Sept 2013 - New-Bridge Integrated College

Read All About It!
SEPTEMBER
2013
COLLEGE
NEWSLETTER
Inside this issue:
Welcome to September’s edition of “Read All About It!”
The summer has been and gone and it is Back to School
for everyone.
A big New-Bridge welcome to all the new pupils and
staff who have joined us this year, and a welcome back
to all the familiar faces too.
Inclusion and
Diversity ......2-3
New Staff........4
Impressive
Results.........5-6
Numeracy
Corner.............7
Literacy
Corner.............8
8BD
8MAN
8MC
8MCA
Gifted and
Talented.......9-10
Gifted Gallery
Space..............11
New-Bridge
students look to
the future....12-13
Past Events.....14
Upcoming
Events.......15-16
New Year 8 pupils of 2013
Inclusion and Diversity at New-Bridge
Celebrating Inclusion and Diversity in Year 8...
A big welcome to all of our new Year 8 pupils this year. Our pupils come from far and wide
which makes our classrooms more diverse and interesting. Here are a few of their stories...
My name is Dylan Gray and I was born in Scotland
in a place called Hawick. I moved here one year
ago. I have made lots of new friends here but I still
love going home to see my friends and family.
My name is Tara Briggs and I was born in Stockholm in Sweden.
I moved from Sweden last year and I like it here, but I still love
going back to Sweden to see my friends and family. My dad is
from Northern Ireland so he wanted to move back again. One
thing I love about Ireland is that there are no snakes! I also love
that we have to wear uniform at school here as in Sweden you
just wear your ordinary clothes to school.
My name is Tariq Lappin and I was born in Dubai. Dubai
is very hot and nice and the buildings are very big and
spectacular. The richest people in the world live in Dubai. I
moved to Ireland 7 years ago because my mother lives here.
I like it because it’s cold and you can get snow because in
Dubai you don’t get snow.
Ashleigh and Nicole Jordaan are twin sisters who were born in
South Africa. They came to Northern Ireland in 2009.
My name is Ashleigh Jordaan. I was born in Westville near
Durban. I like South Africa because there is always hot weather
even in winter and you can get outside swimming pools. So
far our family are the only one here but we like to go back for
summer holidays!
My name is Nicole Jordaan. I like living in N.Ireland because I
have learned a lot of new things like new sports and made lots
of new friends. I like my new school because I have made even
more new friends and I have joined the football club after school.
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Inclusion and Diversity at New-Bridge
My name is Clare McDermott, I was born in Wausau, Wisconson,
USA on the 18th of January, the best baby in the world….my mum
said…We left America a couple of months after my grandma died
and we came to Ireland to live with my dad’s relatives. I went to
Bridge Primary School and I love being part of an integrated school
because I think it is important to share schools with kids from
other cultures, religions and backgrounds. I have Irish, American,
Canadian, Native American Indian, German and Belgian relatives,
it’s really awesome.
My name is AJ Peniero and I was born in the Philippines. My
family came to live in N. Ireland because of my dad’s work.
I chose to come to an integrated school because I think that
the ethos of this school is really cool, I like that everyone is
mixed and I have made lots of new friends here.
Deimante Keturakyte arrived to N. Ireland with her family
from Lithuania a number of years ago. She is a happy, smiley
girl who is a very talented artist and she has already made lots
of new friends. She loves New-Bridge.
My name is Elizabeth Pranckunaite. I am from Lithuania. I go
to New-Bridge Integrated College. I am 11 but on the 11th
October I am going to be 12. I came from Presentation Primary
School. My Lithuanian name is Elze which is pronounced Elsa.
My name is Martynas Giedraitis and I was born in
Lithuania. I moved here to Ireland when I was six. I like
Ireland because Ireland is nice and not as poor as Lithuania.
There are lots of nice places that I love to visit like the
Giants Causeway and Marble Arch Caves.
My name is Magdalena Nosal or Magda. I am 12 years
old and I come from Poland. I moved from Presentation
Primary School to New-Bridge Integrated College. It is
cold here and rains a lot but I love going out to play in
the rain.
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Welcome to new staff
New-Bridge welcomes new staff to the College
September brought a lot of new faces to our school so here’s the who’s who!
The following staff have been welcomed to the English Department:
Mrs D Manson (covering a career break)
Miss K Martin
Miss H Watson (covering a maternity leave)
Mrs E Hanna has been appointed to join our History Department two days per week.
Mrs Manson
Miss Martin
Miss Watson
Mrs Hanna
Following the completion of our new Media Suite we are delighted to welcome Miss C McCann
to our ICT department.
