Click @ GMS

Mr Graham

Welcome to our May/June edition of our final edition of Click for the school year 2010/2011. We have all settled into our new school and are enjoying the benefits of our fantastic building with great anticipation of our Running Track and other Athletics facilities being ready for our Sports Day on 14 June. Also on that day we will be officially opening our Sports Hall which was partially financed with a grant of around £350,000 from Big Lottery and we will be privileged to have Dame Mary Peters with us to open the facility. The rest of the outdoor facilities will be completely finished over the summer ready for our return in September when we will have our large Astroturf hockey pitch, tennis courts, landscaped grounds and pedestrian access at Dunkeld and Marmount Gardens. This will also help to alleviate the traffic congestion at Dunowen Gardens and we all can’t wait for everything to be completed and we can enjoy all of our school campus. We are now into the examination season and I wish everyone well in all of their papers and would make a plea that a revision programme is prepared and strictly adhered to as it is essential nowadays that good qualifications are obtained in order to progress into employment or further study. Remember to get a balance between work and relaxation so that all girls are on top form going into the exams .I also want to congratulate the Year 13 Young Enterprise girls who were runners-up in the Northern Ireland Company of the Year and Winners of the award for the company with the Most Innovative Idea of the Year. This was a joint effort along with our partners Our Lady of Mercy and Little Flower and it was interesting to note that we were the only non-grammar schools to reach the Finals Night at Belfast City Hall. Kirsty Knowles, the Managing Director, deserves special praise for winning the prize for Individual of the Year for her work with the company. Also good luck to out Student-Led Rock Challenge entry which made the finals in Grimsby at the end of May after performing so well at the Waterfront Hall at the NI Heats at the end of March. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Click and I am looking forward to receiving my copy of the new school magazine Flick which will be in circulation shortly, once again well done to Mrs Natalie Clarke and her student editorial team. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/25/message-from-our-principal-8/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/25/message-from-our-principal-8/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:59:18 +0000 Wilson visits new developments at Girls' Model

LHS Robert McAllister - Director of Farrans; Sammy Wilson MP, MLA - Minister of Finance; Johny Graham, Principal; Martin Hare - Architect of Girls' Model School

Investment in our education estate will help equip young people with the skills required to help grow our economy, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said. The Minister was speaking after visiting the Belfast Model School for Girls. Speaking at Belfast Model School for Girls, the Minister said "The construction of these new school buildings is a clear illustration of what can be achieved with the right amount of commitment and investment. During what is an extremely challenging economic environment, this investment will equip our young people with the education and skills necesary to help drive the economy recovery". The Minister continued: "This money is providing the facilities needed to deliver a world class education for our young people. It can also benefit the wider community. The developments at the Model School for Girls includes sporting, performing arts and other facilities which are available out of hours to local groups and the broader community". ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/25/wilson-visits-new-developments/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/25/wilson-visits-new-developments/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:55:39 +0000 Year 12 -Hair and Beauty Show

Each student had the opportunity to create a hair style for the occasion. Ms Mullan, Centre Manager from the Belfast Metropolitan College judged the competition and commented that the girls had displayed huge talent and choosing a winner had been very difficult. The overall wining stylist was Toni Andrews, modelled by Victoria Perry Well done to all girls who took part.

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/23/year-12-hair-and-beauty-show-1/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/23/year-12-hair-and-beauty-show-1/ Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:16:18 +0000 Football Tournament On Tue 11th May the school football teams entered the Carnegie Schools’ Cup Football tournament. The Junior team played 5 group games with the following results: Drew 0-0 against Coleraine High Won 3-0 against Ballyclare High (scorers: Anthea Harbinson, Courtney Hughes, Corrie McMurray) Won 1-0 against Newbridge (scorer: Corrie McMurray) Won 7-0 against St Patricks (scorers: Anthea Harbinson 2, Courtney Hughes 2, Amy Johnston 2, Sophie Dunlop 1) Won 3-1 against Dunclug (scorers: Amy Johnston 2, Sophie Dunlop 1) This qualified them for the semi-final which they unfortunately lost 1-0 to Rainey Endowed School. The top goalscorer for the tournament was Amy Johnston, and player of the tournament was Corrie McMurray. The Senior team played 5 group games with the following results: Won 2-0 against Our Lady of Mercy (scorers: Kaitlyn McCoubrey, Demi Harbinson) Lost 2-0 against Cullybackey Won 2-0 against Hazelwood (scorers: Kaitlyn McCoubrey, Nikita McMullan) Lost 1-0 against Coleraine High Won 2-0 against St Patricks (scorers: Demi Harbinson 2) This left them as runners-up in the group which meant they had a penalty shoot-out with Parkhall College to see who would progress to the semi-finals. Unfortunately they were defeated in this. Top goalscores was Demi Harbinson and player of the tournament was shared by Demi and Kaitlyn McCoubrey. http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/18/football-tournament/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/18/football-tournament/ Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:27:13 +0000 Peer Mediator Residential

