Proud Principal Gary Kelly with the GCSE Highest Academic Achievers in year 12, fr Sarah Conor, Shauna Mulligan, Nicola Johnston, Sinead Skeath, bk James Toye, Kyle Crudden, Chris McCabe, Declan Quigley, Mark McGovern, Aaron Ingram, Cathal Smyth and Malacky Leonard.
AT ST COMHGHALL’S annual prize giving on Thursday night, principal Gary Kelly congratulated students in what was an historic year for the school.
At GCSE and A-Level students achieved the best results in the school’s history, and Mr Kelly paid tribute to the ‘great partnership between staff, parents and students who have worked so well together’.
The guest speaker on the evening was ex-pupil Maria Connolly, a world champion musician who works as a radiologist in the City Hospital.
Mr Kelly referenced the Nelson Mandela quote ‘‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’.
He went on: “As we look back and celebrate your achievements at St. Comhghall’s College you are receiving or have received. Remember you have earned a privileged education, that many young people do not earn, achieved such fantastic results that many young people do not achieve. And with privilege comes with responsibilities. The world out there is rich with experiences, opportunities and ways for you to make a difference to the lives of others. Many of you in different ways are already doing that or plan to do that. There is so much you can do and, thanks to your parents, community and to education you have received, and are receiving at St Comhghall’s College, you could not have had a better start in life.”
Mr Kelly noted success at GCSE, where 80% of students achieved 5+ GCSEs Grades A*-C including English and Maths.
“A massive 44% above the N Ireland Average and a 26% improvement on the previous year. Last Year the top performing school in N Ireland had 72% of pupils achieving 5+ GCSEs Grades A*-C including English & Maths, we have bettered them by 8% and I expect we will move from the 13th best performing school in Northern Ireland to one of the top three schools.”
At A-Level, Mr Kelly noted that there was a ‘98% pass rate at A-Level, were 80% of our students achieved the top A*-B Grades, which has resulted in 90% of our students have been awarded prestigious places at university or colleges across Northern Ireland and England, were once again we have students studying law, physiotherapy, computer science, engineering, nursing and various other courses in Queen’s and UUJ’.
The late Brian Og Maguire, who died in a work place incident two years ago, was a past pupil of the school, and the principal unveiled a new trophy in his name for achievement in sport.
“As everyone knows Brian was a great son and outstanding sports man, representing his GAA Sport at club, county and national level. The trophy is for achievement in Sport and will be presented by Brian Og’s mother Eileen, PE Teacher in St. Comhghall’s later tonight,” Mr Kelly explained.
Concluding, the principal paid tribute to the board of governors, parents and guardians, vice-principal Brian Armitage, the senior leadership team – and staff teaching and non-teaching ‘who once again have worked tirelessly to ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to achieve success and whose dedication to the students is outstanding’.
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