Antrim Grammar School
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| Antrim Grammar School [[Image:]] | |
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| Motto: | Tolerance Development |
| Established: | 1974 |
| Type: | Grammar school |
| Principal: | Mr Stephen Black |
| Students: | 750 |
| Location: | Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| Website: | www.antrimgrammar.org |
Antrim Grammar School is the newest grammar school in Northern Ireland. It is situated in County Antrim, within the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) area. It is one of the most academically successful schools in the province and has been successful in placing a number of its brightest students in Oxbridge Colleges.
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[edit] History
Antrim Grammar School was founded in 1974 to address the growing need of an increasing population in the thriving Antrim area.
Mr Stanley Spence was the first Headmaster and, on his retirement in the late 1980s, he was replaced by Mr Jim Hunniford. Miss Janet Williamson, the third Principal left in December 2006 after six years to become head of Royal Belfast Academical Institution. Mr Stephen Black replaced her as Principal in March 2007.
[edit] Other
The school was accredited as an International School by the British Council [1]. Four schools in Northern Ireland were accredited in 2006 although a number of other NI schools had already been accredited over the previous several years . This award is presented to schools for their work in promoting international awareness among students and staff. Previously the school has won numerous awards including the CICA award in 1994.
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, including school visits to Iceland, Rome, Paris, Bolivia and South Africa. This work and its continuation helped to secure Antrim Grammar International School accreditation.
In recent years, Antrim Grammar has had contact with World Challenge, a company specialising in taking young people on treks throughout the world. The first expedition from Antrim Grammar, was a 4 week trek in Bolivia during July/August of 2006. There are plans for another trip, this time heading to Vietnam in 2009.
In 2008, The Sunday Times named Antrim Grammar School as the number one post-primary school in Northern Ireland.
[edit] Modernisation
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”.
The Sports Centre, opened in Autumn 2003, with its sports hall and a multi-gym, enhances all of these facilities.
[edit] Sport
The school has extensive playing fields include three rugby union pitches, two cricket squares, three all-weather hockey pitches, a 400-metre running track and four tennis courts, the school also has a new sports hall facility.
Antrim Grammar has built up a reputation as a sporting school. Summer 2007 saw the first rugby tour to South Africa, where members of senior teams were able to play matches with South African schools. There have been other rugby tours to Rome, Italy and to Scotland.
Girls rugby has been recently introduced to the school, to much success. The girls team reached the final of the Schools Trophy, playing their match at Ravenhill, prior to an Ulster match.
Senior girls recently had the privilege of going on their first hockey tour to Dublin. It is proposed that the senior teams will join the tour to South Africa in 2010.
[edit] Ethos
The school has a number of values and aims[2] it intends to uphold;
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.
- Mutual respect and respect for others’ work and property will be required.
- Pupils will be encouraged to be committed, responsible and productive members of the school, and wider, communities.
- Pupils will be prepared to their full potential to lead fulfilled and purposeful lives as citizens.
[edit] Notable Alumni
Sports
- Mark Allen, professional snooker player, world rank no.29
- Zoe Brown, NI Commenwelth Games Pole Vaulter
Movies
- Jonathan Kane(Director), Film writer, director and producer
[edit] References
- Jannet Williamson, Head of AGS, 2004. "Rebuilding Programme" "School Ethos" Link to exam PDF results, and Prize day speech.
