100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE AT BALLYCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL

September 2011 saw the 100^th anniversary of our school.

The school has grown considerably since it was first established on the Quay Road as Ballycastle Grammar School.  Over the past one hundred years it has come to be known as a place of excellence in education and perhaps more importantly has helped to shape the lives of the thousands of young people who have passed through our doors.  Many of our present pupils represent the third generation of their family to attend the school – a proud tradition indeed!

A number of events have taken place and are planned to celebrate this landmark anniversary and it is hoped that old girls and boys, as well as current pupils, will be able to relive and share memories of their time at Ballycastle High School. 

The music department held a special concert to mark the occasion.  The programme ranged through the past one hundred years of music and involved pupils and staff, past and present in presenting the history of the school.  It was both an educational and highly enjoyable event – a particular highlight for many was the return of Ms. Gail Morrow and Mr John Andrews who acted as the comperes for the evening.

The school also produced a special anniversary calendar for 2011 which featured a short history and a range of photos charting the development of the school and featuring many familiar faces.  A wide range of photographs, including those in the calendar, were on display in the Boys’ Gym during the interval of the concert.  These generated such great interest that another exhibition was arranged later on the term.  It was very well attended and many old memories were shared as past pupils discussed the images on show.

Hockey has always been part of life in Ballycastle High School and Autumn 2011 will see a very special tournament take place at the Quay Road Playing Fields.  This inaugural, mixed seven aside hockey event should provide a way for the past and present girls and boys teams to see if experience really can conquer youth. 

The centenary year will close with the bi-annual school play – a long standing Ballycastle High School tradition.  This year’s play will take the centenary as its theme, presenting a view of school-life over the years, as well as all the usual thrills and spills one would expect from a Ballycastle High School play!