Issue 59 May 2021

Young Enterprise Success Congratulations to our Young Enterprise Company ‘Bumble Abode’ who were presented with certificates at the end of April in recognition of completing the YE Company Programme. The team worked extremely hard over the past year in difficult circumstances to complete the Programme and completed their virtual interview with a panel of judges on Thursday 25 March before being named as Northern Ireland Company of the Year Runner-Up. Bumble Abode provides an eco-friendly alternative to major brand candles, offering paraffin free beeswax candles and wax melts. From the packaging to the jars, everything is recyclable or reusable to help improve the environment.

J.P. Morgan Technology Degree Apprenticeship Programme Congratulations to Blake Hunter who has received an offer from J.P. Morgan for their technology degree apprenticeship programme. The four year programme offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of technology within financial services and the opportunity to obtain a full honours degree from Exeter University combined with valuable work experience at J.P. Morgan’s Bournemouth technology hub. Students cover general studies during their first year and then specialise eg software engineering, hardware engineering, cybersecurity or data analytics. Blake participated in a highly competitive application process involving a CV application, telephone interview, assessment centre, two insight evenings involving group and individual interviews with a range of senior figures from J.P. Morgan and a final stage video interview. Blake’s letter of offer stated ‘You should be very proud of your achievement to get an offer as this has been a highly competitive process and you are in the top 1% of the thousands of candidates who applied this year. We’ve been very impressed by what we’ve seen and are excited to work with you as you start your career with us.’ Well done Blake!

Biology Olympiad Twenty-four of our sixth form pupils participated in the 2021 Biology Olympiad, an advanced problem solving competition for A-level students and an entry point for the International Biology Olympiad. The BBO challenges and stimulates students with an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents. The BBO is open to sixth form pupils and consists of two, 45-minute multiple choice papers to be taken online under staff supervised exam conditions. Pupils are presented with topics and ideas which they are not familiar with and compete with their problem solving skills and understanding of core principles. Congratulations to: Silver – Ruth Morrow Highly Commended – Ryan, Oliver, Conor, Cara, Eva, Katie, Jana, and Amy Commended – Olivia, Ryan, James, Abbie, and Megan Certificate of Participation – Rhea, Sophie, Ava, Taylor, Rebecca, Aimee, Holly, Phoebe, Lamees and Jill

Royal Society of Chemistry 53rd Annual Chemistry Olympiad This year 26 of our Year 13 pupils participated in the annual RSC Chemistry Olympiad. Designed to challenge and inspire, the UK Chemistry Olympiad is the leading chemistry competition for students in secondary education across the UK. This enriching experience is a unique opportunity for students to push themselves further and excel in the chemistry field. Budding chemists develop critical problem-solving skills, learn to think more creatively and get a chance to test their knowledge in new, real-world situations. Congratulations to Euan Gepp who was awarded silver, Charlotte, Danni-Lee, Jana, Katie, Michael, Philip, Rhea, Ruairi, Ruth, Ryan C, Ryan S and Scott who were awarded bronze and Aimee, Alex, Amy, Ava, Eva, Benjamin, Holly, Lois, Molly, Oliver, Megan, Phoebe and Pippa who were awarded certificates of participation. Well done all!

Accelerated Reader Congratulations to our latest multi-millionaire and millionaire readers. This group has read an amazing 41,989,389 words so far this academic year - Abigail (4,704,827 words), Isaac (3,397,773 words), Emma (2,833,348 words), Skye (2,382,720 words), Aimee (2,189,434 words), Charlotte (2,156,338 words), Anabel (2,021,070 words), Olivia (1,602,036 words), Lauren (1,585,196 words), Erin (1,517,531 words), Sarah (1,478,024 words), Alexander (1,278,972 words), Lydia (1,273,591 words), Emma (1,263,508 words), Grace (1,218,656 words), Emily (1,209,201 words), Katelyn (1,180,225 words), Tania (1,176,510 words), Micah (1,165,380 words), Connor (1,143,190 words), Ethan (1,113,685 words), Sophie (1,059,129 words), Sam (1,018,753 words), Eli (1,012,992 words) and Eva (1,007,300 words).

World Maths Day To celebrate World Maths Day, students from around the globe battled it out in a Mathletics tourna-ment on 5 May for the title of world’s strongest mathlete. Our pupils in Years 8-10 went up against millions of other players, taking part in 60 second maths games against them for points and the chance to make it into the Mathletics Hall of Fame. Well done to everyone who took part, especially our school champions:

Year 8 – Connor, Ailsa, Abigail, Chloe and Cameron Year 9 – Henry, Emma, Darragh and Ethan Year 10 - Jovial and Leo

Special congratulations to Leo who finished 3rd in the UK in his age category to qualify for the ‘Champions Challenge’ knockout tournament.

