12 November 2009 Northern Ireland School breaks Guinness World Record

More than 1000 pupils from Ballyclare High School have been successful in their attempt to break the record for the world’s largest ever PE lesson.

The challenge, which took place on Guinness World Record Day, involved over 1000 pupils from the grammar school taking part in a 20-minute football lesson - including warm-ups, skills exercises and a short match at the end of the lesson.

An official Guinness World Record adjudicator was present throughout the challenge to verify the school’s attempt, and declared it a success shortly afterwards – making Ballyclare High School the official holders of the world record.

If you missed the BBC Report on the event you can view it again here BBC Report
You can also link to the BBC Website & view additional footage from that super day - Link to BBC

Head of PE Andrea McCullough said: “We are really thrilled to have been successful and to be able to call Ballyclare High School world record holders.

Everyone put a lot of effort into the lesson and had smiles on their faces throughout, despite the horrible weather!

“The whole purpose of doing the challenge was to encourage our pupils to take part in a sport that wouldn’t usually appeal to them and show them that sport really is for everyone, no matter how ‘sporty’ they consider themselves to be, and this was certainly the case today.”

This coincides with the aims of the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure to encourage schools to utilise ‘education sources more effectively to instil a lifelong habit of sport and physical recreation for our young people…’

Headmaster Mr David Knox said that this is yet another example of the schools constant aim to encourage lifelong learning in its pupils in fun and innovative ways.

“We want out pupils to leave Ballyclare High at the end of their school careers as fully-rounded individuals, having been enriched and fulfilled during their time here.

“This really is a very proud day for the school and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs McCullough, the teachers and pupils for their efforts to pull off this fantastic achievement.”

Guinness World Record day is now in its fifth year and is bigger than ever. Last year, more than 300,000 people took part in over 50 record attempts in 15 different nations with more people expected to take part this year.