Record attendance at Open Night

Over 800 people attended, including Primary 6 and 7 pupils. Everyone who visited the school was extremely impressed by the evening’s activities. Following the success of last year’s Open Evening, the school had anticipated a large number of visitors to attend again this year. Taking this into consideration, Headmistress Mrs Anne Bell addressed two large groups of parents and prospective pupils at 6.30pm and 7.30pm. In her opening remarks she welcomed everyone to the school and especially those who had no previous connections with the school. In the course of her presentation to the visitors, Mrs Bell informed the audience of the excellent results achieved in the public examinations. She expressed her delight that at the GCSE results. 92% of the year achieved A – C grades in 7 or more subjects with 25 girls achieving grade A/A* in all 9 or 10 subjects taken. Seventeen girls achieved 10 A*/A grades and one pupil achieved an exceptional 11 A* grades. In the AS examinations 40 girls (44%) achieved A grades in all 4 subjects and further 24 girls awarded A grades in all their 4 subjects. One pupil achieved 5 A grades at AS level. At A2 level 73% of the year group achieved 3 or more A grades with 2 girls being awarded As in 4 subjects. The audience was made aware of the options available at each Key Stage and the work undertaken to meet the needs of the pupils through collaboration within the Coleraine Area Learning Partnership. The slide presentation highlighted the extensive range and variety of extra-curricular activities on offer at the school. The pastoral care system, supported by relevant, active policies, a School Counsellor and a School Nurse, seeks to create an ethos of caring and mutual respect. Following Mrs Bell’s presentation, the Sixth Form pupils took the visitors on a guided tour of the school. The parents and children were able to view the numerous departments in the High School and witness the wide range of opportunities which the School offers to young girls. In the Mathematics Department the girls had the opportunity to take part in ‘fun’ activities. In the Technology and Design suite the girls were busy working on their projects and using the machines in a confident and capable manner. The Science Department arranged a number of experiments which were demonstrated by very competent young scientists. The Home Economics Department was a popular venue with healthy samples on offer. The high standard of work on display in the Art Department was also very impressive. Having just had an update of all their computers, it was not surprising that many parents commented on the provision of classroom technology in the School. The number of computers and white boards in classrooms and how effectively the whiteboards were being used was also remarked upon. Parents sensed the friendly respectful atmosphere and commented on the clean and tidy appearance of the school. The extensive extra-curricular programme offered at the school was also well represented, with the, Duke of Edinburgh participants, Scripture Union, and the Young Enterprise Company ‘manning stalls’ which reflected their particular activities. In the Gym, The Dance Club, Badminton and Football Clubs all demonstrated their specific skills as did the Year 9 & 10 pupils who performed their curricular Rhythmic Gymnastics and Cheerleading routines. Taking a break from their tour, the visitors were able to enjoy a cup of tea served by the canteen staff, prefects and the ‘Friends of Coleraine High School’. A number of parents took the time to seek out Mrs Bell and congratulate her on the calibre of pupil and comment on how happy and enthusiastic they were about their school. They were impressed by the confidence and poise of the Coleraine High School pupils and the good relationships they have with their teachers.