The Champions Challenge European Final took place on Friday 28 May. Leo battled through a knockout round across two different levels, displaying a fantastic level of speed and accuracy against his opponents. Leo finished top of his group, qualifying him for the final round. In the final, against the remaining elite players, Leo performed incredibly well and finished 2nd overall in the competition.

Huge congratulations to Leo, finishing 2nd in Europe - an unbelievable achievement. Well done!

BBC NI School Soloist of the Year 2021 As reported in our last edition, this year the BBC NI School Choir of the Year became School Soloist of the Year. Year 13 pupil Lucy McMath was shortlist-ed to compete in the first stage heats of the competition but unfortunately the competition was then cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

Northern Ireland Youth Choir Congratulations to Abbie Andrews and Sophie Hueston who successfully auditioned for the Northern Ireland Youth Choir.

This will be Abbie’s first year with the Choir and Sophie’s second year.

The girls will also be participating in the Choir’s summer course.

Music and Drama Department News

GCSE Drama As part of their GCSE Drama course (GCSE Drama Scripted Component – Costume Design. CCEA), Year 12 pupils Una Collins and Lauren Clinton designed/made these fabulous dresses. Una designed a dress for The Bride in ‘Blood Wedding’ (Lorca) and Lauren designed a dress for Orinthia in ‘The Apple Cart’ (Bernard Shaw).

Penalty Shoot Out Fundraiser Thank you to all our pupils and staff who participated in and/or donated to our penalty shoot out fundraiser in aid of Carrickfergus Foodbank. Congratulations to our winning team from Year 12 who defeated Year 9 in the final. Thank you to Year 12 pupils Billy and Alex, members of the IFA JD Academy (JD Club NI), Northern Ireland’s only full-time residential academy for elite young football-ers, whose goal-keeping skills were put to the test this week. We were delighted to welcome Alex Moore, Project Co-ordinator of Carrickfergus Foodbank to the school on 30 April after the final to accept a cheque for £750.00 which will go towards providing three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to the Foodbank in crisis. Carrickfergus Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across Northern Ireland and the UK.

Little Princess Trust Congratulations to Year 8 pupil Sofiah who has donated 12” of her hair to the Little Princess Trust in April. The Little Princess Trust makes wigs for children with cancer who have lost their hair. Sofiah has raised £555 for the NI Children’s Hospice. This is the third time Sofiah has donated at least 12” of her hair to the Little Princess Trust.

GCSE Drama Workshop with Lyric Theatre Our Year 11 and Year 12 GCSE Drama classes took part in a Devising Physical Theatre workshop on 2 March with David Paulin and the Lyric Theatre. Well done to all who participated - you created some great work! Thanks to the Lyric Theatre Belfast for a great workshop!

Careers Department News

Sutton Trust Sophie Crumlin has been offered a place on this year’s Sutton Trust Summer School, running virtually from 11-15 July. Sophie will be attending the Summer School at the University of Nottingham for Law, Politics and International Relations. The Summer Schools offer over 40 different fully funded courses at 13 of the UK’s top universities and the programmes are designed to support high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

University of Oxford UNIQ Programme Sophie has also been accepted onto the University of Oxford’s UNIQ programme. UNIQ started as a residential summer school in 2010 and participants have the opportunity to meet with Oxford students online, explore their favourite subjects with world class academics and take part in our social activities. In 2020 231 UNIQ students received offers from the University of Oxford. UNIQ 2021 will build on the successes of previous years. This year the programme will be offered to 2,500 students. UNIQ 2021 will take into account the disrupted learning students have suffered over the past year: the programme started in April and offers sustained support for students over several months.

Sentinus Research Programme Cara Clow, Euan Gepp and George Komath have been offered places on the Sentinus Research Programme. Thirty-five places were available and over 100 applications were received. The programme will be completed virtually over 4 weeks during July and August. Pupils will work with a supervisor to research a particular topic. They will receive online tutorials on data analysis and scientific report writing before writing a paper on their results and findings. In November, the pupils will make presentations on their projects in the Whitla Hall to professors, lecturers and staff from QUB and UU.

Industrial Cadets Insight into University Course Charlotte Lock has been offered a fully funded place on The Industrial Cadets Insight into University course. The course is available from 28 June until 20 August 2021 and during this time Charlotte will undertake 30 hours of study to complete the course and gain her Silver Industrial Cadets Award. The course will allow Charlotte to make a more informed decision about her UCAS applications and which area of science she might like to focus on. The Patron of Industrial Cadets is HRH Prince of Wales. The course provides an opportunity for students to access content, activities, lectures, and live sessions from a number of universities including the University of Cambridge, University of Sheffield, University of Oxford, Loughborough University, Liverpool University, University of Bolton and University of Edinburgh. HRH Prince of Wales Ambassadors will be participating in exclusive live Q&A sessions and students will have an opportunity to be selected for a 1:1 mentoring session with a STEM business leader or an HRH ambassador. The course will consist of core modules covering topics such as STEM careers, university life and study skills. These will be studied alongside subject specific modules that pupils can ‘pick and mix’ to match their own interests.