Gemma and Shannon all wrapped up!

Team work game

There was also some serious work done, such as, looking at the role and responsibilities of the Peer Mediator and some Child Protection training. This has greatly helped to prepare the girls to take up their role of responsibility as a Peer Mediator with the new Year 8 pupils next year. The food was great, there was lots of fun, good relationships were developed and it was dry and sunny for most of the time. Brilliant!!

After the Maze!

New Peer Mediators

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/15/peer-mediator-residential/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/15/peer-mediator-residential/ Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:16:13 +0000 Perfect Presentations!

Kirsty Allen demonstrating her Presentation

Overall, this assignment taught 8NE many skills and qualities. They are now more confident in talking in front of others, they are more disciplined when listening when others are speaking, they developed their ICT skills and they learned to work independently, whilst planning and prioritising their time. Well done 8NE! ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/14/perfect-presentations/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/14/perfect-presentations/ Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:06:44 +0000 Budding CSIs

After a well deserved break for lunch it was back to the labs for another challenge – to create as many colours of paint as they could with just basic chemicals.

We were all then treated to an amazing lecture on poisonous animals that can kill. We also found out how scientists are using some animal venom to cure diseases such as cancer. Finally Brian from City Reptiles showed us some of his dangerous animals including a Scorpion, Tarantula and a HUGE yellow Python called Biscuit.

The CSI Team

The girls were fantastic representatives for our school and superb CSI’s. Well done to all four girls: * Ceri McDonald * Danielle Telford * Kirsty-Leigh Brown * Chloe Ashe ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/10/science-news/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/10/science-news/ Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:40:39 +0000 Year 13 Concert for Haiti As part of their AS Performing Arts, the year 13 class have to plan a performance event. This year’s group decided that they would like to raise money for the relief of the Haiti earthquake disaster. They all wanted the opportunity to perform in this event, in order to continue developing their practical skills, but they also wanted others in the school to have the opportunity to display their hidden talents! The year 13 had to take control of every aspect of the planning of this event, as it is this area that they are assessed on, rather than the final performance. This meant that they had to be very well organised, with a fully developed action plan of how they would carry out their tasks. They were split into teams, and each assigned a number of tasks to carry out. So began a busy time of action planning, research, costume design, budgeting, rehearsal schedules, marketing and lots of singing and dancing in every area available in the music department. The final performance took place on Monday 22nd March 2010. There were two separate programmes drawn up, to accommodate performers who were only free one of the lunch times, but both featured a wide variety of acts. Ms Simpson was our hostess for the performance, and kept the audience giggling, while Hollie and her stage crew frantically changed scenes and moved equipment back stage. Performance acts included: Mr McCoo singing, ‘Beauty School Dropout’ Jedward AKA Mr Hance and Mr Braniff Bad Boys dance complete with some teachers, classroom assistants and a nurse Caroline Cochrane singing, ‘The Climb’ Courtney Hayes singing, ‘I feel like a woman’ Staff rock band performing, ‘Send it on’ A drama featuring Katie Myers, Allison Gray and guest stars Mrs Dalzell and Mrs Thomas Broken Heels dance This was the first time that we had put to full use our new sound and lighting equipment in the multi purpose hall. Aaron Evans, from the year 14 Performing Arts class was being assessed on his use of the PA system and Mrs Cruise was our lighting technician. Both did an excellent job, (although both claimed to have lost weight with the pressure of getting everything right for the performance). Although a little rushed, the performance was a big success and we raised £258.53 for Haiti, which will be sent via Tearfund. Mrs Ashe and the Year 13 class would like to thank everyone involved for sacrificing their time and willingly offering their talents. http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/09/year-13-concert-for-haiti/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/09/year-13-concert-for-haiti/ Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:51:34 +0000 Ski Trip 2010

