Bell tolls for tiny primary school

By Catherine Smyth
BBC Radio Ulster

For pupils across Northern Ireland, thoughts are turning to packing their school bags, closing their books and the long summer holidays ahead.

The current school building dates back to 1909

But for the boys and girls in a rural primary school in County Down, when the home time bell rings on Friday, it will be for the final time.

Drumaghlis Primary, one of the last remaining Presbyterian schools in the north, is closing its doors after more than 150 years in the Crossgar area.

With only 32 children left on the roll, it has been decided it no longer makes financial sense to keep it open.

For staff and pupils, it is a sad time. Eleven-year-old Leah Murphy thinks the school is unique.

"It is very pretty here and we love our garden and the stream next to it. It seems a different place to go to school.

"My little sisters Rachel and Sarah are here - we all get lots of attention, which I don't think you get at a bigger school."

Seven-year-old Mark Savage agrees.

"I'll miss the garden and roaming around. I'll also miss the people and the peace and quiet. I would have preferred it if we all could have stayed together."

Possibly what is lost is the lovely family atmosphere but the existing facilities are not adequate for a 21st century education for young people Janet Kirk Former principal

Principal Jason Milligan says it marks the end of an era.

"It is hard to believe but Drumaghlis is actually the new school, built in the 1900s. Across the road, in ruins, is the old one which was built in 1841."

The original school, at the Meeting House Green, was erected by the Elders of Kilmore Presbyterian Church. They bought the land and a small building of stone and lime was constructed.

The first teacher, 21-year-old William McClurg, taught reading, writing and arithmetic.

He was also adept at "algebra, geometry and measuration" and typically taught 18 boys and 17 girls each week.

The school grew. By the 1900s it was decided a new building was needed and private subscriptions were sought. The present Drumaghlis school opened in 1909.

Current pupils say they will miss life at the school

As the decades drew on, the school beside the stream flourished.

During World War Two, there was an influx of refugees from Belfast. These are the memories of Ann Donnelly (Nee McCord)

"We lived very close to the shipyard and as the bombs were falling all around us, my parents decided we would be safer in the country.

"On the Monday morning I arrived at Drumaghlis like a lost waif to find there were quite a few ahead of me. I had many happy times there and whenever I smell the perfume of primrose, rose or honeysuckle I always think of that small part of the world."

Big band music changed to swing and rock and roll. The school remained.

'Dry toilets'

One of the abiding memories from many generations was of the "dry toilets".

Jonathan Kirk, whose mother and grandmother taught at the school, says he hated them and worried not only about the cold but the fear of splinters.

"On one particular day as I got up to leave I became aware of a scuffling sound. I poked my head down the hole and to my surprise there was a litter of kittens, miraculously unpolluted."

It will be a very sad day tomorrow but we are looking forward to the new school in Glasswater and it is a great opportunity for education in the Crossgar area Helen Cousins Primary three teacher

Janet Kirk was principal at the little primary school for more than 30 years. She's sorry to see it close, but is optimistic for the future.

"Possibly what is lost is the lovely family atmosphere but the existing facilities are not adequate for a 21st century education for young people."

Current P3 teacher Helen Cousins agrees - she says everyone is looking to the future.

"It will be a very sad day tomorrow but we are looking forward to the new school in Glasswater and it is a great opportunity for education in the Crossgar area."

BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme was broadcast from Drumaghlis Primary School on Thursday. The BBC bus team has been recording teachers and pupils' memories of the school, which will be featured on the BBC bus website.