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Background Information

Ballyoran Primary School opened in 1974 and is situated in spacious grounds at the edge of Ballyoran Housing Estate in North West Portadown.

 

The present total enrolment of 273 includes a double Nursery and 10 mainstream classes covering Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The school also has a Learning Support Centre which caters for pupils with moderate learning difficulties. All staff participate in the integration of LSC pupils into mainstream classes where appropriate.

 

The school has a staff of 40 which includes Principal, Vice Principal, 16 teachers, classroom assistants, secretary, building supervisor, cleaners and lunchtime supervisors. The school has its own kitchen which provides meals for the pupils in two sittings daily.

 

The school is divided into 4 blocks – Nursery which has 2 classrooms and a large Outdoor Play area. Foundation Stage and Key Stage One which has 6 classrooms. Key Stage 2 which has 6 classrooms. A central block houses the Offices, Staffroom, Assembly Hall, Dinner Hall and Kitchen. There is a Library and a Computer Suite complete. There are also three mobiles in the grounds and 2 large playgrounds complete with colourful markings and the school has its own all-weather pitch.

Ballyoran Primary School has long been known locally for its welcoming, friendly atmosphere and its happy, caring, safe and stimulating learning environment. It has a strong pastoral ethos and all the schools’ stakeholders are highly valued. A high standard of discipline is expected from all pupils and the school promotes positive behaviour management through a programme of rules, rewards and consequences.

 

It is the school’s aim that each child reaches his/her full potential academically but also personally, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually in preparation for becoming responsible citizens of the future. This is achieved by giving pupils equal access to a programme of education that is tailored to meet their individual needs and giving them access to a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Central to the school’s vision is the belief that children must be taught respect for themselves, for others and for the environment in which they live.

 

Ballyoran Primary School is committed to the aim and objectives of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

The school is well known for its promotion of the ‘Arts.’ Music forms a central part of school life with a Choir and Recorder Group and some pupils receive instrumental tuition from the SELB Music Service. Many pupils take part in Irish Dancing every week with pupils participating in the Portadown Festival as well as the school’s own Dancing Festival annually.

A wide variety of extra-curricular activities are offered to pupils including Girls’ and Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ and Boys’ Gaelic Football, Irish Folk Dancing, Drama, Cookery, Art, Choir, Recorder Group, ICT Club, Knitting Club and Cycling Proficiency. The school is an ‘Extended School’ which means it receives extra funding from the Department of Education to extend its programme outside normal school hours. Some of the activities funded through this are a Breakfast Club and an After School Kids’ Club.

 

Ballyoran Primary School believes in a partnership with parents and has always had strong links with the local community. These links are fostered through many initiatives during the year.  The school recently opened a new Community Learning Centre funded by the Department of Social Development which includes an ICT Suite and Community Room.

 

It is a very environmentally friendly school and this is reflected in the school's Eco School status.  We achieved the Green Flag in 2013. The school has also been successful in the ‘Best Kept School Awards.’ Ballyoran won its section in 2006 and came Runner Up in 2008. The school is also a Health Promoting School.

 

At Ballyoran Primary School there are many initiatives which aim to raise the self-esteem of its pupils. The school has a Pupil Council made up of representatives of all classes in Year 3 - Year 7. Year 7 pupils also have the opportunity to become Playground Friends. These initiatives as well as many others give pupils responsibility and allow them to feel ownership of the school.

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