We stayed in the Hotel Snezhanka which was very good place to stay. While the food was a bit different to home, the hotel was clean and really busy with lots going on. We met pupils from other Schools throughout Northern Ireland. The next day we got up at 7 o’clock for our first day of Skiing, we were very tired after the long journey, but seeing the slopes we soon forgot how tired we were.

We spent the first few days were spent learning the basics of how to Ski with Demeter and Valentine, the two Ski Instructors. We had many laughs although many tears we shed when we fell down the slopes. Unfortunately Zara and Megan fell and hurt themselves and where unable to ski every day. It wasn’t all skiing though, as we had great fun having snowball fights and building snow men.

In the evenings we went Tenpin Bowling and boogied at the Disco. Miss Willis was the Champion Bowler, although we secretly thought that she cheated! She was also the Dancing Queen as she got up every night and danced the night away! Miss Irvine was a really good skier; we all thought that she should have been in the Olympic Team, she wishes! We all had a fantastic time and hopefully we will be back next year, roll on February 2011!We would all like to thank Miss Willis and Miss Irvine for looking after us and making the trip really enjoyable!

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/11/ski-trip-2010/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/11/ski-trip-2010/ Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:31:34 +0000 Open Night 2010

Our New Fitness Suite

Using the Trampoline

Over 550 people listened to Mr Graham give a speech in our new Multi Purpose Hall and still some people could not get in. Showing the high level of interest there was amongst the P7 pupils to see our fantastic new school.

Playing an Interactive Game

Observing a Science Experiment

The school looked amazing and the atmosphere was buzzing and filled with excitement, as P7 pupils and their parents toured it at their own leisure. As usual, many departments had provided stimulating and interactive displays for both pupils and parents. Many pupils were thrilled to be testing our brand new Promethean boards with interactive learning games.

Hair and Beauty Students

Our New Creche

Cooking up a treat!

Year 8 Art Student

All parents and pupils were blown away at our New School and what it has to offer including the Gym, Dance Studio, Sports Halls, Creche, the state of the art Cafeteria, the Multi Purpose Hall and the Hair and Beauty Suite, to name but just a few!! Consequently, many P7 pupils can't wait for September 2010 to come around to begin life as a Model Pupil. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/11/open-night-2010/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/11/open-night-2010/ Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:29:52 +0000 My Venture to Africa

Our A-freek-A group

Our journey started way back in May of 2009. We knew we had to accomplish our goal and one day get out to Africa one day since we are an African drumming group, (hence the name A-freek-A) We began to fundraise, packing bags, washing cars, sponsored events, fundraising events, drumming in golf clubs, doing parades etc. On one occasion we raised over £2000 pounds in 11 hours of bag packing! We worked so hard for 5 months and in the end we raised our goal £25,000 which could take us out to Senegal! After a very long journey on Sunday 8th November, we finally arrived at around 6pm on Monday 9th November in a town called Abene in Senegal where we would be staying for the next two weeks. We stayed in a Campermont called Les Belles Etoiles which was French for Starry nights because of it’s amazing constellations at night. The accommodation was basic as you can see from this picture but at the same time it was beautiful, and the huts we were staying in weren’t too bad at all.

Our Accommodation

The next morning we began drumming straight away to begin developing our skill. Once we had drummed all morning we took trips to the beach about 20 minutes away. It was shocking to see the true poverty in this country, it’s different seeing it on TV but when it is brought to you in real life it’s a completely different story. Some of the kids just followed you wherever you went just to be in your presence. We played football at the beach with many kids; we wanted to be as part of their community as we could.

For two days we made our way out to Zinconghour to visit the School we were going to be bringing resources to. We began to walk towards the school and the whole school came out to greet us, the feeling was amazing! They just wanted to hold your hand and be with you. It was amazing seeing the look on the kids’ faces when you give them something as basic as a pencil, it was overwhelming. It was very emotional. We presented the kids with football kits and the next day we played them a football match with the goalposts we provided. When we got back to Abene we continued to drum for the rest of the time as well as socialising with the rest of the community. We were taught by master drummer Seckou Keita. He provided us with tuition every morning for three and a half hours.

