In Sixth Form pupils have access to a broad range of subjects and courses, including ‘AS’, A-Levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas and Certificates.  The curriculum provision is well in excess of statutory minimum requirements, providing a wide range of learning opportunities suited to the needs, abilities and interests of pupils. With views of Slemish Mountain and the North Antrim countryside the state of the art Sixth Form Centre is a splendid learning, study and recreation facility.

Over 30 subject offered on site.

Subjects on offer include:-  Agriculture, Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Construction, Digital Technology, Economics, Engineering, English Literature, Environmental Technology, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, German, Government & Politics, Health and Social Care, History, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Nutrition and Food Science, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Studies, Software Systems Development, Spanish, Technology & Design.

Something for Everyone

Employers and university admissions tutors continually emphasise the importance of demonstrating skills and personal development beyond the academic, therefore Ballymena Academy provides a wealth of opportunities and activities which encourage pupil  participation in, for example,  Aerobics, Athletics,  Badminton, Basketball, Canoeing, Circuits, Conditioning, Cricket , Cross Country, Dance, Girls’ Cricket, Boys’ Cricket, Girls’ Rugby, Golf, Gymnastics, Football, Handball, Hockey, Ju-jitsu, Netball , Rugby, Showjumping, Swimming, Table-Tennis, Tennis, Walking Club, Zumba. Chess, Senior Choirs, Chamber Choir, Charity Committee, Cancer Research Committee, ASHA India Project, Christian Union, Computer Programming Club, Drama Society, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Educational Visits and trips, Mandarin classes, School Councils, Debating, Senior Strings, Senior Windband, Sixth Form Committee, Percussion Groups, Public Speaking, Engineering Education Scheme, Business and Enterprise links, Wind Bands, Orchestra, Rock Bands, Traditional Group, Leadership opportunities, Mentoring, Volunteering, Self-presentation skills development seminars, Theatre visits. Such an extensive programme enables pupils to develop skills, in and out of the classroom, which are highly desirable in the work place. This provision has been recognised and complimented, by pupils, parents and various outside agencies, for its breadth and for the enrichment that it provides.

Promoting healthy lifestyle choices

The school has a unique Physical Recreation Strategy – aimed at promoting exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. The approach was described by Michael Gove as ‘an innovative piece of thinking’, which ‘could well be a model for other schools to follow’.   The success of the scheme is evidenced in the increased participation rates of our pupils and staff with the vast majority of the school community now regularly involved in physical recreation outside time-tabled physical education classes.

Commended for provision, caring ethos and family atmosphere

Ballymena Academy is a school steeped in tradition, yet progressive and forward-looking.   Its caring ethos and its genuine welcoming family atmosphere have been noted by external assessors, including Investors in People and Prospects, a quality assurance organisation which accredited the school with a Gold Standard Award for its provision in Careers Education, Information and Guidance.  Ballymena Academy is the first school in the province to receive this award and the second school to receive Investors in People recognition for its work in relation to Health and Wellbeing.   The school values relationships and provides a safe, caring, creative environment in which young people can enjoy their education, achieve their potential and equip themselves to meet the needs of an ever changing society.
 

 
Top achievers at ‘A’ Level were as follows:-

Two pupils obtained 4 A* grades – Aaron Clinton and Michael Gregg.

A further six pupils obtained a combination of 4 A*/A grades – Michael Allen, Timothy Day, Alissa Forsythe, Michael O’Neill, Amanda Robinson and Kirill Sakharov.

A further thirty-seven pupils each obtained a minimum of 3 A*/A grades – Ciara Anderson, Harry Bill, James Brown, Rachel Brown, Juliet Cameron, Susanna Crabbe, Adam Dickey, Anna Doherty, Martyn Doherty, Patrick Doherty, Crawford Fairfield, Anna Gordon, Beth Herbison, Ruth Hoey, Jonathan Hogg, Jonathan Hunter, Oisin Jordan, Sarah Logan, Rachael Macaulay, Lydia Manson, Jenny McAlister, Sophie McAllister, Ellen McAuley, Elizabeth McCartney, Anna McGahey, Ruth McKane, Olivia McMaster, Sarah McNabney, Hannah L. Millar, Adam Morrison, James Poston, Ben Pyper, Suzanne Reid, Alex Richmond, Matt Smith, Anisia Tiplea and Jack Turner.
 
Places

Michael Allen – 3rd place in Digital Technology

Juliet Cameron – Joint 1st place in History

Martyn Doherty – 1st place in Spanish

Sophie Gaston – Joint 1st place in History

Michael Gregg – 1st place in Physics & 2nd place in Chemistry

Jonathan Hogg – 1st place in Mathematics