Sixth Form Enrolment For September 2018: Information And Insight Event

Ballymena Academy: Sixth Form Open Day Event

On Thursday, 26^th April from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. Ballymena Academy invites pupils, who may be interested in joining its Sixth form in September 2018, to visit and find out more about the school. There will be an opportunity to meet with teachers, tour the school, see the state of the art facilities in the Sixth Form Centre and talk to sixth form pupils who transferred from other schools to the Academy last year.

A family centred school

Ballymena Academy is recognised for its outstanding educational provision and as a family centred school in which each pupil is valued, having the opportunity to learn, enjoy and succeed. There is a commitment to the pursuit of excellence in a learning environment which is always welcoming, caring and inspiring. Pupils have access to a broad range of subjects and courses, including ‘AS’, A-Levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas and Certificates. The curriculum provision is in excess of statutory minimum requirements, providing a wide range of learning opportunities suited to the needs, abilities and interests of pupils.

Subjects on offer include:- Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Construction, Digital Technology, Drama and Theatre Studies, Economics, Engineering, English Literature, Environmental Technology, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, German, Government & Politics, Health and Social Care, History, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Nutrition and Food Science, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Studies, Spanish, Technology & Design.

Something for Everyone

Employers and university admissions tutors continually emphasise the importance of demonstrating skills and personal development beyond the academic, therefore Ballymena Academy provides a wealth of opportunities and activities which encourage pupil participation in, for example, Aerobics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Canoeing, Cheer leading, Circuits, Conditioning, Cricket , Cross Country, Dance, Girls’ Cricket, Boys’ Cricket, Girls’ Rugby, Golf, Gymnastics, Football, Handball, Hockey, Ju-jitsu, Netball , Rugby, Showjumping, Swimming, Table-Tennis, Tennis, Walking Club, Zumba. Chess, Senior Choirs, Chamber Choir, Charity Committee, Cancer Research Committee, ASHA India Project, Christian Union, Computer Programming Club, Drama Society, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Educational Visits and trips, Mandarin classes, School Councils, Debating, Senior Strings, Senior Windband, Sixth Form Committee, Percussion Groups, Public Speaking, Engineering Education Scheme, Business and Enterprise links, Wind Bands, Orchestra, Rock Bands, Traditional Group, Leadership opportunities, Mentoring, Volunteering, Self-presentation skills development seminars, Theatre visits. Such an extensive programme enables pupils to develop skills, in and out of the classroom, which are highly desirable in the work place. This provision has been recognised and complimented, by pupils, parents and various outside agencies, for its breadth and for the enrichment that it provides.

Promoting healthy lifestyle choices

The school has a unique Physical Recreation Strategy – aimed at promoting exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. The approach was described by Michael Gove as ‘an innovative piece of thinking’, which ‘could well be a model for other schools to follow’. The success of the scheme is evidenced in the increased participation rates of our pupils and staff with the vast majority of the school community now regularly involved in physical recreation outside time-tabled physical education classes.

Commended for provision, caring ethos and family atmosphere

Ballymena Academy is a school steeped in tradition, yet progressive and forward-looking. Its caring ethos and its genuine welcoming family atmosphere have been noted by external assessors, including Investors in People and Prospects, a quality assurance organisation which accredited the school with a Gold Standard Award for its provision in Careers Education, Information and Guidance. Ballymena Academy is the first school in the province to receive this award. The school values relationships and provides a safe, caring, creative environment in which young people can enjoy their education, achieve their potential and equip themselves to meet the needs of an ever changing society.

We encourage you to join us on Thursday 27^th April at 4.00 p.m. at an information afternoon – an event which will be informal, informative and provide an opportunity to see the school and all that it has to offer.