The annual Transfer Evening at Parkhall Integrated College on Thursday 9^th January attracted a huge turnout of prospective pupils and their parents. The school assembly hall was packed to capacity as visitors were given the opportunity to view the facilities and to meet teachers, support staff and pupils.

The evening began with a DVD outlining what life is like at Parkhall. The DVD is designed to give prospective pupils an insight into both the Year 8 curriculum and wider school life, alongside a review of many of the primary liaison programmes that Parkhall offers.

In his introduction the Principal, George Beattie emphasised the school mission statement, the aims of the school and the strong pastoral care system and extensive induction programme which is designed to ensure that the transition to post-primary education is as smooth as possible for Year 8 pupils.

In highlighting how well the Year 8 pupils had settled into school life, Mr Beattie emphasised the continued growth within the school, with 199 Year 8 pupils joining last year from 27 different primary schools. The provision of Year 10 mentors for each Year 8 class ensures that the newest additions to the school community have a familiar face to support them at all times. The college also use the services of junior school prefects in Year 10 and they too have an important role to play in helping the younger pupils within the school.

Mr Beattie commended the young people who completed A level study and wish every success to each of these pupils as they progress to university here and in the mainland, further education or employment.

He congratulated those completing GCSE study last June, many of whom gained excellent GCSE grades A*-C and have returned to 6^th Form, training or employment. He gave a special mention to a number of pupils who each had obtained 9 or 10, or 11 GCSE grades A*-C in 2019. He outlined the additions to the key stage 4 curriculum to ensure that pupils are provided with the breadth of choice suitable to their needs and aspirations including allowing the pupils to remain at Parkhall to complete their education. Mr Beattie expressed his delight that 54 pupils had begun sixth form studies in September.

The importance of extra curricular activities was highlighted and the range of opportunities to experience educational visits was of particular interest to the young people. In the past few years pupils had visited Paris, London, Barcelona and Madrid and to Italy alongside trips to Dublin and many local visits.

Mr Beattie outlined his delight at the current state of the Art classrooms, Science labs, specialist workshops for Art, Technology and HE, canteen facilities and youth and community facilities. The sporting provision includes a 3G AstroTurf pitch and 5 tennis courts, a fitness suite, a gym, 4 court sports hall and the recently completed football and rugby pitches.

The impressions of the current Head Girl, Zoe Kirkpatrick and Head Boy Jack Kilpatrick were well received by the large audience.

Parents and prospective pupils were then given a comprehensive guided tour of the school, highlighting the type of activities being undertaken by Year 8 pupils.

Anyone who missed the Open Evening or has any further questions about the College is invited to contact the Principal on 02894468556 or to make an appointment at the school office to arrange a tour.