The Owl 2016 by Belfast Royal Academy

Cover Design by: Kate Spence

Printed by Peninsula Print & Design

The Owl Team 2016

BELFAST ROYAL ACADEMY The Belfast Royal Academy was founded in 1785 and is the oldest school in the city. Originally situated near St Anne’s Cathedral, in what is now Academy Street, it was transferred to the Cliftonville Road in 1880, when the present building was erected. For more than a century the School was named Belfast Academy. In 1888 Queen Victoria granted permission for the School to style itself Belfast Royal Academy. It is a voluntary grammar school and its management is vested in a Board of Governors on which parents and teachers are represented, along with Governors elected by members of the Academy and nominees of the Minister of Education. Any past pupil who attended B.R.A. for at least three years and who is twenty one or over, may, subject to the Governors, become a member of the Academy upon payment of a registration fee of £1. Applications should be made to the Bursar at the School. Past pupils are encouraged to join the Old Boys’ and Old Girls’ Associations. The cost of membership and contact details are as follows:

OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION School Liaison Officer: Chairperson: Vice Chairperson: Hon. Secretary: Hon. Treasurer:

Dr C. Scully Mrs Nikki Johns Ms Caroline Dillon Mrs Clare McGovern Miss Johanna Richardson

We would welcome all school leavers to join the Association, please email BRAoldgirls@outlook.com to request a membership form. Registered Charity Number NIC104739

Annual Membership……………………………….……………………….…£5.00

OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION President: Mr A. R. Fletcher Hon. Secretary: Dr L. Campbell, Belfast Royal Academy, Cliftonville Road, Belfast, BT14 6JL Hon. Treasurer: Mr N. Simon, 210 Belfast Road, Dunadry, Co. Antrim, BT41 2EY Life Membership…………………..………......................................................£20.00 Membership (School Leaver) ………………………....First year after leaving is free. 1

The Owl 2016

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Mrs. J. Weir, B.Sc., C.Math., M.I.M.A. (Warden) Mr. K.A. Knox, M.Sc. (Hon. Treasurer & Senior Vice-Warden) Mr. N. W. Beggs Ms. S.A. Beattie, B.A., M.Sc., F.C.I.P.D., C.Psychol., C.Sci., A.F.B.Ps.S. Mr. A.A.W. Bell, B.Sc., B.Agr.Sc., Ph.D. Ms. K.M. Bill, M.B., Ch.B., F.C.A.I., F.R.C.A., F.F.I.C.M. Mrs. K. L. Burns, B.A. Mrs. A. Clements, B.A. (Hon. Secretary) Mr. R. Connolly, B.Sc. Ms. C.R. Dillon, B.A. Mr. P.G. Dorman, B.Th. Prof. E.E. Douglas-Cowie, B.A., D.Phil. Mr. J.A. Hill, F.R.Eng., B.Sc., Hon. D.Sc., C.Eng., F.I.C.E., F.I.StructE., F.C.I.H.T. Mr. P.S. McBride, B.Sc., B.Sc.Psych., C.Phys., FRAeS., M.Inst.P., M.B.Ps.S. Mr. B.W. McCormack, B.Sc. (Econ), F.C.A. Mrs. G.E. McGaughey, LL.B., Cert in Professional Legal Studies. Mr. M.J. Neill, M.Sc. Mr. S.B. Orr, LL.B. Mr. D.E. Porter, M.Sc., C.Eng., M.I.C.E., M.C.I.H.T., M.C.I.W.E.M. Mr. D.A. Scoffield Q.C., M.A., LL.M. Mr. G.R. Simon, F.R.I.C.S. Mr. J.D. Twinem, B.A., D.I.S, Pg.Cert., Pg.Dip., M.Sc, M.Inst.L.M., M.C.G.I. Mr. D.G. Walsh, B.Sc., M.B.A., C.Eng., M.I.M.E. Mr. S.J.S.Warke, A.C.I.I., Dip P.F.S., T.E.P. Mr. G.W. Watt, M.A. Mr. A.J. Wilkinson, F.C.A. Mr. J.M.G. Dickson, M.A. (Headmaster - Non-voting member) Miss E. Hull, B.Sc., Dip(Acc), F.C.A. (Bursar - Acts as Clerk to the Board of Governors)

MEMBERS OF STAFF Headmaster

Mr. J. M. G. Dickson, M.A.

Deputy Principal

Ms. C. N. Scully, B.Sc., Ph.D., A.L.C.M., P.Q.H. (N.I.) Mr. G.J.N. Brown, B.A., Ph.D. Mr. M. T. Wilson, B.Sc., P.Q.H. (N.I.)

Vice Principals

Senior Teachers

Ms. W. E. Graham, B.A., M.A., P.Q.H. (N.I.) Mr. M. C. W. Harte, B.A. Mr. M. R. Shields, M.A.

Deputy Senior Teacher

Mr. J. R. Jamison, B.Sc.

Staff Lists

HEADS OF DEPARTMENT ART

Mrs. P. Kerr, B.A., A.T.D., M.Ed.

BUSINESS STUDIES

Mrs. G. McQuiston, B.Ed.

BIOLOGY

Mr. A. A. W. Bell, B.Sc., B.Agr.Sc., Ph.D.

CAREERS

Ms. J. R. Adams, B.Ed.

CHEMISTRY

Mr. B. T. McMurray, B.Sc., Ph.D.

I. C. T.

Mrs. K. L. Stuart, B.Sc.

ENGLISH

Mr. W. J. W. Spence, B.Ed., M.A.

GEOGRAPHY

Mr. C. A. Stewart, B.Sc.

HISTORY

Mr. J. A. McCombe, B.A., Ph.D.

MATHEMATICS (acting)

Ms. S. M. McIlhatton, B.Eng.

MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

Mr. P. C. Porter, B.A., B.D. (Comm.)

MUSIC

Ms. M. McMullan, M.A., Mus.B., L.T.C.L., A.L.C.M.

P.E. AND GAMES (acting)

Mr. C. R. McCarey, B.Sc.

PHYSICS

Mr. R. Budden, M.Sc.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Mr. P. Dorman, B.Th.

TECHNOLOGY

Mr. K. Lunn, B.Ed.

SENIOR SUBJECT TEACHERS CLASSICS

Mrs. J. McGowan, M.A.

DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES

Miss S. Tinman, B.A.

ECONOMICS

Mr. J. M. Patterson, B.Sc.(Econ.), M.S.Sc., D.C.G.

GERMAN

Miss R. McCay, M.A.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Miss K. S. Barnett, M.A.

HOME ECONOMICS

Mrs. R. Morrison, B.A.

LEARNING FOR LIFE AND WORK

Mrs. J. Robb, B.Sc.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Mrs. N. S. Nicholl, B.A.

SOCIOLOGY

Mrs. J. Robb, B.Sc.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Ms. D. Keenan, M.Sc.

HEADS OF SCHOOL JUNIOR MIDDLE SENIOR

Ms. S. R. Ardis, B.Sc. Mr. T. Hughes, M.Sc. Mr. N. Irwin, B.Ed.

The Owl 2016

HEADS OF YEAR FORM I

Ms. L. Craig, B.A. Mr. G. J. Forde, B.Mus. Mrs. R. Morrison, B.A. Mr. D. Creighton, B.Sc. Mrs. L. I. Nicholl, B.Sc. Mr. D. D. Morrison, M.Sc. Mrs. G. C. Morris, B.Ed. Mr. P. T. Stretton, B.Ed. Mrs. K. McIntyre, B.Sc. Mr. J. F. Buchan, B.E.M., M.A. Mrs. S. Graydon, B.Ed. Mr. M. J. Neill, M.Sc. Miss K. E. Brady, B.Sc. Mr. S. C. Springer, M.Sci., Ph.D.

FORM II FORM III FORM IV FORM V FORM VI FORM MVI

CAREERS ADVISERS Ms. J. Adams, B.Ed. Mr. S. B. Murphy, B.Ed.

Mr. J. M. Patterson, B.Sc.(Econ.), M.S.Sc., D.C.G.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL Mrs. C. J. Adair, BA., Ph.D.

Mrs. S. B. McCoy, B.A.

Miss S. Arbuthnot, B.A.

Mrs. R. E. McCormick, B.Sc

Mr. T.M.A. Baldwin, B.Sc., C.Biol., M.R.S.B.

Mr. A. McKillen, B.Sc.

Mrs. J. C. Bell, B.Sc.

Ms. A. McMillen, M.Sci.

Mrs. K. A. Black, B.A.

Mrs. H. Miller, B.A.

Mrs. C. Burns, B.Sc., Ph.D., M.R.S.C.

Mr. A. K. Moles, B.Sc.

Mr. J. Carolan, M.A.

Mr. O. Mort, B.A., Ph.D.

Miss V. Carson, M.A., A.L.C.M.

Mrs. D. M. Nicholl, B.A.

Mrs. J. M. Cleland, B.Sc.

Mrs. R. L. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell, B.A., Dip. A.D., A.T.D.

Mr. A. R. Creighton, B.Ed., P.Q.H. (N.I.)

Mrs. L. Patterson, B.A.

Mr. J. F. Creighton, B.Sc.

Mrs. C. Prior, B.Mus.

Mrs. P. R. Cummings, M.Sci.

Mrs. A. M. Reynolds, B.Sc.

Mrs. C. E. Currie, B.A.

Mrs. J. Shaw, B.Sc.

Mrs. D. Currie, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.

Mrs. M. C. Sheeran, B.A.

Mrs. F. A. Gilmore, B.Sc.

Mrs. J. Smyth, B.A.

Mrs. N. Henry, B.Sc.

Mrs. H. Tate, B.A.

Miss J. Herron, M.A.

Mrs. A. P. Terek, B.Sc.

Mrs. C. A. Hughes

Miss R. C. Wallace, B.A.

Miss K. M. Kyle, B.Ed.

Miss H. E. Watson, B.A.

Mr. P. J. Martin, B.Ed.

Miss K. L. Williams, B.A.

Ms. T. McBeth, M.A.

Mrs. M. N. Wilson, B.A.

Mrs. G. McCadden, Dip. A.D., A.T.D.

Staff Lists

PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT Principal Deputy Principal

Mr. W. T. Wilson, B.Ed., L.T.C.L. Mr. S. Patterson, B.Ed., M.Ed

Mrs. Sarah Bell, B.A., P.G.C.E. Mr. P. J. Ingram, B.Ed., M.Sc. Mrs. A. Pyper, B.Ed

Mrs. P. Lennon, B.Ed. Mr. D. Warwick, B.Th. P.G.C.E. Mrs. E. Wilson, B.Ed.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Bursar Finance Supervisor Part-time Headmaster's Secretary/P.A. Part-time Headmasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secretary/P.A. Bursar's Secretary/P.A. Part-time Office Administrator Part-time Finance Administrator Part-time Librarian Part-time Librarian I.C.T. Manager General Office Supervisor Telephonist / Receptionist General Office Administrator Senior Administrator

Miss E. Hull, B.Sc., Dip. (Acc.), F.C.A. Mrs. H. McClean, B.A., F.C.A. Ms. P. McClintock Ms. J. Sherry Miss G. Boyd, B.A. Mrs. J. Boyd Mrs. L. Hogg, B.A. Mrs. T. Corcoran, B.A. PG.Dip. I.M. Miss E. McAtamney, B.A. PG.Dip. L.I.M., M.Sc. Mr. J. R. Cleland, B.Sc. Ms. P. Ferguson Mrs. A. Foy Mrs. L. Oliver Miss A. Kerns, B.A.

ANCILLARY STAFF Laboratory Assistants

Technology & Design Technician Art & Crafts Technician School Matron Study Supervisor Estates Manager Grounds Maintenance Supervisor Swimming Pool Manager/Instructor Maintenance Officer Bus Driver Bus Driver/Assistant Janitor Janitor General Assistants Supervisory Assistant Modern Languages Assistants

Mrs. D. Beattie Mrs. J. Carroll Miss A. Caroux Miss E. McAtamney, B.A. PG.Dip. L.I.M., M.Sc. Mr. M. McCreight Mrs. L. Atkins Mrs. N. Loughran, R.S.C.N. Mrs. C. Clyde Mr. W. Thompson / Mr. G. Goodfellow Mr. M. A. Gaw, B.Tech. Mrs. E. Alexander, B.A. Mr. P. McCartney Mr. W. Dunn Mr. A. Hermon Mr. K. Hogg Mr. D. McKee Mr. T. Harte Mr. F. Collins Mrs. A. Thompson Ms. M. Serrano Mr. M. Muehl Miss B. Bognini

CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS Miss S. Allen, B.A. Mrs. H. Blair Mr. D. R. J. Calvert

Mrs. E. Leinster, B.A., P.G.C.E. Miss P. Maxwell Mrs. J. Reid

The Owl 2016

Mrs. S. Davis, B.Mus. Ms. C. Colwell, B.A., P.G. Dip., P.G.C.E. Mr. T. Field, B.Sc. Mrs. H. Ferris, B.Sc., P.G.C.E. Mrs. G. Hanna, B.A., P.G.C.E. Mrs. C. Henderson

Mrs. A. Rea, B.A., P.G.C.E., B.A. Mrs. K. Tepe Mrs. D. Townsend Mrs. H. Watson Mrs. N. Watson

PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT PRE-PREPARATORY AND DAYCARE ANCILLARY STAFF Secretary Classroom/After School Club Assistant Pre-Preparatory Group Assistant Building Supervisor Cook Part-time Catering Assistant Lunch Supervisor/ PT Nursery Assistant & Classroom Assistant General Assistant Part-time Classroom Assistant Part-time Classroom Assistant Part-time Classroom Assistant

Mrs. F. Gouk, M.A. Miss H.E. Crossen, B.A., M.A., P.G.C.E. Mrs. L. Kyle Mr. R. Crawford Mrs. L. Johnston Mrs. M. McEwan Miss S. Davidson Mrs. I. Campbell Mrs. A. Millar Miss Z. Haire Miss. J. Haggerty, B.A.

Contents Diary of the School Year...........................................................8 Valete......................................................................................25 Obituaries...............................................................................28 Literary Contributions...........................................................30 Distribution of Prizes.............................................................46 School Societies......................................................................67 Music in School ......................................................................74 Drama in School ....................................................................88 Miscellany...............................................................................90 School Games ......................................................................134 Ben Madigan Preparatory School........................................177 Former Pupilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; News............................................................190 Degrees and Diplomas.........................................................199 Births, Marriages and Deaths..............................................200

Diary of the School Year ****

SEPTEMBER 2015 A meeting of FOTA was held in the Library.

An Information Evening for LVI Parents was held in the School Assembly Hall.

**** Andy Reid, one of Northern Ireland’s up and coming sporting stars currently racing the 2015 British Supersport Championship with Team Traction Control on a TTC Yamaha R6, visited school. He was named Young Rider of the Year at the 2015 Adelaide Motorbike Awards.

**** A celebratory meal was held for members of the Schools’ Cup-winning Cricket 1st XI. **** Our Spanish Exchange programme began when a group of students and teachers arrived in Belfast from Asturias. The Spanish Exchange group was joined by our Lebanese visiting teachers and all enjoyed a beautiful day at the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-aRede.

! **** Niamh Carroll and Abigail Magill were interviewed in the BBC studio by Conor Bradford and Karen Patterson for BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme about the current political crisis. Lucy Kinnear joined her Politics classmates by visiting the BBC Radio Ulster studio to be asked about her intentions for next year, after she leaves the Academy, this time by Tara Mills for Evening Extra. This came as a result of the ‘Big Conversation’, a consultation on higher education in NI by Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry.

**** Rugby results were as follows: Matches versus Ballyclare High School 1st lost 13-6 2nd lost 12-3 MedA won 21-17 MedB lost 12-7 U14A won 17-12 U14B won 29-0 U13A won 35-17 U13B won 41-0. ****

Diary of the School Year

Owen Donnelly (Form V), Rhys Goodall (Form IV), Keaton Hamill-Morrison (Form II) and Tom McKibbin (Form II) competed in the Irish Schools’ Senior Championship qualifying competition at Lisburn Golf Club. ****

James Reid (MVI) travelled to Manchester to compete in the Sainsbury’s School Games in Judo. This is the 4th time he has represented the School at the Games and this year he had the privilege of captaining the Northern Ireland Judo team.

Three former pupils returned to school for one final visit before going to Cambridge University: • Ruairi Hurson, Economics (St. John’s College), • Christopher Turnbull, Mathematics (Queens’ College), • Sorcha Burke, Architecture (Emmanuel College). Sorcha is the third of three siblings to go to Cambridge University.

**** Jack Agnew, competing for N. Ireland & Ulster at the England Athletics Championships in Bedford, was the star U16 performer, winning gold in the T54 1500m. **** Jordan McGuinness (Form III) went to RAF Benson Air Cadet Camp, where he was able to experience what life is like as an RAF pilot.

**** Mr Andy Haldane, Chief Economist and Executive Director of the Bank of England, visited the School to speak to Sixth Form Economics

! **** Form I participated in a unique team-building day run by eye4education. ****

The Owl 2016 **** Over 40 students entered the The Great B.R.A. Bake Off this year.

10 pupils attended a QUB School of Pharmacy careers event run in collaboration with STEM clubs and STEMNET at W5, Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quay, Belfast. **** MVI pupils attended a Wellbeing Fair in the Sixth Form Study Hall facilitated by the Duncairn Newlodge Health partnership. **** Paul Seawright, a former Academy pupil and currently Professor of Photography at the University of Ulster, was chosen by the Imperial War Museum to be the official artist for the war in Afghanistan.

! **** Our students enjoyed a very successful trip this summer with Saphara, to work in schools in northern India. ! ****

! **** Form I took part in their CEOP Think U Know internet safety session. ****

Diary of the School Year Pat Jamison from SENTINUS delivered a motivational and informative workshop for this year’s newly elected Pupil Councillors and the Lower Sixth pupils who have volunteered to carry out weekly visits to local primary schools.

Dr Anne Holloway from the Queen’s University of Belfast spoke to Senior and Middle school pupils about the School of Languages at QUB and of the varied career paths open to pupils who have a language thread to their qualifications. **** Congratulations went to Abbie Brown, Holly Sharpe and Emma Macdougall who were selected for the U19 Belfast Area Squad. Kellie McLean was also selected as a first reserve.

**** South Down’s independent MLA John McCallister came into school to speak to the Politics Society.

**** Wellbeing Week at the Academy was a great success, with wide-ranging and varied events organised for and by pupils to help promote heath, fitness and wellbeing. **** !

Xu Peiwei (Tina), our new Chinese assistant, was welcomed to the Academy.

**** Seventy Form V pupils attended the matinee performance of a stage adaptation of William Golding’s The Lord of the Flies. **** The Biology Department hosted a careers and wellbeing event for our Sixth Form students. Dr Andrew McDowell from UUJ spoke about the new developments within Stratified Medicine and explained how cutting edge genetic screening is helping doctors deliver tailored drug treatments to sufferers of arthritis, cancer and cystic fibrosis along with many other common diseases and conditions faced today. !

****

OCTOBER 2015 Former pupil, Laura Jackson (Laura Francis at school), returned to the Academy to lead a discussion on business achievement as part of the Academy’s Alumni ‘Shared Experience Seminars’. **** Sam Brown (Form V) and Maeve Gallagher (Form LVI) were selected to play on the Irish U17 Girls’ Waterpolo team for two international tournaments. ****

The Owl 2016 a social housing unit in Mount Zion House, Lurgan, for renovation.

**** Rachel Baillie and Megan McCalmont (Form V), who were selected to attend the Ireland Cricket U15-17 Girls’ National Weekend at North County Cricket Club in Balbriggan, Dublin.

**** Our 2015 be* the change Malawi team held their annual Family & Friends Night to say thank you to all those who supported them this past year and to pass the challenge to the 2016 group of applicants. ****

**** Rebecca Spiers, from the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children, visited Junior Assembly for Forms I and II. She also made a presentation to Keaton Hamill Morrison (Form II), who, together with his father, raised over £800 during Read-On 2015. The annual Scripture Union Weekend was a great success, as over ninety pupils and staff enjoyed their time at Castlewellan Castle. **** National Poetry Day took place, the theme was Light. ****

The Headmaster attended the Annual HMC Conference which was held in St Andrews’.

The first debate in the inter-house debating competition took place between Currie and Shaw Houses. Laura Fleck and Conor Callaghan, representing Shaw House, proposed the motion, “This House believes that Northern Ireland grammar schools are too obsessed with rugby,” and were opposed by Kirsty Miller and Jack Golden on behalf of Pottinger House. After a lively debate, the adjudicators awarded the debate to Shaw House.

****

Ten Lower Sixth pupils combined forces with ten boys from our partner school De La Salle College to prepare

The Senior Netball team defeated Wallace (18-7) in the first round of the Netball Schools’ Cup. Other results were as follows:

! ****

Diary of the School Year Inter B v Ashfield won 18-5 Inter A v St. Dominic’s lost 26-8 Senior A v St. Dominic’s lost 18-10.

Reuben McCrea (Form I) won the U14 Boatercross event at Crana Fest in Buncrana, Donegal.

**** The Headmaster attended an Old Boys’ Lunch at Fortwilliam Golf Club. **** Hockey results were as follows: Matches against Antrim Grammar 1st XI won 6-0 2A XI won 2-0 2B XI won 2-0 14A XI won 5-0 U13A XI drew 0-0. **** As part of the Spanish Exchange the return Leg to Instituto Juan de Villanueva, Asturias took place. **** A full programme of D.of E. events took place. **** The School Library hosted the Autumn 2015 Scholastic Book Fair. The fair raised a total of £617.45 in its one week. Scholastic gave the School £300 worth of free books. **** The inaugural Swim Ulster Schools’ Cup & Championships took place at Bangor Aurora. The Academy had a strong, competitive team, which managed to come away from the weekend with some impressive results.

**** The second debate in the House Competition was held. Ryan Corry and Abigail Magill, representing Pottinger House, proposed the motion, “This House believes that Jeremy Corbyn is a disaster for the Labour Party.” They were opposed by Bex Osgood and Lewis Davidson, representing Cairns House. After a lively debate the House voted in favour of the proposition and the adjudicators agreed, while noting that there was little to divide the teams. **** Netball results: v St. Dominic’s Minor B won 13-1 Junior A won 18-6. **** The Boys’ Hockey 1st XI played Antrim Grammar School at Antrim Forum, in the first match of the Prior Shield. The team won 1-0. ****

****

10 members of the Junior Book Club travelled to Methodist College, Belfast, to meet Dan Freedman, best-selling author of the Jamie Johnston series.

The Annual Prize Day was held in Spires Belfast. ****

The Owl 2016

****

NOVEMBER 2015 We were delighted to welcome to the Academy Dr. Mahmoud Al-Batal, who heads the Arabic Flagship Programme at the University of Texas and is the representative of the Qatar Foundation International.

! **** The poems of six BRA students were shortlisted for the final of the Glebe House Harmony Trust poetry competition, judged by Irish poet, Frank Ormsby. **** Jasmine Ross (Form V) raised £1200 for the NI Hospice by hosting a coffee morning and organising a carol singing group. **** A group of Form IV girls visited W5 at the SSE Arena to attend a Women Into Science and Engineering (WISE) event.

**** **** Karyn Harty (Karyn Woods at School) returned to the Academy to discuss careers in the legal profession with a group of interested pupils. **** A team consisting of Amy Mulholland, Amy McDowell, Shannon Seawright and Ella Wilkinson competed in the annual regional heat of the International Kids’ Lit Quiz against 20 other teams from across Northern Ireland. **** Representatives from Save The Children and Northern Ireland Hospice were in Assembly to collect cheques for their organisations. The Save the Children Committee had raised £4000 last year from events such as BRA’s Got Talent, Christmas Jumper Day for staff, a Non-Uniform Day for pupils and a Barbeque at the Sponsored Walk. The funds raised will go directly towards the Syrian refugee crisis.

Form II pupil Bethany Hunter competed at the Ulster Irish Dancing Championships, held in Letterkenny, County Donegal. She won the U12 Ulster title – her third successive championship!

Diary of the School Year ****

Miss Barnett took twelve Form V pupils from the Politics Society to the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy at Queen’s University, to attend an informative and exciting introduction to the “world of politics”.

Twenty-eight MVI Business Studies students, along with Miss Montgomery and Mr Murphy, visited Coca-Cola HBC.

****

**** Thirty-nine Form IV pupils attended a ‘Chemistry at Work’ exhibition at Queen’s University.

The Old Boys’ Association Dinner was held at the Wellington Park Hotel.

****

**** The following girls were selected for Belfast Regional Development Academy Squads:

To mark Universal Children’s Day, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, together with her Youth Panel, hosted a young person’s event at the Wellington Park Hotel.

• •

U15 RDA – Jessica Kendell, Fabienne Cochrane, Lois Sharpe, Nia McVicker, Olivia McConnell, Hannah Hill U13 RDA – Megan Warke, Erin McMahon, Leah Doran, Ellie Murray. ****

While Northern Ireland was experiencing the effects of Storm Abigail, Ex-hurricane Kate and Storm Barney, the Young Einstein Club decided to investigate windmills. !

**** ****

MVI Economics pupils paid a visit to IKEA, where Mr Nigel McGarry provided a guided tour, stopping a various points to explain IKEA’s business model.

Following on from the Women Into Science and Engineering (WISE) event a Form IV group was given the opportunity to fly with Flybe in a Bombardier-built Q400 aircraft from the City Airport.

! ! ****

DECEMBER 2015 The Headmaster attended a Harmony North planning meeting at Belfast Castle.

****

Form III student, Rosie Strutt, won the Glebe House Harmony Trust poetry competition, judged by Irish poet, Frank Ormsby. Success for B.R.A. did not end with Rosie. Form IV student, Gabriel Bador, was awarded 2nd place for his poem, Harmony, and Ben O’Neill was awarded 3rd place with his poem, God and Monsters.

****

The Owl 2016

! ! **** The Headmaster attended the Whitehouse Primary School Nativity.

**** 22 pupils travelled to Washington DC, the first Academy trip to the American capital.

**** Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hockey results against Ballymena: U14A XI won 1-0 U14B XI drew 0-0 U13A XI won 1-0 U13B XI lost 2-0. **** The Academy swim team took part in the Ulster Grammar Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Swimming Championships on and achieved some excellent performances and results.

**** An Inter-House Hockey Competition on took place. **** Max Whitlock, World Gymnastics Gold Medal winner and finalist in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year competition, visited Ben Madigan.

! **** The Inter-House Hockey Championship took place under the floodlights at Roughfort. **** Jack Agnew represented GB on the athletics track at the 2015 Paralympic School Games held in Natal, Brazil. Jack produced some outstanding performances which saw him clinch 3 Gold medals for the team. ! ****

Diary of the School Year The 26th Annual Mourne’s Clean-up was held.

JANUARY 2016 Congratulations to former Belfast Royal Academy pupil, Anne Hailes (nee Shaw), who was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to Journalism, Broadcasting and to the community in Northern Ireland. ****

! ****

Form II pupil Tom McKibbin won his age-group category at the prestigious Junior Honda Classic tournament in Florida. He finished on two under par to win by two strokes at Palm Beach Gardens.

BRA was literally snowed under with entries for the Gingerbread House ‘House’ competition.

! **** The Senior Carol Service was held in St Peter’s, Antrim Road. **** The Ben Madigan Pre-Prep Nativity was enjoyed by all who were there. **** Staff members surprised the pupils by taking part in a “Christmas Jumper Day” in aid of Save The Children and over £100 was raised.

**** Holly McCoubrey (Form LVI) sang live on the John Toal Show on BBC Radio Ulster to promote her latest CD, which she is selling to raise funds for Malawi. **** Recent Academy leaver, Rebecca Burns, achieved her Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. **** The annual Open Evenings were held. **** Former pupil Connor Brogan came into school to speak to Form V and LVI chemists.

! **** The Junior Carol Service was held in St. John of Shanghai. ****

**** The Headmaster attended the official opening of the Girdwood ‘Community Hub’.

The Owl 2016 **** A full programme of D.of E. events took place. **** The Minor A and Minor B teams reached the Belfast Schools’ Area Finals. **** Former pupil Ruth Cornett played a major role in the arrangements for the loan of the acclaimed Rembrandt self-portrait which was on show in the Ulster Museum. **** Ryan Corry and Abigail Magill, representing Pottinger House, proposed the motion, “This House believes that Donald Trump would make an excellent US president.” They were opposed by Laura Fleck and Conor Callaghan, representing Shaw House. While the motion was carried by the House, they awarded the debate to the opposition (Shaw House) by the narrowest of margins.

! **** Pupils took part in the BBC News Day.

**** Daniel Dass was appointed the new Captain for 2016 of Cambridge University Rugby Football Club.

! **** Two teams of Academy pupils competed in the Belfast heat of STEMQUEST, a STEM competition for KS3 pupils. **** Girls’ Hockey results v Carrick G.S. were as follows: 1st XI won 3-1 2A XI won 3-0 2B XI lost 2-1 U15 XI won 1-0 U14A XI won 4-0 U14B XI drew 0-0 U13B XI drew 0-0. **** The Headmaster attended the launch of the Ulster Rugby Health and Wellbeing Strategy at the Kingspan Stadium, Ravenhill. ! ****

****

A team of KS3 and KS4 pupils competed in the regional heat for the Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Top of the Bench’ competition.

Conor Callaghan (Form V) was awarded an Iveagh Scholarship place to work in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin. ****

Diary of the School Year Eight Form I pupils travelled to Dominican College, Fortwilliam to take part in the Newington Credit Union heat of the Irish Credit Union Quiz.

A ‘Pizza Lunch’ was held for the Middle School pupils who had received most merits. ****

****

FEBRUARY 2016

Laura Jackson (Senior Partner, BDO) and Angela McGowan (Senior Economist, Danske Bank visited school.

All Form III Business Studies students travelled to Tayto Castle for an industry visit

**** Former pupil, and pilot for Aer Lingus, Cormac Leyden visited school.

! ! **** **** The 1st XV produced an outstanding display of commitment, sustained intensity and character in the Schools’ Cup match away to Down High running out winners 13-7.

The newly formed E-safety Pupil Committee, consisting of Form I and Form IV pupils, spoke in both Junior and Middle school assemblies about the positives and negatives of the internet. **** Darren Nixon from Eye4Education came into to run an event called Labour Market Information. **** The Medallion Shield quarter-final, BRA vs Coleraine Grammar School, was held at Roughfort. The team was victorious 31-0. ****

! **** Girls’ Hockey results vs Grosvenor were as follows:

Harmony North received an invitation for a small group of students to perform for Dan Lawton, the U.S. Consul General in Belfast. Cameron Gergett, Ellen Quinn and Conor Foster were chosen to represent the School at this event.

1st XI won 3-2 2A XI won 3-1 2B XI won 4-0 U15 XI won 1-0 U14A XI won 10-0 U14B XI won 3-1 U13A XI won 5-0 U13B XI won 3-0. ****

****

The Owl 2016 A full programme of D.of E. events took place. ****

intricacies of the genre and talked about opportunities available as a musician.

MARCH 2016

****

Netball results were as follows:

The Junior Traditional Group was invited to play at the St. Patrick’s Day concert in Holy Cross Girls’ Primary.

v Dominican won 11-4 v Bloomfield won 13-3 v Dominican won 5-4. **** The Rugby Club Awards Night was held in Ben Madigan. **** ****

The U16 Girls’ Waterpolo team took part in the Irish Schools’ Waterpolo Championships in the National Aquatics Centre, Dublin. The team won all 4 matches to reach the Final, and secured a Silver medal after losing out narrowly to a single goal.

The Form I girls won the Lindsey Waller Year 8 Hockey Cup. **** The Warden and the Headmaster attended a ‘Harmony North’ reception and performance at the City Hall. **** The Girls’ 1st XI came from a goal down to beat Methody 2-1 after extra time in the Final of the Belfast Hockey League. ****

****

Young Einstein Club ended the term by making Grass Heads.

The Lego Big Build took place in the Jackson Suite.

**** LVI Politics students visited Stormont as part of their course on the Government & Politics of NI.

**** The NIBTS ‘Blood Mobile’ visited School.

****

Members of the Big Band took part in a workshop with renowned jazz drummer, David Lyttle. David taught the students how to improvise, demonstrated the

Erin Getty (Form LVI) was selected in the Ireland U18 Hockey team for a 3-test series against Scotland U18 at the University of Ulster. Ireland won the

Diary of the School Year series, 3-0, 2-0 and 6-2; Erin played in all three matches.

Jack Agnew won three Gold medals at the Brazilian National Paralympics Junior Championships.

****

The Scripture Union Poland team went to Warsaw.

The Literacy Co-Ordinator, Ms McBeth, met with members of staff from four primary schools to discuss the transition between P7 and Form I. **** A selected boys’ and girls’ Waterpolo squad travelled to Scotland on a ‘mini tour’ to play matches against Edinburgh University, Stirling University and the Scottish National U17 team. **** A Junior Karting team of Oliver O'Kane, Jack Gillespie and Adam McCabe was victorious at the Ulster Schools’ Karting Championships. ****

**** Form V Business Studies students visited AJ Power, Craigavon as part of their controlled assessment. The pupils were given a detailed tour of the factory floor, tests bays, research & development and final product areas. **** Pupils from the Music Department performed in the annual Spring Concert.

The Headmaster attended the Academy Rugby Club Dinner. **** A full programme of D.ofE. events took place. **** The BRA Dance team entered the 2016 Ulster Fitness and Dance Championships.

****

APRIL 2016 A 50 year Reunion of leavers from 1966 took place in School. **** The U16 Boys’ Waterpolo team travelled to RBAI to begin their defence of the Brother Murphy Shield. **** The Old Boys’ Association AGM was held. **** Three of our pupils along with pupils from twenty five other schools in NI were invited to meet the UK Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell, in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings. ****

****

The Owl 2016 The U16 Boys’ Waterpolo team successfully defended their Ulster Schools’ Championship title for the third year in a row.

**** The Colts Boys’ Hockey team played Portadown in the Semi-Final of the Taylor Cup.

****

The Annual Scripture Union Pizza Evening took.

80 of our AS Biology students travelled to CAFRE, Greenmount Agricultural College, Antrim for their annual Fieldwork and Biodiversity workshop.

**** Boyband ‘Taken’ came into to school to perform for Forms I-IV. The boys talked to the pupils about cyberbullying and social media safety.

! **** **** In Cricket: 1st XI beat Campbell College Under 15 XI beat Campbell by 1 run – BRA scored 120 – Campbell scored 119 Under 12s and 13s lost to Campbell Under 13s lost to Carrick in the Mourne Cup by 8 wickets (BRA 87-7 and Carrick 88-2) Under 14s lost to Regent in the Cup by 9 wickets.

The GB Lifesaving Performance Squad held its first training camp of the 2016/17 season. It was the first time the GB team has been to Northern Ireland, and it was a great privilege to host them at our school and provide them with use of our training facilities. **** Kerrie Johnson (Form LVI) took part in the Junior Irish Fencing Championships and claimed the National title by a scoreline of 15-10.

**** The Intermediate Boys’ Tennis team of Jonathan Evans, Matthew Saunders, Kristyan Hristov and Jacob Woloszyn defeated Grosvenor 4-2. **** Ana Desmond (Form MVI), qualified for the Finlay Equi-Trek 1.35m Show Jumping Championship at the Balmoral Show.

****

Diary of the School Year Tom McKibben was invited by Rory McIlroy to play in the Irish Open Pro:Am at the K Club, Kildare.

MAY 2016 The School’s Lifesaving squad took part in the Ulster Championships. There were excellent performances from the pupils. **** The BRA Swim team finished off the year with pleasing results at the Irish Championships.

! ****

**** A Primary School rugby tournament took place at Ben Madigan.

The Headmaster attended the event at the Children’s Hospice at which Tom McKibben became a Children’s Hospice Ambassador. **** A LVI Parents’ information evening entitled ‘Applying for University’ was held. **** A full programme of D.ofE. events took place.

JUNE 2016 **** 200 Form I pupils visited the Armagh Planetarium.

In the Semi-Final of the Cricket Schools’ Cup, BRA 262-6 (Collins 82, J Burton 68, Boyd 53no, M Burton 23) beat CCB 121ao (Collins 4-38, Wilson 3-22 J Burton 2-30) by 144 runs. **** Five Form IV musicians and Mr Forde were thrilled to represent the Academy on a recent trip to Washington D.C. as part of the Harmony North Choir. **** The Headmaster attended an eLearning conference at Stranmillis with Mr Dorman. **** An ATC meeting was held in the Library.

**** Oliver McGrath, Form II, won the 'National League Cup’ with Linfield Football Club. ****

**** Ben Madigan held a Fun Evening. **** Mr Sylvain Desjardins, the European and Asia correspondent of Radio Canada, visited the Academy.

The Owl 2016 **** Schools, colleges and businesses held a special conference to explore the future of Arabic language in education; ‘Arabic in NI – the way forward’ was hosted at the Academy.

**** The annual Art & Design Exhibition took place. **** Laura Browne (Form II) competed with distinction in the British Theatre Dance Association Festival. **** Belfast Royal Academy retained the Ulster Bank Schools' Cup.

**** The Irish Schools’ Athletics Championships took place in Tullamore with many excellent performances from Academy athletes.

! ****

! **** 120 pupils from two primary schools – Whitehouse and Whiteabbey – attended the Big Day of Science.

Harriet Dougan and Niamh McIvor played for the Ulster Hockey U15 team.

**** The Ben Madigan Sports Day was held. **** Pupils from Forms I-IV performed in the annual Summer Serenade. **** The Headmaster attended the ALC meeting at Belfast Castle.

**** The Annual Sports Day took place at The Mary Peters’ Track. ****

Valete MARY GRAY A former pupil of Strathearn School, Mary graduated from Queen’s University with a BA degree in French and Spanish. She completed her PGCE at Leicester School of Education and later returned to Queen’s where she went on to secure a Diploma in the Advanced Study of Education and a Master of Education degree. Mary began her teaching career in England at Stonehill High School in Leicester and spent a year at the Collège les Franchises in Langres, France on a teacher exchange, before returning to Northern Ireland, where she took up a post at Castlewellan High School as Head of French and later a post at Lisnasharragh High School as Head of Modern Languages. Mary’s association with Belfast Royal Academy began in 2002, when she kindly stood in for John Cameron from January to March, bringing with her a wealth of teaching experience and her characteristic cheerfulness and efficiency. Later that year we were delighted to welcome her back to the Modern Languages Department on a permanent basis, as a teacher of French and Spanish in a job-share capacity. Happily she was to remain with us through to her retirement in 2016, bringing her teaching career to its conclusion working full-time in her final year. A thoroughly professional teacher, Mary combined excellent subject knowledge with a deep-seated concern for the pupils in her charge. Her enthusiasm for languages was always in evidence, whether in her classroom or on school trips abroad. She always sought to understand the individual pupil and to encourage and was particularly strong in her role as a Class Tutor. Her caring attitude, her warmth, kindness and humour endeared her to pupils and staff alike. It is impossible to quantify the contribution that Mary has made to our department. Ever ready with a smile and a word of encouragement, she has been a thoughtful and kind colleague. We are deeply grateful to her. We will miss her very much and wish her every happiness and blessing in this next chapter of her life. S.M.C.

SONIA REA-WICKENS On Friday January 16th 2015 the Spanish Department at BRA said farewell and happy retirement to Sonia ReaWickens. Sonia was greatly missed by staff and students alike due to the fact that in her they found a supportive colleague, a caring teacher, a wonderfully professional teacher and a person whose love of Spanish

and all things Spanish was infectious. She brought a certain joie de vivre to department that was palpable and encouraging. A consummate ally, a rigorous teacher, a caring mentor and a committed champion of modern foreign languages; these were her trademarks. She was educated in Newcastle and taught in Merseyside before coming to Northern Ireland. She first joined the staff of BRA on a temporary basis in 2000, becoming permanent in 2001. She is and has always been passionate about Spain; spending a sabbatical year in Alicante in 2003/2004 to deepen her knowledge of the country, the language and customs. Upon her return she was greatly influenced by her experiences there that she established the highly successful Spanish Exchange Trip to Asturias. This trip has developed over the years and has proven to be very successful with students and staff alike. Many students have commented that her enthusiasm for the trip was so tangible before during and after the trip that they chose to study the language as part of their further study choices. Next year the Asturias Trip will celebrate its 10th anniversary; the legacy which Sonia left continues to grow from strength to strength. She returned from official retirement last year to help out one day a week and, although she is no longer here in an official capacity, she has promised to guide and support the Spanish staff and pupils in whatever way possible. She gave her very best and continues to offer support to young staff and new pupils alike. If a phrase could describe Sonia and her dedication it would be this Spanish saying: Si vale la pena hacerlo, vale la pena hacerlo bien It roughly translates that if a job is worth doing, then it’s worth doing well. Sonia we thank you for a job very well done. Sonia, being of Italian descent would also appreciate the Latin valete good wishes held in this greeting: “Ad multos annos” i.e “May you have a long and happy retirement!” P.C.P.

