Prize Night 2023
On Wednesday 20th September, Larne Grammar School welcomed friends and family to their Annual Prize Distribution, celebrating the outstanding achievements of many of their pupils from throughout the 2022/23 Academic Year. The Guest of Honour for the evening was Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Mr Ian Jeffers.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr Roy Logan, began proceedings by welcoming guests to the Prize Distribution, celebrating, ‘another amazing year for the school.’ He stated that it is the pupils who are, ‘the real stars of the show,’ fully deserving of all the praises and accolades they receive.’ Mr Logan commended the hard work of both the pupils and our, ‘dedicated and committed teaching and support staff.’ He also paid tribute to the Governors for the ‘unstinting and totally voluntary service to our school community,’ and welcomed the newly appointed Education Authority representative on the Board – Mr David McAleese. Mr Logan concluded by stating, ‘what a great place Larne Grammar School is to be,’ asserting that, ‘together we vow to continue… and enhance… that greatness.’ He then passed over the Mr Wylie to deliver his 12th Annual Report as Principal of Larne Grammar School.
Mr Wylie began by describing the 2022/23 Academic Year as, ‘one of recovery.’ He welcomed the return of whole-school events, a full extra-curricular programme and face-to-face learning, stating that, ‘we could, once again, offer our pupils the kind of educational experience that we aspire to deliver.’ However, he also discussed, ‘the increasingly difficult challenges,’ which are now prevalent throughout education, including, a rise in societal anxiety, higher than normal rates of absenteeism, industrial action by the main teaching unions in pursuit of a fair pay settlement for their members, and the significant difficulty in attracting highly qualified graduates into the teaching profession. Mr Wylie stated that these challenges are compounded by, ‘the wider… funding problems within our public sector,’ and the lack of solutions offered by our administrators and politicians. Despite this, he went on to deliver an optimistic report, highlighting the many achievements of our pupils throughout the previous Academic Year.
Mr Wylie was particularly proud to report on, ‘a simply outstanding set of ‘A’ Level results, which will see Larne Grammar School ranked this year as one of the very top performing schools in Northern Ireland.’ 96% of pupils gained 3 A*-C grades, with 69% of the cohort gaining 3 A*-B. 55% of entries were awarded an A* or an A. Mr Wylie reported these statistics as, ‘the highest ever achieved by a cohort of Larne Grammar School pupils… A significant achievement by all concerned.’ At GCSE, 95% of the cohort gained at least 7 A*-C grades (including English & Mathematics). Almost three-quarters of Year 12 pupils achieved 7 A*-B grades, with over 80% of entries awarded A*-B.
Mr Wylie shared his pride of this academic success but highlighted that, ‘the opportunities that we provide our pupils for personal growth and development out-with the classroom are every bit as important as the learning that takes place within.’ He went on to commend the staff who have, ‘risen to the challenge of providing pupils with an ever increasing and diverse range of extra and co-curricular activities.’ He then delivered an extensive and comprehensive report outlining the broad provision and highlighting the successes from the previous year in the fields of Sport, Music, Art, Drama, Politics, Public Speaking, Charity, Literacy, Numeracy and Travel.
Mr Wylie went on to formally recognise the significant contribution of several departing members of staff stating that, ‘the previous academic year witnessed the biggest change in staffing for almost a decade.’ He paid particular tribute to retiring teacher, Mrs Ruth Patton, who, over a thirty-six-year teaching career, ‘has had an incalculable influence on the lives of countless young people.’ He bid a ‘fond adieu’ to Mr McMurtry as he returns to take up a permanent post teaching languages in Cayman Prep and High School. He also said farewell and recognised the contribution of other departing staff, Mrs McCabe-Wells, Mrs Willis and Mr Gourley who will be, ‘missed immensely.’ Mr Wylie welcomed newly appointed staff, Miss Crawford, Miss Gormley, Miss Hamilton and Mrs Fraser.
In closing, the Principal concluded his report, ‘we reflect on the achievements, challenges and changes of the past twelve months whilst standing on the verge of a new year, one full of possibility and promise.’
Following the distribution of Junior and Senior Prizes, and an impressive musical interlude from the Choral Group Choir, Mr Logan introduced the Guest of Honour, Mr Ian Jeffers. Having held Senior Leadership roles in both the private and voluntary sectors for over 25 years, Mr Jeffers brings his, ‘undoubted drive, compassion, enthusiasm and commitment,’ as the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, helping improve the lives of others and building towards a better and more reconciled future.
Mr Jeffers began by adding his personal congratulations to the pupils of Larne Grammar School who he described as, ‘a credit to yourselves, a credit to your families and a credit to your school.’ He encouraged our young people to, ‘dare to dream,’ and to, ‘share those dreams with others.’ He challenged the audience to ‘chose your attitude,’ and shared stories, both personal and professional, demonstrating how these simple, ‘rules of life’ had shaped his life and ultimately led to success and fulfilment.
He concluded by wishing every success to our pupils as they embark upon the next stage of their journey, advising them to think carefully about their attitude, stating that, ‘it’s you that can determine your response to any situation.’
The final speech of the evening was delivered by Head Boy, Jack Sweeney, and Head Girl, Ilaria Magee. In their speech they congratulated their fellow pupils on their effort, determination and success and thanked teachers, parents, family and friends for their role in supporting this success. They encouraged their peers to, ‘immerse yourself in school life,’ and make the most of the extensive opportunities at Larne Grammar School stating that, ‘the most fulfilling elements of school life can be found outside of the curriculum.’
Prize Night 2023
