ShimnaCreativityBlog

Welcome Craig

2009-10-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

We were very pleased to welcome author Craig Bradley to our school on Friday. He worked away all day with two year 9 classes, and we will be publishing some of the writing outcomes on this very blog very soon.

Why Steven McVeigh?

2009-10-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

Why did Steve McVeigh get to see "Mutter Courage" at the National Theatre in London at the weekend instead of me. I love Brecht, I love Deborah Warner, I love Fiona Shaw and I love Duke Special. It just isn't fair.

Congratulations and Good Luck

2009-06-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations and good luck to CarolAnne Maginnis who is through to the public vote for this year's CityBeat YoungStar competition. See her performance in Lisburn on the CityBeat site. See her and VOTE!

Framed

2009-06-17T11:53:00.001-07:00

Those of you who visited this year's GCSE, A level and AS art exhibitions will have been hugely impressed by the quality of the work. In celebration, we have launched our 'Sponsor a Frame' project. Parents and friends have been sponsoring frames through our Give Now button on the college website, or by sending sponsorship in to the college office. We really appreciate every frame, and will invite everyone in very soon to see the resulting exhibition. It's great, at long last, having walls worth exhibiting on. Congratulations to everyone who has exhibited and thank you to everyone who has already donated.

Welcome Back Peterson

2009-05-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Peterson Toscano returned to lead drama and discussion sessions with two lucky year 10 and a year 11 group. Peterson brings up topics we sometimes shy away from, and creates a space for everyone to speak their mind.

Outstanding Performances

2009-05-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

Audience response to the three productions performed by our A level drama students indicated an outstanding theatre event. Family, friends and the A level moderator laughed till they cried, almost cried some more and were sent away challenged, entertained and moved. Catherine Kelly departed with a well deserved and huge bunch of flowers, and Deborah and Rose Marie gave their traditional sterling support front of house. Watch this space for a slide show. Seek out the DVD!

Local History Winners

2009-05-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

LOCAL HISTORY COMPETITION WINNERS

Ken Ward of the Parents' Council came in to assembly today to present the Awards in the annual Local History Competition. Overall winner was Martin Fitzpatrick for his research on his great uncle Tom Lennon.

Sponsor Shimna Artwork

2009-05-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

Now we have walls worthy of exhibiting the best of Shimna Artwork, we are taking parents and friends up on their offers of support, and launching our Sponsor a Frame scheme. You are invited to make a contribution to the fund either by paying in on the college website, or by leaving the money in to the finance office, marked Sponsor a Frame

Dramatic Events

2009-05-21T14:13:00.001-07:00

Our A level Drama students presented a great evening of monologues, with some really chilling performances. Work continues on their group performances, to be presented to family and friends on Thursday 28th May - be there!

Stop Press Piera

2009-04-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to hear that Piera Cirefice has achieved a Merit in the Texaco Children's Art Competition. This is a fantastic achievement in a competition which attracts a huge number of entries. Well done you!

Hawk

2009-04-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Wings flapping

Silently slapping the air

Build its lair

Fiona in Beijing

2009-03-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Bente Elsholtz was in at 'Joseph' and passed on wonderful news that Fiona is exhibiting her art work in Beijing next month. Fabulous

Truly Amazing and Truly Technicolour

2009-03-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Michael Joseph, in two strange anklesocks, finally took to the stage and gave a terrific performance through the pain. Cormac reverted to a being a brother, but he looked a lot more like the Phantom of the Opera by the time he was leaving for the after-party. Everything came together for this final performance: singers; musicians; choir; dancers; technical team; stae managers, all under the direction of Orla Fitzpatrick and Jo Rodgers. You gave us all a great night. Well done, well done, well done.

Artists Too

2009-03-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Our GCSE artists were in action too, and work progressed very well indeed on the first day of controlled conditions art work. The atmosphere was purposeful and calm, and our artists are well ahead of themselves, leaving them their second day to really polish their work.

Rising to the Occasion

2009-03-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

Our GSCE students of drama really rose to the occasion as they performed for the Chief Examiner and an audience of drama students across the year groups. The audience was riveted by both plays, and the Chief Examiner was delighted to confirm the students' grades. Very well done to all concerned.

Too much Drama?

2009-03-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

When people tell actors to 'break a leg' as a way of saying good luck before a performance, they don't mean it! The entire cast of 'Joseph' was devastated when Joseph himself injured his leg, and had to be taken off to hospital. However, undeterred, everyone got behind Cormac Nellis who stepped in as understudy and did a fantastic job. The icing on the cake was that Joseph, alias Michael O'Brien, was at his post back stage, playing bass in support of the band. But who was the bearded mystery brother who took on Cormac's original role?