J.D.L. REILLY A former pupil of RBAI, a graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast and with one year’s experience as a teacher at Belfast High School, John Reilly was rapidly to develop a passion for Belfast Royal Academy and its well-being when appointed to the school as a teacher of Classics in September 1982. His contribution to the life of our school was never going to be judged alongside that of the generality of the teaching profession. Two bouts of cancer, fought suc-

The Owl 2016 cessfully and with a practicality and determination that were a hallmark of his character, instilled in him an acute awareness that the time he was allotted on this planet was short and must not be wasted. That fine English actor Derek Jacobi, reflecting on the pressures of his craft, observed that “reputation is fine, but you have to keep justifying it. In a sense, it makes it harder because people’s expectations of you are higher. So, you have to fulfil those expectations. Or try to exceed those expectations. But, it becomes more difficult as time goes on”. Jacobi might well have had John Reilly in his thoughts. Had that been the case, he would have been comforted, safe in the knowledge that the challenges accruing from rising expectations are not insurmountable. Mr. Reilly, at an early stage in his career, was to establish the highest of reputations and was to exceed ever-increasing expectations almost as a matter of course. John Reilly was more than happy to be described as conservative. Indeed, the epithet was borne with some pride. In dress, manners, integrity and moral values, he sometimes seemed deceptively ill-equipped for the twenty-first century. He himself occasionally voiced the opinion that he was best suited to the greater certainties of the 1950s, before the youth revolution that swept through the following decade and the questioning and undermining of what had hitherto been established conventions. In the classroom, this conservatism was manifested in a healthy disregard for the ephemeral fads and fashions of modern educational theory. Rather, he preferred to rely on the long proven virtues of firm classroom management, an exacting rigour, attention to detail and high expectations of his pupils, who were quickly made aware of his determination not to countenance sloppy or sub-standard work. Lest it be thought however that a Reilly lesson represented a never ending and stultifying declension of nouns and verbs, pupils relished his company and would themselves confirm his almost hyperactive energy, sympathy, humour, conscientiousness and common sense in class. His presentation of his subject, in keeping with his personality, was meticulous and original and even the most disinterested pupil was infected by his love of the subject and came in turn to love him – the true test of an inspirational teacher. Conservatism notwithstanding, John Reilly was, if necessary, always keen, or perhaps reluctantly prepared, to display a well-rehearsed expertise in the use of modern classroom technology, when extensive use was made of the on-line version of “The Cambridge Latin Course”. Perhaps it was by chance, surely not by design, that such displays of Reilly wizardry invariably occurred when and only when a visit by the school inspectors or the Headmaster was expected! Like one of his heroes, Caesar Augustus, John Reilly was a pragmatic man whose organisational skills, allied with unfathomable levels of energy and unquenchable enthusiasm stood in contrast to the often tragic and sceptical view of the world exhibited by the more ab-

stract Greeks. While not himself unreflective, his restless energies were without doubt more suited to the practicalities of leadership. However, on occasions, his enthusiasm crossed an invisible line and was transformed into behaviour bordering on the obsessive. All letters for example, were posted with a First Class stamp, for nothing about Mr. Reilly was second class, and, lest Royal Mail be in any doubt, each was marked “First Class” in red ink, double underlined, again in red ink. Letters of particular importance were highlighted by the addition of an extra First Class stamp! His obsession with underlining and highlighting notes and handouts reached such a point that at one stage Mr. Sillery, his then Headmaster, felt it necessary to intervene to suggest that it was becoming increasingly difficult for the reader to distinguish the important from the less important. John Reilly’s exactitude, precision and organisation were best observed by the wider school in his work with the Academy’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award unit, and it was in this capacity that the Reilly legend was to develop. First involved in the scheme in 1982 as an assistant to the late Sam Magowan, John inherited the Award in his own right in September 1984. He was not content simply to maintain the Award at its then current level of between 60 and 70 pupils, but instead quickly decided that membership of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the Academy should not be selective, but should instead be made available to all who wished to participate. Perhaps it little occurred to him that his personal popularity, energy and good humour would see the enterprise rapidly develop into a daunting and all-consuming challenge which was to become his life’s work. Upon his retirement, 410 pupils were registered in what had by then become by far the largest school based Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme in Northern Ireland and quite possibly the United Kingdom. Foot expeditions were undertaken in the Mourne Mountains, North Antrim Hills, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, while summer canoe expeditions on the Fermanagh lakes were to become a feature of the scheme and an opportunity for Reilly to reward himself with a busman’s holiday! For good measure, he was to initiate an annual sponsored clean-up of the Mourne Mountains, both to raise money for Award funds and to give back something to an environment which itself had given much to our pupils. Keen to advertise the benefits of the Award and equally determined to advance the interests of the Academy, much thought and hard work went into the organisation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award displays on Open Evenings, with visiting primary school pupils – and some enterprising members of staff being well plied with freshly cooked cocktail sausages. Under Mr. Reilly’s stewardship, 1266 pupils received the Bronze Award and 668 the Silver Award, while 441 pupils were presented with the hard earned and highly prestigious Gold Award. Trips to Gold Award presentations at St. James’s Palace featured regularly in the Reilly diary, as indeed did invitations to royal receptions at Hillsborough Castle. Not for nothing did some members of staff fondly refer to him as “the

Valete Duke”. His reputation in furthering the cause of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was confirmed in 2000, when Her Majesty the Queen presented him with the MBE “for services to young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award”. Further royal recognition was to come when, in February 2015 HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex visited the Academy to celebrate the school’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. He was very much aware of Mr. Reilly and his tireless work and drive and was equally impressed by the wide range of activities undertaken by our pupils. While Mr. Reilly was much motivated by the benefits to be garnered by our pupils from their involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, he would, albeit sotto voce, admit that his commitment to the scheme, in its earliest days at least, was not entirely altruistic. Having first been appointed to the school in a temporary capacity and fully conscious of the fact that all too many in positions of authority were, during an age of financial stringency, less than sympathetic to the classics and what they saw as their lack of practical economic utility, he was keen to ensure that his tenure as a teacher in the Academy was secure. He was fortunate in serving under headmasters who were equally dismissive of the fallacious and simplistic assertion that Latin was a dead language which had no place in a modern school curriculum and who also came to view him and the Award scheme he had created as indispensable to the ethos and success of our school. Mr. Reilly’s tenure was secure. Although well known by members of staff, even if only by reputation, John Reilly was not often seen in the Staffroom. Invariably, he was too busy, for leisure had no place in his life. However, he was also convinced that he possessed little of the small talk and badinage which he saw as essential for acceptance in those august surroundings. In this, if in little else, he was greatly mistaken, for his social skills were well developed and he enjoyed company and conversation, was well liked and highly respected and was always keen to become acquainted with the latest school gossip. Indeed, he was on occasions to be the source of much that was of interest to the casual listener. Talk came easily to him and digression was not uncommon. After school departmental meetings invariably ran well over the time allocated for them, for while the formal agenda was always dealt with in a business-like and productive manner, matters not scheduled for discussion invariably raised their head to be debated with great hilarity if no clear conclusion. Similarly, at Break, Lunch and after school, the Reilly classroom acted as a magnet to pupils, not all connected with the Award scheme, but all attracted by the prospect of tea, biscuits and “the craic”. He could on occasions, display considerable emotion. Such instances were rare and a manifestation not only of the self-imposed pressures under which he generally thrived, but also an expression of the depth of his attachment to his work and to the Academy.

ment and the esteem and affection in which he is held. Many have been keen to remain in touch with him, while some have gone further still and involved themselves loyally and productively in the school’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, working alongside him in S3 late into the night as well as on expedition weekends. Those of us who know him well would concur with Cicero when he affirmed that “the memory of a well-spent life is eternal”. John Reilly’s was a life well spent and will continue to be so. He will live long in the history of Belfast Royal Academy and in the minds of the many whose lives he touched. Exegisti monumentum aere, argento et auro perennius. J.H.C.

BILLY THOMPSON Mr Billy Thompson was appointed as Estates Manager of the school in April 2006. He decided to take early retirement to pursue other interests, including some business ventures. Prior to his appointment in Belfast Royal Academy, he had worked with the Ministry of Defence for 26 years, with no sickness absence during this time. This exemplary attendance record was continued in his role as Estates Manager - it is quite an achievement to have 36 years of employment with no days of absence during that time! The Estates Manager post was a new one, and Billy showed enthusiasm and commitment in putting in place new management systems and seeking to ensure that the School sites were maintained to the highest standard. He went out of his way to try to please everyone in the School and no doubt is liked and respected by both pupils and staff alike. Billy excelled in organising events at the School, no doubt as a result of his military background. He also introduced a moving Remembrance Day ceremony in the School and assisted in the Air Training Corps. Outside of school, he enjoys cycling and hillwalking. He has a detailed knowledge of the First World War, delivering history lectures to various organisations and collecting First World War military items. His assistance in Open Day displays for the History Department was greatly appreciated and also the competitions which he organised at these events. We wish him well in his new business ventures and in what will no doubt be a busy retirement! E.H.

The many messages which appeared on the school’s Twitter page from current and former pupils on the occasion of his retirement attest to an appreciation of the contribution made by John Reilly to their develop-

Obituaries MARK LONG

Outside school his main passion was local politics where he served the Alliance Party unflinchingly for many years. His time as a Belfast City Councillor brought him great satisfaction and there are those that believe this was his real vocation. There was a voice of sanity and understanding in the frequent turmoil that was to be found in the council chamber, where even his potential opponents from whatever side acknowledge his contribution and hard work. As a colleague and friend he was generous, quick to give of his time, always supportive and a source of much humour. His retirement was unexpected and left a void difficult to fill. D.S.R.

TRIBUTE TO MARK LONG Mark Long, who died in May 2016, came to the Academy in 1974, following his graduation from Trinity College, Dublin, and the awarding of a teaching qualification by the University of Leeds.

Mr Mark Long, a long-serving former colleague, died during May 2016. The Valete article below appeared in The Owl at the time of his retirement in 2005. Mark Long’s career in the Academy was both lengthy – over thirty years – and meritorious. From the outset, in September 1974, he proved himself to be an enthusiastic teacher of English, especially Anglo-Irish literature, a fine and dedicated hockey and cricket coach, and a colleague whose warmth, wit and friendship were valued by many. With a degree from Trinity College Dublin, in English, History and Philosophy, he endowed his pupils with much that was not on the narrow, prescribed curriculum, giving them knowledge and insight that would remain with them for years to come. Life was never dull in any of his classes. In his time as a keen and successful sportsman – playing Senior League Hockey for East Antrim, 2nd XI cricket for North and off a ludicrously high handicap for such a talented golfer – he transferred his enthusiasm onto the school sports fields where almost singlehandedly he kept the Boys’ Hockey Club alive for over twenty years.

Mark was a hugely popular member of the Academy’s English Department – both with pupils, many of whom now remember him with gratitude and affection, as well as former colleagues, who were saddened by the news of his death. A dedicated, and frequently an inspirational teacher of English Literature, especially of its Anglo-Irish offshoot, he took particular pride in knowing that a former pupil, William Crawley, used his class notes in an interview with Seamus Heaney; and that Heaney afterwards commented on the acuity of the teacher’s literary judgement. Mark later met Heaney in Dublin, and was invited to the poet’s home, where he made such a favourable impression that he later received Christmas cards from the family. Mark’s second great passion was sport. As a schoolboy at Campbell College, he had demonstrated particular prowess for hockey and had been capped twice for Ireland, later playing for East Antrim in the Senior League. He was also a proficient cricket coach, and later still a vocal supporter of the Northern Ireland soccer team, and of course, Ulster Rugby. Away from the terraces, he, as often as not, triumphed in the Academy’s staff golfing tournament, despite his famously less than strenuous preparations for the outing; and in 1982, Mark, along with colleagues, Ken Hawtin and Brian McKenna, cheered on by the then headmaster, Mr Sillery, competed in the Belfast Marathon.

Obituaries Boys’ Hockey had languished in the Academy since the 1920s. It was re-launched in 1962 by the late John Snowball, and then brought to maturity by Mark’s expertise and dedication. Hockey became so popular in School that throughout Marks’s association with the game, teams successfully competed in matches in Ireland, Scotland, England and the Netherlands. Alongside colleagues in the History Department, Mark was a convivial associate in cultural and political tours by pupils to destinations as diverse as Egypt and Russia, where many of the local population in the areas visited had their first sight of a Northern Ireland supporter’s scarf, and were vigorously encouraged to enunciate the appellation, Norn’ Ireland. These introductions to travel in remote places carried over into Mark’s retirement when he worked as a United Nations election monitor in the Ukraine and in Moldova. His political interests were not confined to observation. At a time of considerable civic unrest in Belfast, Mark was elected to serve as a city councillor for the Alliance Party. Debates in the council chamber were often expressed in wearily intemperate language, and Mark sought refuge from this less than edifying rhetoric in what became for him at this time, his spiritual home – the Linenhall Library. Here he relished the still lingering sense of the more tolerant, opened-minded times of 18th century Belfast. Mark’s liberal Presbyterian heritage, of which he was quietly proud, led him away from what Louis MacNeice, a favourite poet of his, described as a city, “devout, and profane, and hard”, towards a view of Northern Ireland free from polemical ideology. As all who knew him will attest, Mark was a wonderfully good-humoured man, who in political discussion, never betrayed the slightest desire to wound, or to have the last word; rather, he invariably sought to dissolve incipient rancour with laughter. Indifferent to fashion (political as much as sartorial) he remained true to himself. In his life he was the embodiment of Edmund Burke’s insistence that magnanimity in politics is not seldom the truest wisdom. This was recognised and cherished by all who had the good fortune to know Mark Long. E.M.C.

MR. J.A. PAUL Mr J. A. Paul, a long-serving former colleague and a member of the Board of Governors from 1969 - 1998, serving as Warden in 1978 and 1995, died in May 2016. The Valete article below appeared in The Owl at the time of his retirement in 1964.

from the ‘enfant terrible’ of the staffroom into a deeply admired, respected and valued Head of Department. Endowed with a superb constitution and inexhaustible reserves of energy, exuberant, zestful, high-spirited, enthusiastic, mischievous, combative, he is yet a deeply serious man of firm convictions and stronglyheld principles. His distinctive quality arises from this synthesis of a thoroughly contemporary outlook and capacity for enjoyment with ‘the unyielding and tenacious qualities of his stubborn ancestry’. Superbly self-assured but completely free from conceit, splendidly capable of accepting responsibility, and with a preparedness for unlimited service that is in the highest professional tradition, he is an invaluable colleague, ever willing to undertake the most exacting chores and to execute them with meticulous, unwearying care and - when necessary - with unwavering firmness. Loyal, companionable, obliging, generous, the sworn enemy of affectation and pretence, he is an admirable member of the staffroom and excellent company, especially since he curbed his taste for controversy and mellowed the acerbity of his youthful attack. Only in his tone to his bridge-partners do we now encounter vestiges of what provoked some of the most ringing rows of a decade. His contribution to school life has been immeasurable and wonderfully various. A capable scholar and a first-rate teacher at all levels, his achievement outside the classroom has been so great as almost to eclipse his scholastic success. As a Form Master he has been exemplary, showing deep concern for his pupils’ development and giving copiously of his time, not only to oversee their work and behaviours, and to help them in games, but to foster among them such activities as debating, chess and dramatics. Sometime master-in-charge of cricket, a stirring rugby coach, second-in-command of the A.T.C. squadron since its inception, he has been of service throughout the range of school affairs, from the debating society to the athletic sports, from Christmas parties to foreign travel. Wherever enthusiasm, thoroughness, reliability, integrity, decision, sound judgment have been required, those in need of help have looked to him and have found a ready response. With all this, he has found time to keep abreast of his subject, to qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Education, and to fulfil a valuable service to the community through the Assistant Masters’ Association. He has never concealed an honourable ambition for professional advancement and his friends must rejoice at his promotion, grievous though they may feel to be the loss to the schools of talents such as his. J.L.L.

Fourteen years ago, Mr J A Paul came direct from Queen’s to the Academy; now he returns to the University to lecture in its Department of Education. In that time he made himself one of the most versatile and accomplished schoolmasters and one of the most notable personalities in our recent history, and matured

Literary Contributions INDIVIDUAL SPORT The moment before I dive in my whole body tenses up in anticipation of the harsh cold of the water. After entering the water I am lifted up and the water holds and supports me. In a split second I find my feel for the water and get purchase to pull myself forward. As the water rushes past me it washes away all worries and anxieties, thoughts of school and stress know they don't belong in the pool so they never show up. As I fall into the rhythm of my stroke my mind will begin to wander and song lyrics float through my head. The wall approaches quickly and without missing a beat my heels flick over my head to spin me around and I continue in the same stroke rhythm in the opposite direction. The water muffles all external sounds and voices and blocks their ability to distract me or demand my attention. Lonely is the wrong word to describe swimming because I am never more than a couple of metres away from someone else but the transparent barrier between them and me allows me to be left alone to my own thoughts. Only I can affect what happens in my couple of square metres of water and the responsibility for my training is mine alone. All the processes of moving my arms and legs whilst moving my head to breathe and holding my body in the correct position in the water occur so automatically now that I don't even notice them happening. This allows me to relax and enjoy the feeling of gliding though the water while occasionally concentrating on one minor aspect of my stroke in an attempt to improve my technique. I surge along in a steady streamline position, oblivious to the world outside.

WONDER From the chimney she can see the world. Four fields over and as deep into the sky as she can imagine The dangers are present but she hasn’t fallen yet. The top of her feet hurt from the rough tiles, But a grey, unchanging landscape of slate has never looked so beautiful. Thoughtful fingers pluck moss from between the tiles; Bare legs swing; Wide eyes roam; And the broad uneven grin can’t leave her face. She prefers the book-like rocking, Of a high thin branch at the top of a tree, But this is uncharted territory. Waiting and calling to be explored. She feels wonderful, Full of wonder. Cara Reid, Form III

For two hours of every day I'm completely disconnected from the rest of the world. Away from my phone, away from schoolwork, away from friends and family. Civilisation could collapse right outside and for a while at least I would simply keep swimming up and down singing lyrics to Red Hot Chilli Peppers songs in my head. Finn Purdy, Form LVI

Helena McDowell, Form V

Literary Contributions

THE MAGICIAN’S MISTAKE It was Friday morning. Susan got up, got dressed, and headed to school. Susan was not very popular because people often laughed at her for wearing her magician hat. She was quiet so she could never say anything to the bullies. Recently, she began to get a little annoyed at them. Susan would, as she is a magician, magically move the bullies’ belongings around in class using her mind. They would get annoyed when they couldn’t find a book or a pencil case. Susan found this funny. But yesterday, one of the bullies threw food at her and got it all over her favourite hat. She wasn’t happy, she was going to throw something back but she wanted to get proper revenge the next day.

Anna McClurg, Form V

THE FLOATING CHAIR One afternoon in a cathedral in Ohio were two priests sitting in judges chairs about to record their hit TV show called “Talent, I have nun”, getting ready to watch auditions for the first time since the show had begun after Christmas. The set was a huge cathedral with rows upon rows in the back section for live viewers. The first was a singing group called “Party Like You’re Religious”, singing their own song called “The Lord’s Reaper”. The second act was a stand-up comedian called Keith Worship, telling a lot of jokes and puns. The third act was a dance group called “Crucify Me”. The judges had loved this act and it was probably their favourite one so far; so much so that there was a standing ovation. The final act was making her way out and everyone thought that “Crucify Me” were the guaranteed winners. Then the final act of the day came out and introduced himself as Miracle Mike. He said that he was going to be doing magic tricks. The crowds sighed as they thought it would be the same as every magician pulling a rabbit out of his hat but no, he sat in his seat and it rose from the ground, higher and higher into the air. The lights then flickered and went off for about 5 seconds then came back on. The man and the chair had gone, vanished, leaving the audience in silence.

Susan went home and thought very hard about her revenge, she thought of humiliating them in front of everyone in assembly. She thought that wouldn’t be good enough. Susan also thought of taking all her stuff and burning it, she scrapped that idea too. She had always been told never to take her wizarding staff out of her house, but she felt it was necessary. It contained great power which if not handled correctly could be very dangerous. She was not allowed to reveal her identity as a magician, as she was a real one, not one that would perform illusions or card tricks. The next morning, she put it in her bag and went off to school. It got to lunchtime and it was not time. She had to be careful because she had not mastered the skill of using the staff. She pulled it out of her bag and gave it a swish and a flick about to attempt to pull the greatest prank the school had ever seen. But she said the wrong spell, one of the most dangerous spells known to a wizard and BOOM! A beam of light shot from the staff. She knew she had made a mistake. Cameron Dougan, Form II

Bailey Skelton, Form II Jamie Sloan, L6

The Owl 2016

Kieran McKenna, MVI

MATCH DAY The atmosphere was intense. The crows sang and cheered. Bottles of beer and coke, Burgers and hotdogs, Flags and banners waved in the wind. The players entered the field, Bright lights blinded them, The crowd deafened them. The opposition struck first. The stadium was quiet. Half-time came as a gift. Refreshments topped up. Praying for an improvement, The equaliser came early. The atmosphere was now booming. The game was coming to an end. All subs used, Both teams desperate. They got the winner! The stadium shook with noise. A fantastic volley saved the day.

RACE DAY Legs staggered, heels lifted, Knees bent, hands shaking, Heart pounding. Gun shot fired. For a minute I stood like a pillar. Then 1, 2 breathe, 1, 2 breathe, I found my rhythm elbows out. Left straight, left again. Seconds, minutes ticked By as I manoeuvred Through the thick woodlands. Mud splashing, sweat dropping, Lungs bursting, eyes teary, Coaches screaming, Mum cheering. Arms raised, smile on my face, Tape snapped, Legs like jelly, heels buried in mud, Knees quivering, hand clenching, My heart still pounding. Julia Uprichard, Form III

Patrick Termini, Form III

Jack Agnew, Form V

Literary Contributions

ON THE FIELD Head held high while walking out, Hearing encouraging words, First glance at the opponents. Lined up, ready to begin. The referee lifts his whistle to his mouth. Silence. He blows. An icy chill concerns me. I see the ball for the first time, Gliding towards me, I freeze, Without a second thought, I spring into action. Gracefully diving to my left. Crash! The sound of metal and flesh fills the air. Shouting, Screaming. Silence. Erin Cunningham, Form III

Rachel Crawford, Form V

SHARP GLANCES Sitting on a slope slide bench Drinking cola from a glass. Warm. Noisy. Sounds of skis gliding over freshly Fallen flakes of snow Shiny crisp.

Alice Gamble, Form V

Smells of the forest fill the sweet air. Pinecones fall from treetops high. Animals watching with curious eyes. Surrounded. Lifts gliding into the cloud. Free atmosphere. Light. Weightless. Skiing down icy peaks, wind blowing in my face. Hair flowing long behind me. Foreign country. Alien language. Paranoid of what they say. Misunderstood. Heads turn when they hear my voice. Sharp glances. Rachel Duff, Form III

Rachael Caughey, Form V Katie Marshall, Form V

The Owl 2016

Literary Contributions

Beth Murphy Morrison, LVI

MY BUNK BED We climbed the ladder and were aboard a pirate ship. Sailing the savage sea like a real sailor would. The flags danced in the cold wing. Below was a different world. A jungle Hundreds of animals of many forms would Baffle my young mind, Lions, bears, monkeys and my favourite Mark bear. But at night my bunk bed would go back to being a bed. When I went to sleep, my child imagination would be at rest

MY GRANDMOTHER’S EARRINGS

Luca Giannetto, Form III

Glimmering in the sunlight My grandmother’s earrings. I remember our picnics. I adored the way the silver flowers gleamed, 8 years ago since she passed away. She left for me her precious earrings. Single diamond shimmering, In the middle of the flower. Along with this, a photograph was left Of Eileen and me smiling, gleefully. In that photograph a memory was captured. I remembered the happiness I felt. When I look at it, I can’t help but smile. I did not notice until now, The earrings she wore in the picture Are the ones that I now possess.

THE LITTLE PUP

Madison Boyce, Form III

The big beast, As the mice thought of him. The small pup, As I saw him. His black and white fur, Like an old TV show. His bright pink tongue, Like a light in the dark. His favourite rubber ball, Always squeaking in terror. As he would capture it in his jaws, And bring it back to his castle of metal. There it was his prisoner, Just like many other treats of his. Never would they be seen again, Until the dark of the night. Then he would stumble to his bed, There he would fall into a deep, deep, sleep. Matthew Graham, Form III

Eva Gaston, Form V

The Owl 2016

THE BUILD-UP TO CHRISTMAS Hustling and bustling, Coming home to find more presents underneath the Christmas tree. Forgotten true meaning, Early mornings, late night. A crackling fire in the mantelpiece, Carefully placed lights strung across all of the city. Colourful Christmas sweaters Warm glow of the Christmas market, Scent of cinnamon wafting in the air, The crunch of feet in the gritted streets, The vibrant colour of mulled wine, Constant murmur of a thousand shoppers, Hundreds of miniature Marys and Josephs across the country, Repetitive Christmas songs, Bare trees whipping the icy winds, A hundred shapes and sizes of Saint Nick, Paper, ribbons and bows, An enormous anti-climax. Rachel Patterson, Form III

Anna McDonald-Anaaka, LVI

Lily Li, LVI

Molly McShane, LVI

Literary Contributions

WHEN DREAMS BECOME REAL James was just like any other eight year old. He loved toys and playing outside with his friends. Although, one summer evening the sun was still shining bright and he refused to go to bed. As he argued with his parents and finally lost the battle, he stormed upstairs, stomping up every step and slammed his door. Wrecked from the tough day, he fell asleep quickly and that’s when it all began. As the night grew darker, the sun faded and James’ room was only lit by a single night-light. Suddenly the window rustled and slowly opened, for two small balls of light drifted in from the blackness. The air became cold and James curled himself up as the balls of light came towards him. The eerie silence was broken as a tiny voice asked if he was the one. In response it seemed the other ball of light gradually descended to James’ face and examined him. The light then passed something into James as if it was a gift and all of a sudden the light balls vanished into the freezing air. Time went on and James grew up. When he was twelve he discovered he could control the dreams and remember them. At fourteen he could suffer from the consequences of them and finally when he was seventeen, he could turn his dreams into reality. Foreseeing the future was the main part of the dreams and they have helped him throughout his days, until one day he just lost his ability. Confused, through school, he tried to remember his previous dream and as he was walking home, he was so busy thinking he was knocked down. The hit was fatal and all he saw was darkness. Was he dead? Was he in a coma? His eyes opened and he saw his clock. It was the same day. Olivia Snoddy, Form II

Darcy King, MVI

THE STONE OF THE MYSTERY SEA On a nice day in the summer, a family went to the beach for a day out. 24ºC was the high temperature. After a delicious picnic, they paddled in the water. After the lilo that they bought that day started to deflate, everyone swam back to shore. Mum and her daughter Orla collected flat stones while Dad and Jack went over wrist techniques. Wondering why? They were having a stone skimming contest. When it came to Jack’s turn, he skimmed his first stone. It bounced merrily across the water; the second one sank as fast as a rock. Orla mocked him. “I’ll show you,” said Jack, and with that, he threw the third stone. It vigorously bounced five times, but then came back. “According to the ways of physics, that shouldn’t have come back!” said a nervous Orla. “No kidding,” replied Jack with a sarcastic look on his face. Dad went under water to try figure out what happened. As he popped out from the clear blue ocean, he said, “It looks like magic, but I must not be looking hard enough.” Then, he felt something. What could it be? All that was visible was a black shadow. It suddenly grabbed him and pushed him to shore. “I thought it was going to attack you,” said mum. There is something under there that doesn’t want to be disturbed, but what!”

Amy Matthews, MVI

Kate Duffy, Form II

The Owl 2016

THE SCHOOL OF HORRORS It was a cold day on the 24th of March and Becky had just woken up for school. She brushes her teeth and gets changed. She then runs downstairs and pours herself a bowl of Rice Krispies and ate them for breakfast. She grabbed her bag with her books, went out the door and got the bus to school. Becky meets up with her friends and chats until the start of school. “When is the library period?” asked Becky, wondering if she should get a book. “I don’t know, maybe 4th period, I’m not so sure,” said one of her friends. The school day goes by quickly and most of it was just boring, so at lunch Becky and her friends planned that in the library period they would get the teacher to let them get their own books, and sit wherever they want but in actual fact they were just going to pretend to read and talk all period.

Adam Duff, LVI

“So who’s going to ask Mr Linderman, we need to get him to agree,” asked Rachael. “Becky should,” said Samantha, “she is the teacher’s pet of the class.” “But…” Becky said before she was interrupted by Rachael. “No buts!” she said, “Samantha is right, it should be you!” “Okay then,” Becky said accepting the defeat. The library period began and Becky was able to get Mr Linderman to agree so her and her friends sat at a table together and then were called up to collect their books. One of the books caught Becky’s eye, this one had no title, but it made the book more intriguing, she picked it up and took it home. John Gibson, Form II

Roise Murphy, Form V

Chelsea Ann Roxas, LVI

WHEN I HAVE A BALL AT MY FEET When I have a ball at my feet, I feel free, I feel unique. All eyes are on the player with the ball. It’s his time to prove them all, Show everyone what he can do, Whether it be score Or get past-through, If he fails it doesn’t matter, At least he had a go, All my worries are left behind, When I have a ball at my feet. Ryan McBride, Form III

Literary Contributions “I personally think it’s going to be really good!” said April-May enthusiastically, swinging her large clumpy boots. “You would though! You’re a nerd and adore reading!” argued Kelsea. 2 hours later (April-May’s POV) Wow! There are fairies and dragons and imps and nymphs everywhere! Swirling rainbows, mist, fire and magic drifting around. This place is absolutely magic! I pick up a book titled “The Ivy Princess” and take it up to Mr Linden. “Can I borrow this book?” I ask politely. Mr Linden’s head snaps up and he looks at me in horror. “Well, um, are you sure?” he asked panicky. “This book can cause some problems…” He says warily. Rachel Caughey, Form V

“I’m very sure,” I say confidently, although worry is knotting my stomach up. “Ok…” says Mr Linden sadly.

THE IVY PRINCESS

Hailie Simmons, Form II

He had warned her about the book. Now it was too late… April-May awoke with a start. She thought she had heard crying, but it was just her alarm. Sighing wearily, she hauled herself out of bed and padded silently to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and dressed quickly. She tiptoed downstairs so as not to wake her parents and slipped along to the kitchen. April popped a waffle in the toaster and pushed it down. Once it pinged, she hauled on her thick, heavy black leather boots, grabbed the waffle and left the house. Waiting for the bus and eating her waffle, she noticed a strange little house a few fields away. She thought nothing of it and went to school. When she arrived at school, she ran quickly to registration and took her seat. “Now class,” said Mrs Undyne “we are going on a trip!” everyone cheered. “To Mr Linden’s Library,” everybody let out a loud groan, except April-May. A look of pure ecstasy spread across her face. She loved libraries and books. As they all piled onto the school bus, April found her best friend Kelsea, as they took their seats, Kelsea began to complain. “A library? How boring! They could at least take us somewhere interesting for once.” Deep down though, April-May knew this wasn’t going to be any ordinary library with boring ordinary books.

Bethan McDonnell, LVI

The Owl 2016

THE BOY IN THE BEDROOM The boy’s tooth had fallen out just a few hours before and now he was asleep with the tooth under his pillow. He had been asleep for a few hours now and there was still no sign of The Tooth Fairy. The last time his tooth fell out he had got two pounds from the Tooth Fairy and now because it was probably his last tooth to fall out, he was hoping for even more. The lights outside lit up the path like a red carpet for the Tooth Fairy to make her entrance. You heard a slight batting of wings and the Tooth Fairy entered into the boy’s room. As silent as ever, the Tooth Fairy asked her accomplice, “Is he the one?” “Yes,” whispered a tiny voice. The Tooth Fairy flew over to the bed and slipped underneath the boy’s pillow. She took a fiver out of her pocket and slipped it where the tooth used to lie. As she was making a swift exit, the tooth fell out of her grasp. Nothing happened for about five seconds and then the boy turned over. She quickly swooped down and lifted the tooth then left like she was never there. Oliver McGrath, Form II

Charlotte Poh, Form V

Anna Thompson, Form V

IVY WONDERS She found the book in her school library. It seemed like just an ordinary book, that’s why she chose it, but it was far from it. The school librarian, Mr Linden was usually quite a nice man, but when it came to the well-being of his books he could be very strict and straightforward. There was this one particular book though. It didn’t have a title, just ‘Property of Greenmount School’ written on the top left corner. The cover picture was of leaves and ivy dancing down the trunk of a tree. It looked mysterious and magical, that’s why she chose it. This book, however, was not sitting in the shelves with the other books. No, it was situated in a compartment of one of the shelves. She only found it because she accidently kicked it open one afternoon after school. Instantly, she was intrigued. Words of wonder ran through her mind as she became confined to the book. It became a nightly routine for her to flick through the pages. Mr Linden soon found out, and he was not pleased when he discovered it had been taken. Mr Linden tried to persuade her to hand it back, and that he needed it urgently. All she thought was that he was being silly and overreacting- it was just a book from the school library, right? Weeks passed, she reread the book over and over until one night- something extraordinary happened. This was when she realised that Mr Linden was right- this was a dangerous book. He warned her, but now it was too late. The book overtook her life. Amy Johnston, Form II

Klara Ahman, Form V

Literary Contributions

MAGIC Mr Linden had warned her not to read it. But she just couldn’t help it. It was so magical. The cover had a swirling pattern and had a small flap that had a key inside to unlock it. She could see the clean edges of the paper and the little vines it had drawn on it. She couldn’t resist it, she had to read it. She got into bed and turned on her lamp. She opened the small flap and took out the key. She opened the lock. She was scared but excited at the same time. She opened the cover, and there was a sign. It said READ IF YOU DARE. At the bottom of the page, in small writing it read MAKE SURE TO LOCK AFTER USE. Then she turned the page… Gemma Kelly, MVI

It was magical. She had never seen anything like it before in her life. The pictures were moving about on the page, telling their own little story. Every page different from the last, she couldn’t believe it. Soon her eyes became tired and she started to drift off. She left the book open and the pictures started to come to life. All the animals, birds, even people. All the plants started to grow out of the book. Flowers, grass and vines. Nicole McClean, Form II

A SUNNY SUMMER’S DAY

Julie Ferguson, MVI

A sunny day, a clear blue sky, Green, green grass, The smell of pollen, Excitement, Ice lollies and fresh chilled drinks, Sunglasses and sun cream, The smell of the barbecue, Or the sausages sizzling on it, The longer days, The warmer nights, Happiness, Summer. Emelye Cummings, Form III

Jordanna Park, MVI

The Owl 2016

‘HONOURING THE PAST, IMAGINING

THE FUTURE’ IVEAGH SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY

Conor Callaghan won a place as an Iveagh Scholar and spent a week working in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin. This was his winning essay submission on the theme of ‘Honouring the Past, Imagining the Future’. Throughout this essay I will address how Ireland's historical perspective can and should influence its position on a variety of international issues by applying solutions which we have found to our own historical problems, thereby honouring our past by imagining our future. The problem of refugees fleeing their homes is evident worldwide: fleeing from conflict, persecution, famine and economic uncertainty. Ireland experienced “an Gorta Mór” from 1845-1852; a famine which claimed the lives of one million people and led to another one million emigrating. Thus, from this experience, the island of Ireland should learn compassion, and a sense of moral duty to aid refugees in whatever way possible. Additionally, the mass emigration that occurred as a result of economic stagnation and those who fled Northern Ireland as a result of “the Troubles” have created a considerable diaspora. This diaspora includes 11 US presidents descended from Ulstermen who fled as a result of penal discrimination amongst other things. This should teach all of Ireland to value the contribution which other cultures can bring to a society.

annexation of the Crimea; this could be done through the UN, a conduit which Ireland has used in the past. As a 16 year old from the south living in the north, it is clear that the richness of Ireland's history and historical perspective gives us immense wisdom and knowledge to be put to use in shaping the future, resolving problems and creating resolutions for our island and for others. One, that above all, does not allow history to repeat itself. Conor Callaghan, Form V

Courtney Harper, MVI

In the Battle of the Somme, the 36th Ulster Division and 16th Irish Division fought alongside one another. This war had a regional and international aspect to it, alongside the apparent paradox of these two locally opposing sides fighting alongside one another. Others saw this as an opportune time to begin the fight for Irish independence, with the 1916 Rising. The same level of complexity can be seen in the Battle of the Boyne, an equally manifold battle despite its being viewed purely as a sectarian conflict. The island of Ireland knows this as well as any another region, and it is this historical perspective that enables us to offer solutions to other conflicts. Our expertise could be of particular use in the geopolitical Shia-Sunni conflict in the Middle East. The Republic of Ireland was successful in achieving independence from Britain in 1922, and evolved into a peaceful, 21st century democracy, unlike many other states such as Zimbabwe and Indonesia who following independence descend into anarchical, violent chaos due to extreme parties and groups. Northern Ireland stayed within the UK, and following decades of violence and tension, it has overcome these crises and is managing to maintain function and order. Ireland's relationship with Britain has later been reconciled through co-operating in the EU. Thus, Ireland has shown that no matter the adversity, a compromise can be made that leads to peace. Our expertise could be of great use in solving international problems like the

Hannah Thompson, MVI

Literary Contributions

PATRICK KAVANAGH POETRY COMPETITION Gabriel Bador was awarded 3rd Place in the Patrick Kavanagh Student Poetry Awards 2016.

NEON DAZE Bleed city, Bleed away Let the neon haze smudge today. While the past shambles home, As the oily owls roam.

Juanita Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Kane, MVI

Sleep city, Sleep away As I sip the scent of smoke so grey. As fingertips flicker when the street lights die, And clouds hide a pedantic sky. Stay city, Stay away When fluorescent suns break their rays. And walking suits are sent to scatter, While held against a frenzied chatter. Hum city, Hum away Till the copper cars end their sway. And the rails let out a perpetual shiver, All drawn along a winding river. Shout city, Shout away As straightened lines are led astray. For shuffled feet pause against the pack, Of dimming stars rotten black.

Zak McWilliams, MVI

Fade city, Fade away Build your walls with hardened clay. Gaze with wandering, watchful eye, And hang among a painted lie. Gabriel Bador, Form IV

Martha Gordon, MVI

Bethany Graham, MVI

The Owl 2016

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS FOR POLITICIANS TO INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT POLITICS? This essay won a competition organised by the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy at The Queen’s University, Belfast. When I put this question to my friends, one of them simply replied: “Show us what they do can make a difference.” And in its simplest terms that’s all we want. Politicians have to inspire us by showing us that things can change, and that by us getting involved in politics we can improve our future. Times have changed; we don’t live in the 1940s where Winston Churchill inspired the youth throughout the Second World War. We live in a cynical world where a young person’s vision of the future is clouded by international terrorism, climate change and crippling debt. To inspire the youth of today, politicians need to be honest with us. We need politicians who will tell us the truth about the future and all the things that it holds. We need to be able to put our trust into these people first and foremost so that they can help show us how to improve the world.

better one. We will be inspired by politicians who do not let our history define us but find new ways for Northern Ireland to become recognised world over. Politicians here can inspire us by bringing real equality to our country and showing that we are a 21st century nation. By showing young people that the only way positive change can occur is through politics, they will be inspired to get involved. There are numerous ways for politicians to inspire young people today, but all of them need action not just words. The best way to inspire young people about politics is by showing us they matter and that they can help make positive changes, not by jumping on the latest app bandwagon and asking us to tweet, snapchat or watch their “viral videos”. Talk is cheap but actions are priceless. Let’s get to work; we have a world to save. Olivia Spence, Form V

But, there is more to inspiring today’s youth than an inspirational speech and promises of a better tomorrow; politicians need to show us credibility. They should be inspiring us by showing that we can rely on them, that they’ll take responsibility for their mistakes and not give us false hope. When President John F Kennedy took responsibility on television for the failed Bay of Pigs mission, he inspired a nation of young people by proving that he was an honest man. I believe that politicians today can draw on this to inspire young people today. Today’s young people will be inspired by politicians who take us seriously. We will not be inspired by adults trying to relate to young people through hashtags and emojis. We will be inspired by people who show us that we matter, who ask us what our opinions on different subjects are – and not just ones with an obvious youth connection. Young people will be inspired by politicians that talk to us like we’re real people and explain issues to us. Politicians need to get involved with us, not stopping by a school and taking a few photos, but by actually listening about causes and concerns us to do with our country and the world. Politicians simply cannot leave young people out of discussions about the future, our future, and expect us to be inspired. Politicians should also try to represent us in matters that will affect us in the future. Young people will not be inspired to care about politics if we believe that nothing will come of it until we are middle aged. In Northern Ireland, we need politicians who will look to the future and join young people in imagining a

Fiona McIlroy, MVI

Literary Contributions

READY FOR WAR My friends and I are the freaks of our year, We rally as allies, always to fight fair. As sisters and brothers in war we link arms together, Building a shield, protecting each other. We fight against those who put us down, Laugh in the face of the undeserving crown, As a force, we are unstoppable, Many have tried but our defeat is impossible. All our enemies will crumble into dust, We continue to march in an effort to make our world just, “Divide and conquer!” Their orders are clear, But they don’t realise, each single one of us, they should fear. Alone we are as strong as the rest, When our instincts are put to the test, With our words we will build our kingdom, Undefeatable, we will defend our freedom, The beautiful thing about our vigilante party, We each have endured things that have made us strong and hardy, Each of us are varied, perfect in our own ways, Enjoying each good second, working through our worst days, We wear our pain as armour, Because it’s the hardships that make us stronger, As individuals, together we fight, Working to bring our strange army into the light, We are varied, we are beautiful, we are united. By each other, we are guided. Do not underestimate the freaks that we are, When it comes down to battle, we are ready for war. Lily Williamson, Form III

Alexis Payot, Form V

Beth Murphy Morrison, MVI

Juanita O’Kane, MVI

Distribution of Prizes The Annual Distribution of Prizes took place this year on Friday 28th October at The Spire’s Centre. The Warden, Mrs J. Weir, welcomed the Guest of Honour, Claire McCollum M.A. to the prize-giving ceremony. In her speech Claire McCollum congratulated prize winners, the musicians who played at the ceremony and Mr Jamison for his DVD. C. McCollum emphasised how proud parents would be of their children and acknowledged the work of current teachers as well as those teachers who taught her while at school. The Guest of Honour related stories from her time, and her family’s time, at the Academy. She noted the School’s developments and ability to still remain a place where opportunities are created for every pupil. Claire McCollum reflected further upon her school days at the Academy describing uniform preparations, swimming, hockey, ski trips and the making of lifelong friends. One narrative involved the determination to wear the school beret whereas another story alluded to the use of a stink-bomb! C. McCollum explained how she felt encouraged by teachers and her parents when trying to decide what to do for a career. Inspired by her father’s as well as her own interest in stories and people from around the world, she decided to go to Dundee University to study Geography. Claire McCollum moved on to describe her very successful career in the media noting experiences such as interviewing Eamon Holmes and working with Children in Need. She also remembered enjoying being a breakfast news reader, being on UTV, appearing on Sons of Praise and now working for herself. In closing, the Guest of Honour thanked her family for their support over the years. She explained how grateful and privileged she felt for having attended the Academy. Offering the students some advice that she had received as a Form One pupil, Claire McCollum wished the pupils well for the future asking them to remember to work hard, play hard, be happy, be kind and that the friends you make at the Academy will be the friends you make for life. The Senior Orchestra gave a rousing rendition of the ‘Farandole from “L’Arlesienne Suite”’ by G. Bizet while the Chamber Choir gave beautiful performances of R. Bennett’s ‘A Good-Night’ and M. McGlynn’s ‘Incantations’ . We are very grateful to the Rev. Prof. J. P. Taylor, M.B.E. for opening the prize-giving ceremony.

