing seven years of rugby. We have built a family through rugby and relationships that will last forever. Good luck to the younger boys in future seasons and enjoy every time you put on that shirt. YES CLARE! Jack Gamble 1st XV Captain

All the results aside, from 7 years at rugby at Ballyclare this was the best by a landslide. The camaraderie and brotherhood we built throughout was extraordinary and those team performances and efforts alongside the friendships made will last a lifetime.

164

Sport

2nd XV A home match against BRA marked the beginning of an exciting and successful season for the 2nd XV. It ended 35-12 to us, a well-deserved win, which set us up nicely for the bigger games ahead, as well as leaving us plenty to work on. The following week the boys headed to Campbell College, with excitement running high, we knew it was always a tough place to play. It was a fast-flowing game in which we proved to be the stronger team, with a deserved 36-0 win. The super weather and playing conditions suited our playing style that was starting to develop, of fast-paced, attacking rugby, that continued throughout the season. Our next challenge was heading down to Wesley College, in Dublin. Despite a long bus journey and rushed warm-up, we started strongly, leading 15-10 at half time, clearly showing the energy and character of this young, mostly 5th year, team. In the second half the wind picked up into our faces and our fitness began to show, as Wesley scored two converted tries in quick succession towards the end of the second half. However, the mighty twos fought on, clawing back a converted try. In the last play of the game, 2 points down, we continued to hunt for another score, but unfortunately panicked under pressure, leaving the final score 24-22 to Wesley. This game proved to be a helpful lesson, that really helped us in the rest of our season. The boys had a brilliant performance next, down at Larne. After overcoming the physicality Larne showed in the first ten minutes, it proved to be an extremely

dominant performance for us, in which we were able to trial different moves and experiment with many players in different positions. It ended about 60-0 and began the â&#x20AC;&#x153;donutsâ&#x20AC;? agreement, where the coaches would buy us donuts if we nilled the other team. I think they went on to regret that decision! INST is never a game expected to be easy, but there was no room for doubt in the build up to this game. The high hopes became reality as we ran in two well-worked tries within ten minutes, with Callum Cochrane adding the extras. At this point we were all full of excitement and, without ever thinking too far ahead of ourselves, we kept them under pressure and won decisively around 50-0. Luke McIlrath had a super game at number 8, frequently finding himself in the outside channels throwing offloads, and Jack Purdy had countless line breaks, scoring at least 3 down the right wing. The game against Omagh was much tougher, being drawn 0-0 until about 15 minutes left on the clock, with both teams defending fiercely. Eventually, after a long time in attack, with many strong direct carries we managed to score, breaking the whole game up. The game ended 17-0 to us. It was another super performance from the boys. Against Bangor we lacked our usual energy and allowed Bangor the upper hand at the breakdown. Conor McKee scored our only try of the game, right at the end, showing the great character of our team, but the score ended 26-7 to them. This match was a real low point for the lads. 165

Sport Tom Turner returned from a few weeks’ injury in immense force in the Grosvenor game. He ran 50m with his first carry on the ball shrugging off numerous tackles, before his fitness, rather than an opposition tackle, eventually stopped him. From then on the game was very one-sided in our favour, and was another heavy win and donuts for the mighty twos. Around Christmas and exam time we missed out on a lot of games because of the weather, and teams not wanting to play us. However, we did get to play some games that included heavy wins at Rainey and at home against Lurgan.

use of with continuous kicks, trapping us in our own 22. The boys defended like warriors and we were matching the huge physicality of the Campbell pack, but unfortunately the men in black got a couple of tries, but the score was still within one score, at 15-10 to Campbell. As always, our team fought on with exciting rugby, the highlight being Lucca Hamill almost catching up with his kick and chase before

