Senior Prize Giving Night was an opportunity for New-Bridge Integrated College to reward Senior Students for the Academic Year 2011/2012.  In her opening speech, Mrs Anderson, Principal, said she was delighted to celebrate the amazing achievements of GCSE and A-Level students.  Mrs Anderson welcomed Guest of Honour, Mr Conor McCauley.  She also welcomed, Mrs Marguerite McConville, Schools Partnership Co-ordinator, Mr Clarke, Sixth Form Co-ordinator, Miss Murphy, Year Co-ordinator, Mrs  Harbinson, Mrs Hasson and Mr Thomson, Senior Teachers and Mr Kane, Pastoral Co-ordinator.

As an all ability Integrated school, we are extremely proud of our students and Senior Prize Night provides us with a lovely opportunity to publicly  congratulate our students on their many achievements. Many of our students have studied eight or more GCSEs and it is a real credit to everyone involved when students can achieve results which enable them to progress to A Level or SRC vocational courses to further their education and develop their skills.   Our recent inspection report officially states that we are a very successful school, in-fact, ‘Outstanding’ in a number of areas and we are also a very popular school.  This has been another exceptional year of results, both at GCSE and A Level.  Over 75% of our Year 12 students achieved 5 A*-C at GCSE level which is significantly higher than the NI average for a non-selective school.    At New-Bridge, our GCSE results truly demonstrate that all-ability education works. At A-Level, 100%  of our A-Level students left with a minimum of 2 A-Levels.   The number of students who have achieved 3 A-Levels grades A*-C has increased by 10% from last year and once again these results are above the NI average for a non selective school.  Top A Level Student Matthew Dodds has particular cause to celebrate having achieved 4 A*s in his A Level examinations.  Matthew was 2nd overall in Northern Ireland in Music.  Well done to all our Year 14 leavers.  The results at  AS Level are equally impressive with over 60% of students achieving a minimum of 3 A-Levels grades A-C.  We are anticipating another great year of A Levels results. The College remains an active member of the Banbridge  Area Learning Community.  40 New-Bridge students completing a vocational BTEC or Occupational Studies course achieved 100% Grades A*-C.   A tremendous Achievement.  Mrs Anderson paid tribute to the schools and the Southern Regional College for the huge role they played in the development of courses at GCSE and A-Level. Mrs Anderson said that she has no doubt that staff, teaching and non-teaching are our greatest strength.  They continue to provide a safe and caring environment which inspires young people to achieve their potential.  The staff’s commitment to the development of the whole person along with the care shown for each pupil ensures that New-Bridge Integrated College is a special experience for students.  Mrs Anderson thanked parents who she said were ‘a rich resource’ for our school.  Teachers and parents working together in partnership in New-Bridge has brought great gains  in terms of progress and academic achievement. Mrs Anderson added, ‘A good school is however much more than the achievement of examination results’.  At New-Bridge students are taught the determination to be the best they possibly can be and to make a difference.  ‘Qualifications will get you the interview, but character will get you the job’.  We hope that the New-Bridge experience has helped our students develop that strength of character.  Mrs Anderson said that students past and present are a credit to themselves, their families and New-Bridge Integrated College.   ‘Be very proud of your achievements and always carry that pride of having been part of something very special at New-Bridge’.  Mrs Anderson thanked parents and pupils for choosing New-Bridge Integrated College, perhaps the road less travelled.    She said she hoped that the values of tolerance and mutual respect will play a significant part in bringing about a peaceful future in Northern Ireland.