The following staff have joined our Maths Department:
Miss J Baird and Miss C Foster.
Mr A Burns (University Student Placement for 1 year) who is a welcome addition to our PE
Department.
Miss Mc Cann
Miss Baird
Miss Foster
Mr Burns
Mr D Murphy (UUJ Placement) has joined the Digital Media technical team.
Mrs C Finnegan has joined the staff in the College Canteen.
Mr Lundy and Mrs Graham have joined the Learning Support team as Year 8 Classroom Assistants.
Mr Murphy
Mrs Finnegan
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Mr Lundy
Mrs Graham
Impressive Results at New-Bridge!
“Record-Breaking A Level Results at New-Bridge
Integrated College..Best ever…….”
Dromore Leader – August 2013
New-Bridge Integrated College A Level students will go on record as achieving the highest set
of A Level results to date in the school. 98% of our pupils achieved 3 A Levels and over 63%
achieved 3A*-C grades.
This is a magnificent achievement and a reflection of the hard work of both students and
teachers alike, working together with our supportive parents.
Another impressive set of GCSE results
at New-Bridge Integrated College……”
Banbridge Chronicle
Banbridge Leader
The College is delighted at the high level of achievement of our pupils in their GCSE
examinations. We congratulate all our students on achieving 100% pass rate at grades A*-G.
Over 75% of our Year 12 pupils have achieved 5 or more GCSE grades A* – C; significantly above
the Northern Ireland average for non selective schools.
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Impressive Results at New-Bridge!
Junior Prize-Giving 2013 Celebrates Pupil
Success at New-Bridge Integrated College…
Attendance Awards
Music and Sports Awards
Year 11 Academic Achievements Year 10 Academic Excellence
10WK Winners of Attendance
Year 9 Academic Achievements
Contribution to School Life
Leadership Awards
Language Awards
Endeavour Awards
Sporting Achievements
Be the best you can be……
Good luck to everybody for the new school year.
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Numeracy Corner
Puzzle of the Month
Entries for puzzles to be given to any Maths teacher. Winner will be drawn and get a prize!
Junior (Year 8 - 10)
Senior (Year 11-12)
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Literacy Corner
Book of the Month
Wonder, by R J Palacio
I took home quite a few books over the summer from our wee
library. I love getting the time to read over school holidays.
Not needing to mark or plan lessons allows me to catch up on
the great new books which arrive each Spring from the library
van. This Spring I chose books which had been shortlisted for
the Carnegie Medal, an award for children’s fiction. If you
are ever stuck for something to read, a book with a Carnegie
medal on the cover is always a good recommendation. I don’t
know about you, but a book can usually be measured by how
quick I read it, and one book this summer took me only a day
to read and it was Wonder!
This is a book about a young boy who has a severe genetic
condition which affects his face. It tells about the prejudices
he faces from young people who avoid even talking to him
when he starts his new school. It also tells about the problems
his sister encounters with her friends too. Don’t tell anyone, but I am a softie at heart, and I
cried when I finished this book. I didn’t cry because it was a sad book, but because I was so
glad how everything turned out in the end for Auggie, the boy, and his family.
The other books on the list were good, but this one really stood out for me. It is suitable for
all pupils to read, regardless of age or gender. I would even recommend the staff read this
one too, but don’t forget to have the tissues on hand for when you finish it!
Mrs Mc Kinstry (Teacher in charge of Library)
Music 100% pass Results June 2013
Well done to the following pupils who
passed their music theory exams:
Rachel Kitchen violin - Grade 4
Anna McNeill violin - Grade 1
Alana Curran voice - Grade 2 distinction
Alanna McCourt voice - Grade 4 distinction
Rachel Canniford trumpet - Grade 4
Connor Downey voice – Grade 4 distinction
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Sorcha McComiskey violin – Grade 2
Molly Gallagher piano – Grade 5
Abbie McAnearney voice – Grade 3
Mark Ford drum kit – Grade 1
Christian Ford drum kit – Grade 2
Fiona McIlroy voice – Grade 3
Gifted and Talented Programme
at New-Bridge !
Roseanna Gibbons Year 14 student
at New-Bridge Integrated College
‘ My Nuffield Research Placement’
at University of Ulster
“I was informed of the Nuffield Research Placement by Mr Shields,
my sixth form study supervisor at the start of Year 13. The Nuffield
Research Placement Scheme is administered and run in Northern
Ireland by Sentinus. I am studying Maths, Physics and Biology at A
level and thought this would be a good opportunity to see how STEM
subjects are useful in research and further education. I applied
in March, and in July I was informed that I secured a four week
placement at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown.