Throughout the 2 weeks we also went to a few parties at nights which were an amazing experience. They ask you over to dance and join in with their culture, it’s amazing, yes I was a bit shy at first but after the 2 weeks you finally start to get into it. We also had the privilege of holding our own party at the Campermont on the 21st November we held a big African party and about 300 people attended. We performed and enjoyed the African culture one last time as we were heading home two days later.

A couple of days before we left we also received an African dance lesson, it was such good fun but was very hard work because of the heat! Also before we left we painted a mural to symbolise our time in Senegal! Africa was an amazing, life changing experience and has really made me think about how much we do take things for granted. It has changed my life and I will never forget it. I definitely hope to return in the future! ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/senegal-trip/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/senegal-trip/ Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:16:44 +0000 World Book Day

World Book Day

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/world-book-day/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/world-book-day/ Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:39:14 +0000 Valentine's Day Competition

Lauren Moore 8DW

Nadine Douglas 9M

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/events-in-the-lri/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/events-in-the-lri/ Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:35:43 +0000 YouthBank presentation of Certificates

2010 YouthBank Team

Katy Dalzell and Samantha Craig receiving their Cheque

Ashleigh Gibson and Natasha McFarlane were awarded £300 for Performing Arts

Ashleigh and Natasha receiving their Cheque

Honor McQuillen and Sarah Murphy received a cheque of £300 for Toplink.

Honor and Sarah receiving their Cheque

Each of the applications agreed to the conditions of their grant and signed their contracts. Photographs were taken of the girls receiving their cheques. Each applicant was appointed two support workers to help them with any problems they may have. We wish all applicants well in carrying out their projects. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/04/youthbank-presentation-of-cert/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/04/youthbank-presentation-of-cert/ Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:11:05 +0000 Formal 2010

By 6:30 pm the narrow road leading to the LaMon hotel was packed with limos delivering their glamorous cargo and in the reception hall the atmosphere was full of excitement. Girls and staff posed whilst cameras flashed and everyone was told how beautiful they looked. The Lisleen suite was decorated with balloons and ribbons in school colours and the boxes of chocolate heart favours on the tables had the badges of both schools on the top.

A delicious meal of Vegetable Soup, Roast Chicken and Pavlova was served by very friendly and efficient staff. After the meal Carla and Megan showed video clips of messages from some staff members, reminiscing about the year 13 and 14 girls when they were in junior school and also wishing them success for the future. The girls then distributed the Oscars in categories such as who’s been tangoed, Google addict and party animal! They also gave out huge bouquets of flowers to staff members.

The Untouchables provided the entertainment performing fabulous music and the dance floor was packed to capacity all night long. This band has now entertained us for the past 4 years' at the annual formal and I am sure that they will continue to this entertainment for many more formals to come. After all that dancing, the buses arrived at midnight to take the girls and boys to the after formal venue. The evening was enjoyed by all who attended. Many thanks to Carla, Megan and the team for their organisation of this very special event. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/02/formal-2010/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/02/formal-2010/ Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:54:54 +0000 Message from Our Principal

Mr Graham

It has been a hectic two months since we moved into our new school and everyone seems to like the buildings and all the facilities they offer. The community provision is beginning to be well used and and the Early Years Unit Manager is now in post with the recruitment process for the rest of the Creche staff well in motion. It is hoped to open the Unit after Easter and details about registering for Creche places will be available very soon. The Electronic Village Hall will also be available for use in early April and information about this exciting facility will soon be distributed to the local community. Our Open Evening for prospective pupils and their parents held on 1st February was a roaring success with the new Performing Arts Hall filled to capacity with around 550 people and still some couldn’t get in. The feedback was very positive with almost everyone commenting on how impressed they were with the new school build. We hope that as many of those who wish to start in Year 8 in September are able to get in as we are capped at 160 places for 2010-2011. We have had many visitors looking around the new facilities including Department of Education, Department of Health, Education and Skills Authority, Strategic Investment Board, other Principals, Community Organisations and Belfast Education and Library Board personnel and everybody has been effusive in their praise for the excellent facilities. We have been extremely busy both in and out of the classroom since Christmas and congratulations to Lucy Best on her achievements in the Biology Olympiad mentioned elsewhere in this edition of Click@GMS, also very well done to the Year 13 girls in their Young Enterprise venture LeapNI along with the girls of Little Flower and Our Lady if Mercy as they were involved in the launch of their product at Stormont hosted by Nelson McCausland and Alban Maginness while they are now in the European Final for an Excellence Award and we wish them all the best in this competition. I hope you enjoy the March edition of our emagazine and thank all the contributors for their articles. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/02/message-from-our-principal-6/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/02/message-from-our-principal-6/ Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:11:55 +0000 Rock Out!

