Please find our Weekly Communication Bulletin for Parents and Carers. This will provide important information and dates for the week ahead.

Following the announcement from Buckingham Palace of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a period of National Mourning has started and will continue until the end of the State Funeral. 

The official date of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II is Monday 19^th September 2022.  This day will be a bank holiday.  Ballyclare Secondary School will be closed to all staff and pupils on this day. School will be open as normal leading up to the event and reopen as normal on Tuesday 20^th September 2022.

Two wonderful displays put together by our pupils in the Horticulture department, as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II.

Occupational Studies Horticulture thought it was fitting this week to refill the “Queen’s jubilee boots” which gained us 2nd place at the Balmoral show in May 2022.  This time, the team of pupils put their floristry skills to work! 

Back after COVID, we are delighted to announce this year the school production will be Mary Poppins. (Performance dates 14^th and 15^th December).  

We are holding auditions in the Drama department next week for anyone who would like to have a principal role within the show- this is a role which will have a solo song or solo acting lines to be spoken. 

Following the open auditions, the casting team will then place pupils into suitable character roles. If you just want to be part of the large chorus (not a principal role) on stage, there is no audition for this, and we will release more rehearsal details shortly.

Auditions will be held in the Drama department (near the school office) from 3-4pm on the following days.

Wednesday 14^th September- years 8-10

Thursday 15^th September – years 11-14

We would like pupils to prepare a verse a chorus of the following songs

Year 8-10 (all pupils) – Spoonful of Sugar

Year 11-14 (female roles)- Feed the Birds

Year 11-14 (male roles) – Jolly Holiday

The version that will be used during the Audition can be found below. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of the following teachers

Mrs O’Neill, Mrs Stewart, Miss Francis or Miss Beattie

Year 8-10 - Spoonful of Sugar

Year 11-14 (female roles) - Feed the Birds

Year 11-14 (male roles) – Jolly Holiday

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Her devotion to duty was an inspiration to many across the world. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones, who will undoubtedly feel a sense of loss as the days, weeks, months and years pass on.

“Be near me when my light is low …And all the wheels of being slow.”
Alfred Lord Tennyson

Today has been an incredible day for the GCSE pupils at Ballyclare Secondary School!

Notably, 74.86% of our year twelve pupils achieved 5 or more A*-C grades (including English and Mathematics) and 85.71% of our year twelve pupils achieved 5 or more A* to C grades (excluding English and Mathematics). Once again, our pupils have demonstrated that they are an absolute credit to themselves, their families, and our school, by achieving top grades across a number of subject areas.

Despite the continued impact of the pandemic, our young people have illustrated a commitment to their studies and personal growth and as a school, we are immensely proud of their achievements. Some may argue that it is our GCSE pupils who have had the biggest mountain to climb, having had limited exposure to external examinations in recent years; that is not to diminish the impact that the pandemic has had on all of our young people, yet the steep upward climb that GCSE pupils ventured on when schools returned to what was a new normal should be considered in context when we look at the achievement of so many today. 

The sheer buzz and excitement from pupils, parents and staff was palpable, as groups gathered in the front entrance and assembly hall to celebrate. This morning was an opportunity for our committed and caring staff to celebrate with year eleven and twelve pupils. It was an opportunity for parents and carers to share in the excitement of what lies ahead for our year twelve pupils. Moreover, it was wonderful to see a return of hugs and a closeness in a time of celebration.  

What was most noticeable from this morning was that our young people presented as focused and enthusiastic about the choices in front of them. Many were incredibly discerning about what their next steps will be and they engaged in thoughtful conversations with us about how best to move forward. From apprenticeships to employment, from A-Level study to vocational advancement, some arrived to school this morning with the wheels already in motion, others, left for their lunch with a calm reassurance that plans are now in place. 

It is equally important to recognise that days like today can also bring surprise and disappointment for some and it is how this disappointment is defined, assessed and then realigned is what matters. Good care comes down to discussing the best possible pathway for each young person and marrying it to the reality of what results bring to the fore. We encourage our school community to reach out to us if you require any further advice or support, beyond what you received this morning and this afternoon. Our dedicated careers, pastoral and curriculum teams are on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Amongst the display of outstanding performances several pupils achieved top grades in their nine subjects, many attaining an incredible A* / A grade combination. We anticipate that this year’s sixth form will once again be filled to capacity.

As expressed to our A-Level pupils last week, we want you to recognise that it is on days like today that you should soak up every single second, storing the recognition of hard work and positive self-worth somewhere safe, so that in days ahead you can access the feelings all over-again. To our parents and carers, we want to acknowledge and thank you for the support you have offered and may continue to offer our school community. In the days, weeks, and months ahead we will continue to cherish your care and kindness.

On behalf of our whole school community – congratulations on your results!

It was lovely to see so many pupils coming in to collect their results today and celebrate their achievements with their friends, parents and teachers. Please read further information below and take time to look through the photo gallery.

We are looking forward to welcoming all of our pupils back for a new school year. Please find below important information about the return to school and arrangments for P.E. classes.

Results are available for collection in the school assembly hall from 8:30.  Pupils wishing to return to 6^th Form can apply in the assembly hall once they have received their results.  Staff will be available to support pupils through this process. Parents are welcome to attend along with their child.