Last year was another incredible year in the history of Bloomfield Collegiate School, with much to celebrate and mark formally in our annual Prize Day.
Bloomfield Collegiate School is now 122 years old. Although there have been many changes over the years, the school continues to play a full role within the wider community. There were many illustrations of this last year: our BTEC PE students were highly commended for officiating at the Special Olympics Swimming qualifiers in Bangor; the 6th Formers who engaged with an intergenerational volunteering scheme at Johnston House on the Green Road beside us; and our year 10 pupils, all of whom took part in the Young Philanthropist Initiative.
Our charity work raised well over £4000 for a range of good causes.
We are big enough to provide a huge range of opportunities for our girls, but small enough to ensure that everyone who wants to can find their niche in school, and is supported beyond. It is a family of individuals. Individuals such as Leah Massey, whose GCSE Artwork was of such a standard that she was awarded a prize by the Art Teachers Association.
Or Rebekah Murdock, a multi-champion highland dancer, and Erin Dunlop, who represented Bloomfield in the High Jump in the Irish Schools’ Athletics Championships. Charlotte Eadie has been training with the Irish Sailing squad in advance of the next Olympics and Eva-Rose McGall has been winning industry standard ballet and contemporary dance competitions. Rebekah McFedries and Evie Stronge both had TV acting roles. There is also Heidi McKay, who represented Northern Irish Scouting at the funeral of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
What is remarkable is that individuals such as these gel together to make fantastic teams in Bloomfield.
It is almost traditional now to announce the success of our young Enterprise Team. This year, Coffee & Co won the Belfast heat and were just pipped into second place in the Regional final.
Our CCF remains the largest unit outside the traditional established schools in Northern Ireland; we currently have over 100 Cadets. Given it is only open to Year 10 and over, that is 20% of the potential school population involved in leadership training, outdoor activities, first aid, camps and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I cannot praise Ms Anderson and the other adult volunteers enough for what they do for our girls.
I continue to be in awe of our dancers; last year, our Junior Team swept the boards. But I am also struck by how our senior pupils seamlessly move into leadership roles. Thanks to Mrs Waterworth for her time and patience.
I have no doubt that what I have already written is linked to academic success. Our pupils who meet and exceed expectations are, without fail, involved in music or sport, they volunteer or fund raise. Some are gaining people-skills in part-time jobs. Others are leaders in youth clubs or church groups. These skills are invaluable when balanced with, not competing with, schoolwork and study.
Last year was an incredible year in terms of results.
At GCSE level, 16 girls were awarded all A* or A grades, 5 more than last year. A special mention to the Boyd twins, Helen and Megan, who between them achieved 16 A* and 4 A grades.
This is a school that absolutely adds value academically.
Our A level results also showed a marked increase in the key indicator of 3A*-C. Well done to Sophia Ebbinghaus and Martha McKinney, with three A* grades, and to Katie Hutchinson, Rachel Lyle, Catherine Gordon, Lucy Kerr, Hazel Adair, Kirsty Cowan, Rachel Sweeney, and Phoebe Qui who all attained a clean sweep of A*s and As. I want to highlight Phoebe Qui. Phoebe came to us in Year 11 from Dundalk and has now secured a place to read English at Cambridge University; it’s a remarkable journey.
Finally I would like to thank Rev Dr Sellar, the Kirk Session at Bloomfield Presbyterian Church, for welcoming us back to our home from home and for his tremendous hospitality on Prize Day.
My thanks in particular to Major Caoimhe Mulhern, Royal Irish Regiment, for her inspirational presentation. She embodies what a young woman can do when holding fast to the Bloomfield motto, “Nil Obstet”.
Mr Greer
Principal