During my four week placement at University of Ulster, I was working with a PhD student
who was investigating the sustainability of Warm Mix Asphalt, which, if proved suitable
for road use, will greatly reduce the harmful gases and other emissions produced when
making asphalt. I met many other A Level students from other schools who were also
studying Sciences at A level. During my placement, I acquired many skills that will help
me if I choose to pursue a career in Science. I also received the
Bursary which was offered with the placement, and all my travel
expenses were refunded.
On Wednesday the 19th of September, I attended the Nuffield
celebration evening at Queen’s University, where I received a
Gold CREST award for my project, as well as a certificate for
completing the placement. For my display at the Celebration
Evening at Queens, I was required to complete a project report, a
student log book and an A1 poster outlining my placement.
I would recommend this experience for anyone considering
a career in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
I found it to be a greatly rewarding and highly enjoyable
experience and definitely worthwhile; I will now be able to include this
opportunity in my UCAS application.”
Mrs Anderson, Principal, was delighted with this wonderful opportunity
which Roseanna was given, “We are very proud of Roseanna’s
achievements and there is no doubt that this experience will greatly
enhance her UCAS application to pursue a STEM career.” Mr Gerard
Hughes from Sentinus commented: “Places on the Nuffield Research
Placement scheme were allocated on a competitive basis and Roseanna’s
hard work and diligence at GCSE left her a natural choice when it came to
choosing a student for the category of placement which she was successful
in gaining”.
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Gifted and Talented Programme
at New-Bridge!
Netball Trials
Three year 10 girls; Molly Taylor Magoran, Molly Gallagher
and Courtney Crossett. went for regional development
academy trials on Friday 27th September, and we wish them
good luck with the selection process.
New-Bridge Football Captains
Every new season brings about a change in the captaincy of the Football teams. In 2012,
I was lucky to have 5 excellent captains, with 4 of the 5 reaching at least the semi-final
stage. Dylan Stewart led the Under-12 to Mid Ulster Success, while Lee Close Under 15's
were beaten by Banbridge Academy in the final of the South Down League.
Again, in 2013/14 I am able to choose from a range of possible candidates from all teams
to carry the responsibility of captaincy.
The following boys have been selected as Captains for 13/14 season:
Year 8 James Whan
Year 9 Peter McGrath
Year 10 Gregory Kelso
Year 11 Jack Fullerton
Year 12 Jordan Hayes
Mr Walker
Camogie Blitz
New-Bridge Under-16 Camogie team took part in an Ulster schools Blitz on
September the 19th in Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry. The New-Bridge
girls were slow to start, but as the games progressed they began to show their
Camogie skills and played with more confidence. They were unlucky not to
win their last game against Acquinas, but will use this experience to drive them
on for the next time they meet. All girls worked very hard as a team, showing
determination and courage, and hopefully the team will continue to improve as
the Camogie seasons continues.
Player of the blitz (19th Sept) was Katie Canniford. Katie was very solid at full
back, clearing her line with confidence and with her long striking set up a lot of
attacking play. Well done Katie, keep this up!
Mrs Mone
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The Gifted Gallery Space
2B or not 2B pencil ?
That is the question…
Do you enjoy creating your own art work
outside as well as inside the classroom?
Has your 2B pencil been used so much it’s
now only an inch long?
Are you constantly doodling, drawing and daydreaming of
being the next Picasso?
Every month the Art Department would like to feature
examples of students who are so passionate about art that
they spend their spare time creating exciting art work that
they’d like to share with the New- Bridge school community.
We will begin this month by featuring Elaine Keegan of 9BT in the
Gifted Gallery Space.
Elaine has demonstrated her talented textile
techniques with this wonderful Celtic inspired
silk painting, which she meticulously designed
and hand painted during the summer holidays.
Well done Elaine, you have captured the
traditional colour palette and intricate patterns
of the Celtic Culture beautifully.
Please present any work you would like to
feature in the Gifted Gallery Space to Mrs
McKeown, Miss Jenkins or Miss Guiney.
Jack Whyte 9BT is awarded Artist of the
month, September 2013, for the work
produced on his interpretation of poem
‘The red sun is sinking’. This work was
awarded an A grade due to the blend of
beautiful autumnal colours used to frame
the text in his illustration. Very impressive
work, well done Jack!
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New-Bridge students look to the future!
Year 14 students visit local Universities...
On Wednesday 11th September, our Year 14 students visited University of Ulster,
Jordanstown and found the day most informative. They visited various faculties and
gathered a great deal of useful information on their chosen courses, which will lead them
in the direction of their carefully planned career pathways. Even more informative were the
faculty talks which students attended, ranging from Engineering to Sports Science to Social
Work.
