Mr Smyth recalls his years at AcademyPrimary School
1986-1999 YEARS OF INNOVATION
During the early years of my principalship the Inspectors' Report described us as a happy school which could move ahead with confidence. That is exactly what we did.A senior management team of teachers was established, and curriculum and subject co-ordinators were put in place. The teachers diligently participated in curriculum reviews and the development of a wide range of school policies. Staff numbers increased as the school population expanded.
Each year in September, parents were invited to hear a curriculum overview from class teachers. Twice yearly written reports and parental interviews became the norm. The hours allocated to Special Educational Needs and teaching English as a second language were increased.
Specialist music tuition for brass instruments was introduced.
After school activities including many new clubs were offered to Key Stage Two pupils.
The range of sporting activities was extended with the school successfully entering soccer, cricket, mini-rugby, hockey, swimming, athletic and netball tournaments.
The P6 and P7 children did extremely well in public speaking contests. Throughout this period they won most of the local events, many going on to represent the district at the Northern Ireland finals.
As part of the 'Cross Community Contact Scheme' with St Mary's Saintfield, we often hosted musical events featuring members of The Ulster Orchestra, and plays by visiting theatrical companies.
Many charities were supported thanks to the generosity of parents, friends and pupils. In 1989, as four years earlier, some children from the school had the honour of meeting HRH Princess Anne in recognition of the school?s efforts on behalf of Save the Children Fund.
A vigorous and supportive PTA raised thousands of pounds to enable us to purchase books and equipment. Our library was completely refurbished and restocked. Computers were placed in each classroom due to the funding from both the Education and Library Board and the PTA.
The roof on the main school building was replaced over a three-year period. Much needed storage space was built along the corridors and sinks were added to classrooms.
On the accommodation front, a succession of temporary classrooms became dotted across the landscape. In 1990-1991, in anticipation of expansion, I instigated the purchase of more land adjacent to the school for recreational purposes. The Governors also showed foresight and we applied for an extension to the school.
There are many specific highlights of my principalship too numerous to mention, therefore those mentioned below are just to give a flavour of those years. Back to top
1991-1992
The school choir participated in A Cavalcade of Song at Down Leisure Centre in May. Twelve schools from controlled and maintained sectors were involved in the presentation.The P5 children were successful in the South Eastern Education and Library Board heat of the Churches' Council for Community Work Exhibition and reached the final at the King's Hall.
P6 children won a Daily Telegraph merit award for entering a nation-wide contest to design a newspaper.
The school was chosen as a pilot centre for the new Northern Ireland Curriculum in Technology. Back to top
1992-1993
The children appeared in two television programmes, one on BBC, the other on UTV, both dealing with the environment. In June St Anne's Cathedral boy choristers and Academy Primary choir took part in 'Let the Children Sing.'Photographs of children in learning situations at Academy Primary were included in the Stranmillis College prospectus. Back to top
1993-1994
The Boys' Hockey Team won the Down Area qualifying heats of the 1994 Northern Bank Mini Hockey Championships, and in the finals held at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club, were beaten semi-finalists. Back to top1994-1995
In April our highly successful PTA Fashion Show, hosted by Gillian Porter from UTV, was held in Saintfield High School.BBC Radio Ulster Gardeners' World featured our Environmental Scheme, holding interviews with teachers, pupils and PTA members.
The P7 children entered a National Schools' Gardening Competition run by the Royal Horticultural Society. The judges were impressed by the amount of effort put into the project. The work was put on exhibition at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in July. Back to top
1995-1996
In November the school received a grant to develop a wildlife area as part of our Environmental Scheme. The NI 2000/ENCY95 award ceremony was held at Malone House, where we made a presentation of our proposed project.In May the school presented a much acclaimed production of Oliver!. Mr Tom Nolan, the Chief Executive of the South Eastern Education and Library Board said, "I am invited to so many school events but this must rank with the best."
The local community gave us great support and encouragement with this production.
In May we officially opened our new fishpond and garden in the school courtyard.
In July the P4 and P5 children had work put on exhibition at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Back to top
1996-1997
In April we held our Mathematics Open Evening which was highly praised by the Mathematics Field Officer from the SEELB.We had success in the RUC Top of the Form quiz. Partnered by St Mary's Saintfield, we won our heat, then the local final, reaching the regional final.
On Wednesday 16 April a Soccer Extravaganza was organised by the PTA to celebrate the official opening of our Hard Porous Playing Pitch. Mr Fitzsimmons, Chief Executive of the South Eastern and Library Board performed the opening ceremony. Over three hundred people from across the community gathered to watch the children play soccer with players from Linfield, Glentoran, Cliftonville, Crusaders and Distillery. A World Cup referee ensured there was fair play.
Throughout the year we linked with Holy Family Primary School, Teconnaught under the Cross Community Contact Scheme. The children followed a programme based on History and Science. Visits to various sites brought the curriculum to life. A joint exhibition of children's work on Early Man was displayed in Downpatrick. Both the Department of Education and the History Adviser to the South Eastern and Library Board praised this project.
Two of our swimmers qualified for the finals of the Northern Ireland Swimming Championships, one winning a bronze medal.
The mixed Cricket Team won the Schools' Kwik Cricket Festival.
In August 1997 The Sunday Times published a guide for parents as a result of a survey involving primary schools in the state system throughout the entire United Kingdom. In an article 'How to choose the best education for your children,' the newspaper noted Academy Primary for its excellent reputation.
This conclusion was based on the submission of independent inspectors' reports, statistics on pupil performance, prospectuses and information from the principal.
The Sunday Times praised the schools listed stating, "They are beacons of excellence that set the standards for which all schools should strive. " Back to top
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