belfast high school

Belfast High SchoolVoluntary Grammar School

Founded 1854

www.belfasthigh.co.uk2

CONTENTS

Introduction.........................................1

Welcome..............................................3

Feeder Schools....................................4

Where We Are......................................4

The School Day....................................5

Lunchtime ...........................................5

Our House System...............................5

Subjects ..............................................5

School Uniform..............................6 & 7

Clubs and Societies ......................6 & 7

School Trips.........................................8

Year 8 Classes 2018-19.......................9

What Our Year 8 Pupils Think............10

Spotlight On.......................................11

Exam Success ...................................12

Frequently Asked Questions..............13

Belfast High SchoolVoluntary Grammar SchoolFounded 1854

740 Shore Road Newtownabbey Co. Antrim BT37 0PX

T: 028 9086 4431F: 028 9086 1527E: [email protected]: www.belfasthigh.co.uk

www.belfasthigh.co.uk 1

Hello and welcome to Belfast High School This time last year we were in your shoes, looking for the school that wasright for us.

We chose this school because of the wide range of learning opportunitiesand activities. We also get to participate in various competitionsthroughout the year and to round off the year, first years get the opportunityto have a fun-filled trip to Disney in Paris.

There are lots of new subjects which you will study with amazing teachers.

There is a wide variety of extra-curricular activities from drama tobadminton and many other brilliant clubs in between.

We hope this booklet gives you an insight into our amazing, fun-filled andinteresting BHS life.

See you next year!

Introduction

Year 8 Form Captains

Welcome to

our school!

8P Ruby Campbell (Greenisland PS) Peter Young (Cavehill PS)

8Q Luke Wison (Whiteabbey PS)Jazmin Morrow (Whiteabbey PS)

8R Daniel Harvey (Carrick Model PS)Holly Beckinsale (Eden PS)Devonne Fitzpatrick (Eden PS)

8S Nicola Leacock (Acorn Int PS)Alex Roman (Abbots Cross PS)

8T Eoin Keenan (Ashgrove PS)Jayden Lloyd (Oakfield PS)Ciara Wilson (Carrick Model PS)Eva Wilson (Whiteabbey PS)


Our pupils feel safe and are very happy here. They thrive in the supportive, aspirational and inclusive environment we offerwhich helps each of them to fulfil their true potential and achieve success. Our parents also tell us that they are pleasedwith the very high standards in all aspects of school life as well as the wealth of opportunities on offer.

Belfast High School has a long, successful and proud history. We are called Belfast High School as the school was foundedin 1854 by Mr John Pyper on a site near Carlisle Circus in Belfast. The school moved to its current location at Ardilea Housein Jordanstown just over 50 years ago. Our beautiful 32-acre site overlooks the Loughshore and is next door to the Universityof Ulster. In addition to the main school buildings, you will be able to use the on-site state-of-the-art sports hall, dramastudio, strength and conditioning/fitness suite and Astroturf pitch which were completed in June 2016.

We cherish the tradition and family values on which our school is built while also being innovative and forward-looking in allthat we do. I hope that you have the opportunity to get a flavour of the friendly and caring atmosphere here, see for yourselfthe positive relationships between teachers and pupils which are evident both inside the classroom and through extra-curricular activities.

I wish you success with your AQE test results and hope to see many of you here in September 2019. Rest assured that ifyou join us at age 11 you will leave 7 years later as a happy, confident, articulate, well-rounded individual and with a groupof life-long friends.

I hope you and your family enjoy your visit to our school this morning.

Mrs Charlotte WeirPrincipal

Welcome Ethan McConkey (Head Boy), Mrs C Weir (Principal), Sophie Patterson (Head Girl)

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Belfast High School Open Day. I am delighted that youare interested in finding out about our school and hope that the information in this booklet andin the parents’ booklet answers some of the questions that you may have about becoming apupil at Belfast High School.


Abbots Cross P.S.

Acorn Integrated P.S.

Ashgrove P.S.

Ballycarry P.S.

Ballyclare P.S.

Ballyhenry P.S.

Ben Madigan P.S.

Carnmoney P.S.

Carrickfergus Central P.S.

Carrickfergus Model P.S.

Carr’s Glen P.S.

Cavehill P.S.

Earlview P.S.

Eden P.S.

Glengormley Integrated P.S.

Greenisland P.S.

Hazelwood Integrated P.S.

IslandmageeP.S.

Hollybank P.S.

Kilcoan P.S.

King’s Park P.S.

Lowwood P.S.

Mallusk P.S.

Mossgrove P.S.

Mossley P.S.

Oakfield P.S.

Rathcoole P.S.

Seaview P.S.

Silverstream P.S.

St James’ P.S.

St MacNissi’s P.S.

St Mary’s on the Hill P.S.

