In Art with Ms O’Donnell, 9R worked in teams of 4 and they had 30 minutes to sharpen as many pencils as possible and make the tallest tower with no pencils allowed to fall on the floor! Combining colour co-ordination, competition and also preparation for next year the class showed magnificent teamwork and produced colourful structures.

Some of our Year 9 pupils had an excellent opportunity to experience the first ‘Green Field’ STEM event at @discovercafre gaining knowledge of green keeping and biodiversity. The sun shone as they learnt, understood, and applied how the expert greenkeepers will measure the speed of the green for Rory Mcllroy and others at The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, next month!

Thank you to Adam, Liz and staff at CAFRE and sponsors British and International Golf Greenkeeping Association (BIGGA) for the event.

“It was fantastic to host Ballyclare Secondary today at CAFRE’s first ever First Green Initiative. We really enjoyed giving the pupils an idea of what is involved in sports turf and I hope they all learned a lot and gained plenty of inspiration.” CAFRE

Miss Bishop's Prince's Trust class have recently finished their Healthy Eating Unit. As a reward for their hard work throughout the year, pupils and staff enjoyed making fresh fruit kebabs in their last lesson together before the summer holidays. These were thoroughly enjoyed by all!

We’ve been delighted to meet our new Year 8 pupils during their Induction Days over the past week. For any of our new pupils travelling by bus, please scan the QR code for full details of bus routes available. For morning services to Ballyclare, please check the individual timetables of the public bus services at https://www.translink.co.uk/. These are subject to change each year.

Alice Jones (Year 11) and her team mates have done it again this year winning the Wilkinson Sword Competition at Balmoral Show now completing a treble as Champions in 2023, 2024 and now 2025! They also won the Prince Phillip Cup again this year for the third time at the Pony Club Mounted Games. Alice will be travelling to Pony Club Zone Championships in Scotland in July to compete in Team and Pairs mounted games. To top it off, Alice will also be representing NI at the Mounted Games European Individual Championships at the end of July in Millstreet, Ireland. What a talented young lady!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Head Boy, Head Girl, and Senior Prefects, for the upcoming academic year. These students have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a strong commitment to the values of our school community.

Head Girl: Sara McKnight

Head Boy: Louis Davison

Deputy Head Girl: Olivia Wilson

Deputy Head Boy: Ben Hamilton

Senior Prefects: Harry Murphy, Abigail Pye, Elspeth Purdy & Emma Taylor.

Their roles will be vital in supporting both staff and students, promoting a positive school environment, and representing the student body with integrity and enthusiasm. We are confident that they will rise to the challenge and make a meaningful impact throughout the year.

Please join us in congratulating them and offering your full support as they take on these important responsibilities.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme expedition season draws to a close, with the Silver teams completing three days of walking in the Mourne Mountains. All that remains is for the physical, volunteering, and skills sections to be signed off before the groups are presented with their certificates and badges.

Well done to all pupils and staff involved in this significant achievement!

Over the last few days we have welcomed our prospective Year 8’s on the next exciting chapter of their educational journey! BSS is a place where you’ll grow not only academically, but also socially and personally. You’ll meet new friends, explore new subjects, and discover what you’re passionate about.

Remember, every great journey begins with a single step—and you’ve just taken yours. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things, and be yourself. Our teachers and staff are here to support you every step of the way. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll achieve Building your own Success Story!

We are delighted to be recognised as a Being Well Doing Well – Cohort 1 School. On Tuesday 24th June 2025, Miss Collins proudly accepted a BWDW plaque at a special Celebration and Networking Event. The plaque was presented by Ronnie Armour, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education (DENI), and Shiela Gamble, Head of Service for BWDW at the Education Authority (EA).

This event marked a significant milestone in celebrating the successful implementation of the Being Well Doing Well: Whole School Approach to Emotional Health and Wellbeing Programme across Cohort 1 schools.