The Headmaster’s Address Warden, Ladies and Gentlemen, Pupils of the Academy It is a pleasure today to welcome Claire McCollum as our Guest of Honour. Her work in television and as the host of some of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious events will be familiar to you all. Perhaps the seeds of her success are to be found in her school career. When I asked her Form Mistress and teachers to describe her as a pupil, they used words like, “happy…enthusiastic…fun…thoughtful…” and remembered her “infectious smile” and “bright personality.” The warmth which viewers find so engaging was evident at an early age. Her talent as a communicator was obvious in her excellent “Talking and Listening” exercises in English, skiing and horse-riding. Evidently she was popular not only with her peers but with her teachers! You can imagine how shocked I was, therefore, to read her confession in a newspaper article published in 2001, that she had almost received a Saturday detention for letting off a stink bomb in class…she can rest easy – there is no record of the incident in her file and I will mention it only to a select few. Claire, we are delighted to have you as our Guest today. It is a pleasure also to welcome Professor Patton Taylor to our proceedings once again: his own ties to the school, as a parent and former member of staff, are long-standing. I am pleased to report the success of our pupils in the public examinations. Despite an untimely outbreak of mumps among the MVI Form, of 512 examinations sat at Advanced level, only five were failed. 86% of the examinations were passed at the top grades A* - C, and 71% of pupils achieved at least three of those grades. Ryan Corry and Ryan Lightowler gained 4 A* grades for which more than 90% in the A2 modules is required, while Callum Dalzell and Nicole Xu gained 3 A*s and 1 grade A. I congratulate Rhys McKendry, who was placed 1st in Advanced level Economics with the CCEA Board, and Juanita O’Kane, who was joint 1st in Art. Callum Dalzell secured a place at Trinity Hall, Cambridge University, to read Engineering. In all, our pupils have embarked upon their journey beyond school at 41 universities across Britain and Ireland. Our GCSE results have never been better: 98% of pupils achieved 5 or more grades A* - C, and 95% attained seven or more passes at those grades. Alice Reid and Jasmine Ross gained 11 passes at A*.19 pupils gained 11 passes or more at A* or A and a further 14 achieved 10 passes at those top grades. Shane Martin

Distribution of Prizes

was ranked 1st in Northern Ireland in Physical Education, Aidan Murray was Joint 1st in Single Award Science, and Anna McClurg was joint 1st in Art and Design, having scored full marks. I congratulate them, and indeed all of our pupils and their teachers, on a fine set of results, and I am grateful for the support of parents, who help to sustain good habits of study at home. I hope that Mrs Kerr and the members of staff in our Art Department are gratified by the fact that we have top candidates in Northern Ireland at both GCSE and Advanced level. I reported last year that for the first time two former pupils represented Cambridge in the hockey and rugby varsity matches against Oxford – Faye Kidd and Daniel Dass respectively. Remarkably, this year they have both been elected to Captain the Cambridge University teams – I congratulate them on what may be a unique ‘double’. We continue to be one of the most applied-to schools at the time of transfer, thanks, in good measure, to the reassuring professionalism and good humour of our members of staff on the mornings of the AQE tests. With more than 200 entering the school each year the level of academic ability will vary, from those who will aspire to the top place in the province to those who will have to work hard to pass their examinations. Our priority will continue to be to help all of our pupils to fulfil their potential, whatever that may be, both academically and through the fostering of other talents and interests. The journey begins at an earlier age, and it was particularly pleasing this year to see how teachers and parents worked together at Ben Madigan both to transform the Library and to create a new ICT Suite. I congratulate Mr Wilson and all at the Preparatory Department on an excellent year. I am grateful to the Members of our Board of Governors, for their sustained commitment to the School. The Bursar and the Building and Estates Committee were exemplary in their management of our building projects in recent years, working closely both with the Department of Education and with our contractors. I value their support and expertise, and I have gained much from the insight, friendship and good advice of our Warden, Mrs Weir, whose commitment to education in North Belfast and in the wider community is renowned, and whose association with the Academy is life-long. The building works which I have mentioned were completed before the summer and our new facilities were officially opened by the Minister for Education, Mr Peter Weir, in September. The provision of new Business Studies classrooms, a refurbished Home Economics department, a new Music building, a Learning Support Suite, a large multi-purpose area in the Jackson building and a Heritage Room means that the school has never been so well resourced. My only wish is that when it moved in 1880 from Academy Street to the Cliftonville Road, on what was then the northern edge of the city, the school had purchased several more

fields…100 or so pupils moved into the Crombie Building in the reign of Queen Victoria, now more than 1500 people share our site, which means that it is a busy one…one which combines the historical character of the Crombie with the modernity of our new buildings and the latest technology which they contain. I believe that pupils and members of staff alike will enjoy our new facilities. Ours is indeed a large and diverse community, one characterised by endeavour and achievement in a very wide range of areas, from the examination hall to the concert platform, from the Mourne Mountains to the winter warmth of Roughfort. Good education is transformative, not only helping pupils to achieve the examination success which will take them on to university and into their careers, but in providing experiences through which they develop confidence and discover their potential. The door which opens onto the concert stage, the gate through which they step onto the hockey pitch; these, and all the other pathways which our pupils tread, here, or as far away as Mulanje Mission in Malawi, lead into the future; they carry with them the benefit of their time at school – and in their turn they will transform the world beyond school. We see them grow, and seek to provide an environment in which they can flourish: an environment of tolerance and support but also of opportunity and challenge. During the year we had visitors from America, the Lebanon, Finland, Hungary, Spain and Portugal, and our pupils travelled to Poland, Spain, the north of England, France, Malawi, Scotland, Dublin, Rome, New England, London and, twice, to Washington. Light was shed on career pathways by a variety of events, including seminars led by former pupils who spoke to Sixth Formers about the route which they have followed in their careers. Among the visitors to school last year was Andy Haldane, Chief Economist and Executive Director of the Bank of England, who spoke to our Economics pupils in September. June saw the retirement of Mrs Gray and Mr Reilly, long-serving and highly regarded members of staff, whose Valetes will appear in the next edition of The Owl. Those dedicated to mountain mud and midges should not despair, however. Mr Reilly’s plan for the on-going administration of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme was meticulous, and I suspect that when his Duke of Ed sabbatical ends in the summer we will see him lend his support to the Award with undimmed enthusiasm. I cannot calculate the contribution which he has made to generations of pupils, but I know that the paths upon which he set them have been among the most important of their time at school. Learning that the track is sometimes uphill, that the wind will blow, and that the challenge is best met with friends – these are good lessons for life. A junior dictionary published in 2007 omitted a number of traditional words, including “cygnet, catkin, conker” and “blackberry” and introduced new words…“blog, broadband, chat room” and “BlackBerry”, with a capital ‘B’. Even that “BlackBerry” may not make the next edition. The world is changing and em-

The Owl 2016 ployment opportunities are evolving. We must teach our pupils not only the subject matter of examinations, but communication skills, curiosity and perhaps most importantly, adaptability: the ability to cope with changing circumstances. We must foster a rounded capability which will help them to prosper not only at university but in their working lives. While subject specifications seem to be mired in pragmatism, such skills are developed in Model United Nations, or in the Reading Group, in The Young Einstein Club, or in the Politics Society which brought politicians and political commentators in to school and provided opportunities for our pupils to express their views on topics ranging from higher education to current political issues on television and local radio. We must not take for granted those things which happen every year. There is nothing routine about the excellence of the Annual Concert: in the Spring, 350 pupils, a quarter of the school, stood upon the stage of the Ulster Hall and performed a programme of exceptional quality. Many of our younger pupils set foot upon the performance stage for the first time at our Summer Serenade, and impressed us with their confidence and talent. Mrs McMullan and her colleagues should be proud – however, I have told them that we will expect even more now that they inhabit a palatial Music building. Miss Tinman’s production of Hairspray ‘sold out’ – perhaps because word spread that it was funny and full of great performances. A young member of the audience was heard to say that it was “better than the movie”. Mrs Morrison led our work experience to Malawi this year – a great responsibility which she bore with assurance and good humour. The path which leads to Mulanje Mission begins 8 months before the team sets out for Africa from the Sixth Form Centre, and for some it is a path which they follow for years afterwards because they are changed by the insights which they share and the confidence which they gain. Their experiences, and the weekly meetings of more than 70 clubs and societies, complement the efforts of our pupils in the classroom, foster friendships and develop interests. The breadth of opportunity is important, and the accomplishment of our pupils is exceptional, as we will see in Mr Jamison’s visual record of the school year. * I am, as always, very grateful to Mr Jamison, upon whose creativity and technical ability I depend for what has become a highlight of our Prize Distribution. I think that you will agree with me, that the range of activities and the quality of achievement celebrated in the film are remarkable. The challenge which we, and all schools with a vision of education such as ours, face, is how to maintain the breadth of experience and opportunity which we offer at a time of unprecedented financial difficulty: I fear that there is a danger that people who do not understand the nature of education, who do not comprehend its importance for our future, will allow much that we celebrate today to be eroded.

The achievements of some pupils, as we have seen, were acknowledged by the wider world last year. Keaton Morrison, following the footsteps of James Reid, was presented with the Junior Male Sports Personality of the Year at the Belfast Sports Awards, and Conor Ferguson won the Belfast Telegraph ‘Young Player of the Year’ award, sharing the stage with former pupil Iain Henderson, who was presented with the George Best Breakthrough Award. Jack Agnew was named Disability Male Sports Personality of the Year. I congratulate them all, and also Tom McKibbin, who was invited to be a Children’s Hospice Ambassador. Twenty nine charities benefited from the money raised by pupils in our weekly collections in Registration. Through these collections and other events such as the Bake Off and the Staff Review £15,000 was raised for good causes in the course of the year. In addition, pupils were involved in a range of volunteering activities in the local community. I am pleased that, thanks to the generosity of Mr Louis McConnell, we are able to celebrate such commitment through the award of a new prize this year – The Mona McConnell Cares Award – named after Mona McConnell, who did so much for the homeless and lonely in North Belfast. I have mentioned the visit to school of Andy Haldane, but a visit of quite a different sort provided another memorable moment. Max Whitlock, who went on to win two Olympic Gold medals, visited Ben Madigan in the Spring. His acrobatic feats were, as you can imagine, extraordinary, but I was equally impressed by the confidence of two Ben Madigan pupils who asked to show what they could do too, and impressed Max and the rest of us with their gymnastic skills. Indeed, the year provided many memorable occasions: one was the Girls’ House Hockey Competition held on a freezing night at Roughfort under the newly installed floodlights, which provided passionate commitment and frenzied support – indicative of one of the most interesting phenomena of the year; the competitiondriven success of Mr Dorman’s re-vamped House System. Pottinger won. Pride of place, however, must go to the Cricket 1st XI, who beat Inst in the Final of the Schools’ Cup in June, to retain the trophy which they had won, for the first time, the previous year. As the hours passed the match ebbed and flowed. All contributed to a fine team effort, but in the end it was Max Burton who ‘saw us home’, with an innings of technical skill and mental tenacity. I congratulate Mr Shields and the boys involved: they have secured their place in our history. Those who read last June’s edition of The Academy Newsletter will understand why time does not permit me to record every individual achievement of the year in this speech. However, I am pleased to note that once again our swimmers excelled, winning Gold medals in all of the Championships in which they competed, with our Girls being crowned overall winners at the Ulster Grammar Schools’ Championships. In Hockey, our Girls’ 1st XI defeated Methody to win the final of the Belfast League, while the U13 and U14

Distribution of Prizes teams remained unbeaten on their way to winning South Antrim League titles and the Form I pupils won their Cup competition, while our Boys’ U16 team reached the semi-final of the Taylor Cup. Our rugby teams also enjoyed good seasons, with the 1st XV reaching the Quarter Final of the Schools’ Cup, and the Medallion reaching the Semi-Final of the Shield. Once again our Bridge teams led the way at Provincial level and went on to be crowned Champions at the Irish Schools’ Teams and Pairs competitions.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS: Shane Martin 1st in GCSE P.E. Aidan Murray 1st in GCSE Single Award Science Rhys McKendry 1st in Advanced Level Economics Juanita O’Kane 1st in Advanced Level Art Anna McClurg 1st in GCSE Art

In the summer I received a letter from the parents of a pupil who left school after her A levels in June. She was the last of their children to go through the Academy, an association which began 18 years ago. I was glad to be updated about their progress, as they follow pathways beyond school, and to read these lines:

GCSE Examination success:

“Despite their academic success, that’s not what I want to thank you for. Our family have had a wealth of opportunities and experiences which very few schools could compete with. The list is endless: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Malawi Work Experience, Paris Trip, Spanish Exchange, Swedish Exchange, German Exchange, School Choir, School Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Traditional Group, Romania (Habitat for Humanity), Hockey, Athletics, Swimming, Waterpolo, Bridge, MUN, 147 Trust etc...These extra-curricular activities have been the making of our children but without the dedicated staff prepared to give up their time to take the clubs and societies, they would not have had the experiences and opportunities they have had.”

30 -43 points: Jack Golden, Trinity Geddis, Shane Martin, Patrick Donnelly, Tara Cavan, Grainne Gilleece, Amber Vick, Euan Carroll, Ellen Dalzell, Rebecca McIlwaine, Ally Shaw 4, Eva Gaston, Aaron Maguire, Curtis McVeigh, Molly Brown, Natasha, Daniel Quigley, Conor Farrell-Foster, Anna McClurg, Conor Callaghan, Rachel Bailie, Alexis Payot, Meaghan Hughes, Eve Proctor, Lena Schlogel, Leah Wallace, Douglas Adams, Lauren Hamilton, Katie Richie, Elish McEwan, Megan Carson, Adam Ferguson, Lucy Gaston, Finn Maguire Purdy, Lucy Clements, Charlotte Poh, Katie McConnaughie, Owen Donnelly, Jonathan Evans, Dannie Wilson

I am pleased to add my voice to their thanks to our dedicated staff, who make our vision of a rounded education a reality. In adding particular thanks to Dr Scully, Dr Brown, Mr Wilson and our Bursar, Miss Hull, I wish to highlight their dedication and expertise, upon which I depend for so much. I am fortunate indeed to have such a team of senior colleagues.

4 grade A passes: Thomas Carey, Aimee Cochrane, Chloe Dawson, Carlos Firgau Marcano, Natasha Kelly, Zuzanna Loboda, Katie McDowell, Emily McMahon, Kirsty Miller, Andrew Milligan, Megan Waite, Abby Wallace

Pupils, whatever path your life will follow, when you are old you will still, occasionally, be asked what school you went to. I hope that you will be pleased, and perhaps proud, to say ‘Belfast Royal Academy’. I am certainly proud to be Headmaster of such a school. I will leave you with the words of the great Urdu poet and scholar, Muhammad Iqbal who wrote, “Real knowledge, like everything else of value, is not to be obtained easily. It must be worked for…Be aware of your own potential…Create an ocean from a dewdrop. Do not beg for light from the moon, obtain it from the spark within you.” * At this point a DVD was shown to illustrate some of the highlights from the school year, including the following:

8 GCSE English as a second language Laura Loboda 11A* 1A Alice Reid and Jasmine Ross gained 11 passes at A*

Advanced Subsidiary Examination success:

3 grade A passes: Chloe Farrington, Laura Fleck, Tom Gilpin, Christy Grattan, Hannah Henderson, Ashley Johnston, Kara Johnston, Bethan McDonnell, James McMahon-Beattie, Jack Millard, Beth Murphy-Morrison, Jamie Murray, Lauryn Smith, Casey Stewart, Seweryn Szulgan, Anna Wilson Advanced Level Examination success: 3 grade A or better: Ryan Corry, Ryan Lightowler, Callum Dalzell, Nicole Xu, Micah Hipolito, Mimi Joffroy, Lucy Kinnear, Niamh Martin, Luke Auterson, Rhys McKendry, Rachel MacNeill, Sam Millar, Niamh Carroll, Cameron Chisim, Kieran McKenna, Timmy Robinson, Rachel McAtamney, Taylor McCombe, Hannah Torrens, Hollie McCalmont, Harry Brewster, Rebecca Briggs, David McLarnon, Lauren Rolsto Cambridge News Callum Dalzell: Engineering at Trinity Hall Faye Kidd and Daniel Dass: Captains of Hockey and Rugby respectively

The Owl 2016

OTHER SUCCESS Eton Choral Course: Patrick Donnelly Harmony Trust Poetry Winners: 1st Rosie Strutt; 2nd Gabriel Bador; 3rd Ben O’Neill Credit Union National Finalists UK Maths Trust’s individual and team challenges: At Senior level pupils achieved 5 gold, 9 silver and 24 bronze awards. At Intermediate level pupils achieved 1 gold, 17 silver and 21 bronze awards. At Junior level pupils achieved 5 silver and 21 bronze awards. Chemistry Analyst competition 3rd place STEMQUEST Regional Winners: Ellen Campbell, Jack Carson, Katie Moore and Ollie Parkes Iveagh Scholarship: Conor Callaghan

EVENTS

Harmony North Choir in the JFK Performing Arts Centre in Washington Class of ’66 Reunion Friends Of The Academy Dinner Dance Annual Art Exhibition Summer Serenade Big Day of Science Primary School Visits Sports Day

CAREERS Andy Reid Motorcyclist visit AJ Power Dundia Meat QUB Pharmacy IKEA University Visits Eye4Education Darren Nixon Andy Haldane Executive Director Bank of England Gareth Gordon BBC Newsline Matthew Watson with Tara Mills Sam McBride Newsletter John McCallister MLA Tayto Castle

Senior School play Hairspray

CLUBS

Wellbeing week

DoE: John Reilly retires after overseeing 445 Gold, 668 Silver and 1269 bronze, 26 Mournes’ Cleanup and 406 current members ATC Hazel Mackintosh retires Junior Bookclub meets author Dan Freedman Charity: Save the Children £3 000; Weekly donations, £4 003, Read-on Week, £3 905 Debating Society Young Einstein Habitat for Humanity: Lurgan’s Mount Zion Centre Library Club meets UK Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell Model United Nations Wesley College Dublin; Conor Callaghan highly commended delegate Politics Society EU Debate with Farage vs Coaker National Poetry Day BBC Young Reporters

Revamped House System with 28 competitions Prize day Carol Service Staff Revue Performing Arts: Mimi Joffroy and Jordan Walker Belfast School of Performing Arts Malawi Night Spring Concert: Ulster Hall Ulster Youth Orchestra: Jason Poots, Ellen Quinn, Patrick Donnelly, Emer Gribbon Ulster Youth Choir: Conor Foster, Patrick Donnelly, Hannah Edgar Ulster Youth Training Choir: Lucy Clements, Tara McBride eSafety Concert with “TAKEN” Arabic Culture project Harmony North Choir at the Irish Embassy in London

TRIPS Spanish Exchange with Pole de Siero in Asturias Scripture Union: Poland Trip, Kilkeel, Castlewellan Malawi work experience house building Geography trip to see sea defences and weather measurements Biology trip to Greenmount (CAFRE) Physics trip to Armagh Planetarium Rome trip with RE/Art/Classics Ski trip to New England Politics trip to Westminster

Distribution of Prizes Politics trip to Washington Paris Trip - Easter Paris Trip - Summer Hadrian’s Wall Trip

U13 South Antrim League Winners U12 Annual Carrick Tournament Winners 1ST XI Belfast League Winners

SPORT

REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS:

Athletics (Boys) Ulster Championships: 6 Gold; 1 Silver; 1 Bronze

Ulster and Irish U18: Erin Getty

Athletics (Girls) Ulster Championships: 4 Silver; 5 Bronze Irish Championships: 2 Gold; 2 Silver for: Erin McMahon, Shane Martin, Callum Davidson, Stephen McCorry Bridge Club: Ulster and Irish Schools’ Pairs and Team Champions and Northern Ireland Under 20 team for Home Internationals Cross Country Running: District Championships: Senior boys and girls teams as runners up Irish Championships: Andrew Milligan and Rioghnach Catney qualifiers Dance: NICMAC Fitness Section Winners British Theatre Dance, Laura Browne 6 times winner Festival Dancing, Bethany Hunter U13 NI Winner Rowing: Belfast Rowing Club’s Women’s Novice Single Sculls Winner, Kerrie Johnson

Ulster U18: Alice Reid, Trinity Geddis Ulster U16: Harriet Dougan, Julia Uprichard, Niamh McIvor Belfast U17: Alice Reid, Trinity Geddis, Charlotte Anderson, Irish Alvarado Belfast U15: Harriet Dougan, Julia Uprichard, Amy Bradley, Ellie Bradley, Thomasa Kennedy Judo: James Reid Sainsbury School Games Gold Kayaking: Reuben McCrea Bangor Bay Sea Kayak Race U16 Winner Lifesaving: Ulster Championship 8 medals British National Championships 58 medals and 2 new British records World Lifesaving Championships: Sinead Gourley GB Performance Lifesaving Squad: 9 pupils

Fencing: Kerrie and Emily Johnson UK Games

Swimming: Ulster Schools Championships: 24 medals

Football: NIBFA Oliver McGrath National League Cup Winner

Ulster Grammar Schools: 43 medals

Karting: British Schools Karting Championships, 1st and 3rd in Ulster Girls’ Golf: Judithe Allen and Amy O’Donnell Ulster Schools Runners Up Boys’ Golf: Tom McKibbin played in his first ‘professional tournament’ and the Irish Open ProAm. Also Junior Ryder Cup Netball: Minor A, B and Form One teams league finalists U13 Regional Development Squad: Megan Warke, Erin McMahon, Ellie Murray U15 Regional Development Squad: Fabienne Cochrane, Hannah Hill U19 Belfast Area Schools Squad : Abbie Brown, Holly Sharpe, Emma MacDougall

Irish Championships: 4 qualifiers Top relay school in Ireland Waterpolo: U19 boys 2nd in the schools league and in the Canada Trophy U16 boys team retained their Ulster Schools’ Championship Rugby: 1st XV reached the quarter final of the Schools’ Cup Belfast Sports Award and Telegraph Awards: Conor Ferguson: Young Player of the Year Award (EYOF Tblisi 3rd fastest in the world) Jack Agnew: Disability Male Award

Show Jumping: Inter Schools Balmoral Park second.

Keaton Morrison: Junior Male Award

Hockey (Boys): Colts Taylor Cup competition semifinalists

Ian Henderson: George Best Breakthrough Award

Hockey (Girls): U14 South Antrim League Winners

Cricket: 1st XI Schools’ Cup trophy

The Owl 2016

FORM I

FORM II

Briggs, Mark D

Kirkpatrick, Molly E

Armstrong, Aoife M

McFarland, Naomi S

Brolly, Shannon L

Linton, Ella

Browne, Laura C

McIlroy, Daniel J

Carleton, James L

Lough, Becky

Cheung, Sinead Y

McKnight, Chloe F

Clarke, Eva J

Martin, Darcy T

Dobbin, Emma J

Craig, Katie M

McAdam, Joy K

McMahon-Beattie Lucy E

Crawford, Hannah J

McBride, Shannon R

Dougan, Cameron R

McQueen, Grace S

Dillon, Ethan C A

McCurley, Mia J

Harvey, Ella J

O’Hagan, Aoife C

Gergett, Sabriel L

McIlroy, Grace J

Harvey, Michael A

O’Kane, Anna E

Gillespie, Jack A

Ramsey, Rachel A

Hetherington, Lauren

Pavelkova, Kristyna

Golden, Ben E

Uprichard, Emma

Hunter, Bethany J

Plackett, Rebecca E

Hawela, Nada

Wallace, Finn J

Lavery, Erin N

Seawright, Shannon R

Kennedy, Jayne H

Warnock, Christina A

Massey, Katie-Rose

Smallwood, Amber

McCluskey, Jodie A

Young, Rhia E

McDowell, Amelia

Zhang, Mandy Y

Kerr, Susie M

HONOURABLE MENTION

Aquino, Julianne T

McBride, Teri R

Adams, Louis T

McCoubrey, Eden

Baine, Siobhan M C

McGuigan, Joseph P

Carey, Hanna K V

McGrath, Oliver A

Cromie, Charlize

McHenry, Abbie

Carter, Cameron J

McMahon, Erin B

Crowe, Thomas D

Norton, Harry D

Davis, Liam D

O’Kane, Oliver A

Cassidy-Campbell Samantha A

Montgomery, Robin G

Duffy, Ethan J

Rodgers, Alex R

Crawford, Bryan J

Mulholland, Amy R

Erwin, Maia

Rooney, Martha-Rose D

Dixon, Ciaran N

Murray, Ellie L

Finnegan, Adam J

Simpson, Alexandria C

Douglas, Shakira

Owen, Rosie D E

Gourley, Arron

Stronge, Charlotte J

Enriquez Jr, Roosevelt

Parkes, Rebecca S

Handcock, Lucy X

Strutt, James P

Gibson, John S

Reid, Christopher

Harvey, Georgia R

Tharun, Jaana

Graham, Yolanda D

Reid, Hermione K

Irvine, Emma G

Thompson, Eve K

Hagan, Emma R

Snoddy, Olivia J

Irvine, Katie R

Urbanczyk, Martyna N

Henderson, Eve

Spence, Chloe

Johnston, Alex R

Varghese, Fibin

Johnston, Amy S

Sterrett, Jack T

Jones, Olivia H C

Wilson, Evan A

Lindsay, Kyle W

Thompson, Olivia G

Macauley, Lauren M

Willey, Joshua R

McConnell, Sam G

Worthington, Rees I

Malone, Kathleen M

Distribution of Prizes

DEPARTMENTAL PRIZES FORM III Bennett, Aoife C

Drama, Music

Braiden, Emily A

Drama

Campbell, Ellen N J

Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, Spanish

Carson, Jack B

Physics

Connolly, Erin E

Technology and Design

Convery, Lorcan F

Biology, Drama, French, Physics

Donaldson, Olivia S

Geography, History

Hamilton, Maia C

Biology, English, German

Haveron, Jade

Technology and Design

Hayward, Eva J

English, History, Latin, Spanish

Hill, Hannah O

Geography

Hughes, Luke

Business Studies

Jameson, Ryan T

Geography

Jones, Edward A

Business Studies

Kershaw, Roan A

Music

Lee, Kirsty

Latin

Meeke, Laura C

Home Economics

Storey, Charlotte M

Business Studies

Strutt, Rosie V

Art and Design

Sun, Jing Yi

Art and Design

Szlachta, Magdalena O

Biology, German, Latin, Religious Studies

Thabeth, Zakir S

Mathematics

HONOURABLE MENTION Bloomfield, Sophie A

Drama

Campbell, Ellen N J

Art and Design, Biology, French, Music, Religious Studies

Carson, Jack B

Latin

Convery, Aimee S

German, Physics

Convery, Lorcan F

Geography, Music

Creaney, Layla M

French

Dougan, Charlotte M

History

Enriquez, Cher

Biology

Ferrin, Edward M

Notable Progress

Forbes, Julia R

Notable Progress

Gooderham, Aaron J

Notable Progress

Hamilton, Maia C

Chemistry, Mathematics

Hayward, Eva J

Chemistry, Geography, Music, Religious Studies

Higgins, Jack P

Biology, Physics

Ingram, Nathan I

German

Johnston, Vivienne T A

Business Studies

Kerr, Nathan C

Drama

Kershaw, Roan A

German

Midgley, Anna Mia E Drama, Music Murphy, Ethan S

History, Religious Studies

Parkes, Ollie

Biology, Chemistry, Geography, German, Mathematics, Physics, Religious Studies

Peters, Varia

French

Lee, Kirsty

Mathematics

Pina Semedo, Alex

Spanish

Mayes, Cameron C

Business Studies

Salvatierra, Wrianne M

Chemistry

McCormick, Naoise

Art and Design

Stephenson, Callisto J

Art and Design, Technology and Design

Meeke, Laura C

History

Moore, Katie G

Biology, Physics

Murphy, Ethan S

Chemistry

The Owl 2016

Patterson, Rachel L

Art and Design, Religious Studies

Peters, Varia

Latin

Pina Semedo, Alex

Technology and Design, Notable Progress

Gutermann, Niamh C

French, Geography

Hamilton, Meghan A

History

Hamilton, Rachel

Business Studies

Jamison, Jack

Spanish

Jamison, Lucy

Drama, English Language

Johnston, Erin R

Art and Design

Reid, Cara E L

Spanish

Rogan, Niamh

Notable Progress

Kane, Adam S

Technology and Design

Salvatierra, Wrianne M

Spanish, Technology and Design

Lundy, Zak J A

Business Studies

Sharpe, Lois G

Drama

Maginnes, Lorna J

Art and Design

Sloan, Megan N

Notable Progress

Martin, Aaron J

Economics

Stephenson, Callisto J

French, Latin, Mathematics, Physics

Massey, Jill

Strutt, Rosie V

Spanish

Chemistry, English Language, French, Geography, Latin, Mathematics

Szlachta, Magdalena O

English, History

McBride, Tara B

Drama, Music

Uprichard, Julia

English

Wijayanti, Nadia N A

German

McCalmont, Amber E Chemistry, English Literature, Music, Physics, Religious Studies

Williamson, Lily I

English

Woods, Charlotte J

Home Economics

McCauley, Elizabeth G

Music

McCullagh, Elisa

German, Spanish

McGrath, Samantha A Religious Studies

FORM IV

McKee, Tom N

Information and Communications Technology

Adams, Sarah E

Home Economics

McMillan, Beth L

Biology, French, History

Baird, Katie J

Spanish

McQueen, Rosie C

Latin

Bassett, Andrew C

German, Physics

Moffett, Robbie T G

Science

Carlin, Luke A

Business Communication Systems

Mullan, Rian J

Drama

Carroll, James P

Business Communication Systems

O'Kane, Lucy E

Art and Design

Peters, Sasha

Biology

Carson, Cara C

Spanish

Purvis, Katie

Home Economics

Corry, Oran P

Economics

Quinn, Ella G

Art and Design

Dorman, Andrew K

Technology and Design

Reddington, Thea L

German

Drummond, Kathryn SE

Home Economics

Saied, Youcef

Computing

Eaglen, Jaimie

Information and Communications Technology

Shaw, Madison S

Latin

Spence, Tom H

Flynn, Rory N

Computing

Green, Jack C

English Literature, Geography, Mathematics

Biology, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Religious Studies

Stewart, Tom

Technology and Design

Distribution of Prizes

Woloszyn, Jakub

Computing, English Literature, History

HONOURABLE MENTION

McGowan, Cormac K

Computing, Mathematics

McGrath, Samantha A English Literature McGrotty, Dylan J

German, Latin

Agnew-Boyce, Molly

Art and Design

McGuckin, Naomi C

Economics

Allen, Oliver I

Business Studies

McKee, Tom N

Physics

Armstrong, Reece

Latin

McKillen, Mark T

Geography

Bador, Gabriel H K

Business Communication Systems

McMillan, Beth L

Chemistry, English Language

McQueen, Rosie

Biology, Physics

Moreland, Stephen S

Music

Mullan, Matthew L

German

Mullan, Rian J

Biology, Chemistry

Carson, Cara C

French

Coleman, Ben

History

Dougan, Harriet A

Geography

Drummond, Kathryn SE

Business Studies

O'Donnell, Lauren E

Music

Fitzsimons, Eirinn R

Art and Design

O'Donnell, Molly A

Home Economics

Gamble, Rachel S

Home Economics

O'Kane, Lucy E

Physics, Religious Studies

Gardner, Oscar L A

Science

O'Neill, Jacob J

Chemistry

Gourley, Lorcan M

Economics, History

Parker, Elle

Green, Jack C

English Language

Gutermann, Niamh C

Information and Communications Technology

Peden, Ryan J

German

Hamilton, Rachel

History

Peters, Sasha

Chemistry, Latin, Mathematics

Hawthorne, Melissa

Spanish

Philip, Layona

Holmes, Rebecca

Drama

Information and Communications Technology

Irons, William F P

Business Communication Systems

Rea, David

Computing

Reddington, Thea L

Art and Design, English Literature, Music

Jamison, Lucy

English Literature

Johnston, Lucy

Science

Sayers, Chloe

Drama, Science

Martin, Aaron J

Technology and Design

Spence, Tom H

Geography

Massey, Jill

Biology

Swann, Rachel S

Drama

Tepe, Adem Y

Business Studies

Uche, Doris U

French

Warke, Harry S L

Spanish

Whiteside, Anna M

German

Woloszyn, Jakub

Religious Studies

McCalmont, Amber E Biology, English Language, Mathematics McCauley, Elizabeth G

Technology and Design

McCourt, Daniella

Spanish

McCullagh, Elisa

French

The Owl 2016

FORM V Adams, Douglas W

General Excellence

Baillie, Rachel E

English Literature

Borne, Tori

English Language

Brady, Jacob R

English Literature

Brown, Molly E

Drama

Callaghan, Conor

English Language, German

Carroll, Euan D

Technology and Design

Carson, Megan C E

Chemistry, Latin

Cavan, Tara

History, Music, Religious Studies

General Excellence

Martin, Shane M

Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Studies

McClurg, Anna

Art and Design, Drama

McConnaughie, Katie L

Home Economics

McCorry, Lucia K

Home Economics

McEwan, Eilish

General Excellence

McIlwaine, Rebecca L

Economics

McVeigh, Curtis J

General Excellence

Moffett, Erin E J

Business Communication Systems, Business Studies, Home Economics

Dalzell, Ellen K

History, Physical Education

Donnelly, Owen J

General Excellence

Donnelly, Patrick C

Music

Moorehead, Aoibh G History

Evans, Jonathan B

General Excellence

Murray, Aidan J

Science

Ferguson, Adam J

Physics

Parkes, Zoe S

French

Foster, Conor M

French, Spanish

Gaston, Eva G

Art and Design

Payot, Alexis A T

Technology and Design

Gaston, Lucy C

General Excellence

Geddis, Trinity E Gilleece, Grainne M

Golden, Jack G

Poh, Charlotte M W

Home Economics, Religious Studies

Geography

Proctor, Eve I J

General Excellence

Geography, Mathematics, Technology and Design

Purdy, Finn

General Excellence

Quigley, Daniel G

French, Music

Reid, V Alice

Business Studies, Chemistry, Geography, Physics

Ritchie, Katie L

General Excellence

Ross, Jasmine L

Biology, English Literature, Latin, Spanish

Schlogel, Lena M

German

Shaw, Ally F

Spanish

Spence, Kate

Art and Design

Taylor, Kurtis H R

Information and Communications Technology

Vick, Amber L

General Excellence

Walker, Jordan M

Drama

Biology, Economics, English Language, History, Mathematics, Physics

Hamilton, Lauren R

General Excellence

Hoey, Caitlyn A

German

Hughes, Meaghan A G

Latin

Hurson, Lui R

Physical Education

Loboda, Laura D

Business Studies, English Literature

Loudon, Daniel B A

Maguire, Aaron E

Business Communication Systems, Information and Communications Technology

Distribution of Prizes

Wallace, Leah

General Excellence

Martin, Shane M

History

Wilson, Dannie E

General Excellence

McClean, Nathan R

Science

McClurg, Anna

History, French

McEwan, Eilish

Business Studies

McIlwaine, Rebecca L

Religious Studies

McVeigh, Curtis J

Biology

Moore, T G Peter

Technology and Design

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara, Francesca M

Spanish

Parker, Tia

Drama

Payot, Alexis A T

Art and Design

Poh, Charlotte M W

Business Studies

Poots, Jason C

Music

Proctor, Eve I J

Geography, Latin, Physics

Purdy, Finn

Physical Education

Quigley, Daniel G

Physics, Spanish

Reid, V Alice

English Language, English Literature, French

Ritchie, Katie L

Physical Education

Ross, Jasmine L

Chemistry, English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Religious Studies

HONOURABLE MENTION Andrews, Joshua

Information and Communications Technology

Baillie, Rachel E

Geography, Physical Education

Baird, Campbell C

German

Brady, Jacob R

Business Studies, English Language, Information and Communications Technology

Brown, Molly E

Latin

Brown, Sam

Business Communication Systems, Information and Communications Technology

Callaghan, Conor

Chemistry, English Literature

Carson, Megan C E

Mathematics

Clements, Lucy A

Religious Studies

Cole, Amber E

Drama

Devlin, Conor J

Economics

Doherty, Louise N K

Science

Donnelly, Owen J

Music

Spence, Olivia G

Geography

Ferguson, Adam J

Biology, Technology and Design

Taylor, Kurtis H R

Foster, Conor M

Latin, Mathematics, Music

Business Communication Systems, Science

Vick, Amber L

Gaston, Lucy C

Art and Design, English Literature

Art and Design, Drama

Golden, Jack G

Chemistry

Hughes, Meaghan A G

German

Ingram, Tom

Technology and Design

Loboda, Laura D

History

Loughrey, Madeleine E

Biology, Information and Communications Technology

The Owl 2016

FORM LVI Allen, Daniel S

Geography

Carey, Thomas P J

General Excellence

Cochrane, Aimee C

Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics

Crawford, Amy H

Religious Studies

Cummings, Sarah J

English Language

Currie, Rebecca A

General Excellence

Dawson, Chloe A

Economics, History, Religious Studies

Dougan, Courtney N

History

Farrington, Chloe H

Business Studies, Sociology

Firgau Marcano, Carlos L

Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Software Systems Development

Fleck, Laura

Government and Politics

Gallagher, Maeve A

English Language

Getty, Erin M P E

Biology

Gilpin, Tom

Economics

Graham, Caitlin A

English Literature

Grattan, Christy P M

General Excellence

Henderson, Hannah E General Excellence

McGookin, Holly L

General Excellence

McLaughlin, Chloe A English Literature McMahon, Emily A

Biology, Chemistry

McMahon-Beattie, James A

General Excellence

Millar, Sarah A

Information and Communications Technology

Millard, Jack E

Physics

Miller, Kirsty A

Classical Civilisation

Milligan, Andrew W G

Biology

Mulholland, Roma E

French

Murphy-Morrison, Beth K

Art and Design, Sociology

Murray, Jamie E J

General Excellence

Patton, Morgan L

Spanish

Reid, Kiah R T

Business Studies, Sociology

Roe, Jason F

Business Studies

Smith, Lauryn S

General Excellence

Stewart, Casey J

General Excellence

Szulgan, Seweryn D

Software Systems Development

Waite, Megan A

Chemistry, History

Wallace, Abby M

English Literature, French

Waters, Philip J

Software Systems Development

Wilson, Anna J

Geography

Ireland, Mathew T

English Language

Johnston, Ashley

General Excellence

Johnston, Kara L

Geography

Kelly, Natasha

French, Mathematics

Loboda, Zuzanna A

French

Lockhart, Neave S

Health and Social Care

Armstrong, Lauren R

English Language

McAllister, Shanagh M

Government and Politics, Religious Studies

Bassett, Jayne E

Spanish

Bingham, Daniel N

Moving Image Arts

McDonald-Anakaa, Anna M I

Art and Design

Broughton, Maria

Information and Communications Technology

McDonnell, Bethan A Art and Design, Classical Civilisation, English Language

Carey, Thomas P J

Economics, Physics

Cousins, Mary O

French

McDowell, Katie J

Crawford, Amy H

Biology

Geography

HONOURABLE MENTION

Distribution of Prizes

Currie, Rebecca A

Business Studies, Health and Social Care

Morrison, Jack H

Technology and Design

Dickson, Rebecca V

Drama

Murray, Jamie E J

Geography

Edgar, Hannah E M

Music

O'Mullan, Rachel L

Health and Social Care

Farrington, Chloe H

Religious Studies

Parkhill, Daniel D C

Fleck, Laura

Business Studies, Economics

Technology and Design

Patton, Morgan L

French

Gallagher, Maeve A

Classical Civilisation

Rea, Stephen

Gault, Rachel S E

Art and Design

Software Systems Development

Gilpin, Tom

Physics

Rhodes, Oliver N

Software Systems Development

Grattan, Christy P M

English Literature, Government and Politics, Music

Roxas, Chealsey Ann

Art and Design

Ryan, Zarah C

Henderson, Hannah E Government and Politics, Religious Studies

Information and Communications Technology

Smallwood, Lee D

Mathematics

Ireland, Mathew T

Drama

Smith, Kirstyn F

German

Johnston, Ashley

Mathematics, Physics

Smith, Lauryn S

Kelly, Natasha

Chemistry

English Literature, Sociology

Stewart, Casey J

Biology

Lawther, Sasha A

Technology and Design

Stewart, Victoria

Mathematics

Lewis, R Scott

Spanish

Walker, James J

English Language

Li, Lily

Art and Design

Wallace, Abby M

History

Loboda, Zuzanna A

Biology

Wallace, Katie G

English Language

Lockhart, Neave S

Sociology

Wilkinson, Carly M

Geography

Magill, Max R

Software Systems Development

Wilson, Anna J

History

McAuley, Conor R

Economics

McCotter, Amy M

Information and Communications Technology

McCullough, Jemma

German

FORM MVI Allen, Judithe A A

Physical Education

Auterson, Luke S

General Excellence

Beattie, Rebecca Y

General Excellence

Boyd, Connor S

Physical Education

McLaughlin, Chloe A Religious Studies

Boyd, Rebekah L

History

McMahon, Emily A

History

Brewster, Harry J

Geography

Miller, Kirsty A

Geography

Briggs, Rebecca

General Excellence

Milligan, Andrew W G

Chemistry

Carroll, Niamh H R

Mitchell, Harry O

English Language

English Literature, Government and Politics, History

McDermott, Cherie C Classical Civilisation McGookin, Holly L

English Literature, Health and Social Care

The Owl 2016

Chisim, Cameron E G

English Literature, Geography, Spanish

Corry, Ryan D

Economics, Mathematics, Physics

McCullough, Carly A

Drama

McGovern, Erica R

Drama, English Literature

McKendry, Rhys

Economics, History

McKenna, Kieran P

Art and Design, Technology and Design

Dalzell, Callum T

Physics

Dempsey, Morgan A

Classical Civilisation

Donnan, Jessica D

Sociology

McLarnon, David M

Geography

Duffy, Matthew J

History

McLean, Kellie

Business Studies

Duffy, Orlaith

Spanish

Millar, Samuel T

General Excellence

Duncan, Courtney T

Sociology

Mooney, John F

Gergett, Cameron B

Music

Information and Communications Technology

Gihon, Matthew A

General Excellence

O'Kane, Juanita C

Art and Design

Gutterman, Cianan C

French, German

Robinson, Timothy R

Economics

Harper, Courtney Y

Classical Civilisation

Rolston, Lauren E

General Excellence

Hipolito, Micah D

General Excellence

Rooney, Lydia M H

General Excellence

Hoey, Ben S

French

Stronge, Adam J B

Joffroy, Mimi A

Biology, French

Information and Communications Technology

Kelly, Gemma A

General Excellence

Torrens, Hannah L

General Excellence

Kinnear, Lucy M

English Language, Government and Politics

Turner, Louise

Religious Studies

Wilson, Michael R R

Physical Education

Knox, Matthew D

Information and Communications Technology

Xu, Nicole

Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics

Lightowler, Ryan J

Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics

HONOURABLE MENTION

MacNeill, Rachel L

General Excellence

Magill, Abigail H

Government and Politics, Spanish

Atkinson, Rachel E

Spanish

Auterson, Luke S

Biology

Majury, Amy R

Drama

Barnes, Bradley A

Martin, Niamh K

Biology, Chemistry, Home Economics

Technology and Design

Beattie, Rebecca Y

Business Studies, Spanish

Matthews, Amy

Art and Design

McAllister, Chloe L

Business Studies

Boreland, Andrew J

Technology and Design

McAtamney, Rachel

Sociology

Briggs, Rebecca

Biology

McCalmont, Hollie T

Biology

Brown, Abbie R

Business Studies

McClements, David S

Business Studies

Campbell, David S T

Drama

McClenaghan, Taylor L

English Literature

Collins, Francis G J

Physical Education

McCombe, Taylor A

General Excellence

Distribution of Prizes

Cowden, Sarah

Dalzell, Callum T

Information and Communications Technology

McFeeters, Luke, G A Moving Image Arts McLarnon, David M

Economics, History

Chemistry, Mathematics

McLean, Kellie

French

McWilliams, Zak

Physical Education

Millar, Sam T

Physics

O'Kane, Isara R

English Language

Park, Jordanna

Art and Design

Dawson, Katy

English Language

Donnan, Jessica D

History

Ferrin, Eva M

Government and Politics

Flemming, Jason S

Economics

Robinson, Timothy R

Chemistry

Gihon, Matthew A

Moving Image Arts, Sociology

Rooney, Lydia M H

Harper, Courtney Y

Art and Design, English Literature

English Language, English Literature, Geography

Rowan, Phillip N K

Technology and Design

Harrison, Matthew T C

Sociology

Shivers, Lauren G

English Language

Hipolito, Micah D

Mathematics

Torrens, Hannah L

Physics

Hogg, Anna L M

English Language

Turner, Louise

Geography

Joffroy, Mimi A

Chemistry

Kelly, Gemma A

Art and Design, Business Studies

Hull, Olivia I

Religious Studies

Lau, Hannah X E

Home Economics

Leonard, Antoinette A Home Economics S Loane, Tom C

French

Lynn, Cathy-Ann M

History

MacNeill, Rachel L

Mathematics, Physics

Majury, Amy R

Government and Politics

Matthews, Amy

Information and Communications Technology, Religious Studies

McCombe, Taylor A

Geography, Biology

McCotter, Ciera

Information and Communications Technology

McCrum, Jay

Physical Education

McCullough, Carly A

English Literature

McDonald, Kelly A

Drama

McGeough, Patrick K Religious Studies McIlroy, Fiona A

Music

The Owl 2016

SPECIAL PRIZES

ANNE BARRON PRIZE (Ben Madigan)

Beth R Russell

SIR SAMUEL FERGUSON PRIZE (English Literature)

Cameron E G Chisim

FREDERICK WHITE MEMORIAL PRIZE (For the top performance at G.C.S.E.)