Our Cup run began strongly with a decisive 16-7 win against Sullivan. A few changes were made to the team, and Robert Reid captained the boys superbly, leading by example and coping well under pressure. The build up to the Quarter final was full of excitement, which increased when we found out we had drawn Campbell College at home. We had beaten them before, but we knew this would be a much tougher task. The captain’s run, game prep and warm-up were all very focussed and went smoothly. The match began more intense than ever. I can still remember being completely exhausted while deciding the calls at the first scrum only two minutes in. However, we settled strongly into the game going 7-0 up after about 15 minutes and then Callum slotted a penalty to make it 10-0. After a long period of super defence from all the boys on our own line, Campbell managed to drive over making it 10-5 at half time to us. In the second half, Campbell had the advantage of a strong wind on their backs, which they made full

the ball ran dead, inches in front of him, after a super run down the left wing. We continued to attack until the very end, everyone giving every last bit of fight they had left in them, but it wasn’t enough, and it ended 15-10 to Campbell. This was a sad end to such a brilliant season. This was the team that scored length of the pitch tries from kick-offs, the team that frequently ruffled the feathers of the 1st XV in training, and the team where everyone attacked like a back and defended like a 7. I could not be prouder to have captained such an exciting rugby team, through such a brilliant season, right up until the end. I’d like to wish all boys the very best in the future, and I’m not going to mention anyone in particular, because the amount of talent and depth in this twos was so large, that if you managed to read all this I think that is quite enough. I’d like to end with a huge thanks to our coaching staff. From the first pre-season session until our last game Mr McKeever, Matthew Coulter, Ryan McIlwaine and Mr Lenaghan believed in us, supported us, and, above all, shaped this huge bunch of random talent into what I would call a pretty good team. Ross Blackbourne 2nd XV Captain

166

Sport

3rd XV The 2019/20 season was one of steady progression for the Mighty 3s. The season might appear a mixed bag: a few troublesome lows with some very emphatic highs. The climax was as winners of the 3rd XV Schools’ Plate. The season kicked off in early September with a block of three away fixtures. The first match was against Ballymena Academy. Despite being slightly undercooked we achieved parity only to slip up in the last few plays to a 17-12 defeat. Next, we were away to Carrickfergus Grammar 1st XV. We still hadn’t fully gelled as a team and went down 34-19. This was probably our worst performance but was a useful wakeup call. The final match in this block was at Campbell College. We seized early control of the match and dominated throughout. Gareth Mawhinney and Lewis Smith both made interception tries to close out a strong 26-15 victory. Ten days later we welcomed RBAI to Hollinger for our first home match. Unfortunately, several forwards unavailable meant that a few backs played out of position. The earlier momentum was not sustained, and we slipped to a 7-19 defeat. Our next match was against Methodist College at home. The match started well with a 14-0 lead at half-time but, during the second half, we suffered several injuries which allowed MCB back into the match for a 14-17 defeat. This reinforced that we needed to start

strongly, retain possession, and keep fighting to the final whistle. These lessons emphasised what we would need to achieve in the cup matches. The 3rd XV Cup second round saw us drawn at home against Methodist College on 25 January. After conceding three early first half tries, we kept our heads up and held our ground. We continued fighting but were unable to make a decisive strike until Timmy Moore sprinted down the wing to score a try under the posts. The match finished at 7-18 - we were gutted. Luckily, this wasn’t the end of the road as the Cup defeat placed us into the quarter final draw for the 3rd XV Plate. This was a chance to redeem ourselves against rivals, BRA, on 5 February at Roughfort. An early scrum under the posts resulted in a Harry Clarke pick up and dive over the line. Despite this we allowed BRA to come back into the game and score an easy try. We would not give them a chance again, building a strong score through further tries from Callum Cochrane, Darragh Flynn, Timmy Moore, and a hat trick from Lewis Smith. The final score was a 43-5 win, showcasing not only an aggressive attack but a resilient defence. We were back on the road to glory! The semi-final draw sent us to Fox’s Field against Campbell College on 29 February. We had already met earlier in the season and knew we could beat them. Strict refereeing resulted in plenty of penalties 167

