The school, which was amalgamated with two other schools in 1977, is situated in a rural setting approximately 4 miles north-west of Lisburn.  It draws on a wide area from just outside Lisburn to Stoneyford, and across to Glenavy and Upper Ballinderry.  The pupils are mainly from a rural background.  The present enrolment is approximately 160 pupils, and is steadily increasing.

A new school building has been completed in the year 2002, approximately 1 mile from the present site.  Present accommodation comprises of 7 classrooms, staffroom, assembly/P.E. hall, 2 Offices and Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 areas.

The current staffing is Principal, Deputy Principal, 6 Full-time Assistant Teachers and 2 Part-Time Teachers.  The wide range of experience and expertise is put to effective use in a well developed system of subject co-ordinators and of the Senior Management Team (Principal and Senior Post holders) who contribute to the smooth running of the school.  The classroom assistants, secretary, caretaker, cleaner, lunchtime supervisory staff and school meals staff complete the team dedicated to the education and welfare of children entrusted to their care.

We aim to create a friendly, caring and happy learning environment.  Central to the creation of this environment is a commitment to Christian values.

Each child is encouraged to fulfil his intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and emotional potential.  We recognise the worth and value of each child and the importance of the development of a sense of self-respect so that the child may learn to accept his appropriate responsibilities and show respect for others.

We aim to establish a school community, in which children, teachers, parents and support staff enjoy a sense of belonging and realise that everyone has an important part to play.

Educational visits form an integral part of our school life, these include trips to Ardnabannon Outdoor Centre, Ulster Folk Museum and visits to the pantomime.  A wide range of extra-curricular activities are undertaken, including football, hockey, netball, short tennis, athletics, swimming, French, cookery, art, environmental studies and cycling proficiency.

Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their children’s education.  They are always welcome and are very supportive in attending school functions, open evenings and parental clinics.  The Parent/Teacher Association runs a number of events throughout the year which are both social and fund raising. 

Money raised for charity goes to support a child from the Congo and other needy causes.  These have always been generously supported by parents and the local community. 

The Board of Governors at Ballycarrickmaddy Primary School are very keenly interested in all aspects of the school and strongly support the work of the staff.

Before enrolment parents are very welcome to visit the school.  An appointment can be made with the Principal, to meet staff and have a tour of our new school building.

Two meetings are arranged prior to your child starting P1.  One is an information morning for parents and a chance for the children to meet the other children they will be joining in September.  The second meeting is for the children to come to school to meet their teacher and spend approximately 11/2 hours with their new P1 friends.

Throughout your child’s first year at this school there are regular opportunities to meet your child’s teacher – during Baseline Assessment, in January when parental interviews take place and near the end of the school year.

During your child’s time at this school there are regular parental interviews and reports are issued at the end of January and June.  Parents are invited to a number of school events throughout the year including a Carol Service, PTA events, competitions, concerts, sports day etc.

School Hours

P1 – P3   9.00am - 2.00pm

P4 – P7  9.00am  - 3.00pm

Holiday arrangements are distributed to parents at the end of June.

School newsletters are sent out at the beginning of each month.

Uniforms can be obtained from Woodsides in Lisburn.

GIRLS UNIFORM

Winter

Navy blue skirt/pinafore/navy school trousers.

Mid blue polo shirt.

Navy school sweatshirt.

Fleece jacket.

Summer

Mid blue striped dress.

School baseball cap.

BOYS UNIFORM

Winter

Navy blue trousers.

Mid blue polo shirt.

Navy school sweatshirt.

Fleece jacket.

Summer

Navy blue shorts.

School baseball cap.

Moving to our new school building has made it possible to expand our extra curricular activities include the following:

Netball                                     Football

Cricket                                     Swimming (P5 – P7)

School Choir                             Music Tuition

Cycling Proficiency                    Road Safety Quiz

Science & Technology               Chess

Various school trips e.g.  residential trips for P6 & P7, Pantomime visits etc