V Alice Reid Jasmine L Ross Laura D Loboda

HAROLD RAINEY MEMORIAL PRIZE (English)

Conor Callaghan

THE ANNE CAMPBELL HOME ECONOMICS CUP (Home Economics)

Niamh K Martin

J. J. KANE MEMORIAL PRIZE (for contributions to 'The Owl')

Amy McDowell

T. R. COLLIER PRIZE (Mathematics)

Nicole Xu

THE J. W. and EVELYN DARBYSHIRE AWARD (Geography)

Cameron E G Chisim

J. C. PICKEN MEMORIAL PRIZE (Art and Design)

Amy Matthews

ANTHONY TAYLOR MEMORIAL PRIZE (History)

Rhys McKendry

J. N. SHEARMAN MEMORIAL PRIZE (Classics)

Morgan A Dempsey

Distribution of Prizes

R. H. HARTE MEMORIAL PRIZE (Greek)

Morgan A Dempsey

G. B. TAYLOR MEMORIAL PRIZE (Mathematics)

Ryan J Lightowler

TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN AWARD Sponsored by Truesdale Heating and Plumbing (for the top marks in GCSE Technology and Design)

R. J. BRYCE MEMORIAL PRIZE (Irish Studies)

Grainne M Gilleece Alexis A T Payot

Ciara Patterson

THE W. L. CLEMENTS MEMORIAL PRIZE (Music)

Fiona A McIlroy

R. M. FANNIN MEMORIAL PRIZE (Music)

Luke S Auterson

McCORMICK PRIZE (English)

Eva J Hayward

ALLISON HERON PRIZE (Biology)

Nicole Xu

AMY DICKSON TROPHY and PRIZE (Art and Design)

Kieran P McKenna

S. S. N. PIERCE MEMORIAL TROPHY (for outstanding endeavour at GCSE)

Caitlin M Warke

TROPHY FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE PERFORMING ARTS (Presented by the Old Girls' Association)

Mimi A Joffroy

McCAUGHEY PRIZE (Science)

Luke S Auterson

The Owl 2016

MERVYN SEMPLE PRIZE (Chemistry)

Ryan J Lightowler

R. S. J. H. MAGOWAN PRIZE (GCSE Geography)

V Alice Reid

WALTER TATE PRIZES Economics

Rhys McKendry

Government and Politics

Niamh H R Carroll

Physics

Callum T Dalzell

Chemistry

Niamh K Martin

Religious Studies

Louise Turner

Sociology

Rachel McAtamney

MARY A. HYNDMAN PRIZE (GCSE Home Economics)

Katie L McConnaughie Charlotte M W Poh

MIDDLETON PRIZE (Music)

Rachael M Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell

LEO FORTE PRIZE (Music)

Emer C Gribbon Abigail H Magill

CLYDE PRIZE (GCSE Religious Studies)

Tara Cavan

McCLAY PRIZE (Business Studies)

Kellie McLean

JACKSON PRIZE (GCSE Science)

Shane M Martin

KNOX PRIZE (Physical Education)

Judithe A A Allen

OWL TROPHY (Presented by W. H. and J. Gray) (for outstanding endeavour at Advanced Level)

Carly A McCullough

Distribution of Prizes

THE CHRISTOPHER BOWES AWARD (for contributions to the ATC at representative level)

Daniel G Harold

HAROLD HUTCHINSON PRIZE (Religious Studies)

Chloe A Dawson

SIR DONALD CURRIE SCHOLARSHIPS Form I

Ella Linton

Form II

Katie-Rose Massey

Form III

Oliver Parkes

Form IV

Tom H Spence

Form V

V Alice Reid and Jasmine L Ross LEAVING SCHOLARSHIPS

SIR PAUL GIRVAN

Cameron E G Chisim

J. M. CLEMENTS

Rachel L MacNeill

SIR FRANCIS EVANS

Ryan D Corry

WHITEHEAD

Callum T Dalzell

MAURICE JACKSON

Micah D Hipolito

HUGH GIRVAN

Nicole Xu

WALTER TATE

Mimi A Joffroy

KNOX

Chloe L McAllister Lauren E Rolston

ANTHONY TAYLOR

Lucy M Kinnear

C.B. and A.M. MURRAY

Niamh K Martin

McCLEERY

Luke S Auterson

G.B. TAYLOR

Ryan J Lightowler

PICKEN

Samuel T Millar

ARCHIBALD

Niamh H R Carroll

BRUCE and PIM PRIZE

Kieran P McKenna

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY BURSARY Callum T Dalzell THE BEGGS FAMILY PRIZE Rhys McKendry W. A. RAW BURSARY (Modern Languages) Cianan C Gutermann

The Owl 2016

MacDERMOTT TRAVELLING BURSARY (Modern Languages) Mimi A Joffroy SHEARMAN TRAVELLING BURSARY (Modern Languages) S Ben Hoey GLORIA SIDWELL (née KINKEAD) MEMORIAL BURSARY (Art and Design) Juanita C O’Kane J. S. LOUGHRIDGE BURSARY (Geography) Katie J McDowell WALTER TATE ROSE BOWL (Head Girl) Abigail H Magill MARTIN PRIZE (Deputy Head Girl) Rachael M O’Donnell WHITEHEAD TROPHY (Head Boy) Luke S Auterson ANNUAL PRIZE FOR BOYS (Deputy Head Boy) John F Mooney THE MONA McCONNELL CARES AWARD (For work in the community) Charlotte J Nicholl J. C. PICKEN BAT (for overall contribution to Cricket in School, presented by the Old Boys' Association) Connor S Boyd N. M. SAVAGE AWARD (for the most impressive combination of academic attainment, prowess in organized games and sense of corporate responsibility) Luke S Auterson THE EVANS TROPHY Shaw

School Societies BRIDGE The success the Bridge Club has seen this year has been unprecedented, a combined effort from both players and staff-namely Dr Lomas who continues to give her unwavering support and guidance. Our year started off strong with the attainment of both the Senior and Novice titles at the Ulster Schools’ Pairs. The Senior title was won for a 3rd time in a row by Ryan Lightowler (MVI) and Molly O’Donnell (IV) and we had a joint win in the Novice section by Harry Norton (I), Jack Gillespie (I), Lauren Colville (IV) and Rachel Gamble (IV). Then later that month saw a clean sweep of wins at the Irish Schools’ Pairs, placing in 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the gold final and 1st and 2nd in the silver final-amazing!

Our momentum continued on into the team competitions where in the Ulster Schools’ we played some of our best bridge and won both the Senior and Intermediate titles. The last competition of the year for the School was the Irish Schools’ in Galway, our annual trip enjoyed by everyone. There was tough competition and throughout most of the weekend it was neck and neck between St. Vincent’s (Drogheda) and us. Then on our final day, and after a few nail-biting hours of bridge, it was BRA who came out on top, with Ryan Lightowler, Molly O’Donnell, Cameron McCaughey and Roma Mulholland (LVI) taking home the gold. In addition, we had Lucy Kinnear (MVI), Megan Jiang (LVI), Lucy O’Kane (IV) and Amber McCalmont (IV) coming 3rd and the silver final was won by Brandon Binnie (V), Connor Gallagher (V), Luke McGarvey (V) and Josh Mills (II)

After an incredibly successful year for the Club we are proud to say that we had 4 Senior players picked to play for U20 Northern Ireland team. They represented us at the ‘Peggy Bayer’ Home Internationals competition in Edinburgh and did remarkably well. As well, special mentions must be made for the unsung heroes of the Bridge Club, mainly to Mr. Harte who allows the Club to play in BG3 every lunch time and supports us in any way he can. Many thanks is owed to Dr Springer and Dr Campbell, our unofficial mascots, who give up their time to help supervise us in competitions. Also to Sandie Millership from the NIBU who came in to coach Senior members this year. We hope to continue our success in the following year as we have excellent talent in the Junior school and encourage anyone to join the Bridge Club. You certainly won’t regret it! Roma Mulholland (LVI)

CHESS CLUB The Club continues to meet two lunchtimes a week with a high number of attendees. The stalwarts of many a year are now joined by an increasing number of Junior pupils also keen to improve their game. The format of the Club continues to be mostly informal matches in a relaxed atmosphere where pupils are invited to try to engineer a checkmate on their opponent while eating their lunch and chatting about their day. More serious matches are also available, and this year, saw the launch of the House competition for pupils in Forms I-IV. The winner, after many weeks

The Owl 2016 of matches, was Joe Desmond (FIII) with Shannon McBride (FI) as runner-up. This year there will be Junior, Intermediate and Senior competitions throughout the year for anyone who would like to play (even if they cannot commit to attending the Club regularly). Anyone who is interested in joining the Club is welcome to come to M4 on Tuesday or Friday lunchtime. S.C.S.

THE CLASSICS SOCIETY AND THE GREEK CLUB During the year, the Classics Society and the Greek Club met at lunchtime every Thursday in J13. The meetings were attended by a very lively group of First to Fourth Formers. Those learning Greek progressed at their own pace. A decision was taken to start the EMACT Classical Greek Certificate the following year in order to give the pupils something definite to work towards. New members are very welcome, both to the Classics Society and to the Greek Club. J.M.G.

HADRIAN’S WALL TRIP The sixth annual trip to Hadrian’s Wall went very well. This year, twenty-four pupils from Forms I and II accompanied Mr Baldwin, Mr Jamison, Mrs Thompson and Mrs McGowan. After a pleasant crossing on the Stena Superferry and lunch at the Gretna Green Outlet Centre, we followed the Wall until it crossed the river at Chesters. It was a beautiful day to be in the open air and the pupils explored the fort and its bathhouse by the river. We then briefly visited Corbridge Roman Settlement on the way to our hotel, the Quality Inn, Boldon.

barracks and a Commanding Officer’s house. In the evening, we went to the cinema. On our way back home on Saturday, we visited one of the most beautiful sites high on the Wall – Housesteads. For the first time, we managed to walk a short section of the wall before visiting Vindolanda. This was one of the high spots of the trip. Once again all the pupils behaved extremely well and were great company. J.M.G.

JUNIOR DEBATING SOCIETY This was another very successful year for the Junior Debating Society. Many of the new Form I pupils, who were shown the ropes by the Form II pupils of the previous year, proved themselves to be articulate and persuasive in arguing their case. The debates ranged from the serious to the light-hearted and once again reflected the many interests of our young people. There was an emphasis on topics of a political nature, which attracted a noisy and enthusiastic audience. Once again, we have some very enthusiastic debaters in the Society whom we look forward to seeing again this year. However, we are always pleased to see new faces to take up the mantle and carry the Junior Debating Society forward into a new year. J.S.

SENIOR DEBATING SOCIETY Once again a wide variety of different motions reflected the interests of Society members. Topics included assisted dying; the role of Christianity in school assemblies; immigration, and the effectiveness of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party.

The next morning was spent at Segedunum - a Roman fort at the end of the wall. Segedunum boasts a fine ‘working’ bath-house (unfortunately out of action due to repairs) which is based on the one we had seen the previous day at Chesters, and an interactive museum showing life as a Roman Auxiliary in a cavalry barracks. In the afternoon, we went swimming in Waves Leisure Centre. On the third day, we spent the morning at Beamish, a re-enacted mining community set in the Edwardian period. Everyone loved travelling on trams and eating boiled sweets. In the afternoon, we went to Arbeia - the supply depot for the wall, composed mostly of granaries. On this site, there are reconstructed infantry

This year speakers were mostly drawn from Forms V and LVI and it was particularly pleasing that pupils who had participated in the previous year, while in Form IV, continued to play an active part in the Society and to develop their debating skills. Attendance varied but was often enough to fill a classroom and to produce lively exchanges between

School Societies speakers and members of the House during periods open to questions.

returning each week for more fun-filled lunchtime experiments.

As usual, we entered the Northern Ireland Schools’ Debating Competition. However, despite putting in a good performance in the first round, our team was defeated by a very able opposition from Ballymena Academy.

The pupils approached each new experiment with enthusiasm and had a lot of fun throughout the course of the year as the Club provided the pupils with a wide-range of activities, such as the Jelly Bean Taste Test, making Grass Heads, and the very popular Chemical Cocktails. We hoped to inspire the pupils’ interest in science, and we feel that we achieved this goal by providing enjoyable (and sometimes messy) experiments.

M.P./H.T.

YOUNG EINSTEIN CLUB

On behalf of us on the Lower Sixth Committee, I would like to thank Mrs Cleland, Mrs Bell, and Mrs Henry for dedicating their Wednesday lunchtimes to ensuring the Junior pupils enjoy the Club. The Lower Sixth Committee, especially Casey Stewart and Amy McCotter, also showed commitment to the Club by making posters to advertise the up-coming experiments and dutifully aiding the pupils with their experiments. Chloe McLaughlin (LVI)

YOUNG ENGINEERS The Young Engineers club continued to meet in the Technology and Design Department during lunch times. Projects undertaken this year included 'Paper Planes' and 'Lego Remote control Quadcopter'. The Club was assisted by members of a very dedicated team of LVI pupils who study Technology and Design. The enthusiasm of every pupil involved this year is, as always, very much appreciated. P.T.S/K.M.K.

This year was another successful year for the Young Einstein Club. We met every fortnight to allow Form I and Form II pupils to experience the fun side to science in a relaxed environment. We enjoyed a good turnout throughout the year, with many regular attendees

GAMERS’ CLUB The Gamers’ Club goes from strength to strength with an ever more enthusiastic and diverse membership. Each Tuesday lunchtime, BB2 is filled to the rafters with male and female gamers playing electronic darts,

The Owl 2016 retro video games, PSPs, PSIIs, Lego, Fantasy Cards and Phone games to name but a few. The more mature members set the tone and I am grateful for their help in leaving the classroom neat and tidy. R.J.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS As well as meeting weekly in J6 to debate key topics, pupils attended three conferences during the year. In February 2016 Miss Barnett and Dr Campbell took seven pupils to the Wesley College Dublin Conference. Conor Callaghan, representing India, won highly commended delegate. This Conference continues to be one of the highlights of the MUN calendar among both Junior and Senior pupils.

delegates, they debated with confidence and enjoyed, in particular, the emergency debate of the outbreak of the Zika virus at the 2016 Olympics. C.A.

POLITICS SOCIETY

In March, four pupils represented Norway at the George Watson’s Conference in Edinburgh under the guidance of Dr Lomas and Dr Campbell. Oliver Allen and Isaac Jarman were commended delegates while Conor Callaghan was highly commended. In June eight Form I and Form II pupils attended the Methodist College Conference with Dr Adair as delegates of

Burma and Russia. They discussed important issues such as reducing the voting age to sixteen years old, providing communities in sub-Sahara Africa with basic hand tools and machines, youth unemployment and the minimum age of criminal responsibility. Despite this being the first MUN Conference for most of the

Politics Society met throughout the year and we were grateful to have the input of former student, Alan Campbell, and PGCE student, Alex Browne. During the year we had visits from the MLA, John McCallister and Newsletter Political Correspondent, Sam McBride. In September, Mr. McCallister visited school in the week his Private Member’s Bill had its first reading and the Finance and Personnel Committee which he sat on investigated the Nama deal. The meeting gave us great insight into the work he had carried out in his Assembly (Opposition) Bill and over the course of the year, we could see the process of the bill and the ramifications of it after the elections in May when the only parties to take seats in the Executive were the DUP and Sinn Fein. Our conversation was wide-ranging. In the hour-long meeting we discussed the UUP, his ill-fated NI21

connection, university fees and Donald Trump. John even turned the tables on us and asked about whether we thought Jamie Bryson’s evidence to the committee should have been in private.

School Societies

In March, Sam McBride, a Political Correspondent at one of Northern Ireland's biggest newspapers, the Newsletter, came to visit Politics Society. We had the chance to gain an insight into different aspects of his compelling and complex field of work. Although we could only have a short period of time together, we still had the chance to have an informal discussion about current affairs such as the Assembly elections, the EU referendum and his take on Trump’s popularity in the Republican primary polls. He left us challenged by his thoughts on how power is centralised leading to people becoming switched off by politics. Sam’s visit served to give us a timely reminder, to quote Jed Bartlet, that ‘decisions are taken by those who show up’. Our now regular cinema visits also made a return, taking a trip to watch Suffragette, which challenged our students to think about what causes they would campaign so passionately for. With the EU debate dominating the news from February, students in Middle VI had the opportunity to attend a debate between Nigel Farage and Vernon Coaker, hosted by the University of Ulster in March. As we took our seats we

were bemused at the occupants of the front few rows which mainly consisted of UKIP party members who seemed to almost all be men over the age of 50. The debate did not persuade me to change my opinion on the EU, if anything Farage’s Eurosceptic rhetoric made me more assured in my decision to vote to stay in the EU. As a Politics students I find the political jousting which took place during the debate interesting (although not informative), I think politicians on both sides of the argument must work to not alienate young people as we proceed with leaving the EU. In June, Junior school students organised and campaigned in a mock EU referendum. The result in school certainly matched the trend in the real result, with the result being very much in favour for ‘remain’ at 72%.

However, the heart of Politics Society remains in J6 on a Thursday lunchtime and this year was no different. Students from FV to MVI take the meeting in turns, along with Miss Barnett (ably assisted by Mr. Browne and Alan Campbell) to look at a particular current affairs issue. This year we welcomed a number of enthusiastic Form V members and it was great to hear their views on the topics discussed. I’d like to thank Miss Barnett, Mr. Browne, Alan and the members of Politics Society for providing the space to broaden our minds and challenge our ideas. Niamh Carroll (MVI)

JUNIOR SCRIPTURE UNION Junior Scripture Union met every Wednesday lunchtime in LL11. We were delighted to see such a great group of Junior pupils come faithfully each week. They all thoroughly enjoyed the varied, yet relevant talks and discussions. At the beginning of the year we focused on Christian Life and faith, as well as specifically looking at prayer and reading the Bible

The Owl 2016 daily. As we moved on throughout the year, we thought it was necessary to look at suffering and idols so that the pupils would know how to turn to God when life gets tough. The annual Christmas Party included lots of fun, food and games! All pupils got involved and enjoyed the fellowship that we had together.

SENIOR SCRIPTURE UNION Scripture Union is one of the longest traditions of the School, providing a space for pupils and staff to come together and worship. Towards the end of Junior SU, we knew it would be essential to keep encouraging and supporting students in their faith. As a committee we led talks on how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary tasks to serve him. They were all so excited to know that God has an exact plan for their lives and that they can face anything in God’s strength. There were numerous occasions in which the Junior and Senior SU got together to socialise and enjoy God’s word together! Firstly, there was the Big SU Weekend in Castlewellan Castle. It was a great opportunity for the Junior Pupils to realise that they have older Christian influences around them and it was good to see how the Junior and Senior SU were able to get on so well, to have fun, fellowship and craic together! Again Senior and Junior came together at the end of the SU year in April for our usual Pizza Evening. There we played group games outside in the playground, listened to the encouraging and wise words of our speaker Jimmy Warburton and also enjoyed eating lots of pizza! At the end of the year, it was sad to have to see one of our Middle Sixth committee members leave to move on to the next chapter of their life. We wish Rebekah Boyd God’s richest blessing for the future. We trust and pray that God will use them as examples for him, wherever he places them. We also pray that God will continue to move and work in the lives of the Junior pupils and that they keep having the same enthusiasm to come to Junior SU next year. Overall we are excited to see how God works in His amazing ways in the Academy’s Scripture Union. Katie Wallace (MVI)

Senior SU meets every Friday lunchtime in C4, where committee members and teachers will share short talks on a variety of topics influencing young men and women in the 21st century. Some of these topics spanned from relationships to Revelation and from science and God to Christian music. We also had

visitors throughout the year who helped lead us in our teaching. BRA SU has two annual weekend trips. The first is to Castlewellan Castle in October and the whole BRA community is invited to come along, with an average of just under 100 pupils attending each year it is always a really great escape from school work and a time that school pupils of all ages flourish together. The other weekend takes place in Seaview House in Kilkeel, which is for Senior pupils only. This year we had a particularly good weekend, with speaker Rev Andrew Mullan of Mourne Presbyterian Church providing some powerful truth and wisdom. The annual SU Pizza Evening also took place which was a great night, with games, talks and Bible studies;

School Societies

powerful actions that we can take towards the spiritual healing of our world. I would like to thank all my fellow committee members and SU family. We all come from different churches but we have built a church at BRA which is strong and continues to grow. The teachers are such a great help, from providing wisdom, care, love, space, time and enthusiasm, they are committed and truly gifted people. SU has always been my favourite part of school life and I hope that it continues to stay strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Ephesians 6:1Soli Deo Glori Cameron McCartney (LVI)

we always have great fun and it is a time of great fellowship for all the pupils of the Academy who choose to come along. Our stack of empty pizza boxes always towers taller than the shortest pupil who attends, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a serious amount of pizza! The highlight of this year together was probably the mission trip to Warsaw in conjunction with The Joy Foundation NI in April. This was an excellent time, and while we were there we were involved in delivering food to the homeless and leading a youth weekend in a church. I was inspired by the faith of some of the church leaders out there who shared eagerly the Gospel of Christ practically in a city with an upsetting history. God is raising up a generation of enthusiastic young people there and they have so much spiritual potential to win Warsaw over for Christ, and I am thankful to God for the humbling and joyful experience I received out there. Towards the end of the year the SU Committee met for breaktime prayer meetings in the run-up to study leave. We prayed for the examinations, Scripture Union, the School and for a variety of other things. This was really good and we have learnt that prayer is one of the most

Music in School

CHAMBER CHOIR Chamber Choir rehearses every morning before school and, as always, this year was a thoroughly enjoyable one for everyone involved. Our first performance of the School year was at Prize Day in late October, where we performed the very seasonally appropriate ‘Double, Double, Toil and Trouble’ which the audience appeared to enjoy, despite the intimidating facial expressions and questionable screeching that Ms. McMullan eventually convinced us would enhance the audience’s experience of this Shakespearean piece. This performance was closely followed by both our annual Christmas Carol Service and a performance in Fortwilliam and Macrory Presbyterian Church where we showcased our contrasting repertoire of the traditional ‘Bethlehem Down’ by Peter Warlock and the more modern ‘Mary, Did You Know?’ as performed by

Pentatonix. This song was definitely a highlight for myself and many others in Chamber Choir, especially the bass section, who became quite the self-professed ‘beat-boxing’ professionals. Ms. McMullan entered us once again for the BBC School Choir of the Year competition where we performed in the Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, singing Mantyjarvi’s ‘Double, Double, Toil and Trouble’, this time alongside one of the most challenging pieces of the year, ‘Fascinating Rhythm’. Unfortunately we lost out on first place to Bloomfield Collegiate who were fantastic on the day. Despite our loss it was definitely an incredible experience for us all. Finally, to end yet another exciting year in Chamber Choir, was the musical extravaganza that is the Spring Concert in the beautiful venue of the Ulster Hall. For this, we returned to our old faithful ‘Double, Double, Toil and Trouble’ due to popular demand (or the refusal to have to sing ‘Fascinating Rhythm’

Music in School

again), this time paired with my personal favourite piece of the year, ‘I am Not Yours’ by Z. Randall Stroope which sounded hauntingly beautiful with the help of the acoustics in the Ulster Hall. Both were received well by the audience and it is fair to say that Chamber Choir was a highlight of the concert once again. I can honestly say on the behalf of the entire Chamber Choir that we have had one of our most enjoyable years to date, and we only hope to build on our successes of last year to make sure this one, under the very experienced leadership of Ms. McMullan, is even better. Morgan Patton (LVI)

SENIOR CHOIR As last year’s Senior Choir was such a success, this year had a certain amount of pressure to match or even top it. We started the year rehearsing ‘Carmina Burana’ twice a week at lunchtime, with Ms. McMullan spending most of the rehearsal yelling for the sopranos to sing louder. Senior Choir practiced dutifully for weeks until finally it all started coming together. The hard work and patience eventually paid off.

Lindsay’s arrangement of ‘Away in a Manger’, ‘Candelight Carol’ by John Rutter and ‘O Holy Night’ with solos from Cameron Gergett and Fiona McIlroy. As soon as Christmas passed the Spring Concert loomed nearer and eventually it seemed as though everyone knew their parts and were confident, thanks to Ms. McMullan's delightful way of telling us when we were being annoying and not listening to her words of wisdom. The day before the Concert saw all the choirs finally come together, along with invited guests for the penultimate rehearsal. After a final long day of rehearsing the evening of the concert drew nearer. Everyone took their seats during the interval and prepared for a culmination of a full year’s work. Cameron and Fiona sounded amazing in the solos and the tenors and basses pulled out all the stops for ‘In Taberna’. At points, even Ms. McMullan was surprised by how good it sounded and we were all in shock when the final chord ended and the lights went out. The whole year was amazing and the hard work paid off thanks again to Ms. McMullan and Mr Forde’s endeavour throughout the year. I am already looking forward to next year’s rehearsals. Lori McDermott (LVI)

SENIOR STRINGS Senior Strings has had another excellent and challenging year which resulted in the overall improvement of the group’s ensemble playing. Every year there is the difficult task of maintaining the extremely high standard of the previous year. However, with the dedication of every member and their willingness to meet every Friday lunchtime, we find ourselves going from strength to strength.

Early November saw us starting to work towards the Annual Carol Service in St Peter’s Church. This was a beautiful way to start Christmas. Tara McBride opened the service with the first verse of ‘Once in Royal’, and we all enjoyed singing ‘Torches’, ‘Stille Nacht’, Selby

Many people would despair at the thought of trying to control a room of twenty or so pupils with musical instruments but not Ms. McMullan. Ms. McMullan came in enthusiastically every week with a smile on her face and always made sure she had a fresh comment to throw at us! No two rehearsals were ever the same due to Ms. McMullan’s witty humour and creative ways to help us improve individually our playing.

The Owl 2016 The Spring Concert is the highlight of the year for the Music Department and the event which causes all the music teachers the most stress. Senior Strings was given the tremendous task of performing the ‘Rumanian Folk Dances’ by Bartok along with movements from the ‘Capriol Suite’ by Warlock. These pieces helped all members to improve their bowing technique and we hopefully delivered on the night. On behalf of the whole group, we would like to thank Ms. McMullan for all the hard work she put in and her patience with us, which was certainly tested throughout the year. It is down to Ms. McMullan that Senior Strings is such an enjoyable group. We are sad to see the departure of some outstanding members of the group. Abigail Magill, Emer Gribbon, Fiona McIlroy, Antoinette Leonard, Orlaith Duffy, Mollie Haddock, Rachel MacNeill and Hollie McCalmont will be greatly missed and we would like to wish them all the best in their future endeavours. Victoria Stewart (LVI)

BIG BAND This year was a ground breaking year for the Big Band. We grew from strength to strength once Ms. McMullan’s rigid rehearsals began in September. Our first performance came in January when we had the challenge of playing before the Headmaster’s talks at the Open Nights. Here we performed some of our classic repertoire, ‘Dynamite’, ‘Born this Way’, ‘Mambo Swing’ and the theme from ‘Rocky’.

We also participated in a jazz improvisation workshop led by eminent jazz drummer, David Lyttle. He spent two hours with the Band helping us all to improvise over different drum-beats and we all enjoyed the session immensely. The Band performed at the annual UYJO Big Band Showcase at the Black Box Theatre in March. We enjoyed hearing bands from RBAI, Methody, Sullivan an Grosvenor Grammar.

With the first performance of 2016 under our belt, the focus of our Tuesday afternoon rehearsals shifted to the Annual Spring Concert in the Ulster Hall. Here we performed the Benny Goodman jazz standard ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ which featured a breathtaking saxophone solo from Luke Auterson (MVI) and the well-known ‘Amazing Grace’. I can speak for the entire band when I say we will greatly miss David McClements, Amber Maxwell, Clare Johnston, Rachael O’Donnell, Luke Auterson, Martha Gordon and Kieran McKenna who are all departing to move on to greater things and we thank them for the work they have put in over the years. Owen Donnelly (LVI)

BOYS’ CHOIR It is a truth universally acknowledged that since 1785 our school has had a remarkable reputation for excellence in all areas of male school life. Most boys are drawn towards rugby within their first few days at the Academy, while others of different interests and hobbies are more attracted to completely different activities, such as hockey ball smacking, cricket stump thwacking, long running, high jumping, hammer throwing, trombone blowing, violin bowing, school play acting, Duke of Edinburgh camping, cadet marching, chess piece moving and bridge card dealing. However, when an Academy boy reaches the age of 13, a new realm of school life is introduced, bringing boys of all academic abilities and extra-curricular interests together. They are invited to J9 every Tuesday lunchtime to experience the joys of an activity which many of them have never pursued… singing. While this may sound like a bit of a cataclysm of both immature behaviour and terrible singing, the boys realise what a blessing singing is and start to sing with joy as well as passion. Boys’ Choir is one of the key areas of Academy life that transforms boys into young men. This year we sang a repertoire which reflected well the theology and festivity of Christmas through carols and fun songs, the intercontinental use of singing through rugby anthems and also the historical culture of Belfast itself through what could be the city’s own anthem – I’ll Tell Me Ma. The anthems were a favourite of the choir this year – we sang the national anthems of Australia, New Zealand, Malawi and South Africa, the last of which included 5 different languages: Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans and English! We performed this year in the Assembly Hall at Christmas and in the Ulster Hall at the Spring Concert, both of which were very successful performances. This great opportunity would not be possible without one particular staff member – our conductor Miss

Music in School

Carson, who gives up her time each week to organise music, play piano accompaniments and give us technical guidance. We also thank her for starting Boys’ Choir itself – what a change it has made to the life of boys who have come through the Academy and what a difference it will continue to make. So here is to hopefully many more years of BRA Boys’ Choir! Long may it flourish! Cameron McCartney (LVI)

including the teachers who were enthralled by the idea. The final show for Junior Trad, as for all Junior groups, was the Summer Serenade. Like the Spring Concert, our set opened with a solo harp, only this time it was played by Emma Calderwood. The night was extremely enjoyable and was the perfect conclusion for another year of Junior Trad at the Academy. Ronan Poots (II)

JUNIOR TRADITIONAL GROUP The Junior Traditional Group has been growing consistently in popularity for the last few years within Forms I – IV. This is largely because of the person that takes the group, Mr Forde. His enthusiasm and tolerance are unequal to anyone else. Thanks to him, it has become a weekly highlight for many pupils. For the Spring Concert in the Ulster Hall, we began with a harp solo played by Kerry Uprichard, followed by a set of jigs and reels that really got the audience buzzing. For St. Patrick’s Day, the musicians went on a trip to the first annual St. Patrick’s Day Ceili in Mercy Primary School. After playing a few tunes, everybody was brought up onto the dance floor and did set dances with the children. It was very enjoyable for all,

The Owl 2016

JUNIOR CHOIR

SENIOR ORCHESTRA

Wednesday after school and the eager Form I and Form II voices of Junior Choir could be heard resounding through the old Music Department at the start of its final year of service. Our choir master, Mr Forde, greeted us each week with a big smile and enthusiasm.

This year has been a very eventful one for the Senior Orchestra. We began preparing almost immediately for Prize Day in the Spires Centre in Belfast, where we were to perform ‘Trepak’ by Tchaikovsky. Despite the tight deadline to learn our music, the orchestra stepped up to the bar and the exciting piece went down very well with the audience.

Our first event of the year was the Junior Carol service at St. John of Shanghai, Antrim Road. We all enjoyed the chance to perform and got into the Christmas spirit by singing a collection of carols including ‘Carol of the Bells’.

The next performance on the list for Senior Orchestra was the Christmas Carol Service in St. Peter’s Church; for this we dug out our faithful Christmas

There was no time to rest after Christmas. Our next performance would be the Spring Concert in the Ulster Hall. The choir loved the choice of music pieces – ‘The Ship of Rio’ by Benjamin Britten and ‘Believe’ by Shawn Mendes. The audience appreciated our eager approach and happy smiles and we received a very appreciative round of applause. The audience saw a very poised choir master leading his choir – our view was of Mr Forde making a variety of very funny faces to make sure he kept us smiling. It was also a great experience to be part of the finale of the evening with so many voices and instruments joining together. The rehearsals for our last performance of the year took place in the new Music Department, an amazing and exciting new area for Music in the School. It was opened for public viewing after the Summer Serenade which saw us performing ‘Budapest’ by George Ezra and ‘Fight Song’ by Rachel Platten. The choir loved the choice of music. We would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Forde for making our time in Junior Choir so entertaining and fun. Mr Forde need not be too sad about us all leaving Junior choir, as most of the dedicated members of Form II will continue on their musical journey by joining Senior Choir with Ms. McMullan. We all look forward to many more years of singing ahead. Erin McQuiston (II)

folders and prepared well-known carols such as ‘Hark the Herald, ‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful’, and ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’. As usual, the organ in St. Peter’s proved to be tuned very differently to the rest of the orchestra, but when everyone had readjusted their instruments to match, the combination of full orchestra and church organ made for a spectacular sound and wonderful service. The Christmas break came and went far too quickly; we were soon back in our seats practising for the most important musical event of the year – the Spring Concert. Returning to the Ulster Hall, this time for the spectacular ‘Carmina Burana’, meant a number of hard weeks of rehearsal were ahead of us. We

Music in School prepared ‘Lord of the Dance’ for the opening of the Concert and a number of Senior pupils were asked to play in the orchestra for ‘Carmina Burana’. It was difficult learning such a huge amount of music in eight weeks, especially since Carl Orff does not always believe in time signatures, but once the choir and orchestra started to come together for rehearsals, everything fell into place.

As always, the end of the Spring Concert brought the end of an era for the Middle VI - it was their last school performance. Thanks are due to the inspirational leaders of 2016’s Senior Orchestra, Emer Gribbon and Abigail Magill, as well as the dedicated MVI players who helped make the orchestra so successful; Orlaith Duffy, Mollie Haddock, Antoneitte Leonard, Micah Hipolito, Kieran McKenna, Fiona McIlroy, Rachael O’Donnell, Luke Auterson, Martha Gordon, Rachel MacNeill, Hannah Lau, Timmy Robinson, Hollie McCalmont, David McClements and Clare Johnston. Victoria Stewart (LVI)

WIND BAND Wind Band has gone from strength to strength this year, under the baton of Ms. McMullan, with Thursday lunchtimes remaining a highlight of the week for both her and the musicians. Our aim this year was to try and learn one complete piece of music before Christmas (this rarely happens) and for us to sound acceptable on the stage of the Ulster Hall. This actually happened and the pieces that we decided to play at the Concert did not fall apart on stage! ‘Big Band Showcase’ featured solos from Patrick Donnelly and David McClements which contained snippets of many famous jazz standards from the world of jazz. We also performed an arrangement of Mark Ronson’s ‘Uptown Funk’. The final Thursdays before the concert saw the Music Department filled with the constructive criticism and usual encouragement from Ms. McMullan and it all paid off on the night. We are losing many members of the Band this year to University. Special mention must go to David McClements and Jason Fleming who have attended

faithfully all rehearsals for seven years. Thanks also to Amber Maxwell, Kieran McKenna, Rachael O’Donnell, Martha Gordon, Luke Auterson, Clare Johnston, Kuda Kunaka and Timmy Robinson – we know Wind Band was the highlight of your school career and we will especially miss Timmy’s enthusiasm for rehearsals. Daniel Quigley (V)

The Owl 2016

ETON CHORAL COURSE In July I was privileged to be accepted on to an Eton Choral Course; a week-long, residential summer course for singers aged 16-20. Hosted in the magnificent Eton College, the course was exceptionally enjoyable, albeit an intensive week of choral singing. Participants on my course were truly international with young singers from Boston, Cape Town, Australia and even Belfast! The week was guided towards numerous performances, such as a recital in Eton College Chapel, evensong in Magdalene College Oxford, and a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3. The venues for all of the performances were spectacular. We rehearsed either in consort groups or in full choir. In the smaller consort groups we sang close harmony pieces that provided an interesting contrast to the intense rehearsing of sacred choral music in choir. In my consort group we performed “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5 and “Blue Moon”- made famous by Elvis Presley. We performed these pieces for Brian Kay (founding member of the King’s Singers) and his instruction and feedback transformed our performance.

and Senior groups. The group performed at several venues throughout the year, including a multi-cultural breakfast at St. Patrick’s College, Bernageeha. We also performed in the annual school Open Nights, showcasing our group to potential new pupils. Both Traditional Groups also had their annual performance at the Spring Concert. The Senior Traditional Group was also lucky enough to have the help of Deirdre Galway, from the traditional music group Realta, who came into school every Wednesday to give us her invaluable ideas and guidance. She taught us new, exciting sets of tunes which were loved by all at the Spring Concert. The Traditional Group would like to thank both Dr Scully and Deirdre for their continued help and guidance throughout the year. With the high standard coming through in all forms throughout the School, the Traditional Group is looking forward to going from strength to strength in the coming year.

A highlight of the week was receiving individual singing lessons from one of the country’s top singing professionals. My teacher was Peter Wilson, a fulltime tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music. His coaching was an incredible learning experience and gave me much to think about. We worked with many distinguished conductors such as Ben Parry (conductor of National Youth Choir), Jeremy Summerly (Director of Music at St Peter’s College Oxford) and Daniel Hyde (Director of Music at St. Thomas’ Church, New York). These individuals were truly inspirational. I made many new friends during the week, improved as a musician and had a superb time! To top it all, I was invited to join the Rodolfus Choir, a choir comprising choristers selected from the Eton Choral Course. Patrick Donnelly (V)

SENIOR TRADITIONAL GROUP The Traditional Music Group had an exciting year with membership continuing to increase in both the Junior

Abby Wallace (LVI)

ULSTER YOUTH TRAINING CHOIR Ulster Youth Training Choir is a choir made up of young people from ages 15-18. It consists of a weeklong residential course in July in which you are taught a number of pieces in many different languages. You are taught these pieces over the course of a week in sectional and full choir rehearsals in preparation for a concert at the end of the week. This year our concert was in St. George’s Belfast.