Sport

and a few yellow cards. We were very aware that this was knockout rugby, so we attempted to keep the scoreboard ticking. An early penalty goal gave us the initial lead, but CCB recovered with a try to go 5-3. Another penalty gave us the lead but again CCB recovered with a second try to retake the lead 10-6. Bryn McCallan broke the line to score our first try, converted by Callum Cochrane to close out the first half 10-13. The seesaw nature resumed after the break with CCB retaking the lead with a try. From that point we seized the initiative and began building points with a try from Conor Dargan. Although we were down to 14 men we weathered the storm and upped the tempo. CCB eventually tired and Lewis Smith and Luke McDowell scored to close out the match, 15-37. The strong performance gave us a huge boost of confidence to take into the final. The final was scheduled for 11 March with Ballyclare as the venue. We were getting to play at our ground, in front of our supporters – the pressure was building. Although RBAI had defeated us in Ballyclare earlier in the season, we were resolute that we wouldn’t let that happen again. Our experience to date had shown us that we needed to start strongly and apply pressure by building points. With a strong run of matches since January we were confident in the team cohesion and our ability to work together.

From my perspective this season has been an absolute pleasure. The silverware only added to an already enjoyable season. The team should be proud of their hard work, commitment and discipline. Every player put in a shift. I would like to wish the best of luck to our Upper Sixth players, James Moore and Timmy Moore, who have now left school with a trophy in their hands. I am also excited for next season due to the potential of the fifth and Lower Sixth form players who make up the core of our team. Hopefully, we can build on this momentum for next season.

We started strongly with Callum Cochrane kicking a penalty goal to get points on the board and steady our nerves. Although we were achieving some level of dominance both in possession and territory things didn’t go to plan. RBAI were able to score two tries on the break, leaving the score 3-12 in their favour at half time. Earlier in the season this would have been a crisis that we would have struggled to overcome, but we knew that the battle wasn’t over. The Ballyclare supporters were cheering us on enthusiastically. Mr Lenaghan made a passionate speech and we were good to go.

We couldn’t have done it without the help of our coaching staff. I would like to thank Mr McKeever, Gary Clotworthy, Ryan McIlwaine and Matthew Coulter for their time and commitment to our training. A special thanks must go to Mr Bell who came out every week to train us to give us a little bit of an edge against our opponents. Most importantly, I would like to thank Mr Lenaghan who gave his time to make us the team we are now. We couldn’t have achieved what we did without his guidance and 3rd XV Rugby wouldn’t have been the same without his leadership. Mr Lenaghan has made this year one to remember.

We started the second half strongly with a fearless try from Olly McCalmont. 10-12, the comeback was on. A period of pressure resulted in Callum Cochrane chipping through and collecting his kick to score. The

168

score was now 17-12 in our favour. However, this didn’t last long as RBAI soon equalised. We didn’t want this mistake to result in sharing the Plate like in 2016. We still had belief that we could win the match and kept searching for an opportunity to break the deadlock. Time was running out when, in the final moments of the match, we were awarded a penalty on the halfway line. This was the final play and our last chance to win. Callum Cochrane stepped up and as he had done all season stroked the ball over the crossbar, winning us the match. It was an unforgettable moment for all of us. I don’t think any of us stopped smiling for hours afterwards. We had the honour of receiving the plate from Mr Ronnie Lamont, and in front of our own supporters – a memory that will stay with us for a long time.

Rory Lyttle 3rd XV Captain

Sport

Medallion Rugby The 2019/20 Medallion Rugby season began with four tough games against strong opposition including Campbell College who went on to win the Medallion Shield. A mid-season game in horrendous weather conditions at Hollinger Park against Sullivan Upper showed the strength and character of the team which proved to be important as Sullivan would turn out to be our Medallion Shield 3rd Round opposition. As fitness improved and the team started to gel, along with the inclusion of some Year 10 players, we began to build confidence and some good results followed. After a tight match against Belfast High, the team put a run of wins together with an extended squad giving everyone some game time (along with doughnuts from the coaches) in preparation for the Medallion Shield. Notable were the new players who only came into the squad this year, Jamie Purdy and Steven Hutchinson, along with the Year 10 players Jacob Scarlett, Daniel Graham and Joel Logan who all made a positive impact when they played. When the draw for the Medallion Shield was made, we found out that we were drawn against Sullivan Upper at Ballyclare; our earlier match against them gave us confidence going into the game. To prepare for this we put in some extra sessions, with Medallion

