School of talent grows as new VP looks to a bright future at Markethill High School

By Eleanor McGillie

MARKETHILL High School has appointed a new Vice Principal as Jim Browne retires having devoted 39 years of his life to the school.

James McCoy, 38, who has been a teacher, Head of English and, most recently, Senior Teacher in charge of the Curriculum, Assessment and Staff Development at Integrated College Dungannon, will take up his new role in September and says he is excited at the new challenges which lie ahead.

Mr McCoy, who has been welcomed at the school by Principal James Maxwell, said there is a great energy, a caring ethos based on Christian values as well as very high standards at the school, and said he was looking forward to helping to bring about future growth and innovation there.

Speaking ahead of taking up his role, Mr McCoy said: “I think I was always destined to teach. My two sisters are teachers, I am a teacher and I have a cousin who is a teacher. When my sisters and I get together it’s like a staff meeting!

“My time spent at Integrated College Dungannon has been a fantastic journey. The school went from having around 60 pupils to having over 500. It went from having no sixth form to having a sixth form. Many students who have left Integrated College Dungannon have gone on to do great things, just like Markethill High.”

Mr McCoy, originally from Caledon, says he is looking forward to supporting Mr Maxwell in implementing growth plans for the school, including post-16 study, and said he hoped his experiences to date will greatly add value to the whole community.

He said: “Markethill High School is exciting. The standard of education is extremely high, the support network for students is second to none and I am looking forward to strategic developments, innovation and collaborations. The school has a clear vision which is firmly rooted in high-quality learning and teaching, ensuring that its pupils avail of the best possible learning opportunities and experiences.

“I am coming from a school which grew very successfully to one which deserves to grow significantly due to the sheer demand for places and the high standards of education. It is also very reassuring to come to a community which gives its school such a high level of support. There is a great community spirit here.”

Mr Maxwell said the school is delighted to welcome Mr McCoy to the team. He said: “Markethill High School really continues to embed its reputation as a ‘school of talent’ in relation to learning and teaching. Mr McCoy is one of no less than five new teachers joining us next year, each bringing a new talent to the school to complement the outstanding talent of our existing staff.

“Mr McCoy will, first and foremost, develop a top-class curriculum over the next five years which meets the needs of every individual pupil and which reflects economic demands. In August we will be joined by Mr Jonathan McClure, our new Head of RE currently teaching in the private American Academy in Cyprus. Mr McClure will bring a new dynamic to the school’s strong Christian ethos. We also welcome a new Maths teacher rated as outstanding, as we move to cut GCSE Maths class sizes in line with our ongoing drive with numeracy. We welcome a new English teacher to add fresh impetus to the school’s increasing reputation for excellence in literacy. The developments at Markethill High School over the next 3 years will plant the seeds for the school’s growth over the next 50. It is an exciting and thrilling time to be part of this very fine school. ”

ENDS:

NOTES TO EDITOR:

• Markethill High School is a co-educational 11-16 Comprehensive School situated on a spacious site adjacent to the town. Since 1959 the school has been educating pupils of all abilities drawn from a wide geographical area. The school’s ethos is ‘Believe To Achieve’.
• For further information contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379| Education PR Public Relations Northern Ireland | Public Relations UK | Brand Journalism UK | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | Brand Journalism Experts | Public Relations Northern Ireland | PR Northern Ireland | PR Ireland