Music in School

As well as rehearsals, we had musicianship classes with Lindsey Callahan who is the leader of the Belfast Phil. Junior Choir. She taught us about how to sight sing well and because of this I greatly improved my musicianship skills. The conductor of our choir was Dominic Peckham and we learnt a great deal from him, especially about singing in a choir at a higher level. We stayed for the duration of the course in Campbell College Belfast so it was a great way to meet new people and make new friends. I really enjoyed my experience in UYTC and would recommend anyone who enjoys singing to audition for summer 2017. Lucy Clements (V)

ULSTER YOUTH CHOIR In July, I attended a residential singing course in Campbell College Belfast, along with a few other BRA pupils, as part of the Ulster Youth Choir. The choir is compiled of students from the ages of fifteen to twentyfour, most of whom live in greater Belfast or dotted around Ulster, and some who study at various universities around the UK. The choir meets for an intensive one week per year in July, and we perform a concert at the end of the week. If we are fortunate, we are asked by invitation to sing at functions and awards ceremonies. A typical day lasts from 7:30am until 10pm, which can be draining for the first couple of days, but the more seasoned individuals have no trouble settling down into the rhythm of the course. This year’s programme was tied in with the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, which in the main entailed the text for our songs being Shakespearean sonnets, but we also sang Mantyjarvi’s interpretation of the witches’ spell featured in Macbeth. As a light break in between choral works, we sang a selection from the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Romeo and Juliet, the highlight of the concert being Des’ree’s ‘Kissing you’. After extremely competitive auditions on our penultimate day at Campbell, Patrick Donnelly and myself were selected to be in the Ulster Youth Chamber Choir, a small contingent of sixteen chosen

from the main choir of seventy-six. We had just twenty-four hours to get to know Bennet’s ‘All creatures now are merry minded’. This was evidence of the hard-working attitude and sheer ability of the choir. This year, the Ulster Youth Choir have been invited to perform in Dublin at two separate events and at Belfast City Hall. A CD of twelve choral works is set to be recorded in May in Belfast. Conor Foster (V)

ULSTER YOUTH ORCHESTRA UYO consists of a 10 day residential course in Antrim Agricultural College. This year it ran from the 18th-27th of August, concluding with two concerts in (London)Derry and Belfast.

Patrick Donnelly (Trumpet), Emer Gribbon (Violin), Jason Poots (Cello) and Ellen Quinn (Cello) participated this yea. With challenging repertoire, extensive rehearsals and professional tutors, UYO was an intensive yet extremely beneficial experience for us all. There was also a range of evening activities, giving us the chance to socialise and have a bit of fun. The concerts were held in The Guildhall, (London)Derry, and The Ulster Hall, Belfast. The

The Owl 2016

audience for both of these concerts were hugely supportive and really seemed to enjoy the repertoire. We played Saint-Saen’s ‘Havanaise', with soloist Ionna Pectu-Colan from the Ulster Orchestra, excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Gershwin’s ‘Cuban Overture’ and Rachmaninoff’s ‘Symphonic Dances’ for which we reviewed a standing ovation. We all really enjoyed this year and can’t wait to get back. Ellen Quinn and Jason Poots (V)

JUNIOR STRINGS I participate in many of the musical groups in BRA, but possibly the one closest to my heart has to be Junior Strings. I joined in first year, and I arrived at the first rehearsal unsure if I would be able to cope with the music. I was immediately put at ease by the kindhearted Mrs. Prior and the warm atmosphere, so that was the beginning of my weekly Monday lunchtimes playing in Junior Strings. The pieces in Junior Strings are always impressive to listen to, but quite simple to play, so everyone can have a go. ‘Andante’ and ‘Jupiter’ are firm favourites, mixed in with tunes by Coldplay and Vivaldi for true variety. Everyone always enjoys playing the tunes, from the cellos to the violas, as there is something interesting in each part.

BELFAST SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS In August 2016, Form V pupils Lucy Jamison and Orla O’Kane took centre stage at the MAC Theatre Belfast for a highly acclaimed and profoundly successful run of the hit Broadway musical, “Legally Blonde” with the Belfast School of Performing Arts. The show was put together over a 10 day rehearsal period and included a cast of around 40 young people who tackled the fun-loving and incredibly challenging show with immense energy and enthusiasm. Lucy Jamison, an aspiring performer herself, took to the stage as Paulette Bonafonté and Orla O’Kane as Pilar. Both girls are keen members of several theatre groups both inside and outside of school life having performed principal roles and acted as soloists in many productions, concerts and broadcasts across the country. In March they will both be performing in Belfast Music and Drama Society’s Production of “Footloose” in the Waterfront, Belfast. Lucy Jamison (IV)

PIPPIN Over the summer I participated in a Belvoir Players production of the musical ‘Pippin’. It was directed by Dean Johnston who is a successful West End director. Jordan Walker (V) played the title role and Mimi Joffroy (M6) also had a lead part. Set in the world of video games ‘Pippin’ is a musical about a young man drawn into a dark world where he may lose everything, even his life. I played Theo, a young boy who idolised Pippin. We rehearsed for 2 weeks and it was very hard work but also great fun, particularly working with Jordan and Mimi. The show played to full houses for four nights. Aoife Bennett (III)

I have now moved up to Senior Strings, but I look back with fondness at my Junior String days and am looking forward to hearing the next generation play at the Spring Concert. I would encourage anyone who can play a violin or cello to have a go, even if you’re a bit nervous. I promise you, it will be worth it! Eva Hayward (IV)

Music in School

The Owl 2016

Music in School

ARTS HONOURS AWARDS EASTER 2016 MAJOR RE-DATE Luke Auterson (MVI) Jason Fleming (MVI) Cameron Gergett (MVI) Martha Gordon (MVI) Emer Gribbon (MVI) Mollie Haddock (MVI) Clare Johnston (MVI) Luda Kunaka (MVI) Hannah Lau (MVI) Antoinette Leonard (MVI) Abigail Magill (MVI) Rachel MacNeill (MVI) Hollie McCalmont (MVI) David McClements (MVI) Kieran McKenna (MVI) Fiona McIlroy (MVI) Sarah McGuckin (MVI) Rachael O’Donnell (MVI) Orlaith Duffy (MVI) Timmy Robinson (MVI) Lucy Bryan (LVI) Mary Cousins (LVI) Hannah Edgar (LVI) Cameron McCartney (LVI) Naomi Newton (LVI) Ciara Patterson (LVI) Harry Russell (LVI) Victoria Stewart (LVI)

MAJOR NEW AWARD David Bannon (MVI) Mimi Joffroy (MVI) Amber Maxwell (MVI) Naomi Martin (LVI) Daniel Wonnacott (LVI) Eoin Bradley (V) Tara Cavan (V) Lucy Clements (V) Patrick Donnelly (V) Owen Donnelly (V) Conor Foster (V) Jason Poots (V) Ellen Quinn (V) Ethan Snoddy(V) Jordan Walker (V)

MINOR RE-DATE Emily Cairns (MVI) Kayleigh Martin (MVI) Taylor McCombe (MVI) Carly McCullough (MVI) Kelly McDonald (MVI) Hollie Tracey (MVI) Molly Berry (LVI) Molly Bond (LVI) Jessica McVeigh (LVI) Charlotte Nicholl (LVI) Morgan Patton (LVI) Yasmine Tandon (LVI) Jack Millard (LVI) Lui Hurson (LVI)

MINOR NEW AWARD Niamh Carroll (MVI) Laois McMillan (MVI) Lydia Rooney (MVI) Matthew Wilson (MVI) Matthew Cairns (LVI) Daniel Davison (LVI) Gemma O’Neill (LVI) Darragh Armstrong (V) Conor Callaghan (V) Rebecca Carse (V) Lauryn Cotton (V) Rachel Crawford (V) Eva Gaston (V) Lucy Gaston (V) Lauren Hamilton (V) Meagan Hughes (V) Tom McAlister (V) Adam McCandless (V) Craig Moore (V) Rebecca McIlwaine (V) Beth Murphy-Morrison (LVI) Alexis Payot (V) Daniel Quigley (V) Jasmine Ross (V) Charles Roxas (V) Ally Shaw (V) Olivia Spence (V) Emma Calderwood (IV)

The Owl 2016

Senior Orchestra Clarinet Trio

Programme Lord of the Dance

R. Hardiman

Oh, Lady Be Good

G. Gershwin arr. A Marshall

Big Band Showcase (soloists: Patrick Donnelly & David McClements) Uptown Funk

Wind Band

Vida la Vida

Junior Strings Chamber Choir

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble I am not Yours

Junior Traditional Group

The Blarney Pilgrim—The Priest’s Leap—Miss McLeod’s Reel

arr. B. Lowden M. Ronson arr. J. Bocook C. Martin arr. L. Moore J. Mantyjarvi Z. Randall Stroope Traditional

Rumanian Folk Dances: I—Jocul Cu Bata; II—Braul; VI & VII—Maruntel Capriol Suite: II—Pavane

Senior Strings

B. Bartok

Junior Choir

The Ship of Rio (solo: Aoife O’Hagan)

B. Britten S. Mendes

Big Band

Amazing Grace Sing, Sing, Sing (solo: Luke Auterson)

Traditional arr. D. Rivello L. Prima & V. Lopez

You Never Had a Friend Like Me

A. Menken T. Minchin

Jigs: The Walls of Liscaroll— O’Leary’s Motorbike—The Mouse in the Kitchen Song: Ar Éirinn Ní—Neosfainn Cé Hí Slip Jig: The Drops of Brandy Reels: The Silver Spear—The Kilcloon

Traditional

Accompanist: Stuart Johnston Naughty

Senior Traditional Group

M6 Solo Boys’ Choir

M. Arnold Traditional arr. V Carson Traditional

15 Minute Interval

Carmina Burana Carl Orff b. Munich, Germany / July 10, 1895 d. Munich / March 29, 1982

By the mid-1920s, music – especially the works of Arnold Schoenberg and his circle – had become more complicated and intellectualized than most listeners could grasp or were willing to tolerate. Composers in several lands recognized the need for a shift in attitude. Carl Orff chose the approach of creating theatrical spectacles in which straightforward, communicative music, words and movement combined to produce immediate and striking impressions that appealed to a broad range of audiences. After occupying various positions throughout Germany, largely in theatre, Orff returned to Munich, his native city, in 1924. Together with Dorothee Gunther, he founded the Guntherschule, an institution which gave young people combined schooling in music and movement. His work there resulted in his first volume of musical exercises for children. This area of interest would eventually rival in importance (and parallel in spirit) his activities as a composer for the theatre. At the beginning of the '30s, while serving as conductor of the Munich Bach Society, Orff produced a number of arrangements of early music. His researches in this area eventually led to the creation of Carmina Burana, his first (and greatest) success. The texts are what give the score its name. In 1803, at the monastery of Benediktbeuern in Upper Bavaria, musicologist J.A. Schmeller discovered a manuscript collection of lyrics, dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. When it was published in 1847, Schmeller dubbed it Carmina Burana (Songs from the Beuern, or in Latin, Burana district). Probably the work of wandering scholars and defrocked priests, its texts are mostly in Latin, with a sprinkling of old German. The polite side of the collection includes six plays based on the Christmas, Passion and Easter mysteries; the earthier part contains some 200 drinking songs, love lyrics and recruiting songs.

Summer Serenade

Tuesday 31st May, 2016 7.30pm Belfast Royal Academy Assembly Hall

Carmina Burana (1936) Carl Orff (1895—1982) Baritone: Cameron Gergett Soprano: Fiona McIlroy FORTUNA IMPERATRIX MUNDI (Fortune, Empress of the World) O Fortuna—Chorus Fortune plango vulnera—Chorus PRIMO VERE (In Springtime) Omnia Sol temperat—Baritone Solo Ecce gratum—Chorus UF DEM ANGER (On the Green) Tanz—Orchestra Floret silva—Chorus Chramer, gip die varwe mir—Chorus Reie—Chorus Were diu werlt alle min—Chorus

When Orff came across the manuscript in 1935, it captivated him immediately. He saw in it the ideal vehicle to express the kind of basic, uncomplicated human emotions he had in mind. Choosing two dozen poems from the collection, with the assistance of Michel Hofmann, he matched them with equally direct music. “It’s not sophisticated, not intellectual,” he wrote, “and the themes of my work are themes that everyone knows...There is a spiritual power behind my work, that’s why it is accepted throughout the world.” The premiere took place in Frankfurt on June 8, 1937.

IN TABERNA (In the Tavern) Estuans interius—Baritone Solo Olim lacus colueram—Baritone Solo In taberna quando sumus—Chorus (tenors & basses)

The illuminated pictures which accompanied the original poems intrigued Orff virtually as much as the words. He found the cover portrait particularly striking (and stimulating): an image of luck, shown as a revolving wheel, blindly governing people’s destinies. Orff begins his Carmina Burana with a grandiose hymn, Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi (Luck, Empress of the World), saluting this inscrutable, unpredictable concept. Primo vere (In Springtime), follows. It deals, mostly in quiet, mysterious fashion, with the anticipated arrival of that season. Joy eventually breaks forth as spring itself appears. It is celebrated in the section entitled Uf dem anger (On the Green).

COUR D’AMOURS (The Court of Love) Stetit puella—Soprano Solo Veni, veni, venias—Chorus In trutina—Soprano Tempus est iocundum—Chorus, Baritone & Soprano Dulcissime—Soprano Solo

The next segment, In Taberna (In the Tavern) salutes the juice of the grape in riotous fashion. The tenor soloist, singing in falsetto, takes the role of a swan roasting slowly and sadly on a spit. The baritone is an Abbot who launches the men of the choir into a rollicking ode to drink. Cour d’amours (Court of Love) brings several of Orff’s loveliest, most lyrical moments. The soprano solo In trutina (In the Balance), a glowing anticipation of fulfillment, is a particular highlight. After the ecstatic fervor of Blanziflor et Helena (Blanchefleur and Helen, the principal characters in a medieval romance), Orff’s ode to luck returns, in cyclical fashion, to close Carmina Burana as majestically as it began.

Ms M. McMullan: Senior Chorus, Senior Strings, Big Band, Wind Band & Chamber Choir Mr G. Forde: Senior Orchestra, Junior Choir & Junior Traditional Group Miss N. Cruise: Junior Strings, Miss V. Carson: Boys’ Choir Ms. D. Murphy & Dr. C Scully: Senior Traditional Group Dr G. McAtasney: Clarinet Trio Mr P. Comfort: Percussion Mr T. Wilson & Ms. A. Pyper: Ben Madigan 1ST VIOLIN

Rachael O’Donnell Sonatina movts II & III Southern Hemisphere Anthems I’ll Tell Me Ma

Grace Cowden Amrita Kumbla Christopher Handley Emily McRitchie Emily Meekin Maria Morgan Mark Pattison Philip Russell Tori Spence Anna Wilson Conor Kearns Stuart Knox Madison Spence

P. Warlock

Accompanist: Daniel Quigley Believe

Ben Madigan Choir

Ben Madigan Erin Bennett Ben Bingham Lara Lennon Beth Russell Benjamin Watcon Luke Weatherald Mia Collins Blanaid Craig Kara Craig Matt McLaughlin Hannah O’Kane Simone Simeou Lily Behzadi

FORTUNA IMPERATRIX MUNDI (Fortune, Empress of the World) O Fortuna—Chorus

Emer Gribbon Abigail Magill .Hannah Edgar Antoinette Leonard Orlaith Duffy Mollie Haddock Victoria Stewart Mary Cousins Tara Cavan Lucy Clements Micah Hipolito Ciara Patterson

2ND VIOLIN Fiona McIlroy Lauren O’Donnell Lucy Bryan Gemma O’Neill Eva Hayward Aoife Bennett Anna Quinn Mairead Crinion Wrianne Salvietierra Jing Yi-Sun Olivia Donaldson Thea Reddington

FLUTE

CLARINET

Kieran McKenna Abby Wallace Conor Foster Lui Hurson Elizabeth McCauley

Rachel O’Donnell Luke Auterson Martha Gordon

VIOLA Rachel MacNeill Sinead Gourley Rachel Patterson Sasha Lawther

‘CE

DOUBLE BASS

Hollie M Ellen Jaso Naom Neil Ó Nicole Amber M

Jonathan Hayward

TROM

HORN Hannah Lau

TRUMPET David McClements Patrick Donnelly Clare Johnston Harry Russell

Timm

T Jack

PERC

Matt Owen

Boys’ Choir Daniel Allen Darragh Armstrong David Bannon Andrew Bassett Matthew Blair Eoin Bradley Matthew Cairns Conor Callaghan Thomas Carey Euan Carroll Niall Carson David Chancellor Vincent Custodio Daniel Davison Patrick Donnelly Jonathan Evans Edward Ferrin

SAXOPHONE Rachael O’Donnell Luke Auterson Martha Gordon Amber Maxwell Ethan Snoddy Darragh Armstrong Elizabeth McCauley

Zaid Thabeth Zak Thabeth Aryan Towfighi Jordan Walker Daniel Wonnacott Mr A Creighton Mr D Creighton Mr P Dorman Mr G Forde Mr M Harte Dr J McCombe

Big Band TRUMPET

TUBA

GUITAR

Patrick Donnelly David McClements Jason Fleming Harry Russell Clare Johnston Roan Kershaw

Jack Millard

Owen Donnelly Conor Callaghan

PERCUSSION

BASS GUITAR

Kieran McKenna

Conor Foster

PIANO

TROMBONE

Daniel Quigley

Timmy Robinson David Russell

Senior Traditional Group FIDDLE Fiona McIlroy Rachel MacNeill Emer Gribbon Tara Cavan Ciara Patterson Mary Cousins Lucy Clements Hannah Edgar

TIN WHISTLE

GUITAR

Abby Wallace

Owen Donnelly Naomi Newton Rachel Chapman

FLUTE

ElizabethMcCauley Conor Foster Kieran McKenna

Carmina Burana Orchestra

Chorus cont….

Adam McTeggart Zak Mills Johnny Mooney Craig Moore Ethan Murphy Ben O’Neill Conor O’Neill Jason Poots Ewan Purdy Daniel Quigley Joshua Ramsey Oliver Rhodes David Russell Harry Russell Daniel Simpson Ethan Snoddy Robert Spence Paul Stuart

Conor Foster Jack Golden Lewis Gould Daniel Harold Lui Hurson Alen Jain Rob Johnston Scott Macauley Aaron Martin Shane Martin Gareth McAdams Tom McAlister Conor McBride Cameron McCartney Adam McCleave Chris McConnell Stephen McCorry Mark McKillen

BODHRAN

1st VIOLIN VIOLA

1ST VIOLIN TENOR & BASS 2ND VIOLIN

FLUTE ‘CELLO

Gribbon & Abigail Emer Gribbon Darragh Armstrong Fiona McIlroy Leaders: Emer Rachel MacNeill MagillGourley Abigail Magill Luke Auterson Lauren O’Donnell Sinead Hannah .Hannah Edgar David Bannon Lucy Bryan RachelEdgar Patterson Victoria Victoria Stewart Eoin Bradley Gemma O’Neill SashaStewart Lawther Tara Cavan Orlaith Duffy Irek BrunkaEva Hayward Antoneitte Leonard Mollie HaddockMatthew Cairns Aoife Bennett DOUBLE BASS Mollie Haddock Antoinette Leonard Anna Quinn Conor Callaghan Lauren Beck* Jonathan Hayward Tara Cavan Mairead Crinion David Campbell Mrs T Surginor** Lucy Clements Wrianne Salvietierra Thomas Carey Mr M Surginor** Micah Hipolito Jing-Yi Sun Ciara PattersonDavid Chancellor Olivia Donaldson Aidan Davison 2nd VIOLIN Thea Reddington

Lewis Donaldson Owen Donnelly FLUTE Patrick Donnelly Jason Fleming Kieran McKenna Conor Foster Abby Wallace Conor Foster Cameron Gergett Jack Golden Lui Hurson Elizabeth McCauleyChristy Grattan Kuda Kunaka Tom Loane Conor McBride Adam McCandless Cameron McCartney Adam McCleave David McClements Jordan McKinnell Christopher McShane Timothy Agonkpolor Jason Melville Aoife Armstrong John Mooney Eva Bannon- Mutlu Craig Moore Abbie Baxter Abbie Beattie Ben O’Neill Jessica BellJason Poots Martha Bloomer Ewan Purdy Laura Browne Ross Pyper Anna Buckley Daniel Quigley Catelyn Burns Charles Roxas Ellie Byrne Harry Russell Alysha Carson Adam Sayers Ellie Collins Ethan Snoddy Emma Connolly Zaid Thabeth Aoife Corry Jordan Walker Emma Dobbin Ruby DouganLuke Weir Kate Duffy Matthew Wilson Daniel Wonnacott

OBOE Mrs G McChesney**

Eva Hayward Lauren O’Donnell Anna Quinn Aoife Bennett Mairead Crinion Lucy Bryan Gemma O’Neill Jessica Burns* Miss N McGowan**

BASSOON Mr G Forde Mr A Murphy

FRENCH HORN Mr J Durkan Miss L Salt Hannah Lau

VIOLA

TRUMPET

Junior Choir Rachel MacNeill Sinead Gourley Rachel Patterson Mr D Campbell

Miss P Snell Mrs K Cruise Joel McCartney*

‘CELLO

TROMBONE

Hollie McCalmont Ellen Quinn Jason Poots Naomi Martin Neil Óg Martin Nicole McClean Miss R McGinley**

Nathan Moore* David Russell

TUBA

Jack Millard Mr L Neish**

PERCUSSION

DOUBLE BASS

Mr P Comfort** Kieran McKenna

Jonathan Hayward Mr T Alford**

PIANO

Miss V Carson Damian McIlroy*

*Past Pupil

Michael Calderwood

HARP

Niall McIlroy* Hollie McCalmont Victoria Ellen QuinnHaddock* K Stuart JasonMrs Poots Naomi Martin CLARINET Neil Óg Martin Nicole McClean AmberRachael McCalmont O’Donnell Mrs E Burch

**B.R.A. Instrumental Tutor

Rebecca Carse

Senior Chorus SOPRANO & ALTO Kathryn Allen Rachel Atkinson Rebecca Beattie Melissa Beggs Molly Berry Rachel Blaney Georgia Bloomer Molly Bond Rebekah Boyd Emily Braiden Clare Brown Emily Cairns Emma Calderwood Ellen Campbell Erin Campbell Elisha Carmichael Niamh Carroll Rebecca Carse Megan Carson Cameron Chism Lucy Clements Aimee Cochrane Aimee Convery Kelsey Cooke Lauryn Cotton Mary Cousins Dervla Craig Rachel Crawford Rebecca Currie Morgan Dempsey Ana Desmond Jessica Donnan Orlaith Duffy Alyanna Dungca Cher Enriquez Aimee Gallagher Eva Gaston Lucy Gaston Erin Getty Martha Gordon Maia Hamilton Meghan Hamilton Lauren Hamilton Courtney Harper Micah Hipolito Rachel Hughes Meghan Hughes Olivia Hull Rebecca Irvine Mimi Joffroy

Jessica McVeigh Laura Meeke Becky Millar Erin Moffett Katie Moore Beth Murphy Morrison Naomi Newton Charlotte Nicholl Clare Njanina Ciara Patterson Morgan Patton Alexis Payot Sasha Peters Leah Potter Eve Proctor Natasha Rawe Thea Reddington Cara Reid Kathleen Reilly Una Roberts Lauren Rolston Sophie Rood Lydia Rooney Jasmine Ross Dona Saji Chloe Sayers Ally Shaw Chloe Shaw Orla Shiels Bethany Smyth Sophie - Leigh Smyth Olivia Spence Jing Yi Sun Magdalena Szalactha Yasmine Tandon Sophie Taylor Clare Thompson Hannah Thompson Coutney Todd Roper Hollie Tracey Louise Turner Shannon Venus Charley Walker Erin Wallace Abby Wallace Bethan Watt Nadia Wijanti Carly Wilkinson Lily Williamson Sandra Woloszyn Nicole Xu

Clare Johnston Eimear Jones Thomasa Kennedy Roan Kershaw Cora Lamb Kirsty Lee Cathy-Ann Lynn Chloe Mahoney Amy Majury Katie Marshall Kayleigh Martin Niamh Martin Jill Massey Amy Matthews Amber Maxwell Chloe McAlister Elizabeth McCauley Hollie McBride Tara McBride Amber McCalmont Victoria McClements Taylor McClenaghan Brooke McCombe Taylor McCombe Naoise McCormick Jennifer McCorry Amy McCotter Ciera McCotter Daniella McCourt Kitty McCracken Elisa McCullough Carly McCullough Cherie McDermott Lori McDermott Kelly McDonald Katie McDowell Molly McEwan Lynda McFarland Hollie McGookin Erica McGovern Samantha McGrath Naomi McGuckin Sarah McIlroy Fiona McIlroy Rebecca McIlwaine Hannah McKittrick Megan McKittrick Beth McMillan Laoise McMillan Emma McQuitty

Senior Orchestra 1ST VIOLIN

2ND VIOLIN

Emer Gribbon Abigail Magill .Hannah Edgar Victoria Stewart Orlaith Duffy Mollie Haddock Antoinette Leonard Tara Cavan Lucy Clements Micah Hipolito Ciara Patterson

Fiona McIlroy Lauren O’Donnell Lucy Bryan Gemma O’Neill Eva Hayward Aoife Bennett Anna Quinn Mairead Crinion Wrianne Salvietierra Jing-Yi Sun Olivia Donaldson Thea Reddington

FLUTE Kieran McKenna Abby Wallace Conor Foster Lui Hurson Elizabeth McCauley

Lauren O’Donnell Eva Hayward Mairead Crinnion Aoife Bennett Olivia Donaldson Wrianne Salvatierra Anna Quinn Jing-Yi Sun Shannon McBride Kate Duffy Aoife O’Hagan Lauren Hetherington Aoife Armstrong Ellen Campbell

FLUTE Lui Hurson Abby Wallace Conor Foster Julia Uprichard Alice Reid Katie Ritchie Ronan Poots Eva Hayward Lucy Hancock Kieran McKenna Megan Warke

Martha Gordon

TROMBONE

Jonathan Hayward

HORN TRUMPET

Hannah Lau

TROMBONE

Rachael O’Donnell Luke Auterson Martha Gordon

Timmy Robinson David Russell

Patrick Donnelly David McClements Clare Johnston Harry Russell

TUBA

PERCUSSION

Jack Millard

Matthew Logan Owen Donnelly

Junior Choir Maia Erwin Mika Galla Yolanda Graham Rachel Greer Ella Harvey Georgia Harvey Eve Henderson Caitlin Hennessey Lauren Hetherington Emma Irvine Alex Johnston Olivia Jones William Jones Ella Linton Chloe McAllister Cuann McAuley Shannon McBride Leah McCarter

Timothy Agonkpolor Aoife Armstrong Eva Bannon- Mutlu Abbie Baxter Abbie Beattie Jessica Bell Martha Bloomer Laura Browne Anna Buckley Catelyn Burns Ellie Byrne Alysha Carson Ellie Collins Emma Connolly Aoife Corry Emma Dobbin Ruby Dougan Kate Duffy

Danielle Speers Chloe Spence Elise Swain Janna Tharun Olivia Thompson Emma Uprichard Kerry Uprichard Ellie Walsh Megan Warke Christina Warnock Emma Watt Lucy White

Nicole McClean Kylie McComb Amy McDowell Rachael McGrath Niamh McIlroy Chloe McKnight Beth McMeekin Erin McQuiston Leo Millard Ellie Murray Aoife O’Hagan Abbie O’Neill Rebecca Plackett Hermione Reid Martha-Rose Rooney Rachel Rosbothom Sarah Saunders Alex Simpson

Junior Strings Luke Auterson

TIN WHISTLE/FLUTE

GUITAR

Elizabeth McCauley Julia Uprichard Ronan Poots Megan Warke Ellie Murray

Holly McBride Katie Moore Maia Hamilton Oliver O’Kane

‘CELLO

Emma Calderwood Kerry Uprichard

HARP

Neil Óg Martin

1ST VIOLIN

2ND VIOLIN

VIOLA

‘CELLO

Anna Quinn Aoife Bennett Eva Hayward Mairead Crinion Olivia Donaldson Wrianne Salvatierra Jing Yi Sun Ellen Campbell Maya Reilly Stewart Lauren Hetherington Kate Du’ffy Aoife O’Hagan

Amelia McDowell Aoife Armstrong Eve Henderson Emma Dobbin Danielle Speers Ella Linton Sabriel Gergett Sarah Saunders Shannon McBride Molly Lapworth

Rachel Patterson

Neil Óg Marton Nicole McClean

Amy McDowell Emma Uprichard

Wind Band CLARINET

Rachael O’Donnell Martha Gordon Adam McCandless Jennifer McCorry Elizabeth McCauley Lorcan Gourley Leah McCarter Nada Hawela Neil Elliott Grace McIlroy Olivia Thompson

SAXOPHONE

Amber Maxwell Daniel Quigley Connor McBride Luke Auterson Ethan Snoddy Darragh Armstrong Morgan Curran Erin McQuiston Ella Harvey

TENOR HORN

TUBA Jack Millard Leo Millard Jason Melville

BARITONE/ EUPHONIUM Adam McCleave James Bryan Ben Watt

TRUMPET Patrick Donnelly David McClements Jason Fleming Clare Johnston Kuda Kunaka Daniel Wonnacott Harry Russell Peter Watt Roan Kershaw Lee Russell Ben Golden Jadyn Ross Emma Uprichard Sol Morrow Ellie Murray Joshua Boyd

PERCUSSION Owen Donnelly Matthew Logan

DOUBLE BASS Jonathan Hayward

Senior Strings

BODHRAN

Hannah Lau Ben O’Neill

Timmy Robinson David Russell Tom Spence

DOUBLE BASS

Hollie McCalmont Ellen Quinn Jason Poots Naomi Martin Neil Óg Martin Nicole McClean Amber McCalmont

Ms T McBeth Miss N Cruise

Junior Traditional Group FIDDLE

‘CELLO

CLARINET

Clarinet Trio Rachel O’Donnell

VIOLA Rachel MacNeill Sinead Gourley Rachel Patterson Sasha Lawther

1ST VIOLIN

2ND VIOLIN

Abigail Magill Emer Gribbon .Hannah Edgar Victoria Stewart Fiona McIlroy Antoinette Leonard Tara Cavan Lucy Clements Lauren O’Donnell

Orlaith Duffy Mollie Haddock Mary Cousins Ciara Patterson Lauren O’Donnell Lucy Bryan Gemma O’Neill Eva Hayward Aoife Bennett Anna Quinn Mairead Crinion

VIOLA Rachel MacNeill Rachel Patterson

‘CELLO Hollie McCalmont Ellen Quinn Jason Poots Naomi Martin Neil Óg Martin

DOUBLE BASS Jonathan Hayward

Chamber Choir SOPRANO

ALTO

TENOR

BASS

Fiona McIlroy Hannah Edgar Jessica McVeigh Lucy Clements Tara Cavan Rebecca Carse Clare Njanina Ellen Quinn Tara McBride Rebecca Currie Charlotte Nicholl

Orlaith Duffy Martha Gordon Mimi Joffroy Rachael O’Donnell Morgan Patton Eve Proctor Jasmine Ross

David Bannon Patrick Donnelly Cameron Gergett Cameron McCartney Matthew Wilson Jordan Walker Conor McBride

Luke Auterson Kuda Kunaka Harry Russell Conor Foster Jason Poots Charles Roxas Eoin Bradley Christy Grattan

Drama in School The Autumn term saw the Senior Dramatic Society tackle its most challenging production to date: the Tony award-winning Broadway musical Hairspray! After a lengthy audition process, our cast of thirtysix talented actors, singers and dancers began rehearsals in early September. With opening night a mere ten weeks away, it was an intense and often stressful experience, with at times four scenes being rehearsed at once all over the Assembly Hall! But, by opening night, I was confident we had a spectacular show on our hands. Set in 1962, Hairspray, revolves around the journey of young Baltimore teen, Tracy Turnblad - a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream - to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. Despite becoming a local celebrity, her rise to dancing stardom is not straightforward and soon she is using her newfound fame to fight for integration. Our “magnificent eleven” members of the principal cast was led by Mimi Joffroy (MVI) who took on the role of Tracy. Mimi’s enthusiasm and dedication (she turned up to the first rehearsal with most of her lines learnt!) was inspiring and it was a joy to watch her flourish in her first leading role. Able support was provided by Scott Macaulay (MVI) who played heartthrob, Link Larkin; Jessica McVeigh (LVI) as Penny Pingleton, Tracy’s ditzy best-friend; Jordan Walker (V) as Corny Collins, the host of The Corny Collins Show; Carly McCullough (MVI) as Velma Von Tussle, the scheming television producer and villainess of the piece; and Lydia Rooney (MVI) as Velma’s daughter Amber, the selfish resident princess of The Corny Collins Show, willing to do anything to win the Miss Teenage Hairspray title. Newcomers to the Academy stage, Johnson Furusa (LVI) and Claire Njanina (V) took on the roles of Seaweed J. Stubbs, a hip and kind-hearted day dancer, and his mother the “big, blonde and beautiful” owner of a downtown record store, Motormouth Maybelle, while Lucy Jamison (IV) played Seaweed’s sassy younger sister, Little Inez. The principal cast was completed by the dynamic duo of Cameron Brady and Matthew Wilson (both MVI) who brought Tracy’s eccentric parents Edna and Wilber Turnblad to life. Playing a plus-sized mother in drag is not an easy task, but Cameron rose to the occasion with a fantastic larger-than-life performance, while Matthew captured perfectly Wilber’s mad love for his wife to great comic effect. Whether a major character or a member of the ensemble, all cast members worked tirelessly during rehearsals and were integral to the success of the production.

While our cast entertained the audience from the stage, our crew was made up of a number of equally talented individuals who deserve a lot of credit. The ever reliable Mr Jamison did everything from climbing ladders, offering technical expertise, and building the set, including the magnificent hairspray can used in the finale (complete with flashing lights and smoke!) On the nights of the show he was ably supported by Chloe Sayers (IV) in the lights and sound booth, who calmly and efficiently made each performance look visually spectacular The incredibly talented Dr Lomas once again created stunning costumes to mirror the fashion of Baltimore in the 1960’s. In the middle of a house move, she gave up her time to make multiple trips to charity shops and engage in late night sewing sessions (including the somewhat surreal task of sewing pillows and plus size bras together to create Tracy and Edna’s “fat suits”) to create the spectacular costumes seen on stage. Thanks must also go to Lucy Kinnear (MVI) who ironed, sewed and took charge of costumes when Dr Lomas wasn’t available. The hair and make-up team, led by Miss Watson, also did a great job each night, even if the hole in the ozone layer has tripled in size due to the vast amounts of hairspray being sprayed all over the backstage area. Our rotating set was designed by Chloe Anderson (MVI). The Art Department, led by Mrs Kerr, worked tirelessly to ensure it was ready on time and it looked fantastic on the night. Our Stage Crew, led by Johnny Mooney (who multi-tasked by playing a flasher in the opening number!), ensured smooth scene changes during each performance. Glockenspiel maestro Dr Springer and his props team once again sourced many weird and wonderful objects including fake rats, mannequins and of course multiple cans of hairspray! Special thanks must also go to St. Agnes Choral Society for lending us many of the props on the list. Ms McMullan led the fantastic band, including Conor Foster and Owen Donnelly. Both Ms McMullan and Mr Forde also tutored the singers ensuring outstanding vocal performances each night. Finally, I would like to thank our choreographers, made up of cast members. I’m not ashamed to say I completely underestimated how much dance was involved in Hairspray and when we started in September without a choreographer I began to think I had made a huge mistake! However, our cast was there to save the day and each and every number was choreographed by

Drama in School them to professional standard. Special thanks go to Erica McGovern (MVI), Becky Dickson (LVI) and former pupil Jenny Coates who choreographed and led a number of dances. The production was a real team effort. I am overwhelmed by the talent and commitment exhibited by each and every member of the cast and crew, and I know the show would not have been the success it was without them. Extra-curricular drama continues to go from strength to strength in the Academy and with the wealth of talent among our pupils, I am confident it will continue to prosper.

S.L.T.â&#x20AC;Š

Miscellany ART AND DESIGN Juanita O’Kane Form MVI gained full marks in the CCEA A2 level coursework and externally set assignment. Kieran McKenna Form MVI gained full marks in the CCEA A2 level coursework and externally set assignment. Bethan O’Donnell Form LVI gained full marks in the CCEA AS level coursework and externally set assignment. Anna McClurg Form V gained full marks in the CCEA GSCE level coursework and externally set assignment. The following work was requested by CCEA for possible inclusion in the 2016-17 True Colours Exhibition at the Ulster Museum: •

coursework unit by Anna McClurg titled ‘Travel’.

•

AS coursework unit by Bethan O’Donnell titled ‘The Silver Chair’.

Mr Roy Donaldson, from Apple Office presented two Art and Design A2 level pupils with a student Art Pack Award: •

Juanita O’Kane, who gained a place at the Metropolitan College to do an Art and Design Foundation course;

•

Kieran McKenna, who gained a place at Bath University to study Architecture.

All Art and Design GCSE, AS and A2 level pupils attended the 2016 True Colours Exhibition at the Ulster Museum to view the best examples of N. Ireland’s CCEA Art and Design coursework and externally set assignments. The MVI attended the 2016 Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition at the Ulster Museum.

Miscellany The Department was used every week for Duke of Edinburgh Art and Design projects, as well as CCEA GCSE and A Level units of work. A dedicated team of pupils enjoyed constructing, painting and decorating the set for the Senior School Musical Production, ‘Hairspray’. Chloe Anderson MVI was awarded a remit of the Art and Design Major Award. Two Departments, Modern Languages and Art and Design, were involved in teaching and learning aspects of the Arabic Culture. Claudia Donati (Project Manager, Modern Languages and Arabic Culture Project) and representatives from the British Council London, Methodist College and Interlingua NI visited Belfast Royal Academy to view the community relations, diversity and equality work which has been achieved through the Arabic Language and Culture Project. The Arabic project was funded for a second year by the British Council and the Qatar Foundation and has at its goal the empowerment of today’s students with the necessary language, business and cultural skills to engage fully in the future with enterprise in countries such as: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and UAE. They were extremely impressed at the level of work and commitment shown by our pupils. Two hundred and eight Form II pupils were engaged in this project connecting the Arabic Language through Art and Design. Their tasks included gathering research on the Arabic Culture, Art and Architecture. They created ceramic tiles using porcelain clay and oxides, and applied Arabic lettering from their language lessons into their designs. The pupils attended the Ulster Museum to experience ceramic workshops with Lynda Hassin (nee Brown) BA (Hons) in Contemporary Applied Arts, a Ceramic and Jewellery Designer from Moygashel, Co.Tyrone, supported pupils at the ceramic workshop with the clay processes, and explored the Art of the Middle East and aspects of its history. Ashgan Essa, the Arabic language teacher provided the teaching of the Arabic Alphabet, Arabic calligraphy writing, reading and speaking. The final outcomes are four wall panels combining the ceramic tiles, repeat pattern, Photoshop and Arabic Calligraphy designs, illustrating knowledge and understanding about the Arabic Culture, Art and Architecture. The Modern Language and Art departments at Belfast Royal Academy welcomed and encouraged the opportunity to share our Arabic Culture project with other schools. Catherine O’Hagan (HOD) and Orla Gallagher from St. Columb’s College, Derry, Art and Design Department viewed the exhibition and project of study.

The Owl 2016 On Saturday 18th June, the Annual Art Exhibition Charity morning showcased the project. We hope the success of the project will provide us with a third year of funding. The Art Department, for a second year, was invited to join the R.E. and Classics departments on the Rome Trip and it was an excellent educational experience for the students involved.

Karen Patterson for BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme about the DUP and UUP pulling out of the Executive, giving their views on the impasse. The students spoke eloquently about the situation, particularly about how it had the potential for young people to become disillusioned with NI and NI politics. Karen and Conor were clearly impressed by their knowledgeable and mature responses.

The Department continues to develop staff and pupil training in the use of ICT software and Google Drive. The Department continues to provide pupils with an insight into Art and Design career routes. This was supported by guest speakers: •

Lesley Millar, Project Manager at Origin Digital (Former BRA pupil) gave GCSE and A Level students an insight into the Graphic Communication world.

•

Philip Simon 2nd year student at Belfast Metropolitan (Former BRA pupil) gave MVI Art and Design students an insight in course content and portfolio presentation.

In June, the Annual Art Exhibition included an excellent variety of work from all forms. The sale of artwork this year totalled £625.00. A further £168.06 was raised from the Staff Exhibition Preview, the Saturday morning Art and Design Exhibition in the Pollin building and the Arabic Exhibition in the Dining Hall. The Department continues to support the BRA Photographic society. Pupils from Form I to MVI are invited to take part. Finalists’ work will be displayed permanently in the new school buildings. P.K.

BRA POLITICS STUDENTS IN THE NEWS With so much going on in the political world, our students were called upon during the year to give their opinions to the BBC. Niamh Carroll and Abigail Magill had an early morning pick-up for a live interview with Noel Thompson and Karen Patterson on Good Morning Ulster, while Lucy Kinnear featured on Evening Extra. In April, with the Assembly election imminent, Gareth Gordon filmed a piece for BBC Newsline on what the new generation of voters think of the Assembly and Matthew Wilson was interviewed by Tara Mills during the leadership debate on the BBC. In September, Niamh Carroll and Abigail Magill (MVI) were interviewed in the studio by Conor Bradford and

Lucy Kinnear joined her Politics classmates by visiting the BBC Radio Ulster studio to be asked about her intentions for next year, after she leaves the Academy, this time by Tara Mills for Evening Extra. This came as a result of the ‘Big Conversation’, a consultation on higher education in NI by Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry. Lucy proved to be articulate and well-informed about the funding issues that universities here are facing. In April, Gareth Gordon, a reporter for BBC Northern Ireland Newsline, came to school to film our MVI Politics students along with those from Domincan College, Fortwilliam about the NI Assembly elections. Gareth asked students about their thoughts on politics in NI and whether they believed the Good Friday Agreement, now eighteen years old, had relevance in their lives. While these students are politically engaged and looking forward to their first opportunity to use their vote, the students recognised that not all young people would share those views. Students enjoyed the opportunity to talk with their peers from Fortwilliam about politics and getting to see how films like this for the news get made. In May, Matthew Wilson appeared on three BBC programmes as part of the ‘Good Friday Agreement Generation’. Matthew was picked to open the debate with his question about when the tribal nature of NI

Miscellany politics would end. Mathew said, ‘While my question wasn't answered, it was somewhat refreshing to see an audience that seemed as fed up as I am with the focus on orange/green politics.’

Form IV Business Studies made full use of our new Jackson facility with a half day workshop on business insight. Pupils were sorted into groups and given a series of challenging business related activities to complete and then present. Mr Murphy developed links with Stranmillis Teacher Training College and brought Form IV Business Communication Studies pupils to Stranmillis for an Enterprise and Innovation workshop. This was very much enjoyed by both our pupils and the trainee teachers.

Following on from this, Matthew was asked to be part of The Spin Room, the programme that followed the Leaders’ Debate on 3 May. Here, he was asked by presenter Tara Mills about whether what he had seen had changed how he intended to vote. The following morning on Good Morning Ulster’s piece about the Leaders’ Debate, Matthew was interviewed live in the studio alongside Leah Rea, a final year law student and (coincidentally) a former BRA student. Matthew and Leah both spoke about young people’s views on politics and the disengagement that they can feel from it. It is encouraging to see our students so willing to speak about their political views on live television and radio and to do so with such confidence and articulation. K.S.B.

