Name: Brendan Fitzsimmons

Occupation: Currently employed as an LSA at Parkhall Integrated College.

When did you attend Parkhall? 2018-2020.

What Class were you in? Who was your Form Tutor? 14A and Mr. O'Neill.

What are your fondest memories of your time in Parkhall? My fondest memory of Parkhall was the supportive teachers and the many opportunities afforded to me. In Health and Social Care, our class was able to visit Riverside school and observed the practices that supported pupils with special educational needs. We also were able to chat to speakers from many aspects of Health and Social Care and ask them questions about their jobs. In Travel and Tourism, we travelled to Belfast and went to the Christmas market. This was to focus on how Belfast attracts tourists to the city. These opportunities really helped to make learning fun and engaging. As a new pupil to the school, only starting in Sixth Form, I felt very welcomed. This was helpful as changing schools can be challenging. All the staff and pupils helped to make me like I was always part of the school.

Achievements from your time at Parkhall? I was awarded the British Enkalon Foundation Cup for Citizenship.

What did you do when you left Parkhall? I went to study at Liverpool John Moore’s University and completed a degree in Primary Education.

Where are you now? I am currently an LSA in Parkhall Integrated College.

What advice would you give to our Parkhall students? Enjoy your time at school. Try to manage the stresses and anxieties that come with school in a healthy way.