The revised Northern Ireland Curriculum requires schools to, "develop the young person as a contributor to the economy and environment." This includes an understanding of employability and economic awareness.

Mr Brownlow and several other teachers undertook a study tour of schools in Florida which were using the "Microsociety" concept. Staff members also visited the Grangeton project at Grange Primary School in Nottinghamshire. Following this, our "Middleton Community" project was started. The Middleton name derives from the meaning of Ballymena - The Middle Town.

A logo for the Middleton community was designed based on ideas from the pupils. Street names for each corridor were nominated by each class council.

Each year all P3 to P7 classes select a local business to study or visit. Each class also runs a mini enterprise, the products of which are sold on the Middleton market day.

In addition, children may apply for various jobs in the Middleton community. These include:-

• Working in the TV Studio
• Producing the termly Middleton Express newspaper
• Librarian
• Meteorologist
• Play Unit assistant
• Playground buddy
• Worship team member
• Member of the Eco-team