They put on an excellent show involving performances from, Model Rock, Baby Rock and the Year 14 Performing Arts pupils. The p7’s really enjoyed Model Rocks’ performance of “Hannah Montana”, “The best of both worlds” as well as the Year 14 drama of ‘Cinderella!’.

Baby Rock also performed ‘Now is the time to worship’. This was a big good experience for them and the p7s’ enjoyed it as they were not much older than them. The Year 14s’ also talked to the year 7 pupils about what the Girls Model has to offer. It was a great day for all as we rocked out!!!!]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/rock-out/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/rock-out/ Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:16:19 +0000 Silver Medal Winners A Level Science students win silver medals in the Northern Ireland Biology Olympiad On Thursday 4th February, four students from The Applied Science A Level took part in the Northern Ireland Biology Olympiad held at the University of Ulster in Coleraine. Lucy Best, Kristina Smith, Mathew Brown and David Crane had already been chosen from three hundred original applicants, to attend the final. On arriving, the first part of the Olympiad was a circus of practical experiments to be conducted under exam conditions. Drawing and labelling a dissected mouse (not for the squeamish), preparing a bacterial colony and the preparation of a microscope slide. After lunch, the final task of the day was a fifty question multiple choice paper against the clock.

Lucy Best and Matthew Brown receiving their Medals

When all the results were counted and verified, Lucy Best and Mathew Brown were announced as silver medal winners. In all, two bronze, two silver and two gold medals were awarded, and we are proud of the fact that our students claimed both silver prizes. The gold medallists go on to compete in the International Olympiad in South Korea in July, and by securing the runner-up positions Lucy and Mathew are first reserves, should either of the gold medallists withdraw from the competition. So, congratulations once again to both pupils on a great achievement; for them, the Science Department and the School.

Matthew Brown

Lucy Best

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/silver-medalists/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/silver-medalists/ Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:12:21 +0000 Year 10 Dialect Poems Da ofa day I was walkin dwn the street nd saw a shadow at me feet nd tought that e was da man I would like da meet. Tall dark nd handsome a hunky piece of meat. Me heart den went a fluttering as I tought of wat culd be, how culd I make em notice ma.
As I hurried up da catch em, a coughed so very loud, lil did a no e was joinin a crowd. So as a stood red faced nd tryin to save face, ma shoppin bag busted nd fell to da ground. Da tall, dark nd handsome stranger stopped and turned round nd offered me assistance to lift me stuff aff da ground.
E told ma is name was Bob; e was working on a job. He was really nice nd pleasant; e talked a lil while nd ad a ovley smile. Is m8s wer getting impatient so a had da fink fast. A fought of duin sumefing that first impressions will last. By Natasha Reaney

When he first smacked onto me, I was scundered... All of his mates were there, It was awful
But the second time I met him, It was really good, We were all alone, It was class mate
As the days grew old, We got closer and closer, It was far better, We met each other for a while
But then he wanted to stop, It was bad, I couldn’t help being sad, It was Baltic and lashing outside
So there I was, Little miss me all alone, As the week went one I got happier, And by the end of the week I was fine !!

By Lauren Irwin

It was baltic when we first met. Ma mate asked him to meet ma. He was fit. He was it.
I ran about with him on the road. Till midnight Can tell you what, it was cold.
We went to da pictures I fell off ma chair. He laughed like an eejit. But I was scundered He took it too far. We didn't talk in the car
That was the end. We'll never mend. That boy was the worst. I had ever pulled.

