The Academy Newsletter Belfast Royal Academy June 2012
Headmaster’s Notes The school year follows a familiar pattern. The punctuation marks – Prize Day, the Carol Service, the Spring Concert and so on – remain the same, but each year has a character of its own, defined by memorable moments and the achievements of individuals who have striven for success. In the face of unprecedented budget cuts, we have sought to increase rather than diminish the opportunities available to our pupils this year. This academic year had an auspicious start. A record number of pupils applied to enter our Form I, and while that talented generation settled into their new surroundings, those ahead of them reached milestones of their own. It was a pleasure to welcome Professor Ian White as our Guest of Honour on Prize Day. He is the first former pupil to be elected Master of a Cambridge College – Jesus College, where he had been an undergraduate in the 1970s. And on that day it was pleasing also to celebrate the aca-
demic achievements of our pupils. The pursuit of high academic standards is at the heart of our endeavours. Our aim is to enable all of our pupils to fulfil their potential, whatever their level of ability – and, as one of the largest schools in the province, we cater for a range of abilities. However, we are fortunate to have a strong cohort of pupils whose academic aptitude is outstanding and who are on a par with the very best in these islands. Once again their hard work, allied to excellent teaching, led to very pleasing success in the public examinations in the summer. At GCSE, two pupils, Connor Brogan and Matthew Smith, achieved 11 A*s, and 74 pupils achieved A* or A in 7 or more subjects – an improvement upon a statistic with which we were pleased last year. At a time when the Department of Education has asked schools to focus on Literacy and Numeracy, it is worth noting that 68% of our pupils achieved an A or A* in Mathematics, and 79% of those who sat English Literature achieved an A or A*.
Olympic Torch Relay
A pleasing number of pupils scored full marks: in English Literature – Callum Browne, Antonia Campbell, Suzanne Currie, Stephen Doyle, Bethany Queripel, Matthew Smith, Ryan Spence, and Stefan Tucker; in Art and Design – Ben O‟Donnell; in Mathematics – Tom Hanna; in French – Luke Taylor; in German – Luke Taylor and Matthew Smith; in Spanish – Ben McConnell, Hannah McKinstry and Ryan Spence; in Latin – Antonia Campbell. Stephen Doyle was ranked 1st in Northern Ireland in GCSE Music, Luke Taylor was joint 1st in French, Tom Hanna was joint 2nd in Additional Mathematics, and Paul Rodgers was joint 3rd in Additional Mathematics. At AS level, 33 pupils gained three or more grade A passes, and Aleksy Gaj scored full marks in Mathematics. At Advanced Level the results were perhaps the best that we have ever had, with 73% of pupils achieving 3 passes at A, B or C grades; indeed, 85% of all the examinations sat were
passed at those grades. Hannah Stewart was one of the few pupils in the province to achieve 5 A* grades; she was also joint 3rd in Northern Ireland in Advanced Level Biology. Alisha Gergett achieved 4 A*s and 1A, and she has accepted a place at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, to read Natural Sciences. I am pleased to note that in the last three years our pupils have achieved the top place in the Province (CCEA) at GCSE or Advanced Level in Music, French, Business Studies, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, English Literature and Chemistry: twice, in the case of French, Chemistry and Business Studies. Not only the number of top students, but also the range of subjects included in the list, is very gratifying. Following interviews in Paris, Anna McShane and Neil Fulton won conditional offers to study French at the prestigious University of London Institute in Paris. They hope to join Rebecca Anderson from last year‟s MVI, (Continued on page 2)
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The Academy Newsletter 2012
(Continued from page 1) who is currently studying there. Kathryn Fusco won First Prize the Santander Spanish Essay Competition organised by Queen‟s University and was placed third in the French Essay Competition. Jazmin Campbell came equal third in the Spanish Essay Competition. Ben O‟Donnell‟s Art was selected for The True Colours Exhibition at the Ulster Museum which showcases some of Northern Ireland‟s most talented young artists and designers. In the course of the year, six LVI pupils – Tom Hanna, Scott McCambridge, Gareth Gilfillan, Luke Taylor, Adam Brice and Bethany Queripel – and nine MVI pupils – Grace Kenny, Anna McShane, Julia Diamond, Duncan Taylor, Adam Purvis, Ridwan Farouki, Andrew McClements, Jordan McClurkin and Tom Marsh - attended week-long residential courses at Villiers Park. The pupils experienced tuition from Oxbridge academics whilst enjoying debate and discussion with other academically gifted pupils from across the UK. Three further LVI pupils – Katy McLarnon, Zoe O‟Reilly and Callum Browne – have been awarded places in the summer. Reports outlining some of the highlights of this year in Sport, Music and Drama appear elsewhere in this magazine. Worthy of special note are the achievements of our pupils, coached by Mrs Alexander, in aquatic sports. Our swimmers won Gold medals in three events at the Irish Schools‟ Swimming Championships, and Shannon Alexander and Mark Wylie were selected to represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games Lifesaving in South Africa. Other pupils also performed in their sport at a level beyond schools‟ competition: in Rifle Shooting, our Head Boy, Adam Purvis has been selected to tour Canada with the Athelings (the UK OCF/ATC shooting team) in the summer; James Reid (III) won Gold in the Irish Schools‟ Judo Championships in the U18 category and has been selected to represent Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Judo Championships in Cardiff; Kristian Irwin (LVI) has qualified for the World Kick Boxing Championships which will be held in Orlando, Florida, in the autumn; Lucy Dugan was a member of the Northern Ireland U21 Netball team which competed in the European Championships and she and Robert Moffett competed at the European U20 Club Athletics Championships in Portugal. We are Champions again in Showjumping and Bridge; Mr Reilly‟s Duke of Edinburgh‟s Award programme spans the year and the province, with more than 400 pupils currently working for their Bronze, Silver or Gold. Juanita O‟Kane was placed 1st in the „Tell The Future‟ all-Ireland short story competition (Junior category), winning prizes for herself, her class and the school; Form I pupils, Conor Ferguson, Jonathan Evans, Douglas Adams, Adam McTeggart, Jillian Lynn and Masha Holmes won awards for
reaching the top 10 in the Amnesty International UK Young Human Rights Reporter of the Year Competition. Alice Kelly of Amnesty wrote, “We would like to congratulate you on the unprecedented achievement of having six pupils reach the top ten of the Junior category in the competition, which had over 3,000 participants. The diversity, originality and quality of each of the 6 articles was inspirational.”
