Ballycarrickmaddy Primary School

Pupil of the Week champions! 🏆

Our P1/2 pupils had a fantastic day on their school trip to Palace Stables, Armagh!
The children had great fun exploring and learning all about their five senses through a range of exciting, hands-on activities. From discovering different sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures, there was plenty of curiosity, laughter and learning throughout the day.
A wonderful experience for everyone, and lots of great memories were made! ⭐

Another Recorder Group Outing! 🎶

On Monday morning the Recorder Group visited Laurelhill House Nursing Home in Lisburn. After performing the pupils spent a bit of time talking with the residents, which brightened up their day! Annie was delighted to perform for her Granny, who was so proud of her.

We’re proud of our recorder group too!

🎵 💙 😀

📣 Applications for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance for the upcoming academic year are now open!

If you are in receipt of one of the following, you will need to upload a Proof of Benefit letter when applying for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance for the 2026/27 academic year:

➡️ Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
➡️ Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit

You can request a Proof of Benefit letter online: https://t.co/vhcVyDRoi5 (It will take at least five days to be sent to you)

If you receive Universal Credit, you do not need the Proof of Benefit Letter. However, you will need to upload evidence of your Universal Credit entitlement when you apply.

More information on eligibility and supporting documentation can be found at www.eani.org.uk/fsm

Evidence informed leadership in action. From reading fluency to outdoor learning, controlled school leaders are driving sustained improvement for pupils in through CSSC's programme.

Informed by high performing education systems across the world, the programme challenges leaders to identify a clear improvement priority, gather evidence, test approaches in practice, and evaluate real impact in their own schools. It is disciplined, collaborative, and ongoing.

The event ‘Sharing Impact in School Improvement’ marked the sharing of that work and launch of the publication Building Capacity: Leading Improvement which brings together 23 case studies from participating schools, organised around five themes:

Under Great Teaching First, leaders including David Corbett of Gilnahirk Primary strengthened reading fluency and writing across their schools. Every Learner Included, Nuala McGranaghan of Cedar Lodge School developed communication and sensory support for pupils with complex needs. Melissa McCombe of Kilrea Primary led work under Ethos as a Priority. Ross Coulter of Ballycarrickmaddy Primary developed collaborative professional practice under Growing People. And in Spaces That Shape Learning, leaders transformed outdoor environments to enhance engagement and wellbeing.

Read more and download publication - https://bit.ly/4f9jSxY

Department of Education NI Ballycarrickmaddy Primary School Cedar Lodge School Gilnahirk Primary School Kilrea Primary School Education Authority

Our P3 Forest School children had an amazing time this week creating their very own mini beast homes 🐞🐜🪵🌿
Using sticks, leaves, bark and other natural materials, the boys and girls worked together to build cosy little habitats for bugs and insects to explore and enjoy. It was fantastic to see so much creativity, teamwork and excitement outdoors while learning all about nature and wildlife.
A brilliant day full of muddy hands, smiling faces and outdoor adventure! 🌳☀️

Well done to our pupil of the week winners and to our latest word millionaire who has read a staggering 2 million words.