By Kia Busby

My wee mate really fancies me, He is gorgeous but I don’t think it would work, The other day he fully walked up to me, Scundered me by saying ‘I love you’.
His ma thinks I’m an angel, His da thinks I’m cute, He thinks I’m hot, I feel like digging someone when they say that.
All my mates think its sweet, But it does my head in, Everyone just goes on and on about it, I might slap someone on the bake. If they say it again.
The other night he rang me, shouting down the phone, Your mates are out, will you come out, I told him no, homework wasn’t going to do itself, Hung up the phone on him and laughed my head off at him.

By Shannon Crane

Moja milosci jestes jedynym pragnieniem w mym zyciu
Jestes jak promyk szczescia na tej smutnej ziemi
Chce isc z toba przez zycie i nihdy nie puscic twojej dloni
Kocham cie nad zycie i nie przezstane cie kochac az do konca mych dni.

By Monika Waluk

Oh il mio amore, e' come un canto al cuore.
Quanto mi manca da morire, ed infatti lui il mio cuore fa ferire.
Ma per sempre io lo amero' e di sicuro mai lo scordero'.
Mi ricordo ancora quel giorno quando era appena arrivato a scuola era fantastico
un bacio mi chiese con amore e passione quando poi prese la mia mano con attrazione.
Il mio amore per Alessandro non finira', fino a quando la guerra non tacera'.

By Ada Uche ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/year-10-dialect-poems/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/year-10-dialect-poems/ Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:58:09 +0000 Flying high for the Duke

L-R: Stephanie Perry, Chloe Walker, Rebecca Briers, Chelsea Winchester, HRH Prince Phillip, Ryan Hanvey and Anthea Harbinson

The following has been written by Miss Young and the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award pupils: Anthea Harbinson, Chelsea Winchester, Amy Mercer, Stephanie Perry, Chloe Walker and Rebecca Briers When we got to Belfast Activity Centre(BAC) in Barnett’s Park we couldn’t get parked because the place was covered in police because of the arrival of a special person. We weren’t told who it was until later. When we finally got to the centre, the BAC trainers were there. I spotted my Primary School Principal there with pupils from Glenwood PS. Chelsea Then we met Patrick our teacher for the day and a man called Noel who explained that the actual Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip was going to be there! Patrick told us we would be doing the ‘leap of faith’ Amy When we sat down, I noticed Mary Peters so we got Mrs.Young to get her over to talk to us and we got her autograph. Anthea She told us all about the work she does and about her winning the Gold in the Olympics strong>Chelsea Dame Mary Peters is Lord Lieutenant of Belfast which means that she is the Queen’s representative for Belfast. Dame Mary said that BAC was actually not in Belfast and that the Lord Lieutenant for Co. Antrim would also be present. Mrs. Joan Christie stopped and spoke to me at the activity area later. Then Patrick took us outside to warm up and get to know each other better(R) by playing some games with ball and Hula Hoops . It was great fun! strong>Chelsea Then we went to a tepee and ate food around a fire. Then we went out to do the ‘leap of faith’. To do it you clip onto a rope, then you climb up a ladder… then you climb up a pole and when you get to the top you jump for a trapeze pole. strong>Amy Before we started anything we put on our waterproofs and helmets and harness. Everyone had to take their turn to take a jump. strong>Chloe When it got to Anthea’s turn, the Duke of Edinburgh came round to watch and speak to us…….then he went … and I did it. It was really scary but really exciting ! strong>Stephanie

Stephanie coming down!

I did it first and was very scared but after… I was very glad. I helped the others by holding the rope. The Duke came to us and greeted us and shook Mrs. Young’s handRebecca Noel had warned us that HRH did not shake hands very often due to pains so I felt very honoured and tried not to squeeze the royal hand too much. Miss Young The ‘leap of faith’ looked so high with only a small table to stand on at the top. I went second and everyone else was controlling the rope to keep me safe. It was so scary going up the ladders and climbing the big brown wood log. I felt like a bear hugging a tree ha ha. I was so terrified when I got to the top … it was shaking and so was I! I took a deep breath and jumped to catch onto the trapeze bar. I let go while everyone lowered me . I was so happy when I did it!. The Duke of Edinburgh came to talk to us … He was a really nice man. The paparazzi were everywhere -taking photos of us and him. Chelsea

Chelsea on the high small table looking towards the trapeze

When I got ready to go on the ‘leap of faith’ the Duke came, so I had to be really confident. When I got to the top my legs were shaking like mad. HRH Duke of Edinburgh was watching me. I was so nervous but when I jumped for the bar everyone clapped and cheered. I felt wick but it was all good in the end. Anthea

Anthea about to take the leap!

