You should have received a pdf token in your school email.  Don’t worry if you haven’t – you can scan the QR code below and click on £1 book token – secondary (UK).  It’s a good idea to screenshot it so you have it on your phone.  Then bring your token on your device to your nearest participating retailer to claim your free world book day book.  Lots of supermarkets and bookshops stock the world book day books which you can claim for free or you can use the token to get £1 off any book (subject to T&Cs) 

Remember to check out the World Book Day Website whilst you’re there for fun activities and reading recommendations!  And it’s as good a time as any to check out a place where you can get free books all year round…

On Monday 27th February, CCEA released Advance Information to help students with their preparation for the exams in May and June. They have produced a presentation and a digital poster to help explain what this information, both of which are attached below.

Over the next few weeks and months many teachers will be holding revision classes. Please make sure your child asks about revision classes for their subjects and attends those that are available to them. Here are a few examples below and more information will follow.

On Wednesday 22nd February, the Onatti Theatre Company came to our school. They performed a French language play for us called ‘La Maison Hantée’ (the Haunted House). Pupils from year 9 and 10 attended as well as our GCSE French students in years 11 and 12.

The play was extremely funny and was very enjoyable. Maria Aldea from 10U and Ryan Finlay from 9M were invited on stage to take part in some scenes, which was particularly amusing as they were both great sports.

Even though the language was challenging, pupils were able to use their language skills to understand the show.

Let’s hope Maria and Ryan get a mention at the Oscars

Oliver McIlwaine, is one of our Year 10 pupils who has a passion for music and drumming. He took part in the All-Ireland Solo Championships in Lisnagarvey High School on Saturday 19th February, competing in the Under 14 Tenor drumming category. We are delighted to say that Oliver won his grade! Oliver has been drumming since the age of 4 with Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band and this is Oliver’s 10th year drumming. Oliver has travelled far and near with his drumming, taking part in the Avenche’s Tattoo in Switzerland and the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France. Oliver also played for King Charles and the Queen Consort in Co. Wicklow, as well as playing for Harry and Meghan in the Ecos Centre in Ballymena. Oliver has played on some of the biggest stages such as the SSE Arena in Belfast, Stade du Moustior in Lorient, The RDS Arena in Dublin, The Titanic Staircase in Belfast and The Waterfront Hall. Oliver has also played alongside some great musicians such as Phil Cunningham in the cross-border orchestra.

Please find below our Weekly Communication Bulletin for Parents and Carers and other important documents which has been sent out to you via Sims App.

Ballyclare Secondary School Board of Governors, school leadership, staff and pupils, extend their deepest sympathy to the McConnell family. Andrew was an esteemed governor and friend who was a diligent and faithful member of the Board, contributing enormously to the life of the school and work of the Board of Governors.

The U16 hockey team travelled to Parkhall Integrated yesterday to play in the NEBSSA league. Layla Beau McKeever was voted players’ player of the match and Eva Grant and Estelle McIlwaine coaches’ players of the match.

The final score was 6-0. Well done to Kaela Clugston who captained her first u16 match.

Goal scorers: Layla Beau, Faith x2, Lois, Asha and Eva. Well done to all the girls, once again.

Please find below an important letter from the Acting Principal.