coach Gary Clotworthy taking the backs and Matthew Coulter coaching the forwards. Poor weather conditions postponed the game from a Saturday morning to a Tuesday afternoon. A close first half ended 7-7 in windy conditions, tries from both teams in the second half brought the score to 19-17 to Sullivan. But, in the dying minutes, Sullivan scored to win the game 24-17. Although we lost, the squad were able to hold their heads high after such a good performance. Going down into the bowl, we beat Omagh at home which took us to the semi-final where once again we were fortunate with a home draw against Dalriada. A win against Dalriada saw us playing against Down High in the final of the Medallion Bowl. The match was played at Wellington College Belfast on a windy Saturday morning. Playing with a strong wind in our favour we finished the first half in front. In the second half Down High made better use of the wind to win the game 13-6. The match was played in good spirits and both teams gave their all. Although disappointed to lose the team improved and bonded as a squad throughout the year. One of the highlights of the season was our trip to the Aviva Stadium, where we got to train at Lansdowne Road which was followed by a tour of the stadium. A special thanks to Maurice Boyd who sponsored our kit and also our coaches, Gary Clotworthy, Matthew Coulter and Ryan McIlwaine, who put in a lot of their time and effort developing a squad of boys who are looking forward to moving on to senior rugby next year. James Spence Medallion Captain 169

Sport

Year 10 Rugby BHS Year 10 rugby had a more successful season and clearly started to show their full potential this year. The same 23-man squad moved up a gear with an over 60 percent success record. Its outstanding victory was a convincing 12-7 win over the highly rated Campbell College. Lessons had been learned from close encounters against the top 4 school Methodist College, despite inclement weather. At the RBAI tournament the team had a series of good results.

had many victories over the season and pleased our dedicated coach Mr Milliken, and this looks good for the Medallion year 2020/21 season. 3 of the side, Daniel Graham, Joel Logan and Jacob Scarlett, gained selection for the Medallion XV this year. In addition, six of the squad were selected for Ulster trials: Aaron Beattie, Daniel Graham, Ethan Norwood, James Cochrane, Joel Logan and Jacob Scarlett; however, the trials have not yet been completed due to lockdown. Jacob Scarlett Year 10 Captain

Despite missing out on the NEBSSA tournament due to COVID-19 Lockdown, the improved squad

Year 9 Rugby This season was good and, although we struggled to get many wins, we could see ourselves improving as the year went on. And score lines kept getting closer. Just as we gathered strong form, the Christmas break arrived and then we missed our rugby. We had a big injury to a strong player in our squad over Christmas also. No. 8 Isaac Shiels broke his knee and was out for the rest of the season. In January we travelled together to Dublin to St Gerard’s. It was really enjoyable and a great experience and we hope to be able to do more trips next year. We have already been told of an overnight stay and potentially going to an Ireland international. 170

We will aim next year to improve more and win some matches. Thank you to our coaches this year and bring on next season! Reuben Ennis Year 9 Captain

Sport

Year 8 Rugby After being asked to be on the coaching group for Year 8 rugby, I was very excited to try to introduce and develop the rugby skills of these guys. After a few weeks of training, getting the guys having fun and learning their fundamental skills, our first fixture took us to Ballymena to play a strong Ballymena Academy side. Strong they were. We were able to take around 40 boys out of school on a Friday for the fixture which is a credit to them. With 3 competitive games, the boys thoroughly enjoyed their first run out for the school, coinciding with the large amounts of singing on the bus on the way home. Another tough fixture for our 3 teams was around the corner when we travelled to Methodist College Belfast. Strong Methody teams dominated the 3 fixtures; however, I can’t fault the attitude and commitment the boys showed in all the matches, with Mr Leckey’s team coming away with a try much to his delight. This season, we have become a part of Ulster Rugby’s Pilot Programme for Year 8s, with the aim to promote and develop the skills of our rugby players as well as getting everyone involved and increasing the attitude of a team mentality. As normal, scoring your points for your try was a given; however, gaining more points through passing, tackling, getting turnovers and