JosephDanceDramaMusic

2009-03-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

It's all cast on deck now for the final weeks of rehearsal of our production of "Joseph". We are delighted that the cast includes a choir from All Children's, who come in each Thursday to rehearse. Most afternoons somebody is rehearsing, every day the building of the set continues and Saturday mornings see even more rehearsal. Gerard McConkey is the business manager and tickets go on sale this week. Get yours!

Kirsten in the Wings

2009-01-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

First Day Out

The heat of the sun
flushes my skin
until a night breeze blows in.

The sea rolls in and out,
a dog sent away in disgrace
that keeps on returning.

Over the barbecue,
the fish scorch
with all-seeing eyes.

by Kirsten

Tom Nolan Award

2009-01-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

We are delighted to receive a Certificate of Commendation in the Tom Nolan poetry award section of the SEELB Outstanding Achievement Awards. Nathan Mullan is the star of our entry, and many congratulations go to him and to our other poets. Well done.

Great Music

2008-12-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

We had lots of compliments about the music played at Presentation Evening. The audience appreciated a bit of virtuosity and also real singer songwriting. One suggestion is that we use our minstrels' gallery potential next time. What do you think?

Callum Reaches the Heights

2008-12-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

Callum Henderson has really reached the heights, winning the Foyle Film Festival Alternative Short Film Prize. This is a fantastic achievement - though his actors are claiming all the credit! My best friend was meant to come and see me this weekend but couldn't tear herself away from the aforementioned Foyle Film Festival. Her excuse was that the films were such a high standard and she could't tear herself away. Now I find she was right! We hear that Matt McComish also carried off a Highly Commended at the Festival. Noreen Doran Lahey certainly inspires people up in 207.

The Cabaret

2008-11-29T17:38:00.000-08:00

On the evening of Friday 21st November, the Music Collective of Shimna Integrated College presented a Cabaret of Love. The evening showcased the musical talents of our students, and also raised funds in support of the Musical currently in rehearsal and scheduled for the Easter term.

The evening launched with massed voices and "You're the One that I Want" from "Grease". Jeannine Bradley then raised the tone with a beautiful rendition on piano of Einaudi's "L'Onde". Up went the tempo again when Jana Rodgers, Julia Martin, Roma Cunningham, Clare Smyth and Karen Malone launched into "Matchmaker". All change for a hilarious dramatic interlude, "Awkward Silence" as Stephen McVeigh and Caroline McCann sought to further their relationship! Grace Sergeant and Perrine Bonnargent gave us a well chosen "Flower Duet" from the opera "Lakme", Clare Smyth and Katriona Kirwan sang out "My Heart Will Go On" from "Titanic" before Jeannine Bradley and Niomi O'Rourke scandalised the audience with their hilarious "Chop Sticks" The two of them, in full evening dress and regalia, showed perfect comic timing along with perfect keyboard skills. More from "Grease'", "Summer Nights", brought us up to the interval.

Pure singing led off the second half with Cormac Nellis and "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables" followed by CarolAnne Magennis with "Memory" from "Cats" and Niomi O'Rourke accompanying herself on piano, with "Samson" by Regina Spektor. Danny White on guitar quietened us down with a beautiful, gentle "Angeli de Pietra Mistica" by Luc Turilli. Caroline McCann and Michael O'Brien gave a bravura performance of "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias. Back to drama with a sparkling "Last Man on the Moon" performed by Chris Wells and Kirsty McComish. The evening came to a classic close with the full choir and "Thank you for the Music", with soloists Cliona Rice, Anna Crawford and Fionnuala Nellis.

It was a fantastic night, and a real wholeschool performance, with Gerard McConkey and Felan Davidson on lights, Lee McMahon on sound and ultra-professional stage management. The Parents' Council ran the ticket office and the tuck shop and a well supported raffle. Stephen McVeigh was a blissfully calm, confident and humorous host.

All of the cast united to thank Orla McConville and Jo Rodgers for their inspiration, organisation and stamina. After the flowers, one more performance remained to be heard, and Kevin Lambe rounded off the evening with "Love the One You're With", the whole choir jigging along behind him.

It was great to see parents, friends and students across the year groups all out supporting the event. The whole evening was a pleasure, and tickets for "Joseph" are going to be worth getting.

Cabaret of Love

2008-11-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

The best of our music goes on display on the evening of 21st, when our Cararet of Love takes to the stage as a fundraiser for our musical later in the year.