Ndou and Jack Kyle visited school, the R.E. Department hosted a conference in the Library which was attended by pupils from St. Patrick‟s College, „Bearnageeha‟ and Our Lady and St. Patrick‟s College, Knock. The event was chaired by William Crawley and involved a panel of guests and R.E. students in much lively discussion of themes contained within the Advanced Level R.E. specification.
Tom Hanna (LVI), Jordan Shaw (LVI), Chris Turnbull (V) and Ben Campbell (V) competed with 27 other teams in the Queen‟s University Mathematics competition and emerged triumphant, in 1st place.
We try to broaden the experience of our pupils through events such as these, and also through our exchanges with schools in Sweden and Spain, our work experience trips to Malawi and Bangladesh and the work of Mr Nash‟s European Studies group. Through our contacts in Sweden, Dr Lomas was invited to speak at a conference in Uppsala University in May. Ms Keenan and Mr Nash will lead a group, including pupils from Victoria College, to work in Romania under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity at the end of June. In recognition of our educational work abroad, the School received the prestigious International School Award in the autumn, after much preparatory work by Mr Dorman. It is a recognition of our work to open up horizons far beyond North Belfast, and, along with projects such as our Sixth Form mentoring in local primary schools and the work of the Community Service group, it reflects the importance which we place on developing a sense of social responsibility among our pupils: the School is full of talented young people and we wish them to consider how they can use their gifts, both now and in the future, for the benefit of others, who are less fortunate than they are. Twelve pupils attended the 174 Trust on one or two evenings each week throughout the year – Alex Devine, Shannan McLoughlin, Niamh Duffy, Emily Reid, Holly Reid, Kim Stewart, Chiara Banas, Rachael Allen, Lauren Bradley, Kathleen Maguire, Nikita McCoubrey and Lauren Jenkins. They worked with thirty children with disabilities ranging from learning and physical disabilities to life-limiting illness, sensory loss and missing limbs, and earned certificates in areas such as First Aid, Sign Language, Disability Sports Coaching, Mental Health and Child Protection.
Eorann O‟Neill and Holly Hamill had the honour of carrying the Olympic torch, in Antrim (and Lough Neagh!) and Belfast respectively. They are excellent ambassadors for sport and for the School. Eorann, who is currently on the Irish Waterpolo team, is Ulster Lifesaving Champion and 3rd in the UK. Holly was selected in 2009 to be part of the GMPD (Gymnastics and Movement for People with a Disability) British National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team. She has won six Gold medals and two Silver medals at the Rhythmic British Championships and claimed the Junior title two years in a row. This year she won all four Gold Apparatus medals, taking her first Senior title. In addition to these, and many other individual achievements, a number of events will live long in the memory. One such was the Christmas Reception, at which a fine illuminated plinth, bearing the School crest, dedicated to the memory of Mr Louis Lord was unveiled in the entrance hall of the Crombie Building. Mr Sillery spoke with characteristic wit and grace about his predecessor, and afterwards the many former pupils and members of staff who attended were entertained by Christmas music performed by Senior pupils. In February, the South African Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Jeremiah Ndou, visited school and had lunch with other guests, including Jack Kyle and Darren Cave. The occasion marked the launch of our „Big Scrum‟ project, which led to us setting a new world record when 840 pupils formed a scrum on the pitch at Ravenhill before the Ulster vs Aironi match. Our pupils were joined on the day by guests from schools across North Belfast – it was a memorable occasion, well organised by Mr McCarey and Mr Shields. The „Big Scrum‟ was sponsored by RaboDirect, and money from it will be given to Tygerburg Children‟s Hospital when our Senior Rugby players tour South Africa in the summer. This was the charitable cause nominated by Ulster Captain Johann Muller when he visited school in November to speak to Senior Assembly about his career and the importance of his faith. In February he visited Roughfort to spend an afternoon with our 1st XV squad. We are very grateful for the interest and support of Ambassador Ndou and Johann Muller as we prepare for our trip to South Africa. On the same day that Ambassador
T he „C l ean-u ps ‟ of Cave H ill (organised by Friends of the Academy) and of the Mournes (organised by Mr Reilly‟s Duke of Edinburgh‟s Award team) were examples of how we have worked with the wider community to improve our environment. I particularly enjoyed World Book Day. A poetry reading was held in the Library at lunchtime, where Scott Jamison and Stephen Connolly, former pupils and members of a new generation of Ulster poets emerging from Queen‟s University, read to an audience of pupils and staff. Another memorable moment this year was our first performance in the Rock Challenge anti-drugs Dance event at the Waterfront Hall. The conceptual creativity, the choreography and the performance of our dancers were exceptional – I am grateful to Miss Craig for introducing this event to our calendar: it created a great new opportunity for
our talented dancers, providing them with the chance to gain experience and confidence on stage. It was a pleasure to welcome members of the 1962 Schools‟ Cup Final team back to school on 16th March, and to attend an Anniversary Dinner in the Royal Belfast Golf Club on St. Patrick‟s Day, at which members of the Academy team shared memories with members of the RBAI team with whom they shared a hard-fought, low-scoring draw in the Final, 50 years ago. The occasion reminded me that we remain part of the wider community of our school for a lifetime. Many in that community will have been pleased to see Stuart Olding and Iain Henderson achieve their first caps for Ulster this season. It was very good to see the power and pace which graced our run to Ravenhill two years ago (and which was honed as a Fifth Former on the 3rd XV) carry Iain to the Munster line for a memorable try at Thomond Park. I have no doubt that their exploits will inspire a new generation of Academy players in the years to come. Once again, the year ends with the departure of colleagues and friends whose careers have been shining threads in the fabric of this school‟s life, for more than thirty years in some cases - Dr Lomas, Mrs Heaslip, Mrs Leyden, Mrs Connolly, Mrs Lyttle and Mr Carroll. Their professionalism, commitment and care for their pupils have been exemplary; their encouragement and the opportunities which they have created have given impetus and direction to many. A proper appreciation of their contribution to the life of the School will be published in The Owl at Christmas. We wish them well and we hope to see them often. It has, indeed, been a year rich in achievement, activity and variety. For a fuller account of events we must wait for The Owl. As I write, groups are putting the finishing touches to preparations for trips to Romania, with Habitat for Humanity, and to Malawi, which will take place after the public examinations. Already plans are afoot for new ventures next year. Through everything runs the aspiration to achieve high standards and a good-natured vitality which suggest that our wish that pupils develop self-confidence and a sense of self-worth through endeavour and achievement, and by being part of a school which seeks to ensure that they are stimulated and happy, fulfilled and respectful of others, is well founded.