BUSINESS STUDIES The Business Studies Department had another busy year both inside and outside of school. Form III had their now regular trip to Tayto Castle to see production first-hand. This is a popular industry visit and we even had the chance to say hello to Mr Tayto.

This year, Form V for the controlled assessment element of their GCSE, were given the opportunity to link with AJ Power Ltd in Dungannon. This involved Dr Clavert and Mr Jackson (both former pupils) visiting our school and delivering an introductory PowerPoint on the business. Several weeks later all the Business pupils were given the opportunity to visit the factory and we were given a very detailed and close up tour of the facility. We thank AJ Power very much for all their help and support and we look forward to working with them in the future. Mr Murphy’s LVI class visited Dunbia Meat processing plant in Dungannon. Pupils had a tour of the factory and a presentation from the Marketing Director. Mrs McQuiston’s LVI class had a flying visit to St George’s market to see trading and sourcing

The Owl 2016 of produce at a local level. We also managed to grab a quick lunch. The MVI pupils had a visit to Ikea which gave us a real appreciation of their corporate social responsibility and again we were able to take advantage of a quick lunch in the form of Swedish meatballs. Miss Montgomery’s class also managed to squeeze in a visit to the Coca Cola bottling plant in Lisburn. G.M.Q.

CHARITY COLLECTION Over the course of the year, £4003.03 was raised for charity during the weekly collections. Each house gained points for the most money collected weekly, the breakdown of which is shown below.

CAIRNS

£823.82

CURRIE

£1,008.34

POTTINGER

£1,175.68

SHAW

DANCE On Saturday 5th March, the BRA Dance Team entered the 2016 NICMAC competition held at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex. The team performed exceptionally well and secured first place in the Fitness Section of the competition. Following on from their success at NICMAC, the team entered the 2016 Ulster Fitness & Dance Championships. The competition took place on Friday 15th April in the Spectrum Centre. There were a record number of entries this year and the team faced stiff competition, but were again awarded first place in the Fitness section of the competition. The girls are looking forward to another year of competition and hope to remain the reigning champions in 2017. L.E.C.

£995.19

The tutor group who raised the most was 1PO2 at £259.38 In total, £14015.58 has been raised by the school through various fund-raising activities which include: a Bake Off competition and sale of the entries, as well as other bake sales throughout the year; staff coffee mornings; Smartie tubes filled with twenty pence coins; non-uniform days; Read On; a Staff Revue and a kids’ Strictly Come Dancing competition. The charities who benefitted from our efforts were Angel Eyes, Wings Appeal, Cybersmile, RNLI, Habitat for Humanity, IRFU charitable fund, the Darren Clarke foundation, Marie Curie, Scoliosis, Myeloma, Parkinson’s Society, Cancer Lifeline, Fields of Life, Sport Relief, Tiny Life, The Children’s Cancer Unit, MENCAP NI, Guide Dogs NI, Malawi project, Save the Children, Children’s Hospice, Sea Cadets, Macmillan, Cancer Focus, Water Aid, WWF, NICFC, Gap Medics and 100 Help the Homeless. A.R.

NICMAC In NICMAC 2016, we competed with a small team consisting of only six dancers. We entered NICMAC and our hard work paid off, as we gained first place. Next, we went on to compete in the Ulster championships and once again we gained first place. As Mrs Craig was busy becoming a mummy for the first time, we took it upon ourselves to choreograph our own routines, buy our own costumes and enter the competition, with the help of Dr. Scully. In the end, NICMAC was a great experience and we hope to excel again, as we did last year. Rachael Toan (V)

Miscellany

FORM II TRIP TO NORTHERN FRANCE The BRA Invasion

EXTRA-CURRICULAR MATHEMATICS The school continues to be a key player in all maths competitions in the Province. In team competitions, the Senior team came fourth in both the annual Queen’s Mathematics competition and also in the NI regional finals of the UK Maths Trust Team Challenge. The Junior Team came a very close second in the NI regional final of the UK Maths Trust Junior Team challenge. The Senior team comprised: Ryan Lightowler (MVI), Callum Dalzell (MVI), Andrew Milligan (LVI) and Carlos Firgau (LVI). The Junior Team comprised: Zak Thabeth (FIII), Jack Carson (FIII), Amy McDowell (FII) and Shannon Seawright (FII). Once again, the teams demonstrated team spirit, determination and a great sense of fun as they answered demanding questions against the clock. Their commitment to the many training sessions led to them mastering new skills and honing those already acquired in class. Large numbers of pupils once again took part in the UK Maths Trust’s individual challenges and the number of certificates awarded and qualifiers for the elite further rounds continues to be impressive. At Senior level, pupils achieved 5 gold, 9 silver and 24 bronze awards. Ryan Lightowler (MVI), Phillip Rowan (MVI) and Daniel Quigley (FV) qualified for the next round (the Kangaroo) of the compeition; Ryan and Daniel went on to achieve merits. At Intermediate level pupils achieved 1 gold, 17 silver and 21 bronze awards. Caleb Tennyson (FIII) and Jack Green (FIV) qualified for the next round (the Kangaroo) and both received merits. At Junior level, pupils achieved 5 silver and 21 bronze awards. I am grateful to all those who participate in these activities for the enthusiasm they display while tackling ideas which stretch them beyond what they have encountered before; and to the teams, in particular, for the professionalism and good humour they bring to the competitions we attend. Special thanks to Mrs Cummings for her work in entering pupils for the individual challenges. S.C.S.

Friday 24th June was an early start with the group meeting at 04.45 at George Best City Airport. The troops, looking forward to the adventures that lay before them, were eager and willing to get underway, so after hugs and ‘au revoir’ to family and friends, the group prepared to move out. Airport communications caused a slight disruption to our schedule, but time was made up on the London to Dover leg by the company’s driver, Bruce. The ferry crossing saw us wave goodbye to the white cliffs to begin our assault on northern France. It was full steam ahead. We disembarked in high spirits and soon arrived at our billet in Boulogne-Sur-Mer, sleeping quarters were quickly sorted out, kit unpacked and, after an eyebrow-raising visit to the mess, we set out on a first recce of our new posting. Our C.O., Mr Carolan, and his lieutenants gave us a tour of the town. Outside the small shop in the centre of town, Mr Porter ensured we would never forget the words ‘sac en plastique’ or was it ‘sac de plastique’? The troops were tired but eagerly looking forward to day 2. We all slept well, worn out by excited chatter and out of control giggling. The next morning all personnel assembled punctually after breakfast and boarded the coach to the Belgian town of Ypres (Ieper) to visit the Flanders Field Museum and Messines Peace Park. This was our first introduction to the terrible conflicts of World War I. In the afternoon the group visited a chocolate shop which has been welcoming BRA pupils for many years. The owner recognised Mr Carolan immediately, greeting him like a long lost brother. He ensured we left his shop laden with armfuls of chocolate! The day ended with a visit to the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing where the names of more than 54000 British and Commonwealth soldiers are engraved. It was a truly breathtaking experience. It is impossible for us to

The Owl 2016

understand the scale of the tragedies of 100 years ago, but for many of us it was the beginning of some sort of insight into the horrors of war. Day 3 started with a gentle walk to one of Europe’s biggest aquaria, where some of us tried out our beginner’s French and were relieved and delighted that the locals seemed to understand us! In the afternoon we took a train to Le Touquet, approximately 40 km to the

were lost here. Huge bomb craters, now grass covered, made the group think about just what happened to those fighting. During our final meal in the hostel, we presented the teachers and Bruce the bus driver with little presents as a thank you for their patience, their good humour and the effort they put in to ensure our trip was a success. As we left the green fields of France behind, we could almost hear the echoes of BRA pupils singing ‘Stay, stay, stay’ as Miss Barnett looked for her camera at every photo opportunity. En route a final spot of ‘lèche-vitrines’ at Cité Europe shopping centre in Calais. Boat and bus journey, goodbyes and good wishes to Bruce and the group was ready for the flight to Belfast. Tired pupils (and exhausted teachers) met refreshed and bright-eyed parents awaiting the return of their troops.

south. Another longer walk was enjoyed by all as the sun decided to join us on our trip. Splashing in the water park was very welcome in the heat of the day and, afterwards, some of us sat on the beach, soaking up the sun as we waited for the bus. This was a really fun day which helped us relax, become closer with old friends and make some new ones. As we waited for our train back north, our group put tremendous pressure on the staff of a very small pizza restaurant. Day 4 dawned, not so bright, but definitely early, and again we crossed the Belgian border, this time heading for the city of Bruges. The rain poured down, but did not dampen our spirits as we boarded the boats for a trip on the canals. Bruges is a beautiful city, vibrant, full of cultured and interesting people…. and cafes selling waffles. As the weather improved, we all took the opportunity to sample the local speciality, did a little window shopping and then it was back across the border and time to relax. Day 5 saw the visit to Vimy Ridge, the site of many battles of WWI, which had claimed thousands of lives. This, again, was very thought-provoking and reminded us that the lives of men not much older than ourselves

On behalf of all of those who were on the Form II French trip, I would like to thank Miss Ardis, Miss Barnett, Miss Keenan, Mrs Nicholl, Mr Porter and especially Mr Carolan who worked so hard to rearrange the trip. Merci beaucoup, we had a great time! Erin McQuiston (III)

FRIENDS OF THE ACADEMY Friends of the Academy (FOTA) is a committee of parents, staff and other friends of Belfast Royal Academy. The aim of the group is to enhance the school experience of pupils and parents through fundraising and supporting school events. FOTA continued to support both Ben Madigan and the Grammar School during 2015 – 2016. Activities were organised, sometimes for fundraising purposes and sometimes to provide a service for the School community. A number of uniform sales were held throughout the year for which we received positive feedback from a number of parents and a successful Table Quiz was held in November, which was hosted in Ben Madigan.

Miscellany A highlight was the annual dinner dance which was held in the Jackson Suite. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Back 2 Schoolâ&#x20AC;? themed evening was very successful and enjoyed by all those who attended. Refreshments were also provided at a range of school events in the course of the year, such as the Ben Madigan and Grammar School Carol Services, the two Open Evenings and the Open Morning in May. FOTA also trialled a new event - breakfast for new Form I parents on the first day of school. This proved very successful and will now become an annual event in the School calendar. M.T.W.

GEOGRAPHY FIELDWORK Form I Temperature and windspeed in BRA During September 2016, the Geography classes were put into 10 different groups and went to different parts around the school playground to measure the temperature and the windspeed in the B.R.A. site. The places we went to included outside the Crombie, the swimming pool and outside the Jackson.

photographing and sketching the main coastal defences on this part of the coast. All the pupils had time to examine the rock armour, gabions, riprap, straight sea wall and the curved sea wall. Teachers explained how each of the defence measures we visited did their job. Back at BRA this information was used to complete the project. Geographers (II)

FORM IV GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP On Thursday 16th June 2016, GCSE Geography pupils from Form IV went into the centre of Belfast to survey the public on their attitudes towards migration for their Controlled Assessment task. Over 50 pupils gathered in different areas of the City Centre and asked passers-by numerous questions on the topic. When the data was collected, the pupils went back to school and in their geography classes spent the day completing graphs and tables for their hypotheses and evaluation. The controlled assessment equates to 25% of the final Geography GCSE grade. All in all, the trip into Belfast was very successful and the pupils also found it a good experience.

We used a thermometer to measure the temperature and an anemometer to record the windspeed in the school grounds. We waited 5 minutes for the temperature to stop fluctuating. To measure the windspeed, we held the thermometer in the air for 3 minutes and recorded the average speed. Then we went back to the classroom to find the average of all the results.

Geographers (IV) LOWER VI FIELDWORK

Geographers (I)

FORM II GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP HOLYWOOD Form II travelled to Holywood for their Coastal Defence fieldwork during the damp month of May. We walked along the coastal path examining,

The Owl 2016

On the 2nd February the two AS Geography classes went to Roughfort and Carryduff respectively to carry out field work for their Module 2 examination. Each class travelled towards the city centre stopping along the way recording data such as temperature, average wind speed and humidity to determine if an urban heat island effect existed in Belfast. Pupils were split into groups of three within their classes and recorded data allowing us to take averages once we returned to school. It was a fun and successful trip and a stop for fast food after was enjoyed by all.

taking part in team challenges to get to know each other, which would be needed for our next day together. A few weeks later, we met up with the workers from Habitat and the participants from De La Salle and we were set the challenge of renovating accommodation at Lurganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mount Zion Centre. The apartments will house vulnerable adults and families in crisis. Here again we worked with members from the other school and paired up together to clean the accommodation.

Geographers (LVI) MIDDLE VI TRIP TO DUNDRUM

After completing the day out, we met again this time at the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; college to evaluate and review our work and come up with fundraising ideas. The group then fund-raised for the charity by bag- packing at Iceland, bake sales, coffee mornings, selling ballots and other endeavours. On 12th September 2016, the MVI Geography students set off for a field trip to Murlough Bay and Newcastle, Co. Down. We studied the different coastal defence systems along the beach, stopping to draw sketches and take pictures along the way. We observed sea walls, gabions and railway sleepers which protect Royal Co. Down Golf Course and the Slieve Donard Hotel from sea erosion. When we arrived at Newcastle, we were given questionnaires which we asked the public to complete, with questions regarding their experiences of Newcastle as a tourist resort. When we finished, we were picked up in Newcastle and delivered back to school. Overall, the field trip day was a success as we collected valuable first-hand information and got to see the coastal defences, which we had previously studied in class. Geographers (MVI)

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY In October 2015 ten Lower Sixth pupils participated in the project with De La Salle College. Firstly, we took part in a team-building day in the BRA library as induction. We learnt about the work of Habitat and we saw a range of examples of their projects, as well as

Savannah Thompson and Megan Waite (LVI)

MALAWI When we were asked to write a piece about our time in Malawi, the 2016 team felt this would be both a simple, yet a very challenging task. Simple, because any opportunity to speak about our time in Malawi is more than gladly taken advantage of; yet challenging, because no amount of words can ever do justice to the inspirational people of Malawi that we met, or the lifechanging experience in which we were so lucky to have taken part.

Miscellany

On 28th June 2016, our team left BRA bound for Malawi, via Dublin and Ethiopia. We were both excited and nervous for the next two weeks, where we would be put out of our comfort zones and where we would grow into a very tight-knit team. The team was divided into smaller groups: those who would be spending time in the school, both teaching and learning from the inspirational children in Mulanje Mission Primary and Secondary schools; those who would be working with and learning from the doctors and nurses of the mission hospital and those who would be gaining an insight into the world of business inside the factories in Malawi. In each area of work experience, the team felt that there was one common characteristic, the drastic contrast

between everyday life and work in Malawi and everyday life at home. One example of this was noticed by every member of the team during our tour of the mission station on day one, where we were very warmly welcomed with songs and high-fives by thousands of excited children. It was only later that we learned that these small children would walk for up to forty five minutes every morning along dirt roads simply to get to school. They followed us, held our hands around the vast area of the mission station all day, far away from their homes and families. We had never seen anything like this before and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever forget that. Each member of the team was lucky enough to have the incredible opportunity to teach in the schools in Mulanje Mission at least once. We taught a variety of subjects to range of different age groups, each lesson rewarding in its own way. One aspect of the teaching which struck the whole team, however, was the enthusiasm to learn and the respect which we received from every child, despite the bareness of their classroom and devastating lack of school supplies. The amazing children were also very eager to tell us of their dreams and ambitions for the future, of becoming pilots, teachers and nurses. The team found this difficult to hear, as at the end of the day, we knew that most of them would not be able to afford the small fees to go to university. The Malawian teachers were also so welcoming and grateful to have us in their classroom; yet we soon realised that we were the ones that should be immensely grateful to them. The work experience inside the hospital was equally as eye-opening and rewarding. Our team members

The Owl 2016

working with both the dentists and the doctors were struck by the lack of much-needed, sterile medical equipment and found it hard to watch patients who needed treatment and antibiotics walk away with nothing, simply because they could not afford it. This drastic contrast is something that would never be seen at home, and something that will stay with the team. However, even despite this, the patients and people of Malawi continued to smile and welcome our future doctors and dentists, which ultimately made our experience so rewarding and inspiring.

The business group was also very interested and inspired by what they saw over the two weeks. What they loved most about the business was the variety it offered. No day was the same. One day they were helping to pick bad beans out of a wicker basket in a porridge factory and the next they were standing on the border with Mozambique, learning about the different economy and culture there. They were also given a tour of a new, modern hotel and learned about the difficulties of running it in the midst of devastating poverty. They were also the only group to avail of the bike taxis, witness working conditions and try

100

interesting Mozambican cuisine. Overall, it was a very well-rounded and beneficial set of trips. The house-build was another hugely rewarding experience. Not many seventeen year olds can say that they helped build a house within ten days after all! The house was built for a woman named Irene, her four children and her grandchild. The house in which she originally lived was made of mud, with a straw roof and wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t big enough for a family of six to stand in, let alone sleep in. After a week of stacking bricks and piling mud on top, the team were able to hand over the new brick house to Irene and her family, her

Miscellany only words being, “God has answered my prayers, for now I have a house.” The team are still filled with an immense sense of pride when we think about the house build. In just ten short days, we had changed a family’s life for the better. The final weekend of our Malawi experience was spent enjoying sunrises, sunsets and safaris at Mvuu Camp. We were taken out on boat and night safaris, where we saw wild animal including crocodiles, hippos and elephants in their beautiful, natural surroundings. These idyllic, natural scenes were however a stark contrast to the immense poverty which surrounded us on the way to the Camp. The safari weekend was a perfect way to end such an incredible trip. Our two short weeks in Malawi were an unforgettable and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This lifechanging opportunity to teach and work with such inspiring and welcoming people is one that will stay with us forever and one that ensured a completely different team landed back in Dublin on the 13th of July than the team that set off in June. The whole team would like to thank the amazing staff, Mrs Morrison, Dr Springer, Miss Kyle, Mr Forde, Mrs Cummings, Mr Warwick, Ken Knox, Sarah McGrath and our fabulous medic Moyna Bill for everything they did for us over the two weeks, for giving us the opportunity to be part of such an incredible team and for allowing us to have an experience that will truly never be forgotten. The Malawi Team 2016

101

The Owl 2016

PARIS 2016 After months of waiting, the day had finally arrived. Everyone had their bags packed and a lot of tired and weary-eyed pupils made their way to the George Best Belfast City Airport. The airport was deserted, which was not surprising as it was 4:45 in the morning. So, after some organisation by the teachers, we were divided into groups and the journey began. Once we arrived in London, we got off the plane and collected our luggage to find that the coach was nowhere to be seen. We waited for about 45 minutes, only to receive news that the coach had broken down on its way to the airport and that we would have to wait for it to be repaired. We went back inside and waited for an hour or so for the bus to arrive and, when it did, we were all relieved to be able to continue our journey at last. When we arrived in Dover, everybody was astonished by the beautiful white cliffs that stretched along the coastline, but there was no time to sit and gaze up at

their beauty because we had a boat to catch. The ferry ride was quite fast, but the struggle was that the boat rocked, so many people found it very hard to walk around. Most people just sat in the lounge, but once we were docked in Calais, we got back on our coach to make the three hour journey to Paris. When we got to our hotel, we received our keys and were taken up a group at a time to our rooms, in which we unpacked and then quickly made it back to the lobby for our quick trip to Disney Village, well at least that’s what we thought! We had an amazing time at Disney Village, but on the way back, as we were about to get on the shuttle, a passenger became unwell and suffered a heart attack! The ambulance had to come and take the victim away, but, as a result, we all got separated on to different buses (a teacher with every group of children, of course) and it took FOREVER for us all to get back to the hotel and when we did, we all went to bed to get some well-deserved sleep after a very exhausting and eventful day.

102

The next morning, we were woken up early for a morning cruise down the river Seine. Although it was cold it was definitely worth it. We got some amazing photos from down on the river and we also got up close to gorgeous bridges like Pont Alexander III, which was covered in gold! After our river tour, we drove up to visit the Trocadero area of Paris, where we got some amazing photos of the Eiffel Tower and a lot of group photos as well. After about an hour of stuffing our faces with crêpes and being surrounded by people trying to sell things to us, we got back on our bus and headed to the Latin Quarter to get lunch. There were a lot of restaurants with authentic French cuisine, but most people didn’t find snails and frog legs very appetising, so the majority of us just went to McDonalds or bought some macaroons. After lunch, we went to visit the Sacre Coeur and got gorgeous photos of the whole of Paris from the highest natural point of the city. After all the walking, we did we were glad to get back to the hotel that night. The following day we went to see the Arc De Triomphe. It was much larger than we expected it to be and you realise how tall this monument really is when it takes a solid 5 minutes to reach the top. From our vantage point at the top we were able to take some more photos with a bird’s eye view of Paris. After hundreds of photos were taken, we walked down to the base of the arch where Mr. McCoy gave us a brief

Miscellany We walked down to the gardens where the lake was, so we could buy crêpes and after we ate our crêpes and sat by the water for a while, we walked through the back of the gardens and ended up at a huge indoor shopping centre. We were able to go shopping for a while and then we all got back on the bus and headed to Notre Dame. Notre Dame was absolutely stunning. From the outside the architecture was just so detailed, but that was nothing compared to what was on the inside. All the windows were made from exquisite stained glass. There were also many statues and pictures carved into the walls, which were very well made, some people lit candles, but when the service started we decided to leave. The day after that was our last day in Paris, but it was probably one of the best. Not only did we get a lie in, we spent the whole day in Disneyland. We took the shuttle from our hotel to Disney and once we got through security and after a quick talk with the

history lesson about the origins of the monument. We were then allowed to go shopping on the Champs Elysees. Most of the girls went to check out the makeup shops like Mac and Sphere, while most of the boys were taken across the road to the Nike store which, I may add, was MASSIVE, but after a couple of hours we all reluctantly had to leave and head over to the Louvre. The Louvre was most likely one of the biggest buildings most of us had ever seen. We walked around only a very small part of the gallery, but there were at least a few hundred pieces of art in that small area. In the Louvre itself there are 70,000 pieces of art, but we went to see the most important one out of all of them, the Mona Lisa. The Mona Lisa itself was smaller than we expected, but that didn’t matter to anyone. There was a huge crowd behind a barrier trying to take photos of the painting, which had high security around it. Some people from our group managed to get to the front of the crowd to take photos, while the majority of us took a quick photo and rejoined the group. The next day was our last day of sightseeing in Paris, so we drove out to Versailles to see the Chateau de Versailles. The house was very big and the gates and

teachers, we were allowed to go around Disney in our own groups and go on the rides multiple times. We also bought gifts from the Disney shops and after an amazing day we headed to Planet Hollywood for dinner. One of the boys from our group had his birthday the day we were in Disneyland and the staff gave us cake to celebrate, which was a great ending to an amazing day. Once we returned to the hotel, we had to start packing to go back home. That was the one thing everyone was not looking forward to having to do, but it had to be done. We attempted to squash all our belongings and purchases back into our suitcases, trying to clean up the room as best as we could, but after almost an hour of searching to make sure we didn’t forget anything and an intense workout trying to fit everything in the suitcases, we were packed and ready to travel back home. We would like to say a massive thank you to all the teachers who put in so much of their time and effort to make this trip possible. We have all made so many new memories and, thanks to all of you, the 2016 Paris trip will never be forgotten!

the roof were plated in gold so it glistened in the sun.

Samantha Cassidy-Campbell (II)

103

The Owl 2016

POLITICS TRIPS WESTMINSTER AND STORMONT Our Middle and Lower Sixth students were offered a one-day trip to Westminster in November and everyone in the classes decided to go. The experience proved to be an enjoyable one. We started off the trip with a tour of Westminster. The beginning of the tour enabled us to witness a live debate in the House of Commons, an interesting opportunity for anybody who is interested in politics because the debate centred on the EU Referendum. We then moved on to St. Stephen’s Hall where our guide provided us with more information about parliament in general.

In March, Lower Sixth students visited Stormont. This proved to be a worthwhile visit as we met with MLAs and sat in the Chamber to watch Assembly business. We were able to sit in on the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee’s hearing on the investigation into Casement Park; the Assembly Chamber where a debate was being held on the heating subsidies, and meet some MLAs and the clerk of the Environment Committee where useful insight was gained into the work of committees. One of the best things about this visit was to be walking the corridors of power with the people that make decisions, particularly as the Commons NI Affairs Select Committee was meeting in Stormont. We got the chance to ask the MLAs we met some questions; a few were in their last weeks before they retired and were in a reflective mood about what they felt they had achieved in politics. After our tour we were led back to the Educational Centre where we were given the chance to meet Gavin Robinson, DUP MP for East Belfast and former Lord Mayor, and ask him some questions concerning us about Northern Irish politics. Despite some disagreement on a few of the points made, it was a useful insight into how the Northern Irish MPs can affect politics at Westminster. With the limited time we had left, we enjoyed a quick sightseeing visit to Downing Street and even a McDonald's before flying back home. Although the day did not go quite according to plan with flight delays, it was a great day and a worthwhile experience (not least for the compensation students received from the airline for the delays!).

104

Lauryn Smyth (LVI)

THE WORLD OF POLITICS CONFERENCE In November, Form V students from Politics Society attended a one-day taster course at Queen’s University run by the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy. The event was titled the ‘World of Politics’ and was an informative and exciting introduction. The event was targeted at fifth year in an attempt to promote Politics A Level and studying at the School in Queen’s University. We were greeted with a warm welcome and a range of hot beverages and snacks, a good start already for the

Miscellany pupils! Professor John Barry and Dr Cillian McBride were featured speakers providing a unique insight into politics. After a short break, a panel discussion was held on “Young People’s Impact on Politics” hosted by Cool FM’s DJ Pete Snodden and a group of politics activists, politicians and charity workers. This particular topic was of great relevance as only last week a British House of Lords backed on lowering the voting age to 16 in the upcoming EU referendum. This clearly caused an impression as the hall was filled with raised hands eager to express their points to the panel. In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to speak to some of the panel in a more informal basis over lunch. We were spoiled with a selection of stimulating seminars to spend our afternoon at, covering topical issues, like the migrant crisis and the impact of ‘Brexit’ on Ireland, north and south. We reunited afterwards back in the hall where Dr Jeremy Watkins announced the winners of the essay written competition on young people and politics, which BRA’s Olivia Spence won, providing a great end to the trip! Mia Giannetto (V)

WASHINGTON DC Over half-term week, 22 pupils from B.R.A. travelled to Washington DC, the first trip the Academy has ever done to the American capital. Over the next few days, important American political sites and culture surrounded us. Immediately we were impressed with both the city itself as it was beautiful in autumn, as well as with the local people who were friendly and very interested in our school. We started out early on the Friday morning with a bus tour of the city, getting our first glimpse of the White House, the National Mall and the infamous Watergate Building. We stopped at the National Cathedral where we saw how the design stained-glass windows incorporated American history. The next stop was the National Zoo where we were able to see the new panda cub, Bei Bei, on the ‘PandaCam’, amongst all the other animals.

famous documents: the Declaration of Independence; the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, the documents American government and politics are founded on. On Saturday evening, we were able to take part in the American cultural phenomenon that is Halloween trick or treating. Dressing up wasn’t compulsory but nearly everyone in the group did. Amongst others, we had Wednesday Addams, the Mario Brothers, a lobster, the Count and Scooby Doo all in our group! The strange feeling we had walking to the Metro soon disappeared as we got on the train and saw that nearly everyone else was dressed up too! On Sunday morning, we dragged ourselves out of bed at 7.30am and waited in the usual queue for the waffle machine at breakfast. The previous two days had been brilliantly sunny, with vividly-coloured trees against a backdrop of blue sky, but on that day there was a scattering of cloud. We caught the Metro to the centre of town, and then walked to the White House, where the obligatory group photo and numerous selfies were taken.

For lunch it was on to Washington’s impressive Union Station. This was followed by a tour of the US Capitol Building, which was one of the highlights of the trip. Here, we were given an insight into American history and politics and felt very privileged to be given this tour as not many American students would have this opportunity, let alone students from across the Atlantic. In the evening, we were able to relax through some retail therapy at the mall! On Saturday we had a bit of a lie in (in that we woke at 7.30am!) and got ready to visit the Smithsonian Museum of American History, which houses historical and cultural items like the original Star Spangled Banner and Kermit the Frog. In the afternoon, we walked down the famous Pennsylvania Avenue to visit the National Archives where we saw America’s most

Martin Sieff, a BRA old boy and journalist based in the area, and currently covering the US Presidential Election for a major Russian broadcasting corporation joined the group. Over the course of the day, Martin took us round the monuments and memorials, telling us about the design and importance of each. Our first was to the World War II Memorial which we heard

105

The Owl 2016

was not well received when it was completed in 2006. We then walked along the Reflection Pool to the Vietnam War Memorial. This is a very poignant but striking memorial, as it is just a wall of names of those who died in the conflict - there were no embellishments or beautiful architecture. Then we went to the Lincoln Memorial, which is grand and impressive, followed by the Korean War Memorial, and stopped for lunch in the Holocaust Museum. We left the National Mall area and walked around the Tidal Basin towards the Jefferson Memorial - a marble palace that commanded the respect of all onlookers, and had a perfect view of the White House across the Potomac River. We continued around the Tidal Basin to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, featuring many inspiring quotes chipped into the walls, then on to the Martin Luther King Memorial. At each monument and memorial, Martin explained to us about the significance of it and gave us extra insight that made the events and people come alive. It was brilliant to chat with him as we walked and heard his story of how he ended up working in America and listened about his time at our school.

We said farewell to Martin just before 4pm and set about speed-walking to Arlington National Cemetery before it closed at 5pm. Arlington was truly beautiful, with a plethora of sunset-coloured trees drooping over the large lawns. We visited the eternal flame at JFKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

106

grave. This was particularly interesting to those who had done GCSE History, as the controlled assessment surrounds JFK and his assassination. We made it in time to see the last Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, just as twilight was falling; the respect and thankfulness displayed by all was humbling. We took the Metro back into Washington, where we split for dinner in the Penn Quarter - a lively, bustling area, featuring some very enthusiastic street performers - and then collapsed back at the hotel. Monday morning was met with more than a tinge of sadness. We had to be out of our rooms by 8am, so it was an early start. We then took the Metro to the Pentagon, and, after passing the various safety checks, were given a tour of some of the levels by US Navy and Air Force Officers. A lot of the tour centered on the attacks of 9/11, and we were able to spend some time at interior and exterior memorials, which was emotional. Following that the group split, with Dr. Springer and Mrs. Stuart taking most of the pupils to the Air and Space Museum, while Miss Barnett took seven of us to the Newseum. Every morning, newspapers from across the world send their front pages to the Newseum, which prints displays of them outside the museum. It also featured fascinating exhibits such as the history of the news, coverage of Abraham Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assassination, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs over the last fifty years, coverage on the Vietnam War, the five freedoms outlined in the First

Miscellany Amendment, coverage of 9/11, and a big outdoor terrace with views of the Capitol. We regrouped back at the hotel, heaved our considerably heavier cases on to a coach and were driven to Dulles International Airport, where we caught our overnight flight to Heathrow, and before long we were back into Belfast City. We were able to see so many famous sights in such a short space of time and packed in lots of American history, culture and politics. We saw sights that most people only see in movies and on television and had the time of our lives while we saw them! We would like to thank Miss Barnett for organising everything so meticulously and to Dr. Springer and Mrs. Stuart for being such wonderful support and great fun, and to others who helped make the trip so great. We hope this will not be BRA’s last visit to the city. Mary Cousins/Abby Wallace (LVI)

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT All Quiet on the Western Front is a scholarship programme hosted in Belgium that brings together young people from all over Europe to talk about the lasting impact of World War One on modern day Europe's international relations and democracies. In July 2016, Lucy Kinnear (MVI) and I, Jessica North (LVI), completed our second year in the "All Quiet on t h e We s t e r n F r o n t " p r o g r a m m e w i t h t h e Newtownabbey and Antrim Borough Council. Last year when we travelled to Belgium, we had no idea what to expect with the hope that we would make new friends and return home safely. This year, however, we were excited to return to the country-with-no-hills to be reunited with our European friends and meet the new addition of a Greek Delegation. The project this year in Belgium consisted of all the delegations splitting up into Task Forces. I was a part of the Zeppelin Taskforce and our task was to make a 12 foot Zeppelin airship replica using plastic, planks of wood and cable ties. This task at first seemed impossible and ridiculous and consisted of us working for most part of three days straight in order to complete it, but the finished product was incredible. So incredible, in fact, that we ended up dismantling the Zeppelin and rebuilding it in the middle of Leuven, on national television!

Grigg’s on Fire"; one proving to be much more famous than the other when it came to fellow Europeans. We also did a bit of travelling around Belgium as we visited various museums and the famous Talbot House, which was very beautiful. The most poignant visit for me was to the bell tower in Leuven, where the musician played all the countries' national anthems on the bells in the middle of Leuven town. Belgium, once again, was an eye-opening and exciting experience and has left us with hope of being reunited with our European friends again soon. Jessica North (LVI)

IVEAGH SCHOLARSHIP Conor Callaghan (Form V) won a prestigious Iveagh Scholarship place to work in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Iveagh Scholarship grants 30 places for students across Ireland to shadow the work of diplomats and gain insight into how Ireland manages its foreign policy. Conor was awarded the place based on his essay submission of ‘Honouring the Past, Imagining the Future’. Here he writes about the week he spent in Dublin working in the Department: The first morning consisted of a variety of icebreakers for the scholars. We were then given an introduction to what the Department does and its work ranging from, helping Irish Nationals abroad in times of crisis to brokering international treaties with wide

While we worked on the replica, the other taskforces conducted interviews, radio, taking photos of the zeppelin and carried out research into the background of the Zeppelin. These were then all displayed within our Zeppelin to attract local people, educate them and show them our work with the programme. Each delegation had their Culture Night throughout the week which was a presentation on their country and some food. Northern Ireland had masses of potato bread and, of course, a rousing rendition of "Will

107

The Owl 2016 ranging implications. After that we were then brought to the Irish Passport office, where we were shown the machine which produces Ireland's passports and given a lecture on the work of the office, with regard to passport distribution and dealing with counterfeit passports which was fascinating. The second day began with a consular exercise, a role play. We dealt with the publication of a crisis which occurred abroad affecting Irish Nationals and dealing with the media. We also dealt with UN work, specifically Ireland meeting international standards on the percentage of women present in the Irish army. We then moved on to a mock promotion of Ireland's trade abroad, in a format similar to that of "Dragon's Den". Following each exercise, we were given personal feedback by a member of the Department. We met the acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan. I was also interviewed for RTE news. Wednesday was somewhat bizarre for me, as we had a trip to Belfast. I nonetheless found the trip incredibly enriching. We visited the residence of Ireland's consulate to Northern Ireland, the Museum of Orange heritage, a peace wall and in the Crescent Arts Centre we conducted an interactive exercise on identity. A common theme throughout the day was that of reconciliation and mutual understanding between both communities. On Thursday we commemorated the 1916 Rising by discussing what our proclamation would be for Ireland today. We then went to the Headquarters of Irish Aid and learnt about the complex nature of development work. Finally, we visited various embassies in Dublin. I visited the Japanese embassy. Ireland and Japan celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2017. My visit was both informative and highly enjoyable. On our final day, we conducted mock UN negotiations regarding real treaties that are, or have been, debated in the UN itself. I was on the Disarmament Council, and was supervised by Ireland's Disarmament Officer, a man who has spoken before the General Assembly of the UN in New York. We debated a treaty regarding weapons trade where I assumed the role of Russia. I found this to be an interesting position, and managed to convince the rest of the council to meet my somewhat draconian demands. We were then given our certificates by the Secretary General of the Department before an informal reception where scholars said their goodbyes. I found the week both incredibly interesting and hugely enjoyable. I have learnt a huge amount regarding negotiating, leadership, international relations and the work of a diplomat. I have also made lasting friendships (the reunion is already being planned!). I would like to thank Miss Barnett, without whom my participation would not have been possible. I must also thank the secretaries and organisers in the Department of Foreign Affairs, especially, Dermott Fitzpatrick, Third Secretary in the Department who led the programme. Conor Callaghan (V)

108

PRIMARY SCHOOL PROGRAMME In the last academic year, 53 Sixth Form pupils â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mainly Lower Sixth but a few from Middle Sixth participated in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-standing Primary School Experience programme. Every Wednesday afternoon from the start of October until Easter, the pupils attended one of 19 schools in North or West Belfast to gain experience of working with children while supporting the class teacher. A wide range of activities were undertaken, including literacy and numeracy support, PE and games classes, music and language lessons and drama productions. Our pupils were highly praised by the staff of their host schools for their conscientious attitude, helpfulness and good humour, and the pupils themselves thoroughly enjoyed the experience while gaining valuable skills in a professional setting. C.N.S.

SAVE THE CHILDREN The Save the Children fundraising campaign at Belfast Royal Academy continued to thrive with a variety of enjoyable events organised throughout the school year. The year commenced with the Great BRA Bake Off, where a number of students showcased their fabulous dessert creations. The tasty treats were then sold to a hungry crowd of pupils, with all proceeds going to Save the Children. As Christmas came around, so did the eagerly anticipated Staff Revue. This phenomenal show involved a variety of very entertaining acts from our extremely talented teachers. The show was highly enjoyed by all pupils. The committee, on behalf of all the pupils, would like to thank the staff for their participation and enthusiasm for such a worthwhile cause. Next came the staff Christmas jumper day, which gave our teachers the opportunity to showcase their goofiest and cheeriest jumpers for the season. As well as adding to the Christmas spirit around school, this was

Miscellany another very successful means of raising funds for a worthy cause. The very popular non-uniform day, in aid of Save the Children, gave students an opportunity to contribute to the charity by donating £2 to such a worthwhile cause, enabling them to come into school in their "normal" clothes. After yet another successful year, the committee has raised over £3000 for the charity through the many events participated in and enjoyed by all. We would like to thank Mrs McMillen, Mrs McIntyre, Mrs Cummings, Dr. Springer and Dr. Bell for their continued support and commitment, and for making our time at serving on the committee a delightful and rewarding experience. Save the Children Committee

SCHOOL COUNCIL The School Council is a representative group of the student body of the school. It meets each term to discuss issues which are important to the pupils. Its members are drawn from the school’s Pupil Council which is chaired by Ms McBeth, aided by a senior pupil in the position of Secretary. A representative from

each registration group is elected to serve on the Pupil Council. This means that each year group has eight representatives in total. From these eight pupils, one boy and one girl are then elected to be a member of the School Council to represent the interests of their particular form. The Pupil Council meets regularly to compile the agenda for the School Council meetings and to respond to the School Council’s action points. This year, the School Council was chaired by Ms Graham who worked closely with the Head Girl, Abigail Magill and Head Boy, Luke Auterson, who alternated the positions of Secretary and Vice-Chair. With the commencement of the academic year, the School Council began work immediately in an effort to represent students effectively and take actions to improve student life. A wide variety of issues were presented for discussion by members of the School Council, while some of these were of particular interest to a specific year group, most were relevant to the student body as a whole. These included the venue for public examinations, the school environment, seating arrangements in the new Dining Hall facility, water fountains, after school busses and sporting options for Games. Effective action was taken by councillors who met with the necessary members of staff, both teaching and non-teaching, to target the issues in hand. I would like to thank the staff who met with the student representatives and gave of their time to help us achieve our targets.

109

The Owl 2016

The Council hope that action taken on some of the following issues highlighted below will impact positively on school life in the upcoming academic year 2016/2017: •

Seating for the new Dining Hall facility

Mr Thompson, the grounds manager, attended the first council meeting of the year in order to discuss plans for the new Jackson Suite and to provide information on the progression of the building work. The issue of seating for the new canteen had yet to be settled and, to this end, Mr Thompson brought three different chairs before the council for them to decide upon a favourite. He drew attention to their durability and sustainability and then council members had the opportunity to test them out and rank them in order of preference. As a result, the style of chair that was declared the most popular has since been installed in the new facility. •

School toilets

Mr Thompson was also keen to hear pupils’ suggestions regarding the new toilet facilities. A variety of ideas was presented and many have since been realised. Electric hand-dryers have been installed which was a key desire of the council. In addition, pink soap is now used in the dispensers where originally it had been clear. The council felt that the use of a coloured soap would make it easier for cleaners to see when the dispenser needs refilled in order to ensure that a constant supply of soap is available. •

Examination venue

This issue was raised by the Pupil Council and discussed at the School Council meeting. The council had the choice of continuing to hold the examinations in the Sports Hall or to return to the Assembly Hall as in previous years. However, due to delays in the building works in the Music Department and the resulting noise and disruption, there was no other option than to hold the examinations in the Sports Hall. The Council reached a consensus that this was indeed the preferred location. •

School environment

Maintaining a clean and tidy school environment was a key aim of the council. It was agreed that the litter problem had reduced since the opening of the new Jackson Suite with those members of the council in Middle Sixth aiming to ensure that this would continue as a result of their prefect duty. However, it was felt that there was still room for improvement and that this could be achieved by raising awareness of the problem of litter in school. As a result, a number of Junior councillors spoke to their peers in Assembly. In addition, the School Council organised a nonuniform day in support of a number of charities which took place on Friday 16th October and raised the sum of £2,500. The Pupil Council requested that the main

110

beneficiary would be Cancer Research. This charity aims to increase the survival rate of cancer patients by working to help prevent cancer, diagnose it earlier, develop new treatments and optimise current treatment by personalising them and making them more effective. A sum of money was also donated to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Water Aid. The School Council would like to thank Mia Giannetto who served as Secretary to the Pupil Council. Mia produced the Pupil Council minutes which formed the agenda for School Council meetings. On behalf of the pupils, I would like to thank both Ms McBeth and Ms Graham for their hard work throughout the year and their continued support of the Pupil and School Council respectively. I would also like to thank all members of staff who have given of their time to attend Pupil or School Council meetings or those who met with councillors, such as Mr Thompson, Mr Carolan, Dr Scully, Mr Dorman and Miss Tinman. Their willingness to listen and desire to help has enabled the council to address important issues which were raised on behalf of the student body. I count it a privilege to have been able to serve on the Pupil and School Councils throughout my school career. It has given me the opportunity to witness first-hand the influential role which the councils afford to pupils, providing an opportunity for their voices to be heard. Abigail Magill (MVI)

RECYCLING It is encouraging to see the Chinese and American presidents agreeing on the need to arrest Climate Change. Here at BRA we continue to do what we can for our part to ensure that what paper and cardboard we do use can be disposed of in a responsible manner, with respect to the global environment. Each week we recycle approximately 1 metric tonne. R.J.