Nobody Lives Forever

2008-11-16T16:12:00.000-08:00

We hosted a play about the ethics of stem cell research, called Nobody
Lives Forever, performed by the YTouring theatre Company who are
a small but perfectly formed professional drama group under the
auspices of the YMCA. The production is touring the UK and was in
Glasgow, Belfast, Newtownhamilton and Crossmaglen just before us.
Every performance is followed by a debate, using voting handsets
as a starting point, about the issues raised. The play was introduced
by the University of Ulster's Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Valerie
McKelvey-Martin, who heads their Science in Society section. She
explained that the tour is in partnership with NUU and sponsored
by the Bank of Ireland and The Honourable The Irish Society as a
contribution to the public understanding of the stem cell debate.

The audience of students was really enthusiastic about the play.
Some reported unexpected tears at the characters' dilemma.

Theatre Fantastique

2008-11-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

And fantastique it was too. The theatre company performed to an audience of our year 12 and year 10 French speakers and our visitors from Blackwater Integrated College and St Mary's High School. The performance was electrifying and inspired our French learners and French learners in our partner schools.

Spooks at Shepherd's Lodge

2008-10-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

It's fantastic to see Matt McComish's latest film project come to fruition with the screenng of "Final Cut" up at Shepherd's Lodge on Hallow E'en night. Matt has already taken his film making career one step further as he is now studying film making at Edge Hill University in Liverpool. He is getting great publicity too. Have a look at this week's Mourne Observer, and I was woken this morning by Marie McStay announcing on the BBC about the Hallow E'en screening.

Just in Case You Missed It

2008-10-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

If you aren't studying Moving Image Arts you might not call in to that blog. Just in case you missed it, Callum Henderson's AS film from last year was shown to teachers throughout Northern Ireland during last week'c agreement trials as an example of outstanding level 5 work - that's as good as it gets.

Creatively European

2008-09-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

On European Day of Languages, four of our feeder primaries gave wonderful dramatisations of international stories. Their masks and props were perfect, and it was excellent to hear the French, German, Spanish and Irish, all learnt through our Sharing Education Programme.

Dreamcoat Revs Up

2008-09-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals are underway for this year's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat". Everyone is welcome along to the rehearsals on Thursdays in the music room. Get yourselves in gear too for the fundraising talent contest in November. You'd better be good!

More Success for Felan

2008-09-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

Felan has been engaged to provide the interlude entertainment for Down District Council. His fame spreads.

High Drama

2008-09-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

Impressive or what! Steven McVeigh of our 6th form was chosen from hundreds of hopefuls to take part in a prestigious theatre summer school. He successfully auditioned for a place in the Bruiser Summer School for physical theatre, winning out to stiff competition from across NI. The theatre school ended in a spectacular show where the students performed before a packed audience at the Old Museum Arts Centre in Belfast. the young hopefuls trained with some of Ireland's most experienced producers and directors, including Lisa May, artistic director of Bruiser Theatre Company and Ross Anderson, artistic director of 'Nor Nothin'". Said Lisa, "The summer school is an amazing opportunity for young people to get professional, practical experience in the arts, giving them a real flavour of the demands on a professional actor".

Vote for Felan

2008-07-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Go to www.citybeat.co.uk/youngstar to vote for our Felan in the final of the YoungStar competition. You will be able to watch his performance again from the website and maybe rope in a few more votes. Thanks everybody.

A Letter From America

2008-06-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

Some of our year 8 students wanted to write to Peterson Toscano to thank him for his recent performance at Shimna (see previous blog post!). Here is an extract from his (very long!) reply.

Peterson Toscano Hartford, CT, USA 20 July 2008

Dear Year Eights,

Wow! Thank you so much for your wonderful letters. I finally got home after six weeks of travel to find a packet with your work in it. I’ve read through them several times and shared them with some of my actor friends here who all say that you sound like a very special bunch of students. I told them that you are. I wish I had time to respond to each and every one of you, but I go on the road again in a few days and have much to prepare. Several of you did ask me specific questions, and I want to answer these.

Timothy Annett asked,

What movies have you been in lately and what were you in the movies?
Currently I am in two movies that are being shown at film festivals in the US and Canada. Cure For Love premiered on Canadian national TV in April and Chasing the Devil premiered in the US at a film festival the same month. In both of these films I play myself and talk about my life experiences. I was also in the Be Real TV program on the Logo network here in the States. Again I play myself and talk about my life but they also show some of my performance work. I just released a DVD of my play Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House in which I play seven different characters.

In your show you spoke some languages, what was that you were speaking and what else can you speak?
In the show I spoke Spanish. After I left Northern Ireland, I went down to Spain to give a speech in Spanish and was interviewed five different times for variuos TV programs. It was hard work but lots of fun. I can speak some French, Swedish and Italian, but not as well as I speak Spanish.

