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Ballyclare High School
POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2020
DEvElOPInG lIfElOnG lEARnERS In A cARInG, cREATIvE cOMMUnITY
POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2020
Ballyclare high school
Dr Rainey, Principal
‘There is a happy atmosphere which is apparent when you walk through the door.’ Parent, Kirkland Rowell Survey
Ballyclare High School is a competitive grammar school with a proven record of academic distinction and extra-curricular excellence. It is steeped in a tradition of high performance that reaches back over one hundred years and is best represented in the school motto, “Industria et Probitate”, which emphasises that hard work and personal integrity are at the heart of our values. In our determination to blend the best of long-established processes and cutting-edge contemporary approaches to learning, we believe that we offer an approach which provides an ideal basis for our pupils to advance into the adult world with confidence and success.
‘Ballyclare High is an excellent example of a digital school where the learning, teaching, assessment, monitoring and administration are seamlessly supported by digital technology.’ Digital School’s Award 2018 Assessor’s Report.
The culture is one of mutually respectful relationships based on clearly defined and agreed values. It is one of aspiration and of expectation. Pastoral care is the bedrock of all we endeavour to do. High standards of academic results and behaviour are realised through a belief in the empowerment of the individual. We have a rich history of academic attainment and conspicuous success across an outstanding range of co-curricular opportunities that strengthen confidence and spirit.
‘My school is a place where no matter how big or small, or how quick, or how shy you are, there is something for you here.’ Pupil Kirkland Rowell Survey
Our pupils make our school special. They are nurtured by a highly-motivated and professional staff with a can-do attitude, who consider themselves also to be lifelong learners. Here there is a child-centred approach with focussed investment in the holistic development of each one to ensure they grow into well-rounded young adults with a range of competencies, emotional intelligence and resilience. Our pupils feel safe and happy. Regardless of their starting point, the majority thrive in the creative environment around them; there is a curiosity about learning here.
‘My school is a place where we believe you never stop learning.’ Pupil Kirkland Rowell Survey
A broad curricular offer complements a careers programme that is continuously abreast of labour market information, so our children are equipped to compete in a globalised and technologies-driven world. Right from well-developed links with our primary schools through to the end of sixth form we have crafted an approach to supporting our young people to fulfil their potential and to prepare them for adulthood, not only academically, but emotionally, morally and physically. Pupils regularly represent Ulster, N.I. and Ireland across a range of sports and are winners across a vast array of sporting, science and cultural competitions at a local and national level.
We, uniquely, have secured the International School Award for the seventh consecutive occasion. Such an international perspective shapes many opportunities for pupils who, recently, have visited a range of European countries as well as New Zealand, Ethiopia and South Africa. A belief in the importance of leadership and adventure is reflected in the fact that more pupils complete the Duke of Edinburgh programme than any other school in Ulster.
‘Pupils have excellent opportunities to engage in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. This extensive and appealing aspect of provision contributes significantly to their wider educational experiences and is valued highly by the pupils.’ Education Training Inspectorate
Ballyclare High School is the only school to be awarded accreditation against the Investors in People Standard at Gold Level and the Health and Wellbeing Award at the highest level, thus demonstrating the commitment to realising the potential of our people.
‘Investors in People accreditation is the sign of a great employer, and an organisation committed to achieving success by realising the potential of their people.’ Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People