St Nicholas’ P.S.

Straid P.S.

Stranmillis P.S.

Thompson P.S.

Victoria P.S.

Whiteabbey P.S.

Whitehead P.S.

Whitehouse P.S.

Woodburn P.S.

Woodlawn P.S.

Greenisland

Whiteabbey

Belfast

Carrickfergus

Glengormley

Newtownabbey

Whitehead

Holywood

Where We AreFeeder Schools

740 Shore Road Newtownabbey Co. Antrim BT37 0PX


Lunchtime at BHSPacked lunch, pizza, panini …..There is a wide choice of food in the canteen including curry,soup and wraps. Pupils can then play table tennis in the Year 8Garden or join one of the lunchtime clubs. At break time thecanteen also sells fruit, bacon rolls, toast and scones.

The school day starts withregistration at 9.10 am andfinishes at 3.40 pm except onWednesdays when classes endat 3.05 pm (hockey/rugby 3.05- 4.30 pm).

School

Day

9.10amSchool Starts

3.40pmSchool Ends

Our House System

Junior School Council

Pyper

Watson

Storey

Boyd

Every pupil is assigned to one of 4 houses and pupils are awarded points for their involvement in and contribution to the life of the school. The house system provides opportunities for pupils in the junior school to meet with and work alongside seniorpupils, fostering a spirit of co-operation and social awareness. Sixth Form pupils areHouse Captains and organise competitions and activities throughout the year.

Year 8: Fahriye Onur (Seaview PS) Jovial Vincent Gigy (St James’ PS)

Year 9: Lauren Burke (Whiteabbey PS) Alfie Hogg (Glengormley Int PS) Amy Swarbrick (Greenisland PS)

Year 10: Hannah McCullagh (Mossley PS) Lee Walker (Whiteabbey PS)

Sixth Form Leaders: Abbie Magowan (Abbots Cross PS) Josh Scott (Ashgrove PS)


Boys’ Uniform

Blazer, shirt, tie, jumper, trousers,socks and black shoes

Rhys Gordon(Ashgrove PS)

Girls’ Uniform

Blazer, shirt, tie, cardigan, skirt,socks/black tights and black shoes

Laila Hunter(Victoria PS)

Boys’ Rugby

Rugby shirt, shorts, socks, boots and gum shield

Sol Proctor(Whiteabbey PS)

There is something for every

Film Club

Junior Strings

Musical Theatre

Orchestra

Current Affairs

Cross Country

Badminton

Let’s Cook Club

Athletics

Tennis

International Club

Animal House

ASA Swimming

Duke of Edinburgh

Debating

Golf Competitions

Netball

Games/Pokémon

Choir

Bar Mock Trial

Hockey

Cricket

Rugby

Christian Union

Wind Band

Table Tennis

Astrogazers

Our School Uniform


Boys’ PE

School T-Shirt, shorts, socks and trainers

Matthew Horan(St Mary’s on the Hill PS)

Hoodie/Tracksuit

Hoodie for girls and boys

Holly Beckinsale(Eden PS)

Girls’ PE/Hockey

School polo shirt, skort, socks, gum shield and trainers

Madison McFadden(Mossley PS)

one at Belfast High School...

During PE Classes we have theopportunity to try a range of otheractivities including swimming, football,basketball, dance, gymnastics,circuits, volleyball etc.

Our Sixth Form EnrichmentProgramme includes Philosophy, Irish, Motor Vehicle Studies, YoungEnterprise, Chinese and the deliveryof Maths/Science activities in localprimary schools.

Junior Drama

Craft Club

Equestrian Competitions

Community Service

Eco Club

Walking Club

Greek as a Treat

Lego Robotics Club

Homework Club

Gymnastics

Football

Chemistry Club

Breakfast Club

Chess Club

Creative Writing Club

Sound and Light

Chinese Club

Folk Group

• Annual Year 8 trip to Paris including Disneyland

• Ski trip to America

• Hockey and Rugby tours

• Christian Union weekends

• Classics trips to Italy and Greece

• History and Politics trips

• Geography trip to Iceland

• Biology field trips and many more ……

School Trips


Year 8 Classes

2018-19


8P

8Q

8R

8S

8T

Belfast High School Intake September 2018:

Abbots Cross 1

Acorn 2

Ashgrove 7

Ben Madigan 1

Carnmoney 8

Carrick Model 11

Cavehill 3

Earlview 2

Eden 4

Greenisland 18

Hazelwood 2

King’s Park 4

Lowwood 4

Mossgrove 1

Mossley 10

Oakfield 4

Raffles World Academy 1

Seaview 1

Silverstream 1

St James’ 2

St MacNissis’ 1

St Mary’s on the Hill 2

Stranmillis 1

Templepatrick 1

Victoria 4

Whiteabbey 27

Whitehead 3

Whitehouse 10


What our Year 8 Pupils Think!!Year 8 pupils were asked to sum up in one sentence the ‘Highlight’ of their first term at Belfast High School...