Steven Power asked:
What inspired you to become an actor?
At first it was the fun of it. Later in life though I realized it serves as a wonderful tool to reach out to people in creative ways. Sometimes we cannot talk about certain issues that we can learn about through a play, and especially a comedy.

Samantha Parke asks:
I hope you enjoyed it here and you mentioned it was your first time in Northern Ireland. Did you like it?
Yes! I only stayed a week and most of that in Belfast, but I really enjoyed myself. I especially liked the people I met. Very friendly, very interesting, and very intelligent.

Why do you always wear a hat?
Hahaha. I get this question a lot. I wear a hat as part of my religion. I am a Christian and have been all my life, but in 2001 I began to attend a Quaker meeting (also known as the Religious Society of Friends). The faith started in England in the 1650s. At that time men were expected to take off their hats and bow down to other people of a higher social class. The people in the higher class did not have to bow. It made it seem like some people were more important and special than other people. The Quakers said that everyone is equal—men, women, rich and poor. They decided they would not remove their hats for anyone except God when they prayed. Most Quakers do not follow this practice today, but I like it a lot because it reminds me that all people are equal.

Rachel Robinson asks:
Do you like our accents?
Oh yes! VERY much!!! But I can’t do it yet :( I have to practice :)

Orlaigh Magennis writes,
I heard that you are a vegan and I would like to know what that is like because I’m a vegetarian and I think that it is great but you do get bullied a lot by the way you are .Do you get teased by being a vegan?
A vegan is someone who doesn’t eat any animal products at all—no meat, dairy, eggs, fish or honey. I strict vegan won’t use any animal products for clothes or in life—no leather, wool, etc. I am almost a strict vegan. I won’t use leather belts or wallets, but I do use some leather shoes because I think plastic ones are worse for the environment than leather ones. Yes, I do get “teased” for being a vegan, well in the way that adults tease each other. Sometimes they are just being funny like friends do to each other, but other times I know some people are doing it to be mean or because they don’t understand why I choose to be “so different!”

Thank you again to all of you there at Shimna Integrated! I enjoyed meeting all of you and believe that you will work hard together to create and maintain a school where people can be themselves. That is good for everyone.

Have a wonderful summer holiday! I hope everyone is safe, has a lot a fun, and reads some books!

Peterson Toscano

Peterson Toscano

2008-06-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Year 8 recently had a visit from American actor, Peterson Toscano. Peterson came in to share some humorous one-man performance pieces (in English and Spanish!) on issues surrounding self-acceptance. Year 8 had the opportunity to ask him about his story and share some of their own experiences and we were all very impressed with his range of accents and voices, not to mention wigs! You can visit Peterson's website here.

SuperFelan Through to Final

2008-05-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

After a nervous two hour wait for the count to come through, news arrived that Felan has won the regional heat in Wallace Park and is through to the final. This is fantastic news and Felan wishes to thank everyone who voted for him.

Good Luck Chico

2008-05-08T12:26:00.001-07:00

Felan Davidson at age 14 is the UK's youngest radio dj and works at downfm 105.0fm. He is also the lead singer with Chicosingers who are competing in Citybeat Youngstar on Saturday 10th May in Wallace Park in Lisburn. Chicosingers are a tribute music band, singing tributes to Chico, Britney Spears and other comedy acts. The Chico dancers are Rachel, Orla, Ciara, Karla, Nichola and Coral. Chico website: www.chicosingers.co.nr Everyone at Shimna wishes Felan and the dancers all the very best of luck.

Beautiful Music

2008-05-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

Niomi O'Rourke, Carol-Anne Magennis and the Band performed beautifully at the regional finals of 'Stars' and came within a whisker of winning. We are very proud of all our musicians.

Local History Success

2008-05-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

LOCAL HISTORY COMPETITION WINNERS - we are delighted to announce the winners of this year's competition. The standard was very high, and we are very proud that our sponsors have again donated the prizes, but most of all, also been involved in judging our students entries. Congratulations to all.

2008
Name Local History Study
WINNERS
Overall winner H. F Law Plaque Rebekah Boardman 8B Italian Leather from Shrigley
Year 8 winner First Trust Cup Samantha Parke 8C Clough Primary School
Year 9 winner Northern Bank Cup Daniel Stanfield 8C My Great Uncle Henry – A World War 2 prisoner of war.
Year 10 winner Essence Cup Andrew Skillen 10D Swastika over Ulster!

