Over 100 primary school pupils from seven local schools experience secondary education firsthand
Rathfriland High School welcomed over 100 Primary 6 pupils from across the local area on Friday 5 June 2026 for its annual P6 Taster Day, an event designed to give young people an authentic taste of secondary school life and strengthen the school’s connections with its feeder primaries.
Pupils attended from seven local primary schools: Abercorn, Ballydown, Bronte, Cumran, Drumadonnell, Iveagh and St Mary’s. Each child followed a full secondary school timetable, visiting 13 different subject departments throughout the day.
The day went well beyond a simple tour. Pupils were fully immersed in the secondary school experience, with structured break times in the main hall and lunch in the school canteen. Active learning was at the heart of every session: highlights included making ice cream and potions in Science, learning to play “Boogie Woogie Washer Woman” on the xylophone in Music and painting stones in Art.
Each visiting pupil was paired with a dedicated pupil leader or classroom assistant who guided them safely around the building. Year 8 Year Tutor Hannah Brady, who coordinated the event, described the atmosphere as one of genuine excitement: “Seeing the excitement on their faces as they consider their secondary school adventure made all the preparation worthwhile.”
Mr Matthews paid tribute to the wider school team on the day: “You have met all of the subject teachers and many of the support staff which make Rathfriland High such an effective team.”
Pupils departed with a full stomach and a small commemorative gift, along with, it is hoped, a clearer and more confident picture of secondary school life. The taster day forms part of a broader calendar of primary school engagement at Rathfriland High, which also includes the annual Primary School Football Tournament and an Open Evening for prospective Year 8 pupils and their families, which takes place in January.
The P6 Taster Day reflects Rathfriland High School’s ongoing commitment to serving as a cornerstone of the local educational community, creating seamless pathways between primary and secondary education and ensuring every child feels welcomed and supported as they look ahead to the next stage of their school journey.
