Page 158 - Bellfort Magazine 2024

At the beginning of Sixth Form in September every student was encouraged to work hard to reach
their full potential and to make memories that will last a lifetime.

At the very start of the academic year students were encouraged to develop their team building
skills when the Army hosted their Elite Skills Academy as part of our Sixth Form Induction
Programme. Year 13 and 14 pupils alongside staff completed problem solving and fitness exercises.
The Army also delivered a careers presentation on the many and varied roles within the British
Army. This proved to be a great start to Sixth Form.

Throughout the year Sixth Form pupils enjoyed a diverse enrichment programme which included
volunteering opportunities in local Primary Schools and Habitat for Humanity. Some students chose
to participate in study skills and accredited courses in sign language and first aid. Some pupils
enjoyed travelling to Pure Gym or taking part in music production. There was an enrichment option
available for everyone to enjoy. In addition, the following organisations delivered workshops:
Danske Bank, Ascent NI, Thrive Academy, Amazing Brains and Young Drivers.

In November, five of our Year 13 pupils took part in the Rotary Club Youth Leadership Competition.
Feedback for all of the students was excellent and as a school we are so proud of them. The Rotary
Club also host a Christmas Hamper Appeal, and each Sixth Form class contributed to the donation of
many bags of essentials, as well as some treats. Lynda Bell from the Rotary Club welcomed our
donation which would directly benefit families and elderly people in our local community.

At Christmas time we enjoyed a festive fun day to Dundonald Ice bowl to ice skate and bowl
together. We also enjoyed a lovely Christmas dinner in the school canteen with Christmas music
playing which helped us all to get into the festive holiday spirit.

We brightened up a dreary January with a staff bake off and Mr McNeilly took a well-deserved first
place, although we believe he may have had some outside help with his winning dessert…

February was filled with donut sales, pool competitions, table tennis and board games.

In the lead up to Easter, everyone began to talk about the Spring Ball. Easter eggs, glowsticks,
disposable cameras, sunglasses and more were bought. Balloon arches were skilfully constructed
and we had an amazing night at Galgorm Manor.

In May we had Leavers’ Week which saw Year 14 dressing up as their future selves and bringing their
books in ‘anything but a schoolbag’ day. This was where we really saw the imagination and
creativeness of Year 14 on display. At the end of Leavers’ Week we had two perfect days when the
sun shone and the Year 14 leavers enjoyed a BBQ and bouncy castles on the school front pitch. This
was followed the next day by a trip to the Jet Centre in Coleraine for ten pin bowling and a visit to
the Newbridge Restaurant for lunch.