RUNNERS UP
Year 8 Hollie Martin 8B Betsy Grey
Year 9 Karen Malone 9M Castlewellan Castle
Jana Rodgers 9M The history of the Glees
Year 10 Jane McEvoy 10C The Irish Famine

Highly Commended
Certificate and medal and money
Mark McClean 9B The history of my garden.
Conor McKay 9B Burke and Hare
Mitchell Britton 9M My family history
Carrie McAlinden 9B The history of John Rooney
Sian Ogle 8C Sir Hans Sloane
Sinead Murray 8M My Great Granny
Commended
Tamara O’Rourke 9M Percy French
Conor Cuthbertson 9D The life and story of South Africa’s first black President.
Tyne Rogan 9B Newcastle railway
Claire Smyth 9B The Silent Valley
Julia Martin 9B Salvaging the SS Great Britain
Conor Kenwell 9C Slieve Donard Hotel
Christopher Leneghan 9 Christ Church and Massforth

Creative Parents

2008-04-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

Our current Parents' Council committee happens to have a high proportion of artists among them. Tonight's meeting hosted a visit from Martin McParland, Shimna's artist in residence. Martin talked through the ways in which he contributes to the work of the A level students, and about his own background and practice as an artist. Great ideas flowed, and the Parents' Council now plan a student art show for 25th June, as a showcase for A level and GCSE art students' work. The event will include wine and cheese and some student musicians. The other great idea was to use art as the focus for the barbecue for our incoming year 8s, which will be held on 21st June. Martin has been booked to lead a creative workshop with the students, and all the artistic parents will have an opportunity to help. Plans were also suggested for more extensive show casing of art work on a more regular basis.

and the Winners Were

2008-03-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

Niomi O'Rourke as a fantastic first; Johnny, Tom, Barry and Danny as spectacular second; Carol-Anne Magennis as throughly great third.

Shimna Stars

2008-03-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Shimna Stars

Shimna students revealed a huge range of talent in bands and solo performers at the college heats “Stars in Yer Eyes”. Previous NI champion Lee McMahon took on a different role this year serving up the teas, while fellow students took their chance in the limelight. Performing this year were: Niomi O’Rourke as Feist; Anna Crawford as Maria Carey; Carol-Anne Magennis as Natasha BeddingfieldLaura Mae O’Neile as Dusty Springfield; Caroline McCann as Amy Winehouse; Felan Davidson as Chico; Cahal O’Hir as Counting Crows; Karen Malone and Jana Rodgers as Aly and Aj; Danny, Johnny, Barry and Tom as Tenacious D. A fabulous night was had by all.

Personal Writers

2008-02-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

While Matthew Martin is with us to work on the year 9 Eco project, he got dragged in to help 12 Donard with the personal writing section of their coursework. Already he has been pushing the boundaries of the definition of personal writing, and will show the class how to take advantage the techniques used in the Writing Centre he runs in the university. It's a fantastic opportunity, and perfectly timed to fit in a great piece of coursework as we head for the deadline.

Doctor Who?

2008-01-10T14:41:00.001-08:00

The first meeting of the Bad Wolf club will take place on Wednesday at 3.30pm in Mrs McMillan's room. Everyone welcome!

Oppenheimer Back in Town

2007-12-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

Lots of Shimnites met up at the two Oppenheimer gigs in Belfast on Saturday. Great to hear them on such good form after the American tour. Shaun will be with us at Presentation Eveining, doing the door as usual, we hope.

NaNoWriMo

2007-11-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow marks the end of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).

A group of young writers from Shimna have been meeting together regularly for the last month to discuss ideas and support each other through the weighty task of writing a novel in just one month!

Passersby might have been interested to overhear conversations about telepathy, zombies, Japan, World War I (and II, and III), romance, aliens and emo....

Read more about NaNoWriMo here and join us next year for more frantic scribbling and chat!

Operation Soapbox!

2007-11-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

For the past four weeks various Key Stage Three classes have been expressing their views about things that matter to them. Operation Soapbox is a fun and interesting way to get our views heard and be able to speak our minds to others.

It all started with a mysterious wooden crate appearing in our classroom one day! Inside there was a golden envelope with a question inside to get us thinking and an instruction leaflet.

The instruction leaflet contained four steps to help us as we create our soapbox. The tips were:

*by making an argument that captures other people's imaginations we could get our ideas across easily

*by asking a challenging question we could help people get more involved in our project

*by setting an inspiring example we could get people to follow us

*by communicating something in an unusual and creative way we could get people interested.

We got examples of what other schools had done and what they sent back. One school grew tomatoes in their soapbox and they sent back a jar of homemade tomato sauce. Another school put photos, wishes and stories in their box. Another used their box as a stage and filmed a movie which they sent back. We could also send presentations, play scripts, letters, opinions and poems.

Operation Soapbox was named after an area in London called Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park.

We have really enjoyed doing Operation Soapbox and if anyone wants to find out more click here.