Ryan told me afterwards that no one should have been allowed to jump while HRH was in the area as none of the Royal entourage was wearing a helmet . But try as he might, Ryan could not get HRH to move on until he had seen Anthea jump! Miss Young

HRH Prince Phillip talking to Anthea after watching her on the 'leap'

I got to the top but didn’t jump for the pole –I was too scared Amy I was last to go and I was scared to jump. I took ages to go. Everyone was trying to get me to jump but I just couldn’t but in the end I finally jumped. I made it! I was so pleased! We went back to the tepee to toast marshmallows over a fire. We also melted chocolate over it and had a nice chat. Chloe Afterwards we had to stand on either side of the Royal car while the Duke had a photograph taken with all the BAC staff. As he drove away everyone clapped and cheered . We then went and thanked Patrick for supervising us and got on the bus and came back to write up our logs at school. Rebecca and Chelsea

HRH Prince Phillip with BAC Staff

Can you spot 2 GMS Past Pupils in the photo above????? It was a brilliant day!!! Anthea]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/bac-showcase-youth-build/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/bac-showcase-youth-build/ Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:50:33 +0000 ICT Specialist School Update ICT Coordinators Update As always it has been have very busy term for all those with ICT responsibilities. The teachers involved continue to work hard in attempt to improve the ICT skills of our local community both young and old. Also Mr Mercer and Mrs Watson have established enrichment courses and extra-curricular activities to broaden the educational experience of our pupils using the medium of ICT. The work of the ICT Coordinators together with Miss Gillespie (Transition teacher) falls into the following areas: • Collaboration with our Feeder Primaries • eTwinning • Computer Club • Community Relations • Momentum Project Feeder Primaries Last term Miss Gillespie worked with Glenwood and Carrs Glen on the ICT Accreditation. Glenwood completed the Designing a Leaflet Task on the topic of Victorians, and they also completed the Charlottes Web task which tested their programming skills in Black Cat Logo. Miss Gillespie also worked with 2 primary 7 classes in Carrs Glen and both completed the Designing a Leaflet task. Their topic was the Titanic. Mrs Watson collaborated with Currie Primary and Wheatfield Primary. Again pupils were developing their ICT skills in preparation for the Accreditation tasks. Pupils at Currie Primary produced calendars using Microsoft Publisher and pupils at Wheatfield completed a leaflet and Power point presentation. Miss Gillespie and Mrs Watson were very impressed with the motivation from all pupils and the high standard of the work produced. eTwinning In eTwinning Mr Mercer together with his enrichment class been looking at how we can learn valuable lessons from our own life's history. They have been looking at key events that have shaped their lives. These are some of the thoughts about videos that some of the pupils have made about their lives. Renata Krason, Poland

Renata

I think that all of these presentations can teach us something. What I've noticed is, that for every young person a real friendship means a lot and that's what can help them while having problems. Another important issue in most people's life is family. A helpful and supporting brother or parents which we can rely on are very valued by teenagers. It means, that all young people need support from others and every one of us wants to have a person who is always nearby when we need them. Andrey Efremenkov,Russia

Andrey

I guess other people’s stories can teach us much. Any person during his life does either something useful or something quite useless. Bearing other people’s stories we can during a short time get as much experience as another one has spent all his life to acquire. Thanks to other people’s stories humans made a great technical progress. Kelly McIlwaine, GMS

Kelly McIlwaine

Personally I think you can learn things from other peoples life stories but its up to yourself whether or not you want to change the way your living its easy to say yes i've been living in a bad way but its up to yourself to change that. Many people do have experiences in their lives that are good and bad, but this cannot help people from making bad or good decisions. If the thought is in someone's mind to do bad then they will if they want to do good then they will. It is your state of mind that can change your way of perceiving the world. Computer Club Mrs Watson and Mrs Rodgers have continued to hold a computer club every Monday and Wednesday in the Electronic Village Hall. Although numbers have not been as good as expected the pupils attending have worked very hard on the projects set. Currently they are working to produce a short film about our new school. The pupils have loved the opportunity to use new equipment and ICT applications. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/ict-specialist-school-update/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/ict-specialist-school-update/ Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:52:02 +0000 Awesome Advertising!