Playing football atlunchtimes.Darrin, Mossley PS

Making slime in Chemistry.Eva, Whiteabbey PS

Learning French.Nathan, Whitehouse PS

Learning to play rugby.Peter, Mossgrove PS

Doing my first practical in HE.Alex, Abbots Cross PS

Playing rugby againstCampbell and scoring 2 tries.Nathan, Whiteabbey PS

Fantastic – the schoolis great!Sophie, Earlview PS

How easy it was tosettle in.Louisa, Whiteabbey PS

Busy, fun, new.Jonny, Greenisland PS

Throwing myself into allaspects of life at BHS.Leah, St Mary’s on the Hill PS

All the different subjects andmoving from class to class.Rose, Greenisland PS

I have not regrettedcoming to this school.Julien, Carnmoney PS

Lots of opportunities.Karys, Mossley PS

The clubs that I go to.Gaby, Carrick Model PS

Making new friends andenjoying new subjects.Luka, Ashgrove PS

Playing on the A team at the rugby blitz.Peter, Whiteabbey PS

Getting to know my teachers.Kaci, Carrick Model PS

My Chemistryteacher!Phoebe, Whitehead PS

Lego Mindstorms inLego ClubLuke, Whiteabbey PS

Starting the Towers ofHanoi puzzle in Maths.Peter, Victoria PS

Making my first new friend.Riley, King’s Park PS

When we first did drama.Cameron, Lowwood PS

The AMAZING Colour Run!Emily, Acorn Int PS

The projects in Art.Kathryn, Oakfield PS

At BHS nothing is impossible!Jayden, Oakfield PS

What was your top reason for choosingBelfast High School?I love drama and musical theatre – BHS really focuses onthe arts!

After attending the open morning I knew BHS was theschool for me. The staff were welcoming and wereinterested in me (not just my parents). The pupils made theschool feel very friendly.

My two brothers went and still to go BHS. The eldest is atuniversity and the other is in Year 12.

On the open mornings I loved going to the sciences andBelfast High’s stood out to me the most because the pupilat Biology knew everything. BHS ticks all the boxes!

Has Belfast High School lived up to yourexpectations so far?Yes. BHS has definitely lived up to my expectations. Theschool has such a friendly atmosphere and it inspires youto be better every single day.

Yes. It is a very friendly school with teachers and staff whoare caring, helpful and who strive to get the best out of you.I love the wide range of subjects we are taught and thefriends I have made.

This school has passed with flying colours. BHS has givenme the chance to make new friends, discover newwonders, expand my vocabulary and work on my hockeyskills. The teachers are friendly and fair and my teachermakes every Chemistry lesson fun, whether we are solvingproblems or boiling liquids in the Bunsen burner.

Yes. Everyone is welcoming every single day. It’severything I imagined it would be and this school still ticksall my boxes!

What is your favourite subject and why?My favourite subject is French as it is so interestinglearning a new language. I love that incredible feelingwhen you think about how far you have progressed!

I enjoy all subjects but especially Maths (always have) andTechnology because I get the chance to use different toolsand materials to construct crafts.

Hmmh… that’s a tough one but I’d have to say Chemistry.I love how we can conduct different experiments safely andindependently. In Chemistry we are discovering new things– all weird, wacky and wonderful.

My favourite subject is English because we are doingautobiographies and it allows us to reflect on memories.We have also looked at Boy and created our owncharacters and gothic stories which are really interesting.

What Clubs and Societies have you joined?I have joined lots of clubs as there are so many to choosefrom. I have joined hockey and netball as they are myfavourite sports. BHS has a really strong team! I have alsojoined the Art Club as it has such a relaxed vibe and AnimalHouse because I love animals and looking after them isjust the best!

There are lots of opportunities and you could do a differentactivity every day but I decided to try my hand at tabletennis.

I have joined cross-country, athletics, hockey and AnimalHouse. In cross-country senior pupils teach you how to runeasily and for a long time without getting out of breath. Iplay hockey on Tuesdays and you learn new tricks andskills all while making new friends. At Animal House youget to feed, pet, play with and take home the bunny, guineapigs and much more.

I have joined Christian Union, netball, hockey, ChemistryClub and Animal House – they are all great!

Sum up in one sentence the highlight of yourfirst term at Belfast High School?The highlight of my first term at Belfast High School woulddefinitely have to be the day I was elected Form Captain. Itjust made me so happy to know that my class trusted andbelieved in me.

I have really enjoyed my first term at BHS. Yes it has beenhard work and is challenging but I know I have made theright decision. My highlight has to be the Colour Runwhere everyone, including the teachers, has fun! I alsolove the bacon butties and the sausage rolls from thecanteen.