J.M.G. Dickson
The Academy Newsletter 2012
The Tempest Prospero, the usurped Duke of Milan who was marooned on a deserted island by his enemies now finds them within his grasp. With the aid of his trusty spirit Ariel he plans his revenge by using the magic of the island; a magic shown to him by Caliban, the deformed slave who now serves him.
and a huge backdrop was fixed to the wall to create the forest environment that the characters inhabited.
Dr Lomas created beautiful costumes: the three Ariels (Rachael Elmore, Katy McLarnon and Erin McCullough) were resplendent in Mary Quant dresses, Prospero (Stephen Doyle) mirrored the With the royal party helpless fashion of the 1970s and Ferdibefore him, will he choose to nand (Joel Auterson) was exact his revenge, or show dressed in military garb. mercy and forgive those who have wronged him so se- Mr Jamison and the crew creverely? ated the levels on stage which gave the production more This year‟s Senior Dramatic depth and with the purple, red Society production was Wil- and blue gels lighting the steps liam Shakespeare‟s „The Tem- from the platform to the stage, pest‟. Having directed „A Mid- created the perfect atmossummer Night‟s Dream‟ in phere. 2009, Miss Tinman and I were keen to bring Shakespeare There were some special mointo the twentieth century and ments; Ben Frederick‟s hilariso we developed a post- ous entrance as Stephano and Vietnam vision of the play, Courtney Meneely‟s performtransforming Prospero into a ance of Trinculo seemed to usurped President of the steal the show, but all the acUnited States, and Caliban tors were outstanding. The into a Vietnamese woman left difficulty of the language and behind after the decimation of the need to sustain the pace of her village. the play could have been challenging, but the production was The Art Department and a great success. Grace Prenter (MVI) worked R. Evans tirelessly to create the stunning set for the Assembly Hall stage. A platform was built for the back of the stage to give Prospero a vantage point from which to survey his revenge in action. Boards were painted
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The Academy Newsletter 2012
Girls’ Sport For the 2011/12 season we fielded our usual four Senior and four Junior Hockey teams every Saturday in our block fixtures. Also every Saturday morning our Form I club was coached by Neal Hermon and Louise Mellor. Louise is an ex -pupil who has helped coach the Form One team and the
Mini-section since leaving to study Medicine. Louise has just qualified and is unable to continue; we will really miss her. Both Louise and Neal have shown fantastic commitment to our club over the years, and we hope Neal can continue to do so. The Owls‟ Cup is presented every year to the most successful team and this year it was won by the Under 13s, who lost only three games all season. They won the South Antrim League by winning all of their matches. The team was led strongly by Captain Erin Getty. Erin went on to play for Ulster U15s along with Abbie Brown; both girls have represented the U15 Belfast team, along with Lucy Miller. Erin and Abbie played on the U15 Ulster team which was invited to play in, and won, the annual youth tournament in Holland, where the team played both Dutch and German opposition.
at Under 16 level and also played an international tournament in Holland. Faye hopes to be selected for the European Championships to be held in Valencia in July.
required as we went on to win 4-0. Unfortunately, for our quarter-final match against Strathearn we had to play without our goalkeeper, who was on duty as captain of the Northern Ireland U21 Netball team! This time we were on the receiving end of a 4-0 defeat, ending our Cup run for another season.
faulted. Thank you to Mark Mills for all his help. Ellen Dalzell of Form I put in the performance of the Girls‟ Cross Country Club this year, finishing 4th in the District Championships and then going on to finish 6th in the Ulster finals out of a field of 110! We look forward to watching Ellen‟s cross country running progress in future years. Other qualifiers from our District Championships who made it through to the Ulster finals were Faye Kidd at Intermediate level and Emily Reid and Lauren O‟Donnell-Anderson at Senior level.
Anna Hutchinson and Holly Reid won a Gold medal playing for the Belfast Area U17s and Captained by Katie O‟Neill, who also ended up playing for the 1st XI every week, the 2As, due to various reasons, ended up playing only 14 matches this season, managing 5 wins and 1 draw. They had been unlucky in their Cup competition to go out to Belfast High on penalty strokes. The lack of Numbers at this year‟s summer consistency was in part due to camp were at a maximum of an ever-changing team. 80 and, for the first time since it began, some children unforThank you to Mr Dorman for all tunately had to be turned away his hard work and commitment such is the camp‟s growing in working alongside me in tak- success. ing the 1st XI and 2As. The „Teenage Kicks‟ dance Captained by Taylor McCombe project ran again for the fourth the U14As was an enthusiastic year and a team from our and talented team. Indeed school was invited to perform. many of these girls will hope to The dance programme is coboth girls earned themselves earn a place on next season‟s ordinated by Freddie Kinneran Ulster trial; Anna has been 1st XI squad. The girls had a sley and is supported by Belincluded in the training squad slow start to their season, but fast City Council. for a second year at this level. really improved over the year getting into winning ways and In the Irish Schools‟ Athletics Emily Reid, our 1st XI captain, showing much improvement as Championships at Tullamore, played for the Ulster U21s at a team. They were very the performance of the day the Inter-provincial tournament unlucky to go out of their Cup was by Emma Kelso. In the in Cork. at the quarter-final stage. We Intermediate Girls‟ Pole Vault, travelled to Banbridge Acad- Emma broke her team mate Incredibly, the 1st XI record emy for this match and went Lucy Dugan‟s Irish record in finished exactly the same as out 1-0 to a very strong team; winning Gold. Lucy won Gold last season! It was, however, a the girls‟ performance and ef- in the Senior event. N. Nicholl more successful season as we fort could not have been reached the quarter-final stage of the Senior Schools‟ Cup for the first time in 10 years. After getting a „bye‟ in the first round we travelled to Dungannon Royal and fought out a 1-1 draw which stayed the same after extra-time. After 5 penalty strokes the teams were still level on 4-4 taking the game to sudden death. Anna Hutchinson stepped up to score a superb stroke which was followed by a top-drawer save from keeper Lucy Dugan to put us through to the next round.