kicking (much to the boys’ delight) meant that everyone could gain points for their team. On the topic of the pilot scheme, our first trip to this type of event was in December to Magherafelt where Mr McKeever and I took a squad of 15 boys to play in a blitz format against the likes of Antrim, Limavady and Dalriada to name a few. With 3 games being played in our group, with the scoring system, we won 2 out of 3 matches, before playing a 4th game to get placed. I’m not sure what the boys enjoyed most, the rugby itself or the selection boxes Mr McKeever had got them. The boys who were not involved in this event had a fixture against the Secondary School later that day, a draw being the best result. 41 boys getting to playing on this one day, an excellent statistic for the future of school rugby. A fixture block with Antrim Grammar for our 3 teams led to great success for our boys with a lot of tries scored from all of our teams. The passing skills shown by our boys were brilliant, being a bit too much for Antrim in the end. A shout-out has to go to Oscar Scullion for his 10-try haul in the space of around 20 minutes. Exceptional. Another blitz tournament related to the Ulster Rugby 171

Sport

pilot scheme occurred at Carrick Rugby Club on a cold Wednesday night at the end of January. This was an opportunity for us to take guys who hadn’t got the chance to play at the blitz at Magherafelt, allowing them to play in relation to the different scoring system. Again with 3 great performances against Ballyclare Secondary School, Carrick Rugby Club and Antrim Grammar, with lots of game time for everyone, we won 2 and lost 1. With the weather being so cold, after the 3 games, we called it a night. A great evening had by all, and again thanks to Mr McKeever and Mr Leckey for their help (and sweets).

One of our final fixtures was against RBAI. With the guys being so into their rugby, at times you could say that they could have picked the teams, or definitely given their views. So for this fixture, I flipped everything around, making some of our stronger players play with some of our weaker players, giving the chance to help out others, let others get advice and take on advice. I think it’s best getting to play with everyone. When playing RBAI, we played 2 teams, flipping them at half time as well to really mix things up. With the 4 different games then, we came away with 3 wins which, as

I would like to say a big thank you to Mr Leckey, Director of Year 8 rugby, for his commitment to it as usual. Thanks also to Mr McKeever for additional coaching and assisting by taking them on trips and organising fixtures. To the past pupils who have also come in to give a hand coaching the group, your help has been much appreciated, especially to the away games. I would also like to extend my thanks to Chris Galway (Regional Rugby Lead, North East) who has introduced us to the pilot scheme as well as coming in every other week to assist coaching and training sessions with the guys. Your help has been greatly appreciated.

coaches, we were absolutely delighted with. Due to the recent Coronavirus pandemic, as advised, the rugby season for the boys had to end prematurely. The season has flown in very quickly, and I really hope the boys enjoyed their first year of rugby at Ballyclare High School. They were all a privilege to coach and I hope they can all go and continue to develop and improve whilst making their way up the school. 172

Thank you to all the parents throughout the year for having your son at rugby, whatever the weather. I hope you see them coming home after enjoying themselves. Thanks.

Ryan McIlwaine Coach

Sport

Girls’ Rugby This year I was excited to start girls’ rugby which is now open to Year 9 to Year 14. Each week we were taught skills, team work and match play. We were greatly encouraged by all the coaches every week in playing a sport we love and enjoy. On February 2nd, I was part of one of the teams that travelled to the Valley leisure centre for a tournament with around 10 other schools. This was great fun and a tremendous experience for us all. Rugby on a Friday afternoon is a time many of us look forward to! I would like to sincerely thank everyone who gives their time to coach us. Grace McAllister, Year 9

I started going to girls’ rugby after Christmas of 5th year and really enjoyed it. Last year (Lower 6th for me) there were not many girls involved but I became good friends with them and felt like part of the team. We did very well in the tournament too, coming 3rd. This year lots of girls have joined and all the girls are competitive and want to do really well, which is great. With training on a Friday afternoon, it was something that I looked forward to all week. I was extremely disappointed that the tournament was cancelled this year as the team was looking very promising but I’m incredibly grateful for the friends and memories I’ve made (not to

mention that it kept me fit). I have every intention of joining a rugby team if I go to university next year. Rachel Currie, Year 14

