KS3 will be completing their Assessment Unit 2 between Monday 27th January to Friday 7th February.

Pupils and staff arrived safe and sound in Verona. Short coach journey to Folgaria, dinner and then straight out for a ski fit. First day with the instructors and everyone conquered the baby slopes. A few slips and skids, but nothing that a belly laugh doesn’t sort out. Pupils heading off to ice-skating for their first Après ski event. Bring on day two!

Day 2

After a night of ice-skating it was another early rise for more snow carving on the slopes. Between snow ploughing, turns, and some groups getting onto the ski lifts for the blue runs, everyone achieved something new today! Night two includes a walk around the town for a bit of shopping, ice cream and other sweet treats. Pupils and staff bellies are full on the most beautiful pasta - second helpings all round!

Day 3

What a beauty! Sun was splitting the mountains all morning. Now that all pupils have graduated from snow ploughing and turns, they have joined the upper slopes. It is incredible to see all progressing in their groups and so lovely to see / capture them all loving time on the piste. Last night pupils had a bit of time in groups to explore the local town and quite a few came back with jazzy ski hats, suffice to say they stood out today. Most groups were able to follow staff around the higher runs. Pasta lunch and a pizza dinner tonight and then it will be lights out. Bring on more snow time, fun time!

Day 5

Between blue and red runs, all pupils have hit the higher slopes at this stage in the week. Last night everyone had a bit of down time, playing cards and making friends with other pupils from other schools. Pizza night was a huge success, with bellies bursting at the sides! The conditions today were not the best with low lying fog and rain making the runs very sticky, but everyone managed to find their way. The excitement has been building for the big disco night tonight, even the staff might throw a few shapes…

Tomorrow is set to be a sunny finale to the week of skiing. The morning brings with it a slalom challenge wherein groups will be racing to get a place on the podium. The afternoon will give pupils an opportunity for their last run in the sunshine. Tomorrow night, being the night before departure, will include a final trip to the town and then some suitcase packing. To reassure parents/carers, staff are linking in with the TopFlight representatives about the flight home to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Day 6

What a way to end the most incredible week! Pupils danced the night away at the local town disco on Thursday night, making new friends with other schools on their ski trips. Legs were tired on the Friday morning rise, not only from skiing, but from the shapes being thrown on the dance floor. The last day of skiing will be one to remember for a long time, with beautiful sunshine, a crystal blue sky and perfect ski conditions. Everyone has achieved so much, with not only skill, but speed. Our reel shows just how pupils managed some trickier slopes by the end of this week, they should all be super proud of themselves. Friday night includes a last trip to the town before dinner and packing for an extra early rise for our flight home. At this point no delay is anticipated, should that change, staff leading the trip will ask pupils to message parents/carers to keep them updated.

One of our Year 12 pupils, Samuel Logan has continued to shine in Moto Cross with the Winter Series coming to an end at Magilligan. Samuel came away with 4th overall for the 6 round championship which is an excellent end to the season with big plans for what the 2025 season will hold. Photos by Jimmy Cook.

The 2025 BSS Sixth Form Formal was an unforgettable evening filled with elegance, excitement, and joy. Held on 17th January at the beautifully decorated Galgorm Resort and Spa, students arrived in their finest attire, ready to celebrate in style.

The night began with a grand entrance, as couples and friends posed for photos while enjoying the venue with its decoration that set the tone for the evening.

As the night progressed, the dance floor came alive with students showcasing their best moves to a mix of classic hits and contemporary tunes. The DJ kept the energy high, ensuring that everyone was on their feet, dancing and laughing the night away.

What a celebration of friendship, achievement, and the exciting journey ahead… truly a night to remember.

The BBC have recently launched a new Ultimate Options Guide for Year 10 pupils. We are delighted that staff and pupils from our Modern Languages and Religious Studies departments have prominent roles in this great resource. We are so proud of how well all involved represent our school and the important role they will play in helping Year 10 pupils make important decisions for their futures.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zvf63qt#zjx6cxs

Last week we had Mivan Limited join us for an introduction into the commercial world of Joinery. Our Year 12 classes got a glimpse of the company, their clients and the work that an apprentice joiner would be involved in. They shared their knowledge and expertise with regard to applying for NRC and also with employers. Many thanks to Mivan for giving up their time to speak to us!

On Thursday 6th February BFFS will host our 'Still Loved' event from 7-9pm. You will be able to browse and purchase preloved clothing and accessories items. Tickets cost £5 and are available from the ticket source link below.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/ballyclare/ballyclare-secondary-school

Congratulations to the Under 18 football team who defeated Abbey College 2-0 in the East Antrim Cup. Two goals from Cooper Montgomery secured victory. Well done boys!

On Wednesday, the STEM group of the Royal Navy ‘sailed’ into Ballyclare to share their knowledge and expertise with our Kit Car Team, Forget Fossil Racing. Our team enjoyed the company, humour and problem solving mentality of CSgt. Will Parker and CDR Tom Wardley. This was in tandem with our ongoing partnership with Thales who have been working with the pupils developing the efficiency of our electrical systems in the Kit Car.