Other honours include, Faye Grosvenor was our next oppoKidd who represented Ireland nent and extra-time was not
The Academy Newsletter 2012
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Netball Round-Up This season recorded considerable team success. The Junior A team reached the final of the Belfast Schools‟ „A‟ League, but lost narrowly to Rathmore Grammar, a school with a rich Netball tradition. The Senior team played in the Belfast Schools‟ „B‟ League and proceeded undefeated to the Final against Lagan College. Sadly, victory also eluded the Senior team on the day.
Championships; Erin Getty was selected for the U13 Belfast Area Netball Academy while Naomh McGuigan and Lauren McCullough achieved places on the Belfast Area Podium Training Squad.
This year 8 netball teams from the Academy competed in League competitions. We hope that Netball in the Academy continues to grow, offering opportunities for the development Individual success was also a of skills, success, competition, characteristic of this season. fun, and the privilege of repreLucy Dugan was selected to senting our school. play for the Northern Ireland U21 team in the European V. Heaslip
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award The D. of E. in the Academy continues to go from strength to strength. Currently our membership stands at 414 pupils from Forms III to MVI: this means that the Academy has the largest school-based Award Centre in Northern Ireland, and possibly the United Kingdom. Since 1984 the following Awards have been gained by our pupils: Bronze: 1,112 Silver: 609 Gold: 410 The 22nd Annual Sponsored Mournes‟ Clean-up and Environment Day was held on Saturday 10th December 2011. Taking part were 143 people,
i.e. 109 pupils, all Duke of Edinburgh‟s Award members from Forms III to MVI, as well as 34 adult helpers, including former pupils who are Gold Award holders, parents and teachers. About six tonnes of rubbish were cleared from 11 sites in the Mournes‟ area. We received much appreciated assistance from Down District Council, Newry and Mourne District Council, The Mourne Heritage Trust, The National Trust, Tidy Northern Ireland and Mark‟s Skip Hire (Kilkeel). BBC Newsline sent a reporter and cameraman to cover the event. They focussed on the clean-up in Donard Wood. A two minute report was broad-
cast during the Saturday teatime news, featuring footage of the clean-up work and interviews with Mr. Reilly and three pupils. This year, the Mournes Clean-Up raised £2,567.27 for our funds. On Tuesday 31st January 2012 Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, opened the new Northern Ireland Regional Office of The Duke of Edinburgh‟s Award in Newtownbreda. Six participants and a Leader from the Academy‟s D. of E. Award Centre were honoured to be invited to take part in the event. After the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Jonathan Cummings, Maebh King (LVI),
Adam Purvis (MVI), Melissa Antonio (V), Steven Bailie (LVI), Ling Chung (IV) and Oliver Vick (IV) talked with Prince Edward about the Academy D. of E. Centre‟s work helping to clean up the Mountains of Mourne over the last twenty-two years. 238 of our members have been very successfully involved in a busy period of expedition work at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, on foot in the Antrim Hills and the Mourne Mountains, and, by canoe, on the River Bann. After the summer examinations the programme of expedition work will continue right through until the end of October. J. Reilly
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The Academy Newsletter 2012
Music Notes 2011/2012 has proven to be a very busy and exciting year for the Music Department. Rehearsals commenced immediately in September for all groups. With only seven rehearsals between the beginning of the new school year and the Senior Orchestra and Chamber Choir‟s performances at Prize Day, we settled down to concentrate on the music chosen for that occasion. The Senior Orchestra performed Abdeldazer by Purcell and the Chamber Choir sang Ave Maria by Rachmaninov. Immediately after the half-term break, rehearsals commenced for the Senior and Junior Carol Services. Once again the Senior Choir, Chamber Choir and Senior Orchestra performed at the Senior Carol Service with solos from Michael Bell (LVI) in God is with Us by John Tavener and Stephen Doyle (LVI) and Jessica Massey (MVI) in A Child’s Prayer by James MacMillen with the Chamber Choir. Méabh Mallaghan (MVI) and Laurie-Anne Bartsch (LVI) performed the solos in Once in Royal David’s City and There were Shepherds by G. F. Handel respectively with the Senior Choir. It was an excellent Carol Service with over £400 raised for The Simon Community. The Junior Choir performed four carols in the Junior Carol service with solos by Patrick Donnelly, Jessica McVeigh, Molly Bond, Owen Minford and Charlotte Nicholl.
