Markethill High School is situated in the the town of Markethill.
Markethill High School is a co-educational 11-16 comprehensive school situated on a spacious site, adjacent to the town. Since 1959 this school has been educating pupils of all abilities drawn from a wide geographical area.
The school was opened in 1959, and a major extension and renovation was completed
in 1982. The original staff included Mr John McCartney Principal, Mr Robert
Kelly Vice Principal, Mr Ken Webster, Mr Hugh Gates, Mrs Greta Loan, Miss Jean
Wishart, Miss Loui Purdy and Mrs Jean Culbert. The names of the pupils in the
classes of 1959 are recorded in the original school register.
Along with a number of well-equipped classrooms the school has a full range
of specialist teaching areas. These include: 4 Science Laboratories; 2 Information
Technology Suites; a Technology and Design Suite; 2 Home Economics Rooms; 2
Art and Design Rooms including a Dark Room and Pottery Kiln; a Music Room with
Practice Rooms; a Library; and a Careers Suite. In addition the school has a
Youth Complex, including a full sized Sports Hall, which is also utilized by
local youth organisations in the evenings. Outdoor facilities include 2 football
pitches, an all weather hockey pitch and tennis courts.
Operating to the fullest extent of its resources, the school has an enrolment
capacity of approximately five hundred. It offers a wide range of subjects to
GCSE level. The school also aims to encourage student interest outside of academic
subjects and provides a range of clubs and societies, including the school choir,
scripture union, debating society and science club.
The current principal is Mr Sam Loughrey and the Chairman of the Board of Governors
is Mr WJ Johnston. The Deputy Head is Mr J Browne and Mrs F McCall is the Vice-Principal.
A House System was established, to encourage sporting competition:
Gosford- Earls of Gosford.
Witherow- Rev.TH Witherow, a First World War Veteran and First Chairman
of the Board of Governors.
Glendinning- Lieutenant Colonel AH Glendinning, a Second World War Veteran
and a member of the first Board of Governors.
Magowan- Miss E Magowan, an academic and a member of the first Board
of Governors.
A former pupil, Kyle Quinn, designed the school badge or logo, to reflect the
school as a seat of learning in the Markethill area.
Former Principals:
Mr J McCartney 1959-1984.
Mr WGS Parr 1984-1994.
Former Vice-Principals: Mr R Kelly 1959-1990.
Mr K Webster 1984-1996.
Mr A Turkington 1990-1994.
Mrs H Reid 1994-1998.
In the accompany recording, Linda McMahon talks about Collone Primary School.
Use the audio controller to listen to this talk, given in 2003.
In the accompanying audio recording, Betty Stewart talks about working at Markethill Secondary School and leaving to look after her growing family at home (3mins 10s).
Use the audio controller to listen to this talk, given in 2013.
In the accompanying recording, Linda McMahon talks about her old high school, Markethill High School.
Use the audio controller to listen to this talk, given in 2013.