Some of the product names were: * Taylor’s Tasters * Rach’s Raspberry Rush * Captain Caramel * Fizzics * The Mighty Fizz * Flippits

Evie McQuillan and Mr Graham

Casey-Lee Lendrum and Mr Graham

Ashleigh Harris and Mr Graham

Rhiannon Brown and Mr Graham

Mr Graham came to see the end result and he was very impressed with the amount of hard work that had been done. He praised 8NE for their great attitude and fabulous creativity ......... although he did leave the room craving chocolate! Mrs McKeown would like to commend 8NE for their wonderful work – I am very proud of 8NE! ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/awesome-advertising-1/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/awesome-advertising-1/ Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:18:17 +0000 True Colours Exhibition The year 11, 13 and 14 pupils visited the True Colours exhibition on 26 January 2010. This exhibition held at Clarendon Dock at CCEA headquarters showcases the best of the CCEA GCSE, AS and A level examination work from the previous year. The pupils were able to see the wide range of creative work produced by students of their own age from Northern Ireland. The standard understandably enough was very high but very inspiring and challenged the students to extend their work and explore different methods and techniques. This visit helped the students to see what they could aspire to and opened their eyes to a range of creative possibilities. http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/true-colours-exhibition/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/true-colours-exhibition/ Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:40:00 +0000 The "NEW" Music Department

Orchestra Room

The orchestra room can remain set up for orchestra practice at all time, saving so much precious time which was previously spent clearing desks, constructing music stands and hauling percussion instruments out of cupboards in stores. The percussion section has expanded to include a glockenspiel, xylophone, gong and a set of timpani drums. Just wait until you hear the National Anthem next prize distribution!

Practice Room

Instrumental tutors now have their own practice rooms in which to teach, and pupils can use these rooms in their spare time to practice. Three of these are equipped with digital drum kits so drum students can practice (with headphones) any time they choose. There are also beautiful brand new pianos in each of these rooms for accompanying instrumental pupils.

ICT Suite

The ICT suite is particularly beneficial. Previously music teachers were unable to deliver the composition element of music effectively as they were limited to using recorders and percussion instruments, however now pupils will use Garageband, Sibelius and Logic software to compose their masterpieces! Composition will now be developed within key stage 3, and by key stage 4 pupils will be experts, (we can but hope!) This has also had a huge impact on the Performing Arts classes, who are now working extremely hard researching and typing up evidence. Gone are the days of fighting over 6 slow computers with no Internet access.

On Stage Drum Kit

The stage has a spectacular baby grand piano, and a fully equipped rock band, amplified by a 48 channel sound desk (which is housed in the control booth). There is also a lighting rigg that, when fully operational, will control up to 96 lights. The back stage area is very spacious and will make a huge difference whenever we are putting on large productions. The rehearsal room is also part of our theatre back stage area and will be used by performers when preparing for performances and on the night. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/01/31/the-new-music-department/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/01/31/the-new-music-department/ Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:54:06 +0000 Biology Olympiad

NI Biology Olympiad Finalists

We wish them success and congratulate them on their progress so far. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/01/28/biology-olympiad/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/01/28/biology-olympiad/ Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:32:00 +0000 Goodbye Old School, Hello New School "We will miss the Vendies!" 10O Pupils "We will miss the Link Corridor" 8NE Pupils "I don't miss the mice that lived at the back of H2 in the old school" Click here for More Memories Even some of the teachers have their own memories of being a pupil in the school. As I’m sure we have all been told “changes are good” and this change looks to be a fantastic one. We are all excited to be spending many more years in this amazing school. So it now only remains for one more thing to be said, “Goodbye Old School, Hello New School” ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/01/27/goodbye-old-school-hello-new-s/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/01/27/goodbye-old-school-hello-new-s/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:45:23 +0000