The next day we set off for Queen’s University, Belfast which was also an excellent day.
Students made their way around the campus, enjoying the exciting preparations for
“Fresher’s Week”, along with tours of the university and the accommodation available to
undergraduate students. Our students made sure to make good use of the day and used
the opportunity to find out as much information as they could about the various courses
available from Medicine and Pharmacy, to English with Creative Writing and Drama.
We are looking forward to the many exciting courses they follow next academic year and
look forward to the great things which lie ahead for many of our budding doctors, nurses,
social workers and writers...to name but a few of the exciting careers awaiting them!
In 2013, 70% of our Year 14 students secured university places and we know this year will
be just as successful for our current Year 14 students...no pressure guys!
Thanks to Mrs Hasson, our College Vice Principal also for her help over the two days
visiting our local universities.
Mrs H.Harbinson- Head of CEIAG
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New-Bridge students look to the future!
Year 8 Get to Grips with the Business World
with YSYB...
On Monday 23rd September we were delighted to welcome
the Young Enterprise Northern Ireland ( YENI)Team back to
New- Bridge Integrated College. This time it was to work with
our Year 8 students in an interactive workshop, entitled “Your
School Your Business”( YSYB). This always proves to be a huge
success with Year 8 who learn about the inner workings of their
school( outside the classroom) Mrs Cathy Morrison from YENI
commented that “ Year 8 were a very mature and focussed year
group” who she thoroughly enjoyed working with and looks
forward to meeting them all again soon!
Throughout the day, students engaged in personal career planning and
were also able to use the opportunity to meet some of their year group who they might not
have met, so all in all it was a most productive day.
Well Done Year 8!
Mrs H.Harbinson -Head of CEIAG
Year 10 take on the Digital Media Challenge...
On Friday 13th September five lucky pupils in Year 10 were selected to participate in the
Digital Media Challenge at the Titanic Centre in Belfast, run by Sentinus in partnership with
the MBA Association of Ireland.
Only 10 schools in Northern Ireland were chosen to participate in this event so we were very
lucky to be chosen.
The pupils had to invent a product or service that they
thought would satisfy society in 5 year’s time. Our pupils
came up with the idea of “Cam-culator”. This is an app
that assists you with maths problems by taking a photo of
your sum and either providing you with help or giving you
the answer.
The pupils then had the pleasure of hearing from a guest
speaker from Google and a guest speaker from Facebook.
This gave our pupils an insight into how these companies
work and what it would be like to work there. They even
got some free sunglasses and pens from Google.
The pupils making a company Facebook page for “Camculator”, which was then followed by designing an App.
To finish the day off pupils had to prepare a presentation about “Cam-culator” to share with
the group. They were very confident presenting their ideas and worked very well as a team –
they certainly made New-Bridge proud!
Miss Mc Cann
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Past Events
New-Bridge presents “Show Time”...
Being part of the New-Bridge ‘Show Time’ production in June
was such a wonderful experience! Everyone came together and
performed the best show of their lives. We all had such great
fun. Everyone who participated in ‘Show Time’ put their heart
and soul into the performances. Everyone had a job to do;
stage crew, dancers, singers, art work, camera work and ticket
design. The audience obviously had a great time watching all
3 performances and being a part of our special night.
The programme included songs from ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Wicked’,
‘Billy Elliot’, ‘Fame’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘Disney’ and my favourite
‘Grease’! We will cherish the memories, the laughs and all the friendships we
made during ‘Show Time’. I would really encourage you to get involved with the
Music department production this year. Thank you for all the opportunities Mrs
McLean.
A special thank you must go to Mr Brian Trainer (Winner of Irish Best
Actor Award 2013) for both his performances in the show and for his
compere skills! Our wonderful singing teacher Ms Lynne McAllister
made a special appearance singing songs from ‘Chicago’ and ‘Mama
Mia’! Thank you Lynne.
Alanna McCourt 10MV
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Upcoming Events
David Meade comes to New-Bridge to support
MacMillan Cancer Fundraising Event
David Meade will appear in New-Bridge Integrated College
on 15th October to support a very worthy fundraising in aid
of MacMillan Cancer Research. David’s recent appearance
in the Iveagh Cinema recently was a complete sell out and
therefore to avoid disappointment, book early. Tickets are
priced £15 and all proceeds will go to MacMillan Cancer.
We look forward to a fun and entertaining evening.
After School Homework club every
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Come join us!
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Upcoming Events
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