January and February also proved to be extremely busy months. Many groups performed during the Open Evenings in the second week of January. Prospective pupils were treated to a wide range of music performed by the Big Band, Traditional Group, Saxophone Quartet, Clarinet Quartet, Flute Quartet and the Brass Quintet. These smaller instrumental groups, made up largely of members of the Senior Orchestra and Wind Band, have proven to be invaluable to the Music Department. Many thanks must go to the pupils who are members of three or four instrumental groups as well as a choral group – they willingly give up lunchtimes and stay regularly after school until 5pm. The Annual Spring Concert in March was a huge success. Fourteen different groups and over two hundred and fifty students performed to a packed Spires Centre. Everyone rose to the occasion and the wealth of talent on display was outstanding. Lauren O‟DonnellAnderson and Niall McIlroy (MVI) performed solos that demonstrated their natural musical ability and made everyone a little tearful that this was their last year. Rehearsals were frenetic in the run-up to the big event – members of Senior Choir can testify to that, but all the stress and mayhem of the rehearsals were nowhere to be seen on the night. As I stood in front of Senior Choir at the start of John Rutter‟s Requiem I wondered if
The Academy Newsletter 2012 things would go as badly as in rehearsals. Of course they didn‟t! Each angelic little face smiled at me and they sang their hearts out – if only they would sing like this in rehearsals I would not need to get my roots touched up every eight weeks. However, the highlight of the evening must be Ben McConnell break-dancing during the Chamber Choir‟s performance of Pricetag and James Donnelly attempting to sing and dance at the same time – only us women can multi-task James! The Summer Serenade at the end of May was a wonderful, if rather hot, evening. This time the Junior pupils entertained their friends and family with their musical ability. The Junior Wind Band, after realising that the music started after eight beats in and not four, played rather well. The Junior Strings and Junior Traditional Group were, as always, perfectly in tune and the Saxophone Group and Clarinet Quartet played brilliantly by themselves – no conductor needed! The four soloists, Jordan Walker, Ryan Davison, Emer Gribbon and Ruari McGowan, performed with a confidence that belied their
tender ages. The two Rock Bands – Dispose after Use and the Hedge Lizards – entertained the audiences with their own songs. Once again, Ben McConnell left many young hearts racing with his performance! The Music Department would like to take this opportunity to thank the various members of staff who sing, conduct, accompany and take part in so many instrumental and choral groups. Without their support the Music Department would find it very difficult to produce music of such a high standard. Thanks also to the instrumental teachers in the School who have shown such commitment to the groups that they have taken throughout the year: Mr Power for conducting the Brass Band, Miss McGinley for her work with Junior Strings and Dr McAtasney for training the Saxophone and Clarinet groups. This year we are losing a number of valuable members of the Music Department. To all the MVI who have sat in Orchestra rehearsal s since Junior School, Wind Band since Form I or in Senior Choir since Form III, thank you for all your help
The new GCSE specification brought with it a rejuvenated syllabus which explored a more broad and interesting range of music than before. The modules chosen were „Repeated Patterns in Music‟, „Incidental Music‟ and „Vocal Music‟. The „Repeated Patterns‟ module explored the use of motif as an important compositional tool and gave me lots of ideas for my composition coursework. As a singer, the „Vocal Music‟ module interested me a great deal and allowed me to study oratorio, art songs and musical theatre. As musical theatre is an integral part of the „AS‟ specification, it was very helpful to have this insight at GCSE level. The „Incidental Music‟ module was refreshingly eclectic with works ranging from the „Doctor Who‟
and support over the years. Without you the Music Department would have sounded quite terrible and would certainly not have been as much fun! Finally, news of some successes on the wider choral and instrumental scene: Olivia Wilson, Sarah Minford and Michael Bell have obtained places in the Ulster Youth Choir while a number of pupils have found places in the Ulster Youth Training Choir and Stephen Doyle has gained a place in the Ulster Youth Orchestra. These places are all highly prized and gained only by audition against the stiffest of competition provincewide. Many congratulations to all students. All in all, we have yet again much cause for celebration and I am looking forward to the next academic year already! The hair dye has already been bought! M. McMullan
tening skills for the examination and also helped me prepare for the performance modtheme tune to „Peer Gynt‟. In ule. addition to the study of set works, the course requires a I was delighted to hear I had composition and performance come first in the province in element, which allowed greater GCSE music, an achievement freedom and creativity. which gave me confidence in
Top in Music
Music examinations can often be difficult to prepare for as they rely on aural skills and aptitude as well as extensive knowledge of your notes. To improve my listening abilities, I felt it was important to take part in as many practical groups as possible including: Senior Strings, Senior Orchestra, Senior Choir and Chamber Choir every week. Outside of school I was a member of the Ulster Youth Orchestra, Ulster Youth Choir and City of Belfast Youth Orchestra. This invaluable experience of hearing the instruments of the orchestra every week sharpened my lis-
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choosing Music as a fifth „AS‟ subject. I owe all my success to the great teaching and support I have received from the members of the B.R.A. Music Department, who continue to help me develop as a student and musician. Stephen Doyle (LVI)
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The Academy Newsletter 2012
Boys’ Sport There was plenty of endeavour this season from the 1st XV Rugby team. After a disappointing exit from the Schools‟ Cup at the hands of Rainey Endowed the team picked itself up and enjoyed a good run in a very competitive Bowl competition. Hard-fought victories were secured against Wellington College and Down High School on the road to the final. The opposition in the final was Sullivan Upper School. A very nervous firsthalf display saw the team trailing 19-0 at half-time. However, a spirited second-half performance saw the team almost snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Unfortunately, a late intercept try from Sullivan was enough to see them home. Congratulations to our captain, David Patterson, who played for Ulster U19 and Daniel Dass, who played for Ulster U18.
against the „old enemy‟. A pulsating match saw us eventually defeated, but with honour intact. It would normally be wrong to single out any particular player in a report that is brief. However, mention has to be made of our undeclared player of the season, Jonathan Orr (MVI), whose cache of tries averaged more than one per game, including a brace in the semifinal against R.B.A.I.