On this site you can

*download podcasts and films

*see what others are doing with their soapboxes

*upload your ideas and discoveries.

Thank you very much for reading this and enjoy Operation Soapbox, on display in the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre in London during June 2008!

By Danielle Trainor and Jana Rodgers (9M)

An Afternoon of Stars

2007-11-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

A judging panel which included former Northern Ireland Champion, Shimna student Lee Mc Mahon, today undertook the monstrous task of shortlisting for this years "Stars in Yer Eyes". A long, long list of acts assembled, indicating the depth of talent among Shimna's musicians. It's great to see such a wide spread of year groups, ages and musical styles on display. Book yourself in for the College final in the Spring term.

Soon to be Famous Scriptwriter Too

2007-11-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

Cathy Falk, our Fulbright exchange teacher from Oregon, called in during one of her frequent visits back to Newcastle. The film script she was working on at the time is heading towards production. Exciting times.

Famous Playwright

2007-11-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

Our head of drama, Dr Catherine Kelly, is in Dublin, working with RTE on the broadcasting of her play. Exciting times, and we wish her well.

Exhibition of New works

2007-11-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

This very weekend sees the opening of "Island", and exhibition of new works by our artist-in-residence Martin McParland. The exhibition takes place in Newcastle Library from the opening on 3rd November, 2.00pm-5.00pm, until Saturday 1st December. The exhibition also features the work of Newcastle artist Elaine Callen.

Muddy

2007-08-17T11:58:00.001-07:00

It covers our trousers,
and sticks to your shoes.
Clothes in the wash,
trainers thrown in the corner.
Mud caked on in the morning,
impossible to remove.
Dirt sodden from the boggy ground,
rain and soil.
What an awful mess.
You walk through the house
leaving a train of grubby tracks.

by Stephanie

The Weather

2007-08-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

Here in Northern Ireland,
the wind blows cold,
the rain falls heavy,
every day the temperature falls a degree.

In your country
you have scorching sun
and the wind blows hot,
but you also have massive droughts.

Whilst we pray for heat
you beg for rain.
We want the sun
but you want the clouds

We want your weather.
You need ours.

by Ben

My Secret Garden

2007-08-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

It's my place to escape -
escape from my thundering troubles.
The breeze calms my nreves,
is pleasing to my eyes.

The grass has never been cut.
butterflies fly high over my face.
The bird's next has never been invaded.
Baby buttercups sway with grace

Ladybirds creep over my skin,
while I lie there dreaming.
I don't want to go now.
My dream hasn't ended.

I'll stay for another few hours
letting my hair wisp in the air,
skimming stones through the pond,
watching the ripples in the water.

by Suzannah

Typical and Unpredictable

2007-08-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Stratus clouds overcast the sky,
above the mountains and sea,
building up quite a storm.
Sun trying to break through,
billowing waves crash against rocks,
lightening collecting in the sky,
followed by subdued thunder,
drizzle pattering down like water
from a loose tap.
Obscure cloud taking over.
Drizzle altering to dense rain.

by Natalie

Acting the Other Sort in a Divided Ireland

2007-08-17T11:54:00.002-07:00

When going into the "wrong area"
you keep your head down,
and don't say a word.

If someone stops to ask questions
you mask your identity
to stay out of harm's way.

If eyebrows are raised and eyes glare,
and if the mystery unfolds,
you lie through your teeth
and act like "the other sort"
for the day.

by Alexandra

A Divided Ireland

2007-08-17T11:54:00.001-07:00

Broken from our mainland.
cut in two,
north and south
under different rule.
I feel so confused.
Who am I?
where am I from?
Ireland? Britain?
How's this country run?

by Fionnuala

Unpredictable Irish Weather

2007-08-17T11:53:00.001-07:00

On the way to school it drizzles.
Everything's so damp.
Walking home it's sunlit,
dispersing all the rain.
In the evening
dark clouds roll in,
followed by lightning
illuminating the sky.
Wake up in the morning
to sunbeams shining in the window
glowing up the room.
what will this new day convey?

by Fionnuala

The Cow

2007-08-17T11:52:00.001-07:00

The cow's as big as a dinosaur.
It's just grass and hay.
Black and white spots like a chessboard,
head the weight of a hippo's.

by Sean.

Rain in the Mourne Mountains

2007-08-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

Black clouds shadowing the tall mountains
hiding the cairn
to which many climbers have added stones.
Mist slowing creeping in
to block out any hope of sunshine.
Cold winds whistling
through the empty playground.

Watching from the window
as our field drowns
in an everlasting shower of tears.
Bashing the puddles in the air
the downpour hits it, full speed.

Running outside as the rain
bounces off the ground beneath us,
dashing through the puddles,
rain pouring down our faces.
Black sky above
and below -
sticky clothes glued to our moist skin.

