Cookstown High School

from Ulster Tatler's Post Primary Guide 2020

by Ulster Tatler

Liverpool John Moores University

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2020

The commitment and dedication of Year 13 Music student Nick Thomas has been recognised with his attaining a position in the prestigious National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. Head of School Keelan Sloan performed an unparalleled version of ‘You Raise Me Up’.

RBAI ChARIty ConCeRt MMXIX

Year 14 A Level Music student Jack Kelly played a range of instruments on the evening.

The RBAI Charity Concert was once again a resounding success with wonderful performances on both a collective and individual level. The evening’s programme ranged from pieces by Handel, Bizet and Haydn to Tears for Fears and U2. The variety and scope of the music, arranged and conducted by Mr Bolton MBE, accompanied and supported by Mrs Harshaw, was astounding. With spectacular lighting effects, superb performances from the choir, orchestra, the Jazz Band, and soloists and stunning music to match, the RBAI Common Hall witnessed a concert like no other, and one which will remain in the minds of both the audience and the performers for many years to come.

The scope of the music performed by the choir and orchestra was again transporting.

Mr Philip Bolton MBE, Head of Music, conducts the orchestra and choir.

THE HIGH SCHOOL,COOKSTOWN EXCELLENCE, OPPORTUNITY, SUPPORT The High School has been a feature of the sporting, educational and cultural life of the greater Mid Ulster area since its foundation by Rev. Thomas Millar in 1806. It occupies splendid wooded grounds just off the town centre, is easily accessible and boasts some of the finest outdoor sports facilities in Ulster including two AstroTurf pitches, two splendid grass pitches and two rugby pitches. As a combined grammar and secondary school with a Christian ethos, it admits pupils to distinct grammar, secondary and vocational pathways. Pupils are admitted to grammar provision on the basis of their academic ability as evidenced in primary school and do not need to sit additional ‘transfer’ tests. Secondary pathway pupils who perform highly may move onto the grammar pathway. Pupils on all pathways are expected to work hard; bespoke careers provision ensures they choose the GCSE subjects most appropriate to their needs so they can succeed and pursue their life goals. Pupils on the vocational pathway avail of the school’s links with local employers for work experience and courses at the Further Education College. It also has an excellent Learning Support Centre where pupils with moderate learning difficulties thrive in a supportive, nurturing environment. The school places a strong emphasis on character development and community engagement with over forty extra curricular activities on offer. Pupils are offered a wide range of co-curricular opportunities such as Bar Mock Trial Competitions, BT Young Scientist, Francofest, and wide array of Engineering competitions.