My highlight would have to be the Colour Run. You dasharound the pitches and get covered in coloured paint. Itwas one of the best days of my life which I will never forget.#BHSFOREVER

The highlight of my first term was the week when we didour first HE practical, first technology project and we got touse the Bunsen burners for the first time all in the sameweek. It was the best week ever!

Spotlight on ….


Ruby Campbell (Greenisland PS), Joel Clotworthy (Ashgrove PS),Jazmin Morrow (Whiteabbey PS), Caitlin Steenson (Mossley PS)


Exam Success 2018

Top performing A Level pupils: 29 A* and 42 A grades

Top performing GCSE pupils: Talula Reid 11xA* grades, Jonathan Mullan 10xA* gradesJay Ford 10xA* grades Andrew Huey 10xA*, 1xA grades

Chloe Bingham

3rd in NorthernIreland in GCSE

Child Development.

Sam Cavey

2nd in NI in A LevelGeography.

Andrew Beggs

Top 10 in the UK in A Level Computer

Science

Top performing GCSE pupils: 190 A* and 137 A grades.

Maximum marks in GCSE Art and Design: Sarah Eastham, Ellie Kane and Stephanie Robinson


What subjects will I study?

Biology, Chemistry, Citizenship, Employability, French, Home Economics, Latin,Music, Physics, Technology as well as Art, English, Geography, History, Maths,PE and Religious Studies.

What if I get lost?

Belfast High School will be bigger than most primary schools but there are lotsof signs to help you find your way around. Prefects, senior pupils and teachersare all very helpful and you will get a tour on your first day. It’s nice to changeclassrooms and move around during the day rather than being in the same roomlike in primary school.

How much homework will I get?

You will get 1-4 homeworks a night, but none of these should take any more than30 minutes. Some will be projects that you will have a week or two to complete.

What happens if I feel sick?

Your teacher will send you to see the School Nurse who can give you medicineor else arrange for your mum or dad to come and take you home.

What if no-one else from my primary school is going to Belfast High?

Year 8 pupils come to BHS from approximately 30 different primary schools solots of you will be in the same position. You will have the opportunity to attend aninduction night in June where you will meet your classmates, Form Teacher andForm Prefects.

How will I know which bus to get on in the bus park?

There are 5 members of staff each day in the bus park to make sure everyonegets on the right bus. Pupils in Year 8 and Year 9 are given priority to get onthe buses first.

What will I do in PE and Games?

As well as hockey and rugby you will get to try lots of different sports and activitiesincluding gymnastics, dance, football, basketball, netball, badminton, cross-country, swimming and lots more!

What if I need some additional help with a particular subject?

We have lots of senior pupils who act as mentors to help. We have a VLE(virtual learning environment) and teachers put notes online so that you canaccess these in school and from home.

Frequently Asked Questions


Belfast High School740 Shore Road Newtownabbey

Co. Antrim BT37 0PX

T: 028 9086 4431F: 028 9086 1527

E: [email protected]: www.belfasthigh.co.uk

#19104 © IED Print T: 028 9041 9005

All details correct at time of printing.

Period Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayRegistration

Assembly9.10 – 9.25

Period 1 9.30 – 10.30Wed 9.10 – 10.05 Technology French Form Time Drama French

Break 10.30 – 10.45Wed 10.05 – 10.20

Period 2 10.45 – 11.45Wed 10.20 – 11.20 Art Maths English Biology Geography

Period 3 11.45 – 12.50Wed 11.20 – 12.20 Maths English French PE Biology

Lunch 12.50 – 1.35Wed 12.20 – 1.05

Period 4 1.35 - 2.35Wed 1.05 – 2.05 English Chemistry RS Physics History

Period 5 2.35 – 3.40Wed 2.05 – 3.05

Home Economics

History Music Maths Games

Period Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayRegistration

Assembly9.10 – 9.25

Period 1 9.30 – 10.30Wed 9.10 – 10.05 French Chemistry Form Time ICT Technology

Break 10.30 – 10.45Wed 10.05 – 10.20

Period 2 10.45 – 11.45Wed 10.20 – 11.20

Religious Studies

Home Economics

English Geography English

Period 3 11.45 – 12.50Wed 11.20 – 12.20 History Maths French PE Latin

Lunch 12.50 – 1.35Wed 12.20 – 1.05

Period 4 1.35 - 2.35Wed 1.05 – 2.05 Maths Latin Physics English Maths

Period 5 2.35 – 3.40Wed 2.05 – 3.05 Art Geography LLW French Games

SAMPLE YEAR 8 TIMETABLE - WEEK 1

SAMPLE YEAR 8 TIMETABLE - WEEK 2

belfast high school

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