External Exams
After a two year hiatus, externally assessed examinations returned to Ballakermeen this summer, and it is with great pride that we can say the overwhelming majority of students were exemplary in both their preparation and conduct. Over 5,000 external papers have been sat in an 8 week period and we await the results with both trepidation and excitement, wishing all of our students every success. Whilst there were a few minor teething problems with a brand new examination team in place, a big thank you needs to be passed on to them for the hard work and dedication shown. Year 10 students have also experienced their first ever centrally conducted mock examinations and this has been used to prepare them for what they should expect next year.
Results Days
Students who have taken CAIE exams, either at GCSE or at A Level, will receive their results on-line on August 11th. They will need a password and this will be posted out in the next few days. Please keep it safe, as there will be limited office staff in school over the summer and we may not be able to quickly provide students with a copy.
A Level Results Day is Thursday 18th August
Year 13 students may collect their results from 8am in the Sixth Form.
Year 12 results will be available from 12 noon.
GCSE Results Day is Thursday 25th August
Results will be issued from 9 am onwards.
Those students who have given written permission for their results to be e-mailed will receive them on the morning of each respective results day. All students will receive an electronic version of their statement of results in due course.
Tynwald Day
We were delighted that a large number of student volunteers joined us for the Tynwald Day proceedings on the 5th July. Each of our five school houses was well represented and our young people were proud to hold their banners and flags aloft as they led the island’s schools through the glorious sunshine towards Tynwald Hill. Many of the same students return for the march year after year and we were pleased to welcome a number of BHS alumni who donned their school uniform for perhaps the last time. The final Tynwald Day photo is a joy to behold!
Memorial Walk
The bi-annual Memorial Walk serves to pay our respects to those amongst our school community whom we’ve lost. This year’s walk was originally meant to take place in 2021 and featured our new route for the first time. The extreme hot weather almost stopped us from holding the walk, but happily, the temperature was much cooler on Wednesday, our reserve day. Our students enjoyed a leisurely ramble along the Heritage Trail to Crosby playing fields where we all lunched and conducted a brief ceremony of remembrance before returning to school just in time for buses home. Thank you to all involved in the colossal amount of organisation that the walk demands and to our wonderful young people who made the day such a special event.
Do You Need Support?
The long summer holidays can be a challenge. Please see below details of some useful organisations:
SUMMER ONLINE LISTENING SERVICE | |
We are here if you have any worries and need to talk. Email: BHS.ListeningService@sch.im | |
Sarah will be online on Tuesday 26th July & Tuesday 2nd August from 9am – 3pm | |
OTHER HELPFUL SUPPORT: | |
Freephone: 0800 1111 |
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Freephone: 116123 |
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Self-refer to Isle Listen |
679118 |
Reception Opening Hours
The main reception area will be open from 9 am – 12 noon throughout the summer, excluding Bank Holidays.
Uniform Swap Shop
If you are in need of good quality (and often good as new) items of uniform and PE kit, our shop will be open on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd September in the Seating Area near the Studio Theatre from 9 am – 5 pm. We do not charge for any of the items and we have lots of stock in a range of sizes. Unwanted items are always welcome – please drop them off at school.
And Finally
It has been the greatest privilege to be Head Teacher of this amazing school. Our students are exuberant, delightful and kind. I would not have been able to do this job alone and I would like to thank the staff for their hard work, and dedication. Each day has been a joy and I will miss the Ballakermeen Family far more than I can express. I am very grateful for the many lovely cards and good wishes that I have received from parents and students alike – thank you.
Mr Corrin, Head Teacher Designate, is very excited about leading this school on the next stage of its journey and I wish him and all of you, a very happy summer and fondest hopes for the future. The new term starts on Wednesday 7th September.
Kind regards,
Adrienne Burnett
Head Teacher