The Medallion XV had a successful season, but unfortunately lost to a strong C.A.I. side in the fourth round of the Medallion Shield. The squad displayed excellent commitment and determination throughout the year. Their fine and diligent effort in training reaped rewards in terms of progress on the pitch. All season long, the boys were a credit to themselves and the The 2nd XV had, on the School and with a more fortuwhole, a very successful sea- nate draw in the Shield would son, coming to within three have progressed much further. points of a semi-final place. In a closely fought quarter-final The Medallion „B‟ XV commatch against Sullivan Upper peted in an extensive fixture we lost 17-14. The squad was list this year. The team had without doubt good enough to mixed results throughout the have won the 2nd XV Cup. season, including narrow defeats to Wallace, Boys‟ Model, In our four matches against Lurgan and wins over BallyDungannon Royal, Foyle and clare, Sullivan and Catholic Londonderry College, Regent University School, Dublin. The House and Bangor Grammar, most emphatic win of the seawe scored a massive 214 son came when the team travpoints with only 13 points be- elled to Ballymena. There ing conceded. The side was were notable performances awarded the „Team of the throughout the year from both Year‟ trophy at the Colours forwards and backs. In the Award Ceremony at the end of forwards, there were Caolan a rewarding and very enjoy- Lyttle‟s try-scoring heroics, able season. Sammy Nelson‟s strong tackling and ball carrying, David After a somnambulant start Reid‟s ability to force a turnand a meagre haul of victories over and Peter Boyd‟s strong against lesser opposition, the scrummaging. In the backs, 3rd XV season exploded into the two Bens, Cave and Kane, life once the Cup matches combined well at half-back and came around. The Owl will were assisted ably by strong contain a fuller account of running lines and defence by these tales of „derring-do‟ suf- centres Ruairi Linden and fice to say here that victories Christian O‟Connor. The against Ballyclare 4th team, strength of the Medallion „B‟ Limavady and Ballyclare 3rd XV and the level of improveteams saw us take to the field ment were evident by the numat Osborne Park in a well- ber of players who forced their deserved Cup semi-final way into the „A‟ Squad and
played an important part in the Upper and in the impressive 4Medallion Shield campaign. 1 win against Friends‟. Unfortunately, they fell at the final hurIt was a very successful sea- dle, losing to a strong Wallace son for the Under 14 Rugby side. The season finished with t eam. Notabl e v ictories a hugely enjoyable trip to the throughout the year came Olympic Qualifiers in Dublin. against Ballyclare High School, The Colts team enjoyed similar The Royal School Armagh, success in the Taylor Cup, Grosvenor Grammar School where they progressed through and Belfast High School. The a tricky group to set up a semiteam also won the „Bowl‟ at the final tie against the defending annual M.C.B. tournament in champions, Portadown. Dewhich the team only lost spite battling hard, Portadown against the eventual champi- proved to be too strong in the ons, Campbell College. The end for the relatively young season concluded with a very Colts team. The Junior side enjoyable tour to Cambridge in continued to show improveMarch. ment and recorded several good results. There were stand The Under 13 Rugby team had -out performances from Owen a successful season, winning Kinnear, Jason Roe, Thomas 12 of 19 games, following a Carey and John Miller, asslow start. They improved on sisted ably by several new adeach of their results from Form ditions from Form I. I and have shown significant potential for the future. The Boys‟ Athletics Club has been successful this year at The Under 12 Rugby squad the District Championships. As has been a very enthusiastic well as gaining a 3rd place in team this year. They began the Di sc u s, Ro bert M of f et t season very well, winning a achieved 1st place in the Hamtournament against Carrick mer, creating a New District Grammar and the Boys‟ Model. Record. Success also came to They also had a fine victory Andrew Curtis who was 1st in against Coleraine Inst. The the 200m, Nathan Lyons who team produced some very obtained a 1st place in the good performances in the final High Jump and 2nd in the Tritournament of the year losing ple Jump and 3rd places were out narrowly to Campbell Col- secured by Daniel Dass in the lege in the quarter-final of the Shot, Malachy McKenna in the Plate competition. 1500m and by Andrew Curtis, Andrew McClements, Nathan It was a largely successful sea- Lyons and Jonathan Orr in the son for Boys‟ Hockey. The 1st 4x100m Relay. The Academy XI team competed in the Prior team finished in 1st place overShield, qualifying for the semi- all. finals for the first time in recent years. The team played some The Intermediate Boys‟ team excellent hockey throughout also had their share of 1st the campaign, particularly in places with Alan Curtis winning the 2-1 win against Sullivan the 400m Hurdles and Long
The Academy Newsletter 2012 Conor Ferguson started well in the Ulster Championships; gaining 3rd place in the Minor 4x100m Relay. Other members of our Junior team also performed well, with Stephen McCorry being placed 3rd in the Hammer, Sean Rice 6th in the Long Jump and 7th in the Triple Jump, Gareth McAdams 6th in the Discus and 4th in Javelin and the 4x100m Relay team comprising Jack Gill, Christopher McLaughlin, Sean Rice and Roy Chia achieving 5th place. The Intermediate team also produced an encouraging performance in the Ulster Championships, with 1st places from Stewart Martin in the Discus, Robert Moffett in the Hammer, Alan Curtis in the 400m Hurdles and 2nd places by Alan Curtis in the Long Jump and Scott McMurtry in the Hammer. Ruairi Brogan also achieved a 3rd place in the 100m Hurdles and the 4x100m team comprising Ruairi Brogan, Alan Curtis, Scott McMurtry and David Campbell was 5th. We look forward to seeing their accomplishments in the future.
Jump, Ruairi Brogan winning the 100m Hurdles, Alex Steenson winning Shot and Stewart Martin achieving first place in the Discus. The team worked very hard to finish 3rd overall with convincing performances in the Long Jump by James Carey (3rd), and a run of 2nd places in the Hammer, Javelin and 4x100m Relay by Scott McMurtry, Rhys Donaldson and the team of Ruairi Brogan, Alan Curtis, David Campbell and James Carey respectively.
was 1st in the Minor Shot and Shane Martin was 3rd in both the Minor 100m and Long Jump; the Minor 4x100m Relay team of Shane Martin, Conor Ferguson, Joshua Hegarty and Aaron Campbell finished 1st; Sean Rice was 2nd in both the Junior Long and Triple Jumps, with Thomas Carey finishing 3rd in the Junior Triple Jump; Gareth McAdams was 2nd in the Junior Javelin and Discus events, and Stephen McCorry was 3rd in the Junior Hammer; the 4x100m Relay team of Sean Rice, Roy Chia, Christo- In the Irish Schools‟ ChampiAthletics is going from pher McLaughlin and Jack Gill onships, Robert Moffett won strength to strength in the finished in 2nd place. Bronze at Senior level in the Academy and the following Hammer event, with Stewart young pupils achieved encour- Shane Martin, Joshua Heg- Martin and Alan Curtis, comaging results: Jack Plackett garty, Aaron Campbell and peting at Intermediate level,
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obtaining Silver in Discus and Bronze in the 400m Hurdles respectively. In Cricket, the School has reached the semi-finals of the McCullough Cup. They defeated Ballyclare High and Friends‟ School, Lisburn and drew with Wallace High School on points. We will play Sullivan Upper in the semi-finals. The Colts Cricket team has reached the quarter-final of the Under 15 Cup. Furthermore, the Junior Colts XI has reached the knock-out stages of the Schools‟ Under 14 League and the quarter-final of the Derriaghy Cup; the 2nd XI has reached the quarter-final of the Duke of Abercorn Memorial Cup and congratulations should go to Jack Burton NCU Under 13, Andrew Forbes NCU Under 15, Daniel McFadden and Ross Bryans NCU Under 17 and Jordan McClurkin who is part of the Ireland Under 19 squad. I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of staff for their tireless work and support over the past year.