At home, a bubbly bath just waiting.

by Emily and Joanne

Sectarianism

2007-08-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

People fighting,
people killed -
no-one is safe.
Hatred over religion...
are these people even religious?
What can be done
when the people with power
are too overwhelmed?
Money can only do so much.
The don't know what's happening
until it's written on paper.
But I know,
I've seen it,
it's all around.
No-one understands anyone else
because they don't even try.
What is unknown doesn't have to be wrong...
but they don't have time to find out.
Belief is just another reason to hate.
Children raised as bigots
grow up to murder those who aren't like them.

by Aisling

Amaryllis: Freaky Moment

2007-08-17T11:49:00.001-07:00

Elegant ballet dancer
floating on air,
long thin stems,
legs dancing,
head-petals
moving gently
with the soft sound of flutes.

by Perrine

Learning to Fly

2007-08-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Stand
and reach your arms out wide.
Just close your eyes
and let go.

by Alexandra

Rugby

2007-08-17T11:47:00.002-07:00

Don't run backwards,
don't pass forwards,
do the donkey work,
score a try,
pass the ball,
kick the ball for posts,
forwards ruck.
Backs run,
run to the corner flag,
win the league,
win the cup.
Another in the bag.

by John

Happiness

2007-08-17T11:47:00.001-07:00

I'm like a gleeful elephant
flopping along in a lake.

I'm like a cup of hot chocolate
spilling over the brim.

I'm like a newborn baby
ready to explore life.

I'm like a million years
of a lifetime.

by Nina

Grainne Tobin has poem "Highly Commended"

2007-06-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

Callan

Where did the river go?
No thought of maps.
I saw myself astray,
following the banks and eddies
beyond the weir and into depths
among cow-parsley and couch grass,
meadowsweet and marsh marigold,
puddling on past hoof-printed cattle paths
round every corner out of sight,
winding to the horizon,
the water moving beside me,
muscular and opaque,
shouldering its mirror of sky-shadows,
and alders dipping tenderly
like long hair washed
in the big sink
on Saturday nights.

The Poet-Tree

2007-06-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

Grainne Tobin has won a Highly Commended Award in the BBC/WELB Poet-Tree competition. Millions of congratulations.

Our Fiona being Famous

2007-05-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

The work of Shimna Old Scholar Fiona Elshotz has been commissioned as the sleeve illustration on a new collection of poems, launched recently in Strangford. This commission represents a fabulous opportunity for a young artist to build up her portfolio and to bring her work to a wider audience. Fiona is currently studying at art college in Glasgow.

Alex and Becki

2007-05-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

Imagine America

Imagine America like
a summer carnival
a cool smooth cocktail
like blosson scent
like a voice that sounds like the storm
to dance like it's night time
like taking this black heart
like words could be every wet puddle
to live life immensely

Alexandra McCauley

Invalid Message

A black day
a red rose
I love you.
Care?
Rip
it,
kid.

Becki Wilson

Artist in Residence Exhibits

2007-04-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful Artist in Residence, Martin McParland is currently showing his work in The Higher Bridges Gallery, The Clinton Centre, Enniskillen. Marty works with our A level students, extending the scope of their work and challenging the range of their techniques. Lets hope his work is shown more locally soon. His exhibition is entitled:

ANALOGUE

WAKE WALK MEET GREET LEAVE
ARRIVE AVOID DISRUPT DISAGREE
FREQUENT LEAVE FIRST-TIME NEVER AGAIN
CLIMB SIT GUEST VISDTA PANORAMIC
MAJESTIC MANIA QUELL
TOUCH BEGIN BEATH RESPECT HATE
RESOLVE AVAIL WHY ASPIRE IN
GO LATE BLUE GREEN END LOVE
FEAR
SLEEP

More Poems

2007-04-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

These poems come from a collection of poems written by our student to send to students at our new partner school in Kenya.

Happiness

I'm like a gleeful elephant
flopping along in a lake.

I'm like a cup of hot chocolate
spilling over the brim.

I'm like a newborn baby
ready to explore life.