Ulster University Outreach Academy Congratulations to Year 11 pupil Maya who was awarded a certificate of achievement following her successful completion of the UU Schools’ Outreach Academy Bitesize Course – History of the Early Modern European Witch Hunts 1550 – 1750.

University of Cambridge Subject Masterclasses Subject Masterclasses are subject-specific events that offer academically able pupils in Year 13 the chance to experience typical undergraduate teaching at Cambridge and to get a flavour of what it is like to be a student at Cambridge. The Masterclasses cover a range of subjects and provide pupils with an opportunity to explore topics of interest beyond what is covered within the school curriculum. Each Masterclass included: Two taster lectures delivered by leading academic staff from the University. The opportunity to discuss and ask questions. An introduction to the Cambridge admissions process. The opportunity to hear about life as a Cambridge student from current undergraduates. Eight of our Year 13 pupils participated in the recent Masterclasses covering a range of subjects: Holly (Medicine), Euan (Engineering and Chemistry), Faith (Human, Social and Political Sciences), Rhea (Medicine), George (Engineering), Ruth (Anglo, Norse and Celtic), Molly (Geography) and John (Engineering).

Hockey News Congratulations to Year 10 pupil Holly on her selection for the Ulster Hockey U15 Talent squad.

Women’s Leadership Conference Sixth Form pupils Sophie, Jenna and Morgen attended the virtual IoD Women’s Conference on Friday 5 March. The 2021 Conference was a celebration of success - of women in leadership roles and of the conference itself. In its 14th year, this is the first time the conference was delivered in a virtual capacity. The theme was 'Great Leaders Rise out of Adversity' - particularly pertinent given the challenges that leaders have had to tackle in recent months, namely COVID-19 and Brexit. Guest speakers included: Erin Brockovich (American legal clerk, consumer advocate and environmental activist) Nadiya Hussain MBE (Former Great British Bake Off Winner, TV Chef and Columnist) Dame Stephanie Shirley CH (IT Entrepreneur and Philanthropist) Dr Dennise Broderick (Managing Director and President, Galen Pharmaceuticals) Nagin Cox (Systems Engineer, NASA) Dr Jayne Brady MBE (Belfast Digital Innovation Commissioner) Brenda King (Attorney General for Northern Ireland)

Year 8 and 9 Love Your Heart Pancake Challenge Congratulations to the winners of our HE Department Year 8 and 9 Love Your Heart Pancake Challenge. Brilliant work girls! Year 8 - Bethan P (1st), Sophia G (2nd), Lucy H (3rd) Year 9 – Skye G (1st), Aimee G (2nd), Lucy C and Larissa C (3rd)

Year 14 On Tuesday 4 May our Year 14 pupils were in school for a BBQ and ice-cream, photographs, 1st XI vs 1st XV hockey match (well done girls on your 4-0 win!) and the opportunity to say goodbye to their teachers. We thank them for all they have contributed to the school and wish them all every success as they move on to the next chapter in their lives.

Friends of Belfast High School Plant Sale Thank you to everyone who supported the Friends of BHS Plant Sale our plant sale on Saturday 15 May which raised £810. Members of the Friends committee packed the first order at 10.30am and had a steady stream of customers collecting their plants, hanging baskets, window boxes and planters through to 12.30pm. Thanks also go to the volunteers who picked the orders on Friday 14 May and those who helped in any way on Saturday morning. Finally thanks to Mr Neville Spencely and his team for supplying such beautiful plants again this year!

Rugby News Congratulations to Year 10 pupils Leo and Jayden on their selection for the Ulster NE regional develop-ment squad, Year 13 pupil Jack on his selection for the Ulster U19 training squad and Year 13 pupil Jana on her selection for the Ulster U18 development squad.

Ulster Schools’ Medallion Challenge Congratulations to our Medallion rugby boys who participated in the Ulster Schools’ Medallion Yahtzee Run event from 22 – 27 February. Competitors had to run 5km on Monday, 1km on Tuesday, 2km on Wednesday, Thursday (rest day), 5km on Friday and 3km on Saturday. Nine of our boys completed all 5 runs - Joey A, Ethan C, Ruairidh D, Callum H, Eoin K, Leo O'L, Adam O, Alfie S and Lucas T. Special congratulations to Lucas who made the challenge ‘Dream Team’ – competitors were allocated points for completion of each run and selected for the Dream Team based on the quickest time in their position over the 3km run.

