Antrim Grammar School

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Antrim Grammar School


Motto	Tolerance Development
Established	1974
Type	Grammar school
Principal	Mr Stephen Black
Students	750
Location	Antrim, Northern Ireland
Address	Steeple Road, Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT41 1AF.
Telephone	028 9446 4091
Website	www.antrimgrammar.org

Antrim Grammar School is the youngest grammar school in Northern Ireland. It is situated in County Antrim, within the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) area. It is renowned for being one of the most academically successful schools in the province, even for its young age.

1 History
2 Other
3 University Applications
4 New Building
5 Ethos
6 References

[edit] History

Antrim Grammar School was founded in 1974 to address the growing need for a highly skilled labour force in the thriving Antrim area.

Headmistress Janet Williamson left in December 2006 after six years of service to the school to become head of Royal Belfast Academical Institution. Former pupil, Stephen Black replaced her as Principal in March 2007.

[edit] Other

In 2006, its Upper-Sixth class achieved a 100% pass-rate at A-levels. This was one of its most profound years, with the school topping the Northern Ireland average (72%), the UK national average (63%), with an astounding 95%, one of the highest in the whole of the UK.^[1]

The school recently won the International School Award ^[2], presented to only four schools in Northern Ireland. This award was presented to the school for their continuing work at home and overseas.

The school regularly has Language Weeks where pupils from various cultures teach the rest of the pupils their chosen language. They also take many trips abroad, including trips to Bolivia, Rome, France, and Germany. This work and its continuation helped secure Antrim Grammar the International School of the year award.

[edit] University Applications

In 2007 six students received offers to study at Oxbridge. These offers were for law and medicine.

[edit] New Building

Antrim Grammar School's quad area with the Sports Centre in the background

In September 2001, after several years of planning and preparation, a £7.5 million refurbishment and rebuilding programme commenced at Antrim Grammar School. The program was completed in January 2004. There were several phases to the work undertaken by the NEELB, McCombe Brothers, Samuel Stevenson & Sons; and Williams & Shaw. Thanks to this upgrade, every department now has access to interactive whiteboards and ICT cluster areas, which make the learning experience a lot more enjoyable.

The whole school has benefited from the new multi-purpose Learning Resource Centre, with its computing and library facilities. The Lecture Theatre, English and Maths classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and computers. Home Economics and Art enjoy spacious, specialist teaching areas with extra study areas for Sixth Form. The Sixth Form have benefited greatly from the new building programme, with the development of their own common room in addition to private study areas.

The original building has been refurbished and modernised, the music department has its own recording studio with specialist equipment and resources. Technology, with three very well equipped workshops, is a show-piece of modern engineering. The Science rooms have been upgraded and computer access is available in every classroom. The learning environment is stimulating, modern and, in a growing number of subject areas, can be described as “State of the Art”.

Extensive playing fields include three rugby pitches, two cricket squares, three all-weather hockey pitches, a 400-metre running track and four tennis courts. The Sports Centre, opened in Autumn 2003, with its sports hall and a multi-gym, enhances all of these facilities.

[edit] Ethos

The school has a number of values and aims^[3] it intends to uphold;

All pupils will be offered the best education possible, regardless of their sex, race, culture, or religion.

A wide range of educational opportunities will be provided to develop and enrich the whole person, including the academic, physical, social, cultural, aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of life.

Every pupil will be educated in a safe and caring environment, in which the emotional and social needs of each pupil are considered.

All members of the school community will be appreciated and valued in their own right.

Educating for life (valuing learning):

All pupils will be provided with an excellent grammar school education, with a strong emphasis on high academic standards.

As a modern grammar school, we will keep abreast of a changing world by providing selective vocational, technical, and practical courses, where these best suit our pupils’ needs.

Pupils will be encouraged to develop skills and values, which will make them effective learners, and inquiring, thinking individuals who are prepared to take initiatives in life.

Pupils will be encouraged to follow, and will be provided with, a broad, balanced, coherent and relevant curriculum.

The habits of intellectual curiosity, reading, thinking, discussing, and problem-solving will be fostered to encourage lifelong learning.

Developing a sense of community (valuing others):

Moral and ethical values will be fostered in individuals and within the school to create a desirable and necessary ethos for social integration and cohesion.