This year, there were at least 20 girls out on the pitch every Friday afternoon. Everyone was enthusiastic about playing and had great fun every week. Some of the new players and younger players got a chance to play in the tournament held at the Valley Leisure Centre. Both our teams went wanting to do very well and to try to win as many matches as they could. Each team played 5 matches, and both teams won all of their matches which was an amazing result, with an exceptional win of 9-0 from one of the teams. All the girls played brilliantly and gained experience throughout the tournament. The team was looking exceptionally good this year, and everyone was excited for the “Big Tournament” in March, which unfortunately had to be cancelled. But we can only hope that next year we can train hard and do really well. As a team we would like to thank Matthew Coulter, Mr McKeever and Mr McIlwaine for coming out each week and making each session good fun for everyone as well as teaching us new skills for our match play. All the girls are excited for next year and can’t wait to get back to it! Katie McCullough, Year 13

173

Sport

Show Jumping

The Meadows Equestrian Centre League was held on six dates between September and December. Each week the teams gained points depending on their ranking in that day’s competition, at the end of the league points were added to determine the winners. Schools from all over Ulster attend this prestigious competition with the winners being crowned Ulster Schools’ champions. We had an Open show jumping team of: Anna Roscoe; Bradie Hogg; Felicity McConnell; Katie Flannagan; and two Novice Teams. The Novice Teams include Laura McKay, Rylee Boyd, Beckie McBride, Emily Sempey, Amelie Moore, Luca Moore and Lucy McLeister. We are very grateful to Lucy’s sister Lydia, for filling in when injuries, unavailability and unforeseen circumstances caused some teams to be short of riders or horses. All these students represent the school to the best of their ability and some days were better than others. However, their level of turnout was of the highest standard every week and they flew the Ballyclare High School flag with pride. This alone required many hours grooming and tack cleaning.

174

The Open BHS show jumping team also represented the school at The Gransha Derby organised by Strathearn School. The Gransha was a one-day competition where competitors had to jump a mixture of both cross country style jumps and show jumps. The combined team members’ times and number of jumping faults were used to determine the placings. The team were well placed but just out of the ribbons in a large class of tough opposition. This young team who had stepped up from the Novice level fared really well against more experienced riders and were a credit to their school. A big thank you must go to the parents of all the show jumpers, whose support was invaluable. Hopefully, most of these show jumpers will be able to compete in next year’s competition, and will be able to build on their experience from this year. M Barr

Sport

Swimming Swim Ulster Schools’ Cup Championships Ballyclare High School entered four swimmers into the Ulster Schools’ Swimming Gala at the state of the art Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex in Bangor who all had a successful day in the pool. The results are listed below:

Lucy Ball 46.48 in 50m Freestyle and 55.73 in 50m Backstroke

Holly Woodside 1.24.23 in 100m Breaststroke and 1.05.80 in 100m Freestyle

Ruby Gray 1.26.71 in 100m Breaststroke and 3.06.63 in 200m IM

Ben Woodside 1.04.32 in 100m Breaststroke (1st) and 59.32 in 100m Freestyle

Congratulations to Ben Woodside on a wonderful year of swimming. He has been selected onto the Irish National Squad (2019/2020.) Ben is the new Junior record holder in the 100 and 200m breaststroke. He is also Ulster and Irish Age Group Champion in 50, 100 and 200m Breaststroke and achieved Gold in breaststroke at the Swim Ulster Schools’ Cup Championships. As a result, Ben was selected onto the Ulster squad to compete at the Irish Schools’ Interprovincial Championships in Castlebar. Ben Woodside representing Ireland

Congratulations to all members of our swimming team for another successful competition. A special thanks to our swimmers’ parents who attend all competitions and provide invaluable support and encouragement. Both swimmers and staff members are so grateful for your help and enthusiasm.

Swimming Team 175

Ballyclare High School Magazine 2019/20

Final Words We hope you have enjoyed reading this edition of the school magazine. Thanks must go to all the staff and pupils who contributed articles, farewells, photographs, stories, poems, ideas and support. If you are an enthusiastic, creative Sixth Form pupil, interested in being part of the editorial team, please speak to Mrs Skene.

176

B AL

H IG H

O HO

RE A L

S I N DU T R IA

B IT AT E

AMMAR

H IG H

B AL

AR E

O HO

S I N DU T R IA

B IT AT E

AMMAR