Antrim Grammar School

Established	1974
Students	750
Location	Antrim, Northern Ireland

Antrim Grammar School is the youngest grammar school in Northern Ireland. It is situated in County Antrim. It is within the North Eastern Education and Library Board area. It is renowned for being one of the most academically successful schools in the province, even for its young age. This Manual of Style has the simple purpose of making things easy to read by following a consistent format — it is a style guide. ... The date of establishment or date of founding of an institution is the date on which that institution chooses to claim as its starting point. ...

In 2006, its U6th class achieved a 100% pass-rate at A-levels. This was one of its most profound years, with the school topping the Northern Ireland average (72%), The UK national average (63%), with an astounding 95%, one of the highest in the whole of the UK.

The school recently won the International School of the year award, presented to only 4 schools in Northern Ireland. This award was presented to the school for their continuing work home, and over seas. They regularly have Language Weeks in school where various pupils from numerous cultures teach the rest of the pupils their chosen language. They also have many trips abroad, including a trip to Bolivia, Rome, France, and Germany, among many others. It is with this work, and its continuation that helped secure Antrim Grammar the International School of the year award.

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.

Ethos

The school has a number of values and aims it intends to uphold;

• All pupils will be offered the best education possible, regardless of their sex, race, culture, or religion.

• A wide range of educational opportunities will be provided to develop and enrich the whole person, including the academic, physical, social, cultural, aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of life.

• Every pupil will be educated in a safe and caring environment, in which the emotional and social needs of each pupil are considered.

• All members of the school community will be appreciated and valued in their own right.

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.

References

• Jannet Williamson, Head of AGS, 2004. "Rebuilding Programme" "School Ethos" Link to exam PDF results, and Prize day speech.