Golf News Congratulations to Taylor Morrison on his selection for the Ulster Schools’ U18 regional squad.

Ulster Schools’ Rugby Lockdown Challenge Well done to our senior rugby players who competed in the Ulster Schools’ Rugby Lockdown Challenge event runs in March. The boys completed 5K, 1K, 2K and 3K runs. BHS finished in 4th place overall with Ben Reid making the dream team for his efforts over the week!

School Newsletter The idea to create 'The Student Voice' was raised by one of our English teachers, Mr Young, who mentioned that a similar project had been extremely successful in another school. We were both keen to get involved as we saw it as an opportunity not only to raise money for a chosen charity, but also to give students the chance to collaborate and work together, since many other extra-curricular activities had not been able to run due to the pandemic. Students were able to submit articles on a variety of topics and we met online to share our ideas. After several check-ins with Mr Young and hours of behind-the-scenes effort from contributors and editors, we were able to sell the newspaper on 21 May and raise £95 in total for Women's Aid. Some articles that were particularly popular included 'Musical Mystery Solved!', which detailed the surprising music tastes of some of the school's staff; 'To Stormont and Beyond', a satirical political article which discussed recent headlines; and 'The “Mobsession” with Meghan Markle', a fiery critique of media attention surrounding Meghan Markle and her husband. We both really enjoyed the process of creating the newspaper and we hope to publish another in the Autumn term. Faith Martin and Lamees Sha’ath, Editors.

Celebrating Difference TREK Programme Our Year 8 pupils have completed the ‘Celebrating Difference TREK’ programme aimed at helping children develop an increased understanding and appreciation of physical, social, and cultural differences, celebrate diversity and raise funds to support young people impacted by cancer. Everyone enjoyed looking at the TREK values of Truth, Respect, Empathy and Kindness together as a year group. During the 2-week programme the pupils talked about the positive contribution these 4 values can have throughout all walks of life. On Friday 28 May the pupils came to school in coloured T-shirts to represent and celebrate our school’s inclusive ethos and we are delighted to have raised £440 for The Cancer Fund for Children during the course of the programme.

Million Mile Beach Clean – Loughshore Park Year 13 pupil Molly McIntyre led a local event on 22 May at Jordanstown’s Loughshore Park. Molly organised the litter pick and beach clean and acquired the safety equipment and kit through the organisation Surfers Against Sewage as part of their current Million Mile Beach Clean cam-paign. This campaign was set up to challenge 100,000 volunteers to walk 10 miles whilst cleaning the places they love this year. Antrim and Newtown-abbey Borough Council has also supported Molly’s event through their Support in Kind Scheme.

Former Pupils’ Success

Professor Claire Thompson Congratulations to former Head Girl Professor Claire Thompson, CEO of Agility Life Sciences, on win-ning the inaugural One Nucleus Life Sciences Inspiration of the Year Award. The One Nucleus Life Sciences Inspiration of the Year Award, sponsored by the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS), is designed to recognise exceptional individuals who are ambassadors and inspirational leaders in the Life Science sector. After leaving school, Claire moved to Scotland to study Biochemistry at the University of St Andrews and subsequently earned her PhD at the University of Nottingham. Claire is a multi-award winning scientist, strategist, and storyteller with nearly 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, spanning large multi-nationals to virtual biotech, and is now CEO of Agility Life Sciences. She is also Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Cambridge, and holds an Honorary Professorship from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham. Claire is Chair of the global International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) WiSE (Women in Science & Education) initiative to engage, enable and empower girls and women in pharmaceutical science and education. In 2020, she launched and fully funds the Girls In Football Teams (GIFT) Grants to sponsor girls in grassroots football organisations.

Congratulations to:

Paul Stirling who was named International Men’s Player of the Year and International Men’s Player of the Decade. Paul, Ireland Vice Captain, has also become Ireland’s all-time leading run-scorer across all formats and most ODI 100s.

Ellie McCartney, one of Athletics NI Commonwealth Potential athletes, on her 4.05m PB in the pole vault at the Loughborough Open Meet to achieve European U23 Championship standard and set a new Irish Indoor National U23 record. Ellie followed this up with another new Irish U23 record at the Manchester Invitational on 27 May with a vault of 4.15m.

Jonny Evans on his FA Cup win with Leicester City on 15 May. Jonny is the first Northern Irish player to win the FA Cup since Roy Carroll in 2004.

Claire said, “I’m humbled and delighted to be presented with the One Nucleus Life Sciences Inspiration of the Year Award. What’s spurred me on and supported me throughout my career is being surround-ed by brilliant people, and I’m honoured to be considered an inspiration to others.”