SCRIPTURE UNION VISIT TO POLAND On Thursday 7th April, fifteen pupils from the Scripture Union travelled to Warsaw, Poland for four days. The trip took place in conjunction with a Polish charity called the Joy Foundation, who provide practical aid to the poorest people of Poland, whilst most importantly sharing the love of Jesus with them. On Thursday afternoon, after our first taste of highlyacclaimed Polish KFC, we travelled to a local poor church to unload boxes sent from the EU Food Bank. Although it was hard work and gave us a first insight into how difficult the language barrier would be (as the leaders of the poor church commanded us in rapid

Miscellany

Polish), it was totally worth it as this food was later distributed to around 300 families from the local area. Next was the soup kitchen at Arka, the centre where the young people would also be staying later on Friday. Before the soup was given out, the Pastor of Arka led a short service. The team enjoyed trying to join in with the Polish hymns although we gained a few laughs from some members of the congregation at our pronunciation. During the service, a blind woman played the piano and sang for us. This was such a humbling experience, as her strong faith was evident. She was determined not to let her lack of sight stop her from doing what she wanted to do, praise God with music. After the service, we introduced ourselves to the youth club, some of the teenagers who would attend the Joy Youth Weekend. Despite our (very!) limited Polish we managed to share our names and a bit about ourselves and answer each other's questions about Polish and Northern Irish culture, through which, it became clear just how similar we were. We continued to bond later, over a game of volleyball and even created a mini 'European Championship' competition during a vicious game of Poland vs. Northern Ireland football. Throughout the weekend the team found sport a valuable tool in helping to get to know the Polish teens.

On Friday, some pupils went at 6.30am to a local bakery company to help sort bread not sold from the previous day, which could be given to families at the Poor Church. The team boxed any bread which was still soft and this would later be distributed as part of a bread ministry. Later, we led a service for those who attended the EU food bank the previous day. Throughout the weekend we were involved in the meetings by singing as a team. Each time, one pupil shared their Christian journey with God and one their favourite bible verse. At the meetings during the Joy Youth Weekend, two pupils also gave a short talk, via a translator. From Friday night we spent the remainder of our time in Poland leading the Joy Youth Weekend, which involved nightly meetings, more sport and of course lots more KFC. We held a photo challenge in Old Town on Saturday, which helped us to get to know each other a lot more. After building many human pyramids and crashing a wedding photograph in the

Town Centre, we headed back to Arka to begin the workshops. These workshops gave us a wonderful opportunity to discuss, in smaller groups, topics such as identity, peer pressure, internet safety and image, and to tell them how God can help with their struggle with these issues.

As a team we were also lucky enough to experience some parts of Polish culture. Our Polish leader Henryk led us on a tour around the stunning Old Town, in which we sampled chocolate from Warsaw-famous chocolatier E. Wedel. We also visited the War Museum and learned just how much WWII affected the people of Poland.

Our team found ourselves quite jealous when it came to Arka's turn to lead worship. They seemed to have actions for every song, with one even involving a handshake with your partner, which got faster and faster until we were all too confused and laughing too hard to continue. Probably the most humbling experience of the weekend was when we handed out a single 5p Tesco bag, filled with toiletries and sweets, to each of the campers. Even though they contained

111

The Owl 2016 the most basic of items, their gratitude was overwhelming. They all made it their mission to hug everyone on our team, which made for an emotional end to the weekend. I think everyone on the team would agree that we got as much out of the weekend as some of the Polish teenagers and therefore we would like to thank everyone who supported us during fundraising or prayed for us, as the weekend would not have been possible without your help. Meaghan Hughes (V)

SKI TRIP Our school ski trip began with a very early start on a cold December morning. It involved us making our own way to the school. A bus was waiting there, in order to take us to Dublin airport. We then began our long, yet exciting, journey over to the States, all firmly present although our heads still firmly asleep on our pillows. Once we arrived at the airport it was an understatement to say we had all livened up, as we dashed to the check-in desk. Once we were routinely checked in and had gone through the very systematic security, we explored Dublin Airport - filled with adrenaline. We then suffered the long and boring six hour flight in a rather excited manner. The flight went by quickly and efficiently as we all watched movies and chatted in total excitement. When we arrived safely at Boston airport a bus was waiting to take us to our final destination: Woodwards Resort in Cannon & Loon Mountain. As the bus pulled up to our hotel, the reality had hit us; the reality that we were not in Europe anymore. Everything was so different: from the motels to the yellow school buses which you passed on your travels, like scenes from a movie. The Resort was so cosy and very inviting in such cold conditions, there was always a fire lit and a constant smell of pancakes and maple syrup. The over the top Christmas decorations were also very much appreciated and reminded all of us of home during the holidays. During our first night we enjoyed the classic American meal of chicken goujons and chips, which was utterly yummy after a long day travelling; this was followed by an early night. What we didn’t know was that there was much more of this tasty food to come. The first day began with a rather loud knocking on our white, wooden door in order to get us up. It was a fact that all of us had slight jet-lag, but our eager attitude to hit the slope soon abandoned it. A yellow school bus transported us to the slopes where at the bottom of the mountain in the ski shop we were kitted out with boots, skis and helmets. We were now ready to hit the slopes after being put into different ski groups, from beginners to advanced. Conditions were not great at the start but thankfully Loon Mountain’s many snow canons soon sorted that problem out, providing a fresh powdering on each slope every morning. The days of skiing were long and

112

very tiring, as the early mornings and jet lag played a large role. However, as the days went on, every one of us from new beginners to regular skiers enjoyed the days more and more. From our amazing ski guides and different trails, we had an amazing time on the mountains. Skiing in Loon Mountain was such a spectacular experience. There were several chair lifts and gondolas dotted around the resort in order to provide us with a wide range of different slopes. The slopes were wide and spacious, which made the skiing even more gratifying. A typical day of skiing consisted of three hours in the morning, coming to an end at 1pm. This was when we all had lunch at the bottom of the mountain, at a central and accessible place to meet, the Loon Restaurant. Lunch was typical American gigantic portions, as well as being highly calorific, which we all loved! There was such a wide variety of food to choose from so we never got bored of eating there. After filling our bellies full of sugar and carbs, we were refuelled and ready to hit the slopes for an afternoon session, which consisted of two hours. By the end of the day our muscles were sore and tired, as our feet soon began to cramp up. We sat out of breath, flustered and warm on the big yellow school bus, and headed back to the hotel. One of the main highlights of the trip was the constant singing of the, ‘Venga Bus.’ Our hotel provided us with a warm Jacuzzi and swimming pool to jump into after a long day of skiing. Each night we were provided with a long list of activities to keep us more than entertained. We watched a high school basketball match which was really exciting; you immediately felt involved in the local school camaraderie. The match was like a movie, from the classic beep at the end, to the set of bleachers we sat on while being served popcorn and candy floss. We also enjoyed a night at the theatre, watching newly-released movies eating Twizzlers throughout. The American culture did not stop there, as towards the end of the week, we visited the world’s largest arcade. It was packed with all different types of games you didn’t even know existed. During our trip to Boston we did an awful lot of shopping which we did not complain about. On our first ‘shopping spree’ we went to the local outlet, which consisted of several Christmas trees and shops. We bought loads of Christmas presents for our family and friends; however, that was not enough for Mr Murphy as we also took a pit-stop in Boston city on our way home, in order to get the exclusive labels such as Abercrombie and Fitch, as well as loads more. After some of us maxing out credit cards and spending our last final dollars, we crammed our pressies into our already tightly packed suitcases. It was a sign we were heading home on a high, ready to endure a long trip back to our loved ones and Christmas. I would like to thank Mr Murphy, Mrs Gilmore, Mrs Reynolds, Mr Moles and Mr McGonigle for such a wonderful and memorable ski trip. Lucy Stewart (MVI)

Miscellany

SPANISH EXCHANGE

opportunity to acquire a taste of a completely different way of life. ¡Es verdad!’ Christopher McLoughlin, Middle Sixth 9th Spanish Exchange with Juan de Villanueva, Asturias In September BRA pupils visited their partner school Juan de Villanueva in Asturias. Twenty pupils accompanied by two members of staff, Miss K Williams and Mr A Moles made the trip to Pola de Siero in the northern part of the country. Academy students stayed with the families of their exchange partners, therefore allowing them to be fully immersed in the language and culture. The group had the opportunity to visit prehistoric caves, natural areas of beauty in the Asturian Mountains and held important talks with the local mayor and Education Minister of Asturias. Here are some accounts from some of our students: ‘My experience in Asturias was unforgettable. This was my second year doing the exchange, and it was amazing to see old friends and make lots of new ones. I got on really well with my partner and his family. I fell in love with Asturias and can’t wait to go back.’

At the beginning of October, our guests joined us for a week in Belfast. Here, they visited places of interest, such as the Giant’s Causeway, the Titanic Museum and the Crumlin Road Gaol. They were also warmly received at the City hall by the Lord Mayor of BelfastBrian Kingston and were given an insight into the role of mayor in Belfast. Brain Kingston’s two daughters attended the Academy and he was aware of how successful the Exchange had been in years prior. The clement Indian summer in the Province helped enormously thus making the exchange a particularly successful experience. Furthermore, a milestone birthday party ameliorated the experience further. Indeed, the best evaluation of the trip would be summed up by the Asturian students themselves as seen below: ‘My exchange in Belfast was unbelievable. I have met many friends and practised my English everyday and I think that I have improved a lot. My favourite activity was going to ‘We are Vertigo’ because we don’t have a

Tara Cavan, Lower Sixth ‘This exchange has been one of the most valuable experiences in terms of language development and making truly priceless memories and friendships. My partner Mario has invited me back to Spain in summer for another exchange outside of school. I can’t wait to go back and practice my Spanish.’ Adam McCandless, Lower Sixth ‘I have had the pleasure and the fortune of being able to take part in two consecutive trips to visit and stay with families in Spain. I can honestly say that not only was this experience one of my most enjoyable and memorable moments at Belfast Royal Academy but it is one of the most beneficial trips a pupil can take part in. The exchange encourages bilingualism and is an opportunity to make new friends. Furthermore, it is an

113

The Owl 2016 facility like this in Asturias. I enjoyed the day at the Giant’s Causeway, I took a lot of photos of the beautiful scenery. I felt really comfortable in my partner’s house and tried different foods such as Indian cuisine and local takeaways such as Dominos. I really hope I can come back to Belfast next year’ Martín Carrascal Vazquez

‘During my exchange in Belfast, my pronunciation and vocabulary have improved. Now I say everything in a Northern Irish accent. We did very interesting activities such as the Titanic Museum and Giant’s Causeway. ‘We are Vertigo’ was also really fun. The School’s facilities were incredible compared to ours. I would like to come back as soon as I can.’ Pablo Avarez ‘My exchange in Belfast has been really cool. I’ve had a very good time and I would love to come back. My speaking skills have improved so much. I feel like I have made life-long friends and I can’t wait to meet up with them soon. When I go back to Spain, I will encourage my friends to take part in the exchange next year.’ Mario Bejareno ¡Viva el intercambio! K.W.

114

STEMQUEST Ellen Campbell, Jack Carson, Katie Moore and Ollie Parkes represented the Academy at the final of STEMQUEST, a province-wide STEM competition. The event was held in the Titanic Belfast Building and was hosted by local BBC NI weatherman, Barra Best. It consisted of eight rounds of questions, covering Science, Mathematics and Technology. Although the outlook was good, with the team in first place after three rounds, the clouds rolled in and they finished fifth, just missing out on a place in the knockout stage. R.B.

Miscellany

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY SCHOOLS’ ANALYST COMPETITION 12th

On the March, a team of three Lower Sixth pupils competed in the Northern Ireland Regional Heat of the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools’ Analyst Competition at Stranmillis University College, Belfast. The team consisted of Carlos Firgau, Andrew Milligan and Megan Waite and were up against nine other schools from across the province. The aim of the competition is to raise standards of practical analytical chemistry amongst sixth-form students and is based on problems relevant to industrial and social needs. The students are assessed in their practical skills, as well as in their understanding of chemical analysis and their ability to work safely as a team. The format of the competition is the same for each year. Each team carried out three experiments which all carried equal marks. This year the experiments related to the role of analytical Chemistry in pharmaceutical analysis. The three experiments involved the analysis of household bleach by a redox titration, the analysis of ‘Milk of Magnesia’ by acidbase titration and colorimetric analysis of a health supplement.

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD We would like to start this Owl report with a massive thank you to John Reilly, Master-in-Charge of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Belfast Royal Academy, for the last 32 years. John began helping in September 1982, and then took over the running of the Award from September 1984. In order to expand the Award in the School, he personally financed the purchase of 6 Vango Force 10’s. These were appropriately numbered JR1-6 and still reside in the Tower Store of the Crombie Building.

After three hours of practical work, the BRA team were announced third and received a cheque for £100 for the Chemistry Department. The experience gained was invaluable to the members of the team and I congratulate them on their performance.

VILLIERS PARK TRUST

B.M.M.

The Villiers Park Trust is an educational trust based at Foxton, Cambridge, which aims to inspire gifted and talented young people in academic pursuits. The following pupils were selected by the trustees of Villiers Park for participation in the annual series of residential courses: Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics: Mimi Joffroy French: Language and Identities Clare Brown Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Ana Desmond Neuroscience: Understanding the Brain Nicole Xu Mathematics: Chaos or Clear Cut? Ryan Lightowler Spanish & Latin American Society: Cameron Chisim Environment and Society David McLarnon Physics: The Quantum Universe Callum Dalzell Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics Niamh Martin Computer Science: Matthew Wilson Geography: David McClements Approaches to English Literature: Niamh Carroll Theatre Studies: Carly McCullough Exploration of Space: Andrew Milligan Engineering: Carlos Firgau Environmental Chemistry: Aimee Cochrane English Literature: Christy Grattan Computer Science: Max Magill Art and Design: Bethan McDonnell Creative Writing: James Walker

John Reilly undoubtedly succeeded in expanding the DofE into one of the biggest units in the UK, with an average membership of 400 participants annually. He also believed in giving something back, by the way of the Mournes' Clean-Up and Environment Day, which is in its 27th year. Highly respected as leader of The DofE, by both pupils and DofE staff, John will be remembered for his tireless enthusiasm for the Award. He had a way of convincing the pupils to see it through by following his own advice and exhibiting “STICKABILITY” - probably what got him through the last 32 years. We are sure that on behalf of every participant that has ever participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at BRA, and the voluntary staff, we can wish him a very happy and well-deserved retirement. During 2015-16, our large membership remained steady at 404 pupils from Forms III to Middle VI: this means that the Academy has the largest school-based Award Centre in Northern Ireland, and possibly the United Kingdom. Continued effort on the part of our members produced a very creditable number of Awards gained during the course of the year: 43 Bronze Awards, 11 Silver Awards and 10 Gold Awards.

115

The Owl 2016 The total number of awards gained from 1984 to date are: Bronze –1,269; Silver – 668; Gold – 446. Congratulations must go to the ten pupils and past pupils who gained the Gold Award: Jessica Burns, Laura Farrington, Cameron Gergett, Emma Gibney, Victoria Haddock, Kieran McKenna, Emma Mills, Abby Reid, Adam Sayers and Mahdi Tavakoli. A very full and successful programme of expedition work in the Mourne Mountains, North Antrim Hills, Upper and Lower Lough Erne and in the Glencoe/ Fortwilliam/Lochaber area in Scotland was carried out during the year, directly involving 233 pupils in expedition theory classes, training weekends and practice and qualifying expeditions. We are indebted to the many people who were willing to give of their free time to make possible the huge undertaking of the Expedition section. We sincerely thank the following teachers, past pupils and adult helpers who generously gave their time and assistance:Mr. R. Armstrong Mr. J. Buchan Miss. R. Burns Mr. K. Cheung Mr. J. Cummings Miss. L. Dugan Miss. H. Grant Mr. C. Hall Mr. K. Laverty Miss E. McAllister Mr. D. McArthur Mr. P. McArthur Miss K. McClelland Mr. M. Miller Miss G. Moore Miss C. Nelson Mr. G. Nelson Miss A. Reid Mr. M. Scott Mr. D. Sharp Mrs. S. Wilson Mr. A. Workman Mr. F. Workman Very special thanks must also go to the following people: Mr. Maurice Miller for his outstanding contribution in overseeing all aspects of the Expedition section; Mrs. Shelley Wilson for outstanding assistance with Award administration; Miss. Holly Grant, Mr. Martin Scott, Ms. Helen Douglas and Miss Joanna Clarke for very valuable assistance with administration work; Mr. Billy Dunn for driving the school bus on many weekends and for his valued assistance; Mr. Alan Hermon for assisting with transport; and the Gold Award Leaders of 2015-2016 for excellent assistance with the running of the DofE in the school. The Academy’s Award Centre is indebted to the various Bed and Breakfast houses, which are the supervision bases for our many expeditions. Grateful thanks indeed to: Mr. David Maginn, Torybush Cottages, Bryansford; Mr. and Mrs. J. McHenry of Glenariff,

116

Ballymena and Miss M. Scally of Torr Road, Cushendun. Not a single Duke of Edinburgh Expedition could have set out from the Academy during the year if it had not been for the tireless efforts of those ten or so pupils who form the “Tent Team” and who gave much of their time in maintaining our large stock of

Miscellany courses and Mr. Maurice Miller for supervising the classes. 25 pupils took part in two Bronze Award First-Aid Courses based in the Sixth Form Centre on

Tuesday evenings in the autumn of 2015 and the spring of 2016. We are very grateful to Dr. Keith Thompson and his team of volunteer First Aiders for providing the course. 14 pupils were involved in the Silver Award Police Service Course organised during the year by the P.S.N.I. to whom we are most grateful. Thanks to Mr. Frank Workman for supervising the classes. We thank Mr. Carolan for organising the administration of the Physical section. Many sports are pursued by our pupils within this section and we are grateful to the staff of the PE Department and all of the Games staff for all their much appreciated help throughout the past year. We thank Mr. Brian McLaughlin and Mr. Robert Armstrong for all their work in training the kayak canoeists on Friday afternoons.

camping equipment. your work!

Many thanks, T-Team, for all

Expedition first-aid training was kindly provided by Dr. Norman Walker and by Dr. Keith Thompson and his team of volunteer first-aiders. The work of the Volunteering section continued successfully through the year. We are very grateful to Miss S. Ardis for administering the work of those pupils involved in individual Volunteering section activities. The detailed administration of the Skills section was very ably undertaken by Mrs. N. Nicholl to whom we are very much indebted. Bible reading, car maintenance, photography and chess are just a few of the many interests pursued by our pupils within this section. Many thanks are due to the numerous members of staff who gave up their time to act as Skills section assessors Within the Skills section, 27 pupils took part in the Bronze Award Fire Service Courses held at Whitla Street Fire Station. We warmly thank the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for the provision of the

Much helpful advice in connection with the Gold Residential section is given to our Sixth Form pupils by Mr. Buchan, to whom we are very grateful. Thanks must go to Mr. Maurice Miller for his help in looking after our finances. The 26th Annual Sponsored “Mournes’ Clean-up and Environment Day” was held on Saturday, 12th December, 2015. Taking part were 149 people, i.e. 124 pupils, all Duke of Edinburgh's Award members from Forms III to Middle VI, as well as 25 adult helpers, including former pupils who are Gold Award holders, parents and teachers. This was an excellent turn-out in the face of very poor weather conditions in the Mournes area. As a result of these conditions it was decided, for safety reasons, to restrict the Clean-up to two forests, Donard Wood and Rostrevor Forest. The pleasing sum of £2,612.84 was raised for our funds. Much appreciated assistance was given by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, The Mourne Heritage Trust, The National Trust, The Forest Service, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Mark’s Skip Hire (Kilkeel). Mr. Moore Dickson, Headmaster, Mr. Dominic Walsh, Warden of the Academy’s Board of Governors, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick, Vice-Chairperson,

117

The Owl 2016 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Ms. Margaret Ritchie MP for South Down, Mr. Sean Rogers, M.L.A., Mr. Niall Kelly, Countryside Ranger, Mourne Heritage Trust, Mr. Damian McClean, Ranger for South Down, National Trust, Mr. Chris Madden, Outdoor Team, Education Authority: Belfast Region, Mr. Richard Dougherty, Operations Officer, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Northern Ireland, Mr. Canice O’Rourke, Director, Regulatory and Technical Services, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Ms. Colette O’Rourke, Performance and Quality Officer, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council were present in Donard Park, Newcastle, early on the Saturday morning to lend their support to the event and to wish the BRA Team every success. The Academy’s Open Nights in January, 2016 and the Open Morning in May, 2016 were a great success and all aspects of school life were on show to prospective pupils and their parents. Many thanks to those who helped to make the impressive DofE display in the Sixth Form Study Area so effective. The nineteenth highly successful Canadian Canoe Week was held from 30th July to 6th August, 2016 in Lough Erne. This was a highly packed programme of Silver and Gold Canoe Qualifying Expeditions. 22 pupil members and 3 adult leaders took part. Congratulations to Gary Nelson for gaining the Hillwalking Levels 1 and 2 Certificate. In conclusion, 2015-2016 was a year of solid work and achievement on the part of all involved in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the Academy. Teamwork, selfreliance, a sense of responsibility to others, leadership, commitment, ‘stickability’, enterprise, self-discipline and initiative are all qualities which, to a greater or lesser extent, have been developed by our pupils as they have participated in the various sections of the DofE and which will stand them in good stead not only now but in later years. Finally, pride of place and congratulations must go to the following pupils and past pupils who gained awards during the past year:-

Brendan Crinion (V) Patrick Donnelly (V) Andrew Dorman (IV) Courtney Dougan (LVI) Adam Ferguson (V) Lucy Fisher (LVI) Maeve Gallagher (LVI) Alice Gamble (-) Mia Giannetto (V)

Jack Green (IV) Cianan Gutterman (MVI) Hannah Henderson (LVI) Catriona Hendry (V) Lucy Johnston (IV) Laura Laboda (V) Jill Massey (IV) Hannah McConnaughie (IV) Lucia McCorry (V) Katie McDowell (LVI) Cameron McGaughey (LVI) Naomi McGuckin (IV)

Bronze Award Daniel Allen (LVI) Rachel Baillie(V) Eoin Bradley (V) Niall Carson (LVI) Rioghnach Catney (LVI) Ben Connolly (-)

118

Rebecca McIlwaine (V) Rosie McQueen (IV) Roma Mulholland (LVI) Rian Mullan (IV) Charlotte Nicholl (LVI) Daniel Parkhill (LVI) Barra Patterson (LVI)

Miscellany

Ryan Peden (IV)

Victoria Haddock (-)

Clodagh Poots (LVI)

Kieran McKenna (MVI)

Lucy Quinn (LVI) Joshua Ritchie (IV) Jason Roe (LVI)

Emma Mills (-) Abby Reid (-) Adam Sayers (MVI) Mahdi Tavakoli (-)

Charles Roxas(V) The DofE Team

Ally Shaw (V) Robert Spence (LVI) Casey Stewart (LVI)

Silver Award

Luke Auterson (MVI) Eoin Bradley (V) Aidan Davison (MVI) Ashley Johnston (LVI) Hannah Lau (MVI) Chris McConnell (LVI) Ruth McConnell (-) John Miller (MVI) Adam Sayers (MVI) Katherine Wallace (LVI) Anna Wilson (LVI)

Gold Award

Jessica Burns (-) Laura Farrington (-) Cameron Gergett (MVI) Emma Gibney (-)

Bronze Girls’ Qualifying, Mournes

30th April – 1st May, 2016

Day 1: On our expedition we were joined by two boys, Daniel Fusco and Ewan Perdy because they couldn’t attend the boys’ qualifying expedition the week before. For our expedition we used the Ordinance Survey map of the Mournes at the scale of 1:25,000. We started our expedition when we were dropped off by our school bus at the car park at 280278. From the car park, we started walking towards the track junction at 276267. On our way to the track junction, we had to walk along a main road near a forest, we were taught to walk in single file and to walk on the right side of the road walking against the direction of the traffic. At the track junction we had completed our first leg. We reached the track junction at 2p.m.,which was the expected time so we took a break. We took our first break to take off our coats and get drinks to cool down, as we were starting to get very warm. After our break, we continued walking to the track junction at 264275 where we took our second break. While we were walking we were eating high energy snack to make sure we had enough energy for the long walk ahead. We were walking for a long and then we reached a boggy area. This is where I fell a couple of times and my boots and socks had become soaked. When we reached Spelga Dam we took another break. We decided to take our break here because the scenery was very pretty and we were becoming very tired. This was also one of our checkpoints, so we got to talk to some of the other groups there. The area around Spelga Dam was very boggy and we had to be careful where we stood because some parts of the bog were very deep and one girl even lost her boot. After our break, we continued to make our way to the campsite. We contoured around Hen mountain until we reached Cock mountain. This was very tiring and we had to take a lot of breaks along the way to the campsite because we had become really tired at this stage.

119

The Owl 2016

We reached the campsite at 7:20pm at 242257. We were a little bit late due to the fact that we took more breaks than expected. As soon as we reached the campsite, we started to set up our tent and put our dinner on. We decided that two people would set up the tent and the other two would be in charge of setting up the trangias and starting to make the food. We were in a bit of a panic because we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find our methylated fuel and thought that we had forgotten it, but in the end it was discovered and all was well. During the night: Throughout the night it became very warm in our tent but outside of our tent it was very cold and windy. I woke up several times due to the amount of noise the tent was making because of the wind. One of the times I woke up two of my other group members had woken and we were worried because we thought that we had left our tent and poles bags outside and they had probably blown away by now. When we woke up the next morning we were all very relieved to see that we actually had brought in our tent bags and everything was still there. Day 2: We got up at 7a.m. The first thing we did was check that none of our things had blown away during the night and then the next thing we did was set up the trangia to start making breakfast. It was very cold in the morning so we made some hot drinks to heat us up. After breakfast we started to pack up all our things and to take down the tent. We set off at 9:30 a.m. We had to cross a river at the campsite at 242257. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plan a route before we started to cross so we came to a dead end and had to go back to find a different way to cross.

Once we crossed the river we started walking towards a col. We got very confused as to where we were on the map as it was very foggy. We ended up climbing up to the peak of the mountain and down the other side which was very steep. Then we realised that we were supposed to walk around the mountain instead of over it. The mountain was very steep both on the way up and down so this actually made the route harder and longer for us, we made a big mistake. After we reached the bottom of the mountain, we ate lunch because we needed a long break after climbing what we had done. We had a 30 minute break for lunch. We set off once again and now we were walking through a forest which in my opinion was the easiest part of the whole day. We saw some ponies along the way. We also came across a style and a few rivers that we had to cross. We crossed both of these with caution, so no one got hurt. We walked for a long time before we reached Rostrevor Forest. When we reached the forest we were very happy because we knew we were nearly done. We kept walking on the flat terrain until we reached the Kilbroney car park at 186180. We reached the car park at 4:30p.m., which was a little later than we had hoped, but this was due to the mistake we had made on the mountain and also the extra breaks we took. When we got to the bus we finally got to relax and everyone was extremely happy because we had completed our qualifying expedition. Cher Enriquez, Hannah Hill, Katie Moore, Charlotte Storey, Ewan Purdy and Daniel Fusco (III)

Silver Qualifying Expedition, Mournes 19th -21st August, 2016 Day 1: On Friday the 19th of August, we met at school for 7a.m. sharp, in order to get our equipment ready and leave promptly. When we retrieved our equipment, we split it up equally among our team and packed it into our rucksacks, which were then placed on the bus headed for the Mournes. It had been raining all morning, so when we arrived, we were given our bad weather route to follow for the day. This was so that we could avoid the very marshy

120

Miscellany

areas of the Mournes and fast-flowing rivers, and stay in the sheltered forest for the most part. We had drawn

the new route on our maps and left Donard carpark at around 10:15a.m., walking along the road towards the Granite Trail. Once we got to the granite trail, we had to follow a track until we met a river junction (365297), which at first looked quite daunting to cross as it had risen quite high, however we stopped to look for a safe way to cross and all helped each other. We then walked upstream and followed the track to (359303). We walked to the edge of the forest and from there went to the quarry in Tollymore Forest Park and followed the Ulster Way to Hores Bridge. From there we went to Altavaddy Bridge, Parnell’s Bridge and then to Maria’s Bridge. We stopped for lunch in a sheltered part of the trees and at this point the rain was still very heavy, which caused the mood of our group to become quite low as we were all soaked and tired. However, we all encouraged each other to persevere and continued on our route. We followed the track to the carpark at 311313 where we saw Maurice and Holly who guided us further on our route. We then simply had to follow the Ulster Way through the forest to the sheepfold (312303) and from the sheepfold follow Trassey Track to our Campsite. However, when we reached our campsite, we were given the option to stay at Meelmore Lodge instead, and so most of the teams stayed there for the night. Unfortunately, it continued to rain, however, we all quickly put our tents up, cooked our dinner and went to bed for the night. Day 2: When we woke up on Day 2, we were told that the weather would clear up and so we followed our original route, departing at 08:30a.m. From Meelmore Lodge, we walked up Trassey Road until we reached

the edge of the forest and from there we would follow our original route. We walked along the Ulster Way, around the bottom of Slieve Meelbeg until we reached Fofanny Dam at 287291. By this time the sun started to come out, however, there were a lot of midges around, so we had a quick break and put on our midge head nets before continuing on our route. We continued to follow the Ulster Way through the forest and up towards Slievenaman Road at 283283. We followed the road for around 20 minutes until we reached the car park at 279279, where we stopped for a 15 minute break to get a snack and take some photos for our project. Everyone was in a much better mood, as we were following our times well and the rain had stopped. We all kept going and walked up the steps so that we could contour around Butter Mountain. We used our compasses a lot at this point as it was extremely foggy and extremely hard to even see where the road was. We managed to work together to find our bearings and soon reached the river, which was our indication of when to cross the road to get to the Spelga Dam Car Park. We arrived here at around 11:45a.m. and decided it was a good place to stop to have lunch. We stayed here for 35mins, and then decided to carry on our route towards the Campsite. We walked in single file down the Kilkeel Road, until we reached a wall that we had to cross to lead us onto the gaviones along the River Bann. This was quite a scary part of the expedition, as we were very high up and the winds were very strong, meaning we all had to walk in single file and help each other along the way. I led my team at the front and made sure everyone was able to get around certain points, such as nettle bushes and steep parts of the gaviones. At this point, we had more heavy rain, which made the team’s spirit drop again as we had hoped for the sun to stay out all day. We then crossed the footbridge at 259279, contoured around Slievenamiskan and from there followed the Ulster Way to our campsite at 250248. When we arrived, we were all in extremely good moods and could finally relax for the evening. Luckily, we had another group staying with us at our campsite and the sun finally came out again, so altogether it turned out well!

121

The Owl 2016

Day 3: On the Sunday, we departed at 8:30a.m. and set off on our last day of walking. We followed the Rowan Tree River and crossed it at the river junction 238232, which again we helped each other cross successfully. We simply followed the Ulster Way between Wee Slievemoughan and Tornamrock until we reached the entrance to Rostrevor Forest on the other side of the mountain at 226253. From there, we followed a very simple route through the forest and followed the Ulster Way all the way to Kilbroney Car Park where we were met by our assessor who congratulated us and talked to us briefly about our project. We arrived quite early at around 1p.m. and met with Billy the Bus Driver on the main road who then brought all the teams into Warrenpoint, before finally heading back to school for around 4p.m. Jill Massey, Amber McCalmont, Daniella McCourt, Emily McFarland, Samantha McGrath and Beth McMillan (IV)

Silver June Qualifying, Mournes 24th – 26th June, 2016 Day 1: We started the expedition on a Friday at 10.00a.m. It was fun getting up at about 6.00a.m. on a Friday, to push our bodies to the limit for 48+ hours, yay! We arrived at Trassey car park and began our journey. It took around half an hour to walk to our first checkpoint to Maria’s bridge of 1.2 km. We then had a small trek down to Parnell’s bridge. He could’ve been friends with Maria, you never know. Again, we continued to yet another bridge at 393324. 2km away. Our first hour was over and done with only about 56 to go. Around midday we arrived at a crossroads at 392318 and took a well-deserved break. We began again round to a quarry where we had our lunch. During the break we took some pictures for our exciting project and on we went. From the quarry to another set of crossroads near Hore’s bridge at 337315 was a 1.9km walk. When walking towards this crossroads, there seemed to be a river in our way which wasn’t planned. I think we went the wrong way there but back-tracked onto the right path again thankfully. Another 1.5km passed away as we treaded through Tollymore forest to a lovely viewpoint of trees and mountains we will never climb hopefully, it was huge. Time was passing by as our last day came to a close as we approached our camp. The

122

weather was good, food was nice and our washing line was holding together nicely. Great weather, good mood = happy camp. Day 2: Rise and shine: oatmeal in our stomachs and off we went at 9.00a.m. The sun was shining and the 3km walk to Fofanny on a nice straight Mourne way was rolling in. Near the end of the walk, we approached a small waterfall where we had been before. As we were ahead of time we took a break there at the stile before Fofanny. As we approached Fofanny still early, we took yet another break and had an energy boost of so many chocolate bars. At roughly 10.30a.m. we left and started the worst walk ever in our lives. Going to the col of Slieve Meelbeg and Slieve Loughshannagh, we will never forget ever. It was the most gruelling, hard (understatement), horrible task I have ever achieved. It didn’t help that we were accompanied my mother nature’s bad side and plenty of sheep. We endured 2.3km of gritting our teeth and getting on with it. A 410m incline didn’t help much either. It was like walking up a wall for 2 hours or more, with your house on your back. Anyway, at some point in the day we made it to the col and realised we had to keep going to the other side of Loughshannagh. We contoured to the other side and sat down, nothing else, just sat down. Eventually, we got some strength and ate lunch. We trekked on to Carn mountain where we took another break. 1.9km away was a road junction at 271252. The road was now a riverbed. Another col awaited us at 257270 2.4km away from the road. That was the second worst part. Deer’s meadow is not a fun place in rain or in general actually. Anyway some time passed by, as we tripped and crawled through the high grass to the top of the col between Cock mountain and Slievnamiskin. From the col to the sheepfold at 238275 we took a break again. We were tired but thankfully we were nearly at camp. One last ounce of energy took us to camp at 243262. Camp was set up, dinner in our stomachs and sleep came quicker than it was thought about. Day 3:

Miscellany

Again we got up and put all our kit away and had breakfast. We left punctually as per usual at 9.00a.m. We had to walk 2km to our first destination, a track at 229254. The track lead for 2.7km to a well-known place for our group: the Castle Bog. Yep, bog, it’s in the name its stinking! Bog is the perfect word, it’s literally just mud and rain. We managed to ski our way down through this terrain and came to a stile at the forest’s edge at 223220. We looked about for shelter and found a big enough tree to sit under and enjoy a meal. It was a cold day, so food to warm us up a bit was great. Our calf muscles were burning as we zig zagged our way down the Stoney path to a footbridge at 211224. As much as it wasn’t a 100m incline, it was deadly. From the footbridge we reached the Mourne way, a track we knew well and dandered our way 5.2km down a straight path to finish. That was the longest walk but by far the easiest. As at this point our legs were merely just moving now, we took no breaks and ended up there about 2 hours earlier than everyone else. We had a great journey and got a warm drink from the café. We even had time for a play in the park and a belly slide down the small grass bumps. We took-off to the cold school bus, where we sat in cold wet clothes, with only dry socks. It wasn’t all that bad, we knew in a short few hours we would have £10 of luxurious food and a load of sweets and drinks in us. On our way home we felt good and were proud and happy. We had just completed Silver! Back at school, we cleaned our tranjias and hung up our tents waiting to get our warm lifts home. We completed an extremely difficult weekend but can now say ‘been there, done that, bought the t-shirt’.

Silver Canoe Qualifying Expedition, Lough Erne 30th July – 2nd August, 2016 Day 1: The qualifying expedition took place from Sunday 30th July to Tuesday 2nd of August 2016. We departed from school by bus at about 11a.m. and arrived in Enniskillen about two hours later, where we bought our lunch. After lunch we travelled by bus to our campsite for that evening at Gortatole Outdoor Centre, here we packed all our equipment into barrels. We were told that we were leaving at 07:30 the next morning. We awoke at around 06:30, we had breakfast and took down our tents as well as doing a litter sweep of our campsite. We were ready to leave by 07:15. As expected, the minibus arrived at 07:30; however, it could not get into the centre as the gate was locked. We looked around for someone who worked there that might have a key, but the place was empty. Eventually, after a few phone calls by Mr. Reilly, someone turned up with a key, but it didn’t work! The leaders eventually had to crank the gate open by hand with a spanner. We packed our barrels into the canoe trailer as fast as we could and left. We were now about an hour and a half behind our original starting time. We were originally planning to start at Trory jetty

I thought the expedition was very hard but it was rewarding and felt good. It was a tough challenge and a very fun one too, with my group by my side. The weather was generally good and we had plenty of time to have fun and relax during our non-walking times. Overall, it was an unforgettable weekend of ups and downs! Andrew Bassett, Odhran Catney, Kristiyan Hristov, Ryan Peden and Adem Tepe (IV)

123

The Owl 2016

(226477), but due the delay we ended up having to start at Round O jetty (229445) instead. By the time we had prepared the canoes it was somewhere between 11:45 and 12:00, we left as soon as we could. Due to the new starting location quite a few of our stops were cut off, so our first stop ended up being Ardhowen jetty (243432). We arrived there well ahead of time, which allowed us to get our bearings and have a snack. We departed at 13:30, between Ardhowen and Bellanaleck there was a really heavy rain shower and we all got soaked so we decided to make an unscheduled stop at a small jetty about halfway between the two where we could dry off a bit, as we were slightly ahead of time. From there we continued on to Bellanaleck (236291). When we got there, we took a short break for some research and a snack, after that we made a last push for the campsite. We were originally meant to camp at Cloonatrig (264372) but when we arrived there it was full. Luckily by pulling a few strings, Mr. Reilly was able to get us a campsite beside the river on some private land we arrived here at about 18:00. The girls’ campsite was also full, so they ended up camping at the same place as us. After setting up our tents, we made our dinner and sat around for a while, then we went to bed. Day 2: We got up at 08:00, made breakfast and took down our tents. We left slightly later than expected due to a very heavy sleeper who shall not be named. Our next stop was Carrybridge (295374), so we paddled hard to make up our lost time, when we arrived at Carrybridge we worked out we were only about twenty minutes behind. At Carrybridge we took a quick research stop and continued on to our next stop. When we got there, we took a toilet break and were about to have lunch when the girls arrived, as soon as they arrived a man came out from the main building and asked us to leave, so we did. It turned out that the jetty we had stopped at was private. We then decided it would be best to have lunch at the mouth of the river before we hit the lough’s open water. After having lunch we decided it would be best if we rafted our two boats together for stability as the water

124

looked quite rough. Unfortunately, the two metal poles we were to be supplied with were not in the trailer, so we were unable to make a proper raft. We ended up lashing the two thwarts of each boat together and tying support ropes to the bow and stern of the boats. After building our raft, we headed into the open water. As soon as we hit the open water the wind picked up and the water became extremely choppy, this was when we realised that there was a fatal flaw to our plan. The boats were tied too close together and the only way the water in between the two boats could escape was over the gunwales, it came spurting up into the air and landing inside the boats, after about ten minutes the only thing keeping the boats afloat was the buoyancy of the air inside our barrels. Suddenly, the reality of our situation hit us like a bulldozer, we were about 200 metres from the shore and we were basically paddling a submarine. We scrambled around trying to find our bilge pumps, we found them and started pumping like mad, desperate to stop our boats from being completely swamped. We eventually emptied our boats and untied our raft. During our near-sinking experience my binoculars had been filled with water, rendering them useless, this made navigating in the lough even harder, as well as being unfamiliar with the girls’ route. We struggled to locate Naan Island (301319) as we could not see the navigation markers in the lough as the binoculars were broken. After many attempts to find our position in the lough using our compasses we eventually worked out where we where and paddled on to Naan Island. We arrived there at about 16:30, which was about the time we were supposed to have arrived there on our original route plans. Naan Island was going to be our campsite that night, but according to the girls’ plans we were to camp on Trannish Island (323290) which was still very far away. So we continued on trying to keep a medium pace as best we could against the strong headwind, stopping every so often to wait for the girls (due to the bad conditions we had been told to stay as one big group). Slowly, but steadily, we began to make ground until we made another navigational error, we had mistaken a dead end for a gap between two islands. We paddled straight into the dead end, this mistake cost us a lot of time, if you added up the time spent getting blown about in the raft, trying to find Naan Island and our most recent mistake, it came to a good three and a half hours behind time. By this stage it was about 19:00, so we paddled hard to make it to our newly assigned campsite Smith’s Strand (342294), as our assessor and ourselves knew for sure we would never make it to Trannish Island by dark. We paddled as hard as we could to try and make it to Smith’s Strand as quickly as possible. On the way there we were offered a tow from the motor boat but only one boat accepted the offer as we all knew that they were completely and utterly spent, as for the rest of us, we were determined to make it to our campsite under our own steam. When we finally arrived, we were all a bit annoyed with ourselves for being so behind time; however, our spirits were lifted when Robert, our instructor, turned up with coke floats for everyone! After having our

Miscellany coke floats, we carried our barrels and canoes up to our campsite, we then put up our tents and made dinner and then a little while later we went to bed. Day 3: We got up at about 07:30, we packed up, had breakfast and a little while after, we left. Because we had the extra distance to travel that day we were told that we would just finish at Bun Bridge (386261) instead of Galloon Island (391227). We paddled hard to make up time and arrived at Derryadd (340273) in no time, we didn’t stop and kept going, trying to get to Crom (370238) as fast as we could, we did take a few short breaks along the way to catch our breath, have a drink and a snack, but other than that it was full steam ahead. When we eventually reached Crom, we stopped for a toilet break and we were on our way again. Since we were so close to the finish we didn’t consider time a factor anymore we just tried to get to Bun Bridge, as fast as possible. When we arrived at Bun Bridge, we were relieved to have completed the expedition, but we were also sad as we had had so much fun, we had overcome all the obstacles in our way, and the things that seemed serious at the time, for example nearly sinking in the middle of Lough Erne, were hilarious when we looked back on them. Andrew Dorman, Myles Ingram, Michael McCormick and Dylan McGrotty (IV)

Gold Qualifying Expedition, Scotland 15th – 18th July, 2016 Day 1: I had to get up early in the morning around 4.30a.m. to pray and in about 15 to 20 minutes I was back in sleeping bag and ready to sleep again. After this I woke up again at 8ish, took a quick shower and packed everything in my rucksack that was necessary for my long 4 days of journey. But before starting my long journey, I had an amazing thing waiting for a breakfast in Morrison’s café.

part while the rain and wind made it harder, in a slow and steady pace. Eventually, we managed to get out of the forest and the energy in the team was still there. The route from here onwards was simpler and we set off again on our journey. Unfortunately from there to the campsite was much longer than anticipated. Finally a hut (bothy) was seen by the team and the level of happiness we got from seeing that hut is indescribable. Although it was just a room built with stone and had a fireplace, its condition was really good. Our assessor was already there. He greeted us at the bothy (282 736). We took a quick rest and then quickly set up the tents. I offered my prayer before having my dinner. We had a long chat in the bothy about the day and the next 3 days coming and by this time I had checked my feet and realised that I had got blisters, which wasn't the best, especially on the first day. I allowed them to dry off till the morning, so I could bandage them. I had three prayers left, which I offered upon the arrival of correct time and the last prayers was at 10.30p.m. and by 10:45p.m. I was in my sleeping bag all ready to sleep. Day 2: Just like the first day, I had to get up at 4:30a.m. to pray, it was freezing and for a while I thought I might freeze to death if I left my sleeping bag or the tent, but finally somehow I got the courage to get out of my tent. I have to say I had never prayed as fast as I prayed that morning, and in 10 minutes, I was back in the tent in the sleeping bag sleeping. Around 7:45 I got up with the rest of the group and the weather was no different. At that time it seemed the temperature was way below zero. I was soon up and eating my warm porridge and some chocolate to fuel my day. Thankfully, it all hit the spot and I was stuffed. Right after the breakfast I looked at my feet and the blisters made me think should I quit now. With those thoughts, I finally came to the decision that I would walk one more day to see how it went before quitting, so I bandaged my feet.