I'm like a million years
of a lifetime.

by Nina

Rugby

Don't run backwards,
don't pass forwards,
do the donkey work,
score a try,
pass the ball,
kick the ball for posts,
forwards ruck.
Backs run,
run to the corner flag,
win the league,
win the cup.
Another in the bag.

by John

Learning to Fly

Stand
and reach your arms out wide.
Just close your eyes
and let go.

by Alexandra

Amaryllis: Freaky Moment

Elegant ballet dancer
floating on air,
long thin stems,
legs dancing,
head-petals
moving gently
with the soft sound of flutes.

by Perrine

Sectarianism

People fighting,
people killed -
no-one is safe.
Hatred over religion...
are these people even religious?
What can be done
when the people with power
are too overwhelmed?
Money can only do so much.
The don't know what's happening
until it's written on paper.
But I know,
I've seen it,
it's all around.
No-one understands anyone else
because they don't even try.
What is unknown doesn't have to be wrong...
but they don't have time to find out.
Belief is just another reason to hate.
Children raised as bigots
grow up to murder those who aren't like them.

by Aisling

Rain in the Mourne Mountains

Black clouds shadowing the tall mountains
hiding the cairn
to which many climbers have added stones.
Mist slowing creeping in
to block out any hope of sunshine.
Cold winds whistling
through the empty playground.

Watching from the window
as our field drowns
in an everlasting shower of tears.
Bashing the puddles in the air
the downpour hits it, full speed.

Running outside as the rain
bounces off the ground beneath us,
dashing through the puddles,
rain pouring down our faces.
Black sky above
and below -
sticky clothes glued to our moist skin.

At home, a bubbly bath just waiting.

by Emily and Joanne.

The Cow

The cow's as big as a dinosaur.
It's just grass and hay.
Black and white spots like a chessboard,
head the weight of a hippo's.

by Sean.

Unpredictable Irish Weather

On the way to school it drizzles.
Everything's so damp.
Walking home it's sunlit,
dispersing all the rain.
In the evening
dark clouds roll in,
followed by lightning
illuminating the sky.
Wake up in the morning
to sunbeams shining in the window
glowing up the room.
what will this new day convey?

by Fionnuala

A Divided Ireland

Broken from our mainland.
cut in two,
north and south
under different rule.
I feel so confused.
Who am I?
where am I from?
Ireland? Britain?
How's this country run?

by Fionnuala

Acting the Other Sort in a Divided Ireland

When going into the "wrong area"
you keep your head down,
and don't say a word.

If someone stops to ask questions
you mask your identity
to stay out of harm's way.

If eyebrows are raised and eyes glare,
and if the mystery unfolds,
you lie through your teeth
and act like "the other sort"
for the day.

by Alexandra

Typical and Unpredictable

Stratus clouds overcast the sky,
above the mountains and sea,
building up quite a storm.
Sun trying to break through,
billowing waves crash against rocks,
lightening collecting in the sky,
followed by subdued thunder,
drizzle pattering down like water
from a loose tap.
Obscure cloud taking over.
Drizzle altering to dense rain.

by Natalie

My Secret Garden

It's my place to escape -
escape from my thundering troubles.
The breeze calms my nreves,
is pleasing to my eyes.

The grass has never been cut.
butterflies fly high over my face.
The bird's next has never been invaded.
Baby buttercups sway with grace

Ladybirds creep over my skin,
while I lie there dreaming.
I don't want to go now.
My dream hasn't ended.

I'll stay for another few hours
letting my hair wisp in the air,
skimming stones through the pond,
watching the ripples in the water.

by Suzannah

The Weather

Here in Northern Ireland,
the wind blows cold,
the rain falls heavy,
every day the temperature falls a degree.

In your country
you have scorching sun
and the wind blows hot,
but you also have massive droughts.

Whilst we pray for heat
you beg for rain.
We want the sun
but you want the cloud.

We want your weather.
You need ours.

by Ben

Muddy

It covers our trousers,
and sticks to your shoes.
Clothes in the wash,
trainers thrown in the corner.
Mud caked on in the morning,
impossible to remove.
Dirt sodden from the boggy ground,
rain and soil.
What an awful mess.
You walk through the house
leaving a train of grubby tracks.

by Stephanie

Prize-winning Poem

2007-04-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

For our opening post, we have chosen the poem by our Head of English, Grainne Tobin. We were delighted when Grainne won the Mourne Observer Poetry Prize in January 2007.

Migrant

Tell me a really story. Tell me what it was like
when you were small, which way you walked to school,
the garden where you tried to dig to the other side of the world,
your uncle's rows of leafy plants to eat,
the orchard tree you climbed to hide,
the old lady waving from the window, the bags of coloured sweets
and the house you were told you'd inherit.

Apricots and lemons.
If you go there, pick some for me.

Tirhogar, spelga, Qatamon.
The names are spells.

Whe you shovelled soil aside with your scaled-down spade,
did you know you'd come out where you are now?
That your children would save cereal boxes
to reconstruct your home in sticky-tape and cardboard?

Tell me what happened. Exactly.

Create

2007-04-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

This new blog will provide a showcase for creativity: poems; songs; stories; dances; drawings; lists, which are the only things I'm likely to create.