I. McGonigle
Therefore, next time you go on fident in your own abilities. holiday, aim for somewhere They won‟t mind if you make a that speaks the language you mistake! Good luck. and try talking to yourself or learn. Go into a shop or restaueven thinking in French. For rant and speak to the local Luke Taylor (LVI) those who are older and attend people. It makes you feel conconversation classes in school, I think it really helps if you try to go the whole class without speaking a single word of English.
Top in French
It was a pleasure for me to receive the award for the jointhighest mark in the French GCSE in Northern Ireland. I have had a keen interest in the subject since Form I, and it is one of the few interests in my six year-long school life that has stuck with me the whole way. To sum up, I would certainly recommend Modern LanMy advice to anyone who guages. It is useful to know as wants to be strong in Modern early as first or second year Languages would be: go over where your future lies. People the words, grammar and think that languages can only phrases as often as possible; lead to teaching or interpreting, speak the language to your but the reality is so much difteacher (they won‟t laugh at ferent. With knowledge of a you); go onto educational language, the world is your websites and take part in ac- oyster. Knowing more than one tivities, as there is no point in or two languages makes you learning the words if you don‟t much more employable. know what to do with them
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The Academy Newsletter 2012
Malawi As you read this edition of The Academy, it will be no surprise to find that the Malawi project continues to go from strength to strength as it extends the provision of Global Opportunities for our young people at B.R.A. Every year we make changes to the team experience as we try to maximise the opportunities for our pupils and this year is no exception. In June we have forty-six pupils and twelve staff members travelling to Malawi to take part and contribute to the on-going work associated with our partnership with the Mulanje Mission hospital and schools. The continued success of this project is in no small part due to the commitment and support of our staff team members, but without the pupils this work could simply not happen. For that reason, this article recalls the memories of three young people from the 2011 teams as well as conveying the aspirations of one team member looking forward to travelling to Malawi this year. Reflections from 2011 hopes for June 2012
and
Declan Coghlan remembers the culture and education: “We first landed in Blantyre; the change in atmosphere was instantaneous. The sights, the smells and the sounds were all completely new to us. Hundreds of smiling faces greeted us upon our arrival, some of whom had never seen a white person before. The thing that struck me most was the thousands of children that were so excited to see us and were very enthusiastic to play and learn with us. We were provided with accommodation at Likhubula house and were overwhelmed by Nancy and the rest
of the staff. They were all so friendly and did everything that they could to make our stay even more special. Work experience was the main focus of our travels, but we encountered so much more than originally expected. The emotional bond we share with some school children in the Mulanje Mission is forever made and there is still one boy that I talk to now.
oping over the last few years as more and more pupils visit. The link has become an integral part of the hospital‟s growth. Their vision is: „To have a community where people are able to recognise health problems and seek holistic health care services based on Christian values to improve the quality of life’.
Definitely one of my favourite times in Malawi was teaching in the primary and secondary schools. The children are so eager to learn and want nothing more that to continue education, although the reality is that very few, if any, of them will. The trip showed me what I take for granted in life. I now make it a goal to live life to its fullest. It has also encouraged me to work for goals and not just expect dreams to be handed to me.”
Above all, my best moment in Malawi was when I got to scrub in on a caesarean section in theatre. We got to follow the whole procedure, right through to the baby‟s first cry after twenty minutes of the nurse trying to revive her. When she opened her eyes for the first time, I was the first person she saw! I got to hold her and she helped me realise that medicine is definitely the career I want to follow.”
Judith Bingham reflects on the medical experience: “While we were in Malawi, I spent three days in the mission hospital, assisting nurses with ward rounds, observing in Radiology and the Under 5s clinic. I saw infant vaccinations and helped weigh babies. We had the opportunity to meet the hospital‟s only qualified doctor, Dr Kilungwe, who gave us a brief guide to how the hospital is run. Currently, the areas they focus on are the youth clinic, palliative care, cervical cancer screenings, a modern dental unit, kangaroo care (a facility designed to care for mothers and their premature babies) and the HIV clinic. The hospital is dealing with huge setbacks such as lack of funding, maintenance, lack of staff, but the staff remains strong and keeps trusting that help will come. The link we have as a school has been devel-
shouting and waving, and we could see women busily working at stalls by the roadside and carrying baskets on their heads. We also noted that many of the men seemed to be sitting with their friends having a drink. Our Malawian driver explained that it was custom here for the women to work and the men to sit back and relax.
Eventually, we arrived at Likhubula House, set in the shadow of the magnificent Mulanje Mountain, and we were warmly greeted by the cooks there who had specially prepared donuts for us! After settling in to our rooms, we played with some local children who had seen us arriving and had hidden in the bushes until we came out to play – they were so eager and full of energy. Then it was an early night for everyone as we were tired after the twenty hours of travSarah Martin sums it all up: elling, and we had to be up early “On Friday 24th June 2011, six- for a two-hour long church service teen pupils and six staff set off on in the morning! the vast journey to Malawi in South East Africa. After three long The days flew by as we settled flights and one lost suitcase we quickly into our routines of early were only too happy to arrive fi- rises and long days of work exnally in Blantyre Airport, where the perience. We rotated each placeheat instantly hit us – an impres- ment so every member of the sive 26 degrees! We met up with team was able to experience a Mr Creighton who had already variety of different situations, from been in Mulanje for a few days. hand painting in the nursery Two minibuses picked us up and school to weighing babies in the we set off on the spectacular drive hospital. It was truly daunting havto Likhubula House where we ing to get up and teach classes of were staying. African children, ranging from four to twenty years old, but it was a As we drove further out of Blantyre challenge every member overtowards the more rural Mulanje, came and performed to their best. we were exposed to a setting very At times, the language barrier and different from Belfast – the roads large number of children could be were mostly dirt tracks with no an issue, but our team worked footpaths, the few cars were old even harder to ensure every child models and the buildings, even was involved. By the end of the shops, were very basic. Bare- week, even the most timid team footed children ran after our buses member became completely confi-
The Academy Newsletter 2012
dent in a classroom environment. What we learnt through intense situations like these was more than just work experience – we gained invaluable skills for life. The organized home-visits to the houses of Malawian pupils proved a really insightful experience for all. Many of the homes visited by the team members comprised one small room only, with up to four people living there. Conditions were very basic compared to the luxury we live in at home. Yet despite the obvious economic differences, our Malawian peers have very much the same interests and dreams as we do, even though some of their aspirations – things as simple as wanting to go to university – are actually unrealistic. They are so passionate about doing something worthwhile with their lives but in actuality, the opportunity to realise those dreams may never come. The project day was one of the most enjoyable of the trip, with the team splitting up into three groups and then each group redecorating a particular classroom at the Mulanje Mission School. The nursery was repainted completely, including numbers, letters and a mural on the walls, and it was also refurbished with new
toys that the team bought with money they fund-raised together. The other two groups repainted primary one classrooms, with help from some Malawian pupils from the local secondary school. The Cultural Exchange between the B.R.A. team and APATSA Orphanage was brilliant and enjoyed by everyone. We offered our talents as a choir and an Irish dancing troupe, and the children of APATSA put on for us a number of songs, plays and acrobatic routines. Each side shared music from its home country, before collaborating at the end in a huge song and dance. Singing and dancing with new found friends – both on the team and from Malawi – in the dusty playground of APATSA was one of the most uplifting moments of the trip. It was important to experience what else Africa had to offer outside of work, so in our free time we visited the local markets and bought traditional Chichenzi fabric, and one day trekked up Mount Mulanje to experience the stunning views from the huge waterfalls. Towards the end of our time we were all really excited to travel up to Lilongwe National Park to partake in a river cruise and dawn safari ride, which were both fan-
tastic. We came really close to wild elephants, hippos, crocodiles and warthogs, and also spotted gazelles, king fishers, baboons and eagles. The park was really incredible, and a hugely worthwhile place to visit while we were in Africa. To see wild animals roam around their natural habitat unimpeded by cages or a barrier was astonishing. Even the landscape was breathtaking – the cacti and baobab trees were amazing in themselves.
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Sarah McGrath (LVI) had this to say: “Understandably, I am absolutely excited about heading off to Malawi and experiencing the culture. I hope to learn so much about myself, about those around me and perhaps even gain a deeper appreciation for everything which we so easily take for granted in Northern Ireland. I‟ve experienced so much already through our team fund-raising, personal fund-raising and even our team residentials. Malawi 2012 will definitely be one The one quote we could use to to remember!” sum up the experience is: „„A journey is best measured in friends, So that‟s it; some reflections from rather than miles‟‟ - something that a truly memorable experience in rings true for the Malawi experi- 2011 and some thoughts about ence of 2011.” what lies ahead for our teams in June. Please follow the on-going So what about Malawi 2012? journey of Malawi on twitter, on Well, for the most part, the writing Facebook and on our School webof this story is happening right site. Thank you and we‟ll be back now. The teams are ready, an to tell you all about the next chapexciting sense of team spirit and ter…when it‟s written! togetherness already exists, project money has been raised, the flights are booked, the bags are semi-packed and the vaccinations are complete. The teams this year A. Bell have young people who are enthusiastic, talented and, most importantly, willing to get involved. Anticipation and potential are palpable.
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The Academy Newsletter 2012
‘Big Scrum’ World Record On 30 March 2012 at Ravenhill, 840 children from North Belfast, led by some 700 Academy pupils, became World Record holders by being part of the largest ever rugby scrum. The event was the brainchild of the Academy‟s Head of Rugby, Chris McCarey, who intended it to raise interest in and funds for the 2012 Senior Rugby Tour to South Africa.
Antoinette Rademan and Ire- A video of the event, made by Academy Big Scrum‟ on Youland‟s greatest ever rugby Mr Jamison, is available by Tube. M. Shields player, Academy alumnus, searching for „Belfast Royal Jack Kyle.
Preparations began a month before with a media launch which coincided with the visit to the School of His Excellency, Ambassador Jeremiah Ndou, his political counsel,
‘Congrats to all involved in the @BelfastRoyalAc World’s Biggest Scrum, so proud to be involved, what a day to be part of Academy!’
The event was well received in the media by BBC Newsline, BBC Sport website, News Letter, Belfast Telegraph, IRFU website, as well as drawing attention on social networking sites, where MVI pupil @joshrooney tweeted:
Writing Success This year Academy pupils first prize in the Junior catehave continued to impress in a gory of the „Tell The Future‟ variety of writing competitions. story-writing competition. This competition is part of the Pupils have displayed a dy- „Future of Rural Energy – namic range of skills, whether FREE‟ initiative supported writing convincing environ- throughout Ireland by Calor. mental articles for the Calor There were approximately „Tell The Future‟ competition, 1000 entries for this competipowerful Human Rights jour- tion, which makes Juanita‟s nalism for Amnesty Interna- achievement all the more imtional or imaginative short sto- pressive. Her piece outlined ries for the Féile an Phobail how we should utilize our natufestival, this has been an ex- ral environment in order to creciting and successful year for ate a more efficient and environmentally friendly form of Dublin on Friday 27th January School received a number of our young writers. energy. For winning the com- to receive prizes for both her- „Notebooks‟ and Kindles. C. Little The Juanita O‟Kane (Form III) won petition, Juanita travelled to self and the School.
Ben Madigan Notes This has been another busy and successful year at Ben Madigan. Our new venture has been the introduction of a Judo club which takes place on Friday afternoons. Some of our pupils from that and an outside club participated in the N.I. Schools‟ Judo Championships along with 50 other Primary schools involving more than 225 children. At Individual level we won 3 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 Bronze medals. At Team level one of our girls‟ teams won the Team Trophy with the other team winning Bronze medals while the boys‟ team came second winning Silver medals. I am told that this makes Ben Madigan the
top Judo primary school in N.I. In addition, our Cross Country team had success, notably Amie Bradley who won the District Championships and came 4th in Northern Ireland. Five Prep 7 pupils were selected to represent Belfast in an Athletics event at the Odyssey. This year has brought much success for the current „A‟ and „B‟ Hockey teams. In the Belfast Blitz the „A‟ team won 8 out of their 10 matches and the „B‟ team were only beaten by 3 teams and drew against much more experienced opposition. Although narrowly missing out on silverware at the Campbell
tournament there is much promise in store for next season with some very skilful Prep 6 pupils coming through the ranks.
Several of our pupils achieved success in piano examinations held by both the Associated Board and Trinity Guildhall. V. McCaig