After having breakfast at Morrison's café, which felt like the best breakfast of my life, we headed to the Nevis range ski centre to meet up with our assessor before getting started for the long journey waiting ahead of us. The assessor had a brief chat with everyone going through the rules and his expectations from us as a group. With that, the assessor and our supervisors wished us good luck and the long awaited journey began.

Our group was up and ready to leave by 9.00a.m. and we set off in unison from Lair Leacheach campsite. The path ahead was quite windy for the first few hours but the scenery was incredible. There were peaks that seemed to stretch so high that you couldn’t sometimes see the tops due to the cloud cover. The whole way to Easan Dubh waterfall was downhill, thankfully, as the muscles in my whole body were starting to ache, especially my back, and my feet from the blisters. As we approached a loch, the sky began to open up and the sun appeared, so we decided to eat lunch on the bridge thinking it would be a great idea. Within 5 minutes the heavens opened up. I quickly pulled my waterproofs back on in time.

It is said that the first step is always the hardest step, well in our situation it was the same. The very first problem we encountered was navigating through Lenanchan Forest. At that point walking was the easy

From here on after lunch there wasn’t much of a path to follow up past Feith Chiarain, so we ended up getting caught in some bogs. As we approached the end of our day at about 3p.m., we caught sight of a

125

The Owl 2016 group ahead of us from another school. As soon as we had locked onto this group, we steadily marched past them. I think the sight of another group motivated us to walk harder and faster, so we could get the best place available to set up our tents. Soon we had reached the next bothy, except this one had 2 floors and was much bigger. I quickly prayed and by this time the rest of the group had already spoken to the English groups that were there and apparently they were allowed to stay in the Bothy. Unfortunately for us it looked like it would just be another night in the tent with that amazing rain and wind. After I had refuelled myself on pot noodles and wraps, I felt very content and was ready for a good night’s sleep in the tent. But before hitting the tent and the sleeping bag I still had my prayers left to offer, so just like yesterday, I waited till the correct time for each prayer to arrive and by 10:50p.m. I was sleeping. Day 3: On the third day for some reason when I woke up to pray I was quite fresh and I offered my prayer with peace and tranquillity. But when I woke up the second time it was completely the opposite. Luckily, I had my group to push me along as everyone had their own aches and pains, so we were all in the same boat. To make matters worse, this day was the second longest trek, as we had already walked 35km in the previous 2 days. But the positive thing about day 3 was that we had already walked more than half way of our long journey which we started 2 days ago. The start of this day was very similar to the previous day, constantly following a path. Although the path soon broke off and we ended up crossing four separate rivers where the water was up to your shins. The icy cold water was actually quite refreshing on my sweaty feet, but it doubled the weight of my boots. Once we had conquered these rivers, the path reappeared and we passed a massive dam at 251619, we stopped for a few photos but the rain seemed to dampen our mood. The rest of the path all the way to Loch Eilde Mor followed a massive concrete pipe, which we decided to walk on, as it was less awkward than the eroded path. Sometimes when crossing over big fords on the pipe the wind would gust and you would feel like you could be blown off, this was a bit terrifying but kept you going. Once the pipe ended, we decided to have lunch near the lake in a slightly overhanging cliff, it didn’t provide much shelter, I think everyone was just raring to get moving and get to the camp. So we marched onwards although the lake, which we followed, seemed to last for ages, it felt like four hours but in reality it was only one hour we had been walking alongside it. At last the lake had ended and from here on we simply followed a path to the campsite. This took another hour and we arrived at camp only fifteen minutes late. On the arrival of the campsite I followed and my routine as yesterday and the day before I offered my

126

prayer. The worst thing about this camp was there was no bothy for us to cook our dinner in, so we just had to bear with the elements and get on with it. Dinner this time was very quick and by half seven our whole group was tucked up in our tents begging for sleep. And I still had two prayers left for that day to offer. Many wrong thoughts were going through my mind that moment, thinking that it's only two prayers, Allah will forgive me, but somehow I managed to stay motivated and stayed up till 10:30p.m., as that was time for my last prayer, and by 10:45p.m. I was sleeping. Day 4: Again it was the same, I had to get up at 4:30a.m. to pray and then in 20 minutes, I would be sleeping again. The second time I got up that morning was around 8a.m. knowing that it was the last day of the long journey we were on. I woke up feeling much fresher and so much better about the expedition. The sun briefly made an appearance from 9a.m. to 10a.m. It seemed to brighten the whole group’s mood and we couldn’t even feel the cold wet boggy water in our boots, we were feeling so high. By the time we reached the second leg at 10.00a.m., we realised we were thirty minutes ahead, so here we decided to break for twenty minutes and fill up our water bottles. To our left was Binnein Beag (943m) and the mountains seemed to sculpt a path. Not much further on, we stopped for an early lunch just past the river, Water of Nevis. With an amazing view of the waterfalls opposite and the towering peaks ahead our group was in awe at the scenery. For the first time along the route we saw a group of more than ten people, tourists from Japan exploring Scotland, it was good to know that we were near civilisation again. It was the first time in my life I was elated just by seeing people. We continued on the track through the narrow paths along the Water of Nevis between Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis. The path was rocky and required concentration, so there were a few trips and falls but nothing too serious. Gradually, we approached Glen Nevis forest and finally the sense of how close we were hit me. The forest at the end seemed to drag on and on, every minute felt like an hour. Eventually at 4.55p.m. we

Miscellany

reached Brave Heart Car Park, never before have I felt such relief at the sight of the school minibus. Straight onto the bus and straight to McDonalds for food! After having food at McDonalds, we went back to Red Squirrel campsite. As soon as we got back to Red Squirrel Campsite, I hopped straight into the shower. The warm water was like heaven, I felt cleansed and rejuvenated. That night I burrowed myself in my sleeping bag that “stank”, but it didn’t matter and slept for nine hours straight, the best Duke of Edinburgh’s sleep I’ve ever had on any expedition! Zarar Khan, Daniel Bingham, Christopher McConnell, Cameron McGaughey, Daniel Parkhill, Jason Roe and Robert Spence (LVI)

Gold Qualifying Expedition, Antrim Hills 1st – 4th September, 2016 DAY ONE [Thursday 1st September, 2016] We arrived at the T-junction (179 407) about twenty minutes late and, to our delight, it wasn't raining. We then followed the track beside the sea to the top of Carnamore (217 387) and nearly got blown away by the wind. From there, we walked down the col through marshy conditions to climb Cushleake (227 363); we had planned to eat lunch when we met the fence, but, to our dismay and growing hunger, the fence had disappeared. We ended up having lunch in the middle of a marshy field, and the rain began as we finished. We struggled up Cushleake and, after a long descent, finally met the road (210 348), our assessor, and Maurice and Holly. After crossing, we walked further down the road to avoid climbing a really steep hill and instead jumped over a gate and followed a track along the border of the forest; we entered the forest through the firebreak (205 346). It was raining quite heavily by this point, so we sheltered under the thick leaves and had a laugh until it eased. Hollie noticed an inconspicuous track snaking up to the road and suggested that this was the path we

follow; upon careful consideration, we realised that she was right. After walking along the road for a while, we met the Vanishing Lake (205 360), and followed the track to our campsite at 210 363. It was a chilly evening with a threat of rain, so we got the tents up quickly, had dinner and were in bed by 8p.m. DAY TWO [Friday 2nd September, 2016] We were up at 6.30a.m. and, after a few intervals of sleepy procrastination, were ready to leave by just after 8a.m. We followed the track to the road again, crossed the fence and began the misleading and tortuous ascent to the top of Crockaneel (191 338). This took a while. We met our assessor at the top, who kindly distributed water and took our rubbish, and then we ploughed on. There was nothing to distinguish our position in the barren landscape, so we spent much of the day following the fence, staring at the map, and hoping. After hours of walking, we finally saw Maurice and Holly, and met them just in time for them to advise us to wrap up before it bucketed. We then proceeded into the forest, Mary took a bit of a dip, and we had our first encounter with The Midges. We followed the track to the blissful solid ground of the road, then the road to our campsite, which was behind a sheepfold (165 274). We got our tents up, ate dinner in record speed and dove into the tents to avoid the midges. DAY THREE [Saturday 3rd September, 2016] We were up at 6a.m. to start the third day of our journey. We walked until we met the first junction in the forest (161 273), where we huddled under the trees, nibbled on snacks, met our assessor and discovered the results of the previous evening’s Ulster rugby match. We continued walking until we met a river, which then led us onto the road (124 225). We ate lunch here as the clouds were starting to darken. After this, we walked along the road in the continuous rain until we reached the edge of the forest which seemed to never end. During our trek along the road

127

The Owl 2016 we met our assessor, as well as Maurice and Holly, had a wee chat and continued on our way. The next part of the walk consisted of following the edge of the forest around a hill, which was horrible under foot; we kept falling down holes and tumbling through the long grass. The fog rolled over the gloomy green trees, which seemed to stretch into the distance as far as the eye could see. After many, many stops, debates about whether or not it was worth it, a few falls and plenty of despair, we finally made it to our campsite (179 206). When we got there our assessor was there, with Maurice and Holly. They brought with them fresh water and motivation for our last night camping. We ate dinner quickly as The Midges were out in full force and quickly dove into our tents to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for our last day of walking. DAY FOUR [Sunday 4th September, 2016] Our final day loomed bright and fresh, and it was with some satisfaction that we dismantled our tents for the last time ever. The prospect of McDonald's later that day spurred us to an early start (our breakfast had consisted of our brioche rolls and, in Mary's case, a boiled egg). We left the campsite and began with a nice walk along a track in the forest, heading towards the dreaded Collintop. After a lot of struggles, outbursts of frustration, pep talks to one another and Mary's beautiful singing of "I Believe I Can Fly,” we eventually made it to the summit of Collintop (218 168). This was cause for much celebration. From here we could see the stunning dam and the next two hills that we had to climb. Following this it was a painstakingly slow journey to the dam; we had an arduous hike to the next hill, as the ground underfoot was very difficult, the sun was too hot and the midges were on the attack. Finally, after four days of walking, we reached the dam and were on the home stretch. Carly left us at this point, and the rest of the group continued along the road until we met the minibus. It was a beautiful sight, and we all eagerly leapt on to it to go and get our much dreamed of and sought-after McDonald’s. Overall, Duke of Ed has been a characterbuilding, strengthening, very worthwhile experience where we have cemented true friendships, and we would like to thank Maurice, Holly, Shelley, Martin, all of the other volunteers and, of course, Mr. Reilly for his many years of support and dedication to the Award. Mary Cousins, Natasha Kelly, Hollie McCalmont, Ciara Patterson, Clodagh Poots and Carly Wilkinson (LVI)

128

Gold Canoe Qualifying Expedition, Lough Erne 3rd – 6th August, 2016 Day 1: On Wednesday 3rd of August we were to be transported from our campsite to our starting point at Muckross Jetty (161 640) to begin our expedition for 10:00a.m. However, this was changed to Castle Archdale (173 588). When we arrived at Castle Archdale the weather quickly became very wet and windy which was a worrying sign, as if the winds get too strong, we cannot canoe for our own safety. With our assessor, the two teams unloaded the canoes, tied our barrels in and got into the water. It had been decided that the wind and current in the water was much too strong for us to follow our intended route for day 1. Therefore, instead we had to spend the day doing as much canoeing as safely possible and concentrate on expedition work to make up for lost canoeing time. From the jetty we canoed to Davy’s Island and White Island to research what plant life and wildlife was present on the islands. We then canoed back to the jetty at Castle Archdale for lunch and due to the increasingly bad weather we were unable to do any more canoeing so visited the history museum to do project work before being transported to our campsite for the night. Day 2: On our second day we left our campsite at 09:00 and our first leg was 3.5km to Gublusk Point, where we arrived at 10:10 and had a 10 minute break. We left here at 10:20 to start our 2.5km second leg to Strahenny Point. This took 50 minutes and we had another 10 minute break. The third leg saw us canoe to Car Island which took 34 minutes. We then reached the island at 11:54 and had a short break. We left Car Island at 12:04 and began the fourth leg which was 2.8km long to Devenish Island East. We arrived at 13:00 and had a 30 minute break for lunch. The fifth leg was to Lockside Marina and it took us 1 hour and 30 minutes, meaning we arrived at 15:30, before starting our sixth leg to the Railway Arch. This leg was 2.3km and took us 46 minutes. We arrived at 16:26 and stayed there for 10 minutes. The seventh leg

Miscellany took us to Culky Jetty and was 2.1km long taking us 42 minutes. After yet another 10 minute break, we started our final leg to our campsite at Cleenish Island. This was the longest leg of the day at 6.5km and took 2 hours and 10 minutes. We arrived at our campsite at 19:38. Day 3: Friday 5th August was our 3rd day of canoeing. We left Cleenish Island at 09:00 and canoed a 1.2km leg for 24 minutes to SW Black Lough. After a 10 minute break we left at 09:34 to start our second leg to the Hotel. This leg was 2.9km and took us 58 minutes. We arrived at 10:32 and had a 10 minute break until 10:42, then left for our 2km third leg to Temphill Wood. We canoed for 40 minutes arriving at 11:22 but didn’t have a break and instead continued onto our fourth leg to Inishcreagh which was 2.5km long. This took us 50 minutes and we arrived at the island at 12:12 for a 30 minute break. We started our fifth leg to Naan Island West at 12:42 which took us 38 minutes meaning we arrived at 13:20 for a 10 minute break. We departed at 13:30 to start our sixth leg to Inishlaught. This leg took us 50 minutes and was 2.5km long. We arrived at Inishlaught at 14:20 and took a 35 minute break leaving the island at 14:55 to start our seventh leg to our campsite at Trannish Island. This leg was 2.6km and should have taken us 52 minutes, arriving at 15:47. However our campsite was changed to Smith’s Strand which is to the left of Trannish Island. We arrived at around the same time. Day 4: Our first leg on Saturday 6th August from Trannish Island to Inish Rath was 3km and took us one hour. From Smith’s Strand it was roughly the same distance. We stayed at Inish Rath for 10 minutes, then we left at 10:10 to start our second leg of 2.3km to Reilly Wood. This took us 46 minutes, so we arrived at 10:56 and had a 10 minute break before leaving at 11:06 to canoe to Corlatt Wood. It took us 46 minutes to canoe the 2.3km so we arrived at 11:52 and had a 30 minute break. The fourth leg was from Corlatt Wood to Bun Bridge and was 3.8km. We canoed for 1 hour and 16 minutes arriving at 13:40. It was here that we finished our gold canoeing expedition and we were met by our instructors and assessor. Daniel Allen, Courtney Dougan, LucyFisher, Hannah Henderson, Monique Hipolito and Richard Simon (LVI)

Volunteering Section Macmillan Unit, Antrim Hospital The volunteering section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is about trying to make a difference to other people’s lives.

I began volunteering at the Macmillan Unit, Antrim Hospital in December 2015. I attend for two hours every Friday afternoon. The unit not only provides care for people with cancer, but also for people with other life-limiting conditions such as motor neurone disease, renal and heart failure. My duties at the unit include: meeting and greeting visitors; acting as a mealtime companion to patients; maintaining the reception and literature; restocking vending machines and regulating access to the car park. The experience of being able to help patients who are living with these diseases and supporting their friends and family, gave me an immense sense of achievement. I discovered that being able to empathise with people and actively listening to all of the patients can help their mood and raise spirits. There is also no doubt that the intense environment in which I completed my volunteering section has really improved my confidence and communication skills. Volunteering at the Macmillan Unit will leave an everlasting impression on me. It made me appreciate how fortunate I am to be healthy and active, and to never take life for granted. I would recommend volunteering at the Unit no matter what career choice you intend to follow, as it will help improve and maintain a variety of essential skills. Christopher McConnell (LVI) Skills Section When I first heard about the opportunity of doing a fire cadet course for my skills section, I immediately thought this wouldn’t be for me. Although, after a lot of persuasion from my friends, I decided to go to the meeting in the DoE room and just see what it was like. When I arrived I was extremely surprised by the number of people I saw there. While I was there Mr Reilly went through what would be happening over the following Monday nights and told us where and when to meet. On the first Monday I arrived into the Fire station five minutes late with a pen and a notebook. As I walked in, I was greeted by some friendly firemen and was

129

The Owl 2016 shown to where our group was. I walked in on what looked like a game, something I certainly didn’t expect! I quickly joined in and found it to be a great ice-breaker and really enjoyable. As the leaders joined in on these short games, it really did help break the ice and help us get to know them. After we all sat down, we did a short amount of note taking about what the Fire services aims and goals were. After this, we were taken down stairs to the fire truck. He showed us all around the fire truck and told us some funny stories about what it was like to be a fireman. The tour was very interesting as we got to learn about all the high-tech gear they use on a regular basis. After this it was time to go home and, to be honest, I was actually sad to leave because I really enjoyed my first night. The following weeks followed a similar structure. Every week we started with a different game to break the ice like ‘pyramids’ or ‘twenty words’. Then we did a small amount of note–taking, usually on what the fire service does and how to keep yourself safe. Some of the things I learned were extremely useful and I was shocked by some of it. For example: using a fryer pan was dangerous and my family have been using it all our lives! This is something I changed straight away. Every lesson was finished with a demonstration or a tour and this part was definitely our favourite. We were taught how to climb ladders properly, put out burning chip pans and how to use a rope to pull someone out of the water. All these demonstrations were great fun, my favourite was definitely the demonstration on how to put out a burning chip pan, it was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed the Fire Service, I learnt a lot, it was a good chance to talk to friends and I certainly do not regret doing it! Jack Higgins (III)

Gold Residential Section 30th July to 5th of August, 2016 National Trust of Scotland, Trailblazer Camp, Glencoe, Scotland. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award consists of five different sections: the Physical, Skills, Volunteering, the Expedition and the Residential Section. In the Residential Section you spend at least five days away from home undertaking shared activities such as helping others or the environment, with a group of people you have not met before. When it came to choosing my residential, I googled Duke of Edinburgh residential camps and found Trailblazer camps in Scotland. I decided to travel across the Irish Sea and take on the challenge of going to Glencoe, Scotland as part of a National Trust for Scotland, Trailblazer Camp. This gave me the opportunity to attain the John Muir Discovery Award which is an environmental award focused on wild

130

places. It encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment in a spirit of fun and adventure. After being picked up in Edinburgh, I travelled to the Highlands in Glencoe and stayed in the Corran Bunkhouse with seven other volunteers, three boys, four girls and three camp leaders. The other volunteers where from Belgium, Germany, Scotland and England. As you can imagine, meeting people from different countries gave me the opportunity to develop new friendships and share experiences. Each day you were given responsibilities for certain tasks such as preparation of equipment for the day’s work, cooking and cleaning. National Trust Rangers joined us each day and provided information about the forest and environment. The first day’s volunteering involved repairing erosion along the Great Highland Path. After walking miles to get to the remote work site, the tough manual work began, clearing the ground and bedding in new stones to produce a safe new path. You work as a team, so we got to know everyone quickly. Each evening we would relax and socialise after tea, playing various games and discussed our experiences to date. I learned that some pupils in Belgium have the chance to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Day Two involved natural barrier construction. This was building barriers to prevent vehicles gaining access to the footpaths for walkers and causing damage. The remaining days we spent clearing away and burning forest debris, this helps regenerate new growth and keeps the forest healthy. Thankfully, the weather was reasonably kind to us and the dreaded Scottish midge stayed away most of the time. It wasn’t all hard work though, as we had the opportunity on Day Three to go sea kayaking at Mallaig on the Scottish coast. This was a new experience for me. It was fantastic fun, as well as being surrounded by stunning scenery. My time on the Residential provided an opportunity to meet new and interesting people and by the end of the five days I gained important life skills that will stay with me in the future. I would highly recommend these residential camps to others; it was fun in a friendly atmosphere, packed with things to do, never boring and even the travel itself is a worthwhile experience that prepares you for life after school. The residential allowed me to put something back into the environment, which many take for granted today. Christopher McConnell (LVI)

Miscellany

131

The Owl 2016

JUNIOR BOOK CLUB The Junior Book Club met every Thursday at lunchtime in the Library. The Club brings together the best teen fiction of the year, showcasing a blend of new and established writers across a range of genre and subjects. It encourages pupils to read books that will challenge them, further their knowledge of various genres, and promote the discussion of books. On Thursday 22nd October, ten pupils travelled to Methody to meet Dan Freedman, bestselling author of the Jamie Johnston series. Dan Freedman is a famous children’s writer, sports journalist and specialist sports media consultant with FIFA and the Premier League. He has interviewed Roy Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney to name a few! In 2000, having graduated with a degree in English Literature from the University of Bristol, he landed a dream job with the Football Association, where he worked for the next seven years. As the FA’s Editor-in-Chief, he wrote FA Cup Final programmes and travelled all over the world covering the England football team. He travelled to two world cups and reported on these. Junior Book Club pupils and Miss McAtamney felt very privileged to meet Dan Freedman. It was a wonderful opportunity and an amazing experience. Pupils were able to participate in a Q and A session. Form II pupil, Morgan McIlwaine asked the first question of the morning. Ellie Byrne (Form II), also got selected to ask a question.

The Book Club team from BRA performed superbly throughout the competition. They ended in 6th place overall. Scores were extremely close between the top teams and only 9 points existed between BRA and the coveted 1st place position. The Academy won 2nd place in the costume design competition. Well done to Amber Smallwood (Form II) on her winning ‘Big Bad Wolf’ costume. Miss McAtamney, Mrs Townsend and the 9 pupils thoroughly enjoyed the event. A trip to the Grand Opera House was organised as an end of year celebration for the Book Club. On Friday 17th June, 27 pupils attended a world premiere of a stage adaptation of Gangsta Granny by David Walliams, the UK’s best-selling author for children. The hilarious and heartfelt story is one of old age, adventure and swimming in the Thames! David Walliams is one of the most highly borrowed authors from the School Library. His books have been translated into over 40+ languages and have taken the children’s literary world by storm, dominating sales charts and twice winning the National Book Award Children’s Book of the Year. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the stage adaptation of one of his best-selling books. Mr Spence, Head of English alongside Miss McAtamney and Mrs Reid also thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

Subjects covered by Dan Freedman included: -

Why he loves being an author

What it’s like working in football

How his love for football inspired him to enjoy reading

How to interview famous people

How to write good stories

How he uses real life situations in his fiction.

Pupils got books signed and photographs taken after the event. A lovely end to the Spring 2015 term. Two and a half weeks later, on Wednesday 4th November, nine pupils had the opportunity to attend the 2015 regional heat of the International Kids’ Lit Quiz. A team consisting of Amy Mulholland, Shannon Seawright, Amy McDowell and Ella Wilkinson competed against 20 other teams from across Northern Ireland. The quiz lasted three hours and consisted of 100 book-related questions arranged in ten categories. Known as ‘the sport of reading’, the Kids’ Lit Quiz encourages pupils to broaden their reading and creates an awareness of genre, authors and titles. The competition is designed to be huge fun, with an element of competition that is seldom available to children whose passion is reading.

132

E.A

Miscellany

SCHOOL LIBRARY The School Library continued to provide pupils with information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning in today’s information and knowledgebased society. Pupils attended in large numbers to read, borrow, research, use computers and socialise. Most days there were around 90 pupils using the Library at break and lunch. Thursday 8th October was National Poetry Day and in honour of this, the School Library hosted its annual poetry celebration. The theme was LIGHT, marking the UN International Year of Light 2015. In advance of National Poetry Day, the School Library hosted a Junior Poetry competition. Over 130 entries were received and judges were very impressed with the poetic endeavours of the pupils. Copies of the poems were displayed in the Library on lines of LED lights to illuminate poetry. The winners read their poems aloud on National Poetry Day. In honour of the theme of LIGHT, pupils also produced and performed a short drama. Several members of staff recited famous poems on the theme of LIGHT. This included poems from famous poets such as Byron and Tennyson. The School Library had a most exciting and enjoyable celebration of National Poetry Day. Friday 6th March was World Book Day. The School Library hosted a Scholastic Book Fair where throughout the day, pupils were able to exchange their World Book Day token for money off a book from the fair. Two successful Scholastic Book Fairs were hosted throughout the year by the School Library. The Autumn 2015 book fair generated £308.73 worth of free books for the library. The Spring 2015 book fair earned a further £201.53 worth of free books for the Library.

Logan Mawhinney who both managed to read over 2 million words! 1.

Martha-Rose Rooney

Logan Mahwhinney

Jay Nicholson

Christina Warnock

Nada Hawela

Harry Norton

Melissa Bright

Ethan Carter

Daniel Seawright

10. Grace McIlroy 11. Eoin Lyons 12. Emma Irvine 13. Ben Golden 14. Sorcha Boersman E.A.

The School Library continued to run its successful Accelerated Reader programme with Year 8 and 9 classes. At its heart, Accelerated Reader is simple. A pupil reads a book, takes an online quiz, and gets immediate feedback. Pupils respond to this regular feedback and are motivated to make progress with their reading skills. Accelerated Reader gives English teachers the information they need to monitor pupils’ reading practice and make informed decisions to guide their future learning. Millionaires’ Club Accelerated Reader Millionaires strive to reach goals! How do you become a millionaire? Read one million words! BRA pupils who have read over a million words belong to a select group of Accelerated Reader Millionaires. A word count is generated each time a pupil reads a books and then takes a reading practice quiz online using our Accelerated Reader software. Congratulations to the 14 pupils named below who have read over a million words this year. A particularly big well done goes to both Martha-Rose Rooney and

133

School Games

1ST XV 1ST XV Senior Rugby had returned from a very successful summer tour to South Africa. With this in mind, and Senior Rugbynews had that returned from a had verysecured successful the exciting the School the summer tour to South Africa. as With this in consultant, mind, and services of Brian McLaughlin a Rugby the exciting news that the School had the secured the players looked forward to getting 2015/16 servicesrugby of Brian McLaughlin as a Rugby consultant, school season started. the players looked forward to getting the 2015/16 school rugby met season started. The players Brian for the first time mid-July to begin pre-season training. Senior Rugby trained as a The players met Brian first opportunity time mid-July to whole group which gave for staffthe a great to see begin pre-season training. Senior trained as a potential and commitment for the Rugby upcoming season. whole group which fixtures gave staff a great opportunity to Ian see Saturday morning began with the annual potential Trophy and commitment upcomingGrammar season. Graham tournamentforat the Grosvenor SaturdayGroup morning fixtures began the annual Ian School. stages presented thewith opportunity to play Graham Banbridge Trophy tournament Grosvenor against Academyat and Wesley Grammar College School. A Group stages presented the opportunity to play Dublin. narrow victory over Banbridge and a narrow againstto Banbridge Academy and place Wesley College defeat Wesley meant a third/fourth play-off Dublin. A narrow victory over Banbridge and a narrow defeat to Wesley meant a third/fourth place play-off 134

versus Grosvenor Grammar. Grosvenor showed much enterprise, scoring two very early and well-worked versusThey Grosvenor showed tries. provedGrammar. much tooGrosvenor strong as the gamemuch went enterprise, two tries very - early well-worked on, scoring scoring two further fourthand place for BRA; tries. was They proved there work to bemuch done.too strong as the game went on, scoring two further tries - fourth place for BRA; there was work to beback, done. training schedules posted. School had started It was clear training was going to be regular and School had started training schedules intense. Playersback, had conditioning, teamposted. play, It was clear training wastogoing regular their and individual skills sessions work to in be alongside intense. There Players conditioning, play, study. was anhad air of expectation. team September individual skills sessions to work alongside and October fixtures have alwaysin been a testtheir of study. There was an air The of expectation. September character and resilience. team had consecutive and October fixtures have High always been Methodist a test of fixtures against Ballyclare School, character Belfast, and resilience. team School, had consecutive College SullivanThe Upper Wallace fixtures against Ballyclare High School, Methodist High School, Ballymena Academy and Royal School College Belfast, Sullivan Upper School, Wallace Dungannon. High School, Ballymena Academy and Royal School Dungannon. The game against Ballyclare High School was played on a damp morning in Ballyclare. A lack-lustre The game against High School was played performance led toBallyclare a 10-0 defeat. Confidence was on a damp morning in Ballyclare. A lack-lustre performance led to a 10-0 defeat. Confidence was

School Games lifted with two much-improved performances against Methodist College Belfast and Sullivan Upper School. Both played on crisp mornings at Roughfort, the school groundsman Anton had the 1st XV pitch in fantastic condition. Against Methody tries were scored through Shane Martin, Conor O’Neill, Cormac McCracken and Lewis Davidson with Michael Wilson coverting 3 from 4 leaving the final score 24-17. Against Sullivan, the ever reliant boot of Michael Wilson was important in securing victory. Winning 13-5, he kicked two penalties and converted an excellent try scored by Lewis Davidson who was showing some excellent form. Two good victories but, feet had to remain firm to the ground. The team’s next two games came against Wallace High School and Ballymena Academy. Perhaps the two previous victories brought an air of complacency into the squad. Travelling to Wallace is never an easy task. The performance on this particular Saturday was well below par. Wallace looked far superior, winning comfortably 25-0. The game against Ballymena was much the same. Some injuries affected the squad giving some players the opportunity to gain experience of playing 1st XV rugby. Unfortunately, Ballymena proved much too strong, emerging well-deserved winners 34-0. The team had one game to go before the half-term break against Royal School Dungannon. Dungannon started the game very promisingly and scored two very quick tries. Michael Wilson managed to score a very opportunist try and converted his own score to take the score to 10-7. Chances were created to win this game, but poor decision making proved costly. The half-term break seemed to bring life into the squad on their return to school. The next game was to be against Bangor Grammar School. It was agreed the game would be played on Friday evening at Uprichard Park. The buzz of “Friday night lights” moved through the squad on the week’s build up! Upon arrival the pitch was in excellent condition. Jack Burton scored two excellent tries which Michael Wilson converted. In the second-half Conor McAuley scored a great try from range, Michael again converting. The game was won 21-7. It was important the form of this game was maintained as the next game against Down High School approached. Training had gone well during the week. Unfortunately, this game proved to be one of the team’s worst performances of the season. A lack of hunger and desire proved costly. Down High has always been a difficult place to travel to. This occasion was no different. Trailing 10-0 at half-time, the team looked defeated. A struggle to get any momentum after half-time led to Down High sealing victory with another late score. A poor 17-0 defeat. Unfortunately another poor defeat a week later followed, this time at home against Dalriada. A very poor start left the team trailing 21-7 at half-time, a score coming from Matthew Dalton. Rallying well in the second-half, Conor McAuley scored bringing the score to 21-14. It was a case of too little too late! Another very disappointing defeat.The analysis of the game on the following Monday morning revealed plenty to work

on. The team had to find a resilience to avoid defeat and an attitude to win games. The Schools’ cup was not far away. The next game would come again at Roughfort against Regent House. It was a particularly wet morning, which did not stop the team from playing some very positive rugby. Tries from Matthew Dalton, Conor O’Neill, Jack Burton, Conor McAuley, Scott McCauley and Jude Cowley as well as Michael Wilson converting 5 out 6 of these tries gave the team an excellent 40-0 win. The following Saturday the team travelled to Coleraine to play the much fancied Coleraine Grammar School. In a closely-fought game, some great character was shown. Conditions were poor and the score sat at 12-7 at half-time to Coleraine. Against sides like this, chances can be few and far between. Chances came in the second-half to win this game, but a lack of accuracy cost points. The final score, 12-7. A defeat, but nonetheless a good performance that much was learnt from. The cold weather got the better of the next scheduled game against Bainbridge Academy, forcing the game to be cancelled. The last game before the Christmas break came on the last day of term in Armagh. Momentum was moving in the right direction with another excellent performance. Tries from Jay McCrum (x2) , Conor McAuley, Bradley Luney and Timothy Robinson as well as 6 conversions from Michael Wilson laid the platform for a well-earned 35 - 19 victory. The Christmas period is crucial in the build-up of any Schools’ Cup campaign. During this period a three way blitz was played with Campbell College Belfast and Ulster U18 clubs. The game against Campbell was very close. Lewis Davidson scored a breakaway try, thanks to an intercept from Jack Burton who gave a great offload to Lewis to score under the posts. Michael Wilson converted. Campbell, however, scored two late tries to win 12-7. The game against Ulster U18 clubs was difficult, ending in heavy defeat. Perhaps the most crucial building block to this successful season was the team-building trip to the North coast for four days. This gave an opportunity to refine team play and continue to condition in preparation for the Schools’ Cup. The team gelled well during this trip and returned to school in January ready for some of big games. The last friendly of the season came against Portora Royal School. The trip to Enniskillen was long but a great win made it worthwhile. Some excellent play throughout the game led to tries for Matthew Dalton, Bradley Luney, Conor McAuley, Matthew Borne and Samuel Osborne. With a final score of 34-10. The Schools’ Cup draw revealed the team was to face Grosvenor Grammar School at Roughfort. Having lost convincingly to Grosvenor in the early pre-season tournament it was evident that focus was required to overcome the challenge posed. Roughfort was in

135

The Owl 2016 excellent condition and a great crowd drew to watch the game. The game started poorly, conceding a very early try which Grosvenor converted. From the resulting kick off control was regained. Tries were scored through Jack Burton (x2) and Francis Collins. Michael Wilson converted all and kicked several penalties taking the final score 31-14. The draw for the next round presented a very tough challenge in Down High School away. It was a wet Saturday morning in Down. As a large crowd began to draw, it was evident this was going to be an exciting morning. Down High are a very physical team. If this game was going to be won their physicality had to be matched. An early penalty kicked by Michael Wilson settled any nerves. He soon had the opportunity to convert 3 more points. This kick however fell short. Timothy Robinson cleverly followed the kick up, caught Down High cold, gathered the ball and scored under the posts. Michael kicked to make the score 10-0. The score sat at 13-0 for most of the game. In the secondhalf the team had to play into a considerable wind. This was managed well. However, Down High managed to score late on to take the score to 13-7. Much to the pleasure of the travelling support, the boys managed to hold on to produce a hard-earned victory, putting themselves in the draw for the quarterfinals.Word soon spread through the bus on the way home that Ballymena Academy had been drawn away from home. The preparation for this game had gone very well. Ballymena were one of the favourites to win the Schools’ Cup. It was going to be a big game. The morning of the game was damp and wet. Ballymena managed to score and convert very early in the game. The encounter was physical and bruising. The team picked up several injuries, but continued to play with determination. At half-time the score sat at 13-6. Into the second-half Michael Wilson kicked another penalty to take the score to 13-9. Chances were created for scores, however as a team, we struggled to finish. Late on in the game, Ballymena scored and converted to take the score to 20-9. The game finished, and although disappointed and aware it could have gone another way, the players of BRA 1st XV had put pride into the school jersey. As the season drew to a close, it was evident these players had earned respect. Their commitment and work ethic to the game was admirable. As a coaching staff we were incredibly proud of all the boys had achieved. Those boys that leave, their legacy will live on. Players that remain now know what to expect. In the words of Socrates “The secret of change is not to focus all of your energy in fighting the old but on building the new.” Great changes occurred in the 2015/16 season; players fought hard to put BRA 1st XV back on track. It is up to those who remain to maintain this and continue building the new. Many thanks must go to the players and indeed their parents for their continued support and commitment. I would like to thank Mr N. Irwin for his help and support throughout the season with our 2nd XV. Thank

136

you to our grounds man Anton who keeps the 1st XV pitch and all others pitches around it in immaculate condition. Finally, a thank you to Brian for all his time and effort, he brings an expertise and dedication that we as staff continue to admire and learn from. D.J.C. The Players Front Row Kurtis Scott: One of the most junior players on the squad. He dedicated himself to training and became a settled starter for the team as the season went on. His technical ability at the scrum is excellent. Matthew Borne: A hard running, hard-edged rugby player who brought heart to many performances. He is a technically very good rugby player, who showed dedication and resilience throughout the season. Luke Auterson: Had an excellent season. Played most of his rugby career in the second row. In his first season at prop Luke brought physicality to many performances adapting incredibly well to his new position. He is a very talented young man who led by example in all his actions. Second Row Bradley Luney: As the season progressed became a vital part of the team and squad. A very dedicated player who has a bright future. His ability to carry ball and offload gave the team go forward on many occassions. Timothy Robinson: A vital member of the squad. Played always with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm. Always focused in training and during games. His dedication was a great example to junior players. Matthew Dalton: Injury forced him to miss several games during the season. His physical presence brings confidence to those around him. He has the ability to carry ball with great force beating many defenders on several occasions. His knowledge of lineout improved as the season went on, which will stand him in good stead for the upcoming season. Back Row Tom Gilpin: A typical back row player. Tenacious in both attack and defence. He had a very good season carrying ball aggressively and making turnovers on many occasions. His ability to lead through action will be important in seasons to come. Gareth McAdams: Injury prevented Gareth from playing in large parts of the season. However, he returned for the entire Schools’ Cup run. As Captain he led from the front. His Schools’ Cup campaign

School Games was magnificent, showing incredible heart and resilience throughout.

success. Again as a senior player he continually led by example.

Cormac McCracken: An excellent leader and of lineout. On many occasions he turned over lineouts due to his speed and awareness. He also has ability on the ball both carrying and looking for turnovers at rucks. He will be a crucial leader in the upcoming season.

Michael Wilson: A technically excellent goal kicker who put much dedication and time into this skill. He scored many valuable points throughout the season. As a senior player he continually led by example. His commitment to success was admirable.

Conor O’Neill: A versatile rugby player who could play in the backs or the forwards. His tenacious and committed attitude to the game spoke loudly to players around him. As a senior player he had the ability to encourage and drive team spirit. He had an excellent season.

2ND XV

Half Backs Conor McAuley: He is a very talented footballer who brought control to games when required. His ability to give a game momentum is excellent. A fast-acting scrum half who scored many tries throughout the season. Scott McCauley: Played much of the season at scrum half also. He worked hard at skills required to be a scrum half. His pass was effective throughout the season and he also had the ability to make breaks when required. Francis Collins: A senior player who was vital in the Schools’ Cup campaign. Injured for much of the season he returned at a vital time. His ability to transform defence into attack with his proactive aggressive tackles gave the team life at vital times. He is a very skilful rugby player who has a bright future in the game. Centres Samuel Osborne: A natural rugby player who could play in any position in a back line. He is a skilful rugby player who was able to distribute from inside centre. His experience of 1st XV this season will stand him in good stead for the upcoming season. Lewis Davidson: A strong midfield back who scored many tries throughout the season. Has a great ability to run hard lines which very often led to line breaks or scores. He continually leads by example in defence making big tackles when required. Wingers and Full Back Jack Burton: Playing on the wing for the first time he adapted very well to the position. His ability to work off his wing and get into good attacking positions is very good. His timing to hit productive lines of running is excellent. Jay McCrum: A fast-paced and very agile winger who scored several tries throughout the season. His ability to beat a first defender and move into space is excellent. A very dedicated player who revelled in

The season began with much belief that we could achieve something special. Our target was to win as many matches as possible and to progress as far as possible in the 2nd XV Schools’ Cup. We began the season with a disappointing performance, against an average Ballyclare High School. It was by no means a comfortable victory for them, with many refereeing decisions going against us, but it did highlight our squad limitations as we had a number of injuries and not enough quality cover. We began the game with a relatively inexperienced pack and with an ‘injury hit’ backline, so I was optimistic that when the injury list cleared up we would be very competitive. It was obvious from early in this game that we needed to increase our intensity and levels of aggression, and develop a killer instinct, as we missed a number of opportunities throughout the match to score. However, there were enough positives to be confident for a successful season. The remainder of September saw our usual fixtures against C.U.S. and Methodist College, two games which were both lost to bigger and more experienced teams. October and November offered a packed fixture list. Eight games in total were played where our record was somewhat inconsistent. We played Sullivan Upper, Ballymena, Wallace, Dungannon, Armagh, Banbridge, Dalriada and Down High. A few good

137

The Owl 2016 wins from that list of fixtures, but all too many losses or reversals. Christmas came and went and we travelled to play Portora in a block fixture early in January. This was a key match in terms of preparation for the Cup and we won well on a heavy pitch against a large and welldrilled team. Next the Cup fixture was upon us. Grosvenor was a favourable cup draw, especially as they were to travel to Roughfort. The match was tightly contested and was a game the home team could and should’ve won. The task however was made much more difficult due to injuries and unavailability