Academy students in the top rankings

Ballymena Academy students who were achievers in Northern Ireland in their GCSE exams. Seen here with school principal Mr Black are, L-R, Andrew Hogg (1st in Construction), Sarah McLean (3rd in Double Award Science and joint 3rd in Religious Studies), David Dunlop (joint 3rd place in Additional Mathematics), Stefan McLees (joint 2nd in Economics), Rebecca McCaw (joint 2nd place in Economics), Michael Knowles (joint 1st in Biology). INBT 41-112JC

Katie McGaughey scooped first place in Northern Ireland for history at ‘A’ level .. with fellow pupil Sarah Kelso in second place.

This week, Ballymena Academy was delighted to unveil the pupils who had received top placings in Northern Ireland in this summer’s GCSE and GCE examinations.

At GCSE: David M. Dunlop, joint 3rd place in Additional Mathematics; Andrew J. Hogg, 1st place in Construction; Michael J. Knowles, joint 1st place in Biology; Rebecca C. McCaw, joint 2nd place in Economics; Sarah V. McClean, 3rd place in Double Award Science andJoint 3rd place in Religious Studies (Short Course); Stefan J.A. McLees, joint 2nd place in Economics.

‘A’ LEVEL: Mairi A. Dundee, joint 2nd place in French; Sarah E.C. Kelso, joint 2nd place in History; Katie McGaughey, 1st place in History.

Commenting on the success achieved, the Principal, Mr. S. Black, said: “Primarily, it is a delight to pass on our warmest congratulations to the nine young people involved. To attain a N.I. placing in a public examination is an outstanding achievement.

“When we consider that many of these examinations had several thousand entries it places in context the levels of achievement which have been reached. Of course, in addition to the undoubted talents and abilities of the young people involved, such success does not happen without the support they receive at home and in school.

“From a school perspective it is especially gratifying to note that this success has been achieved across 8 different subjects, highlighting the quality of experience pupils are receiving across our curriculum.”

The academic success of another of last year’s pupils was also recognised this week, with the award of one of ten Queen’s University Scholars’ Award to Jason Nicoletti. These are highly sought after awards, taking account of academic ability and a number of other factors and again this represents an outstanding achievement.

Mr. Black added: “Once again we are delighted to pass on our warmest congratulations to Jason and were pleased that Mrs. Julie Connor, Deputy Principal, was able to attend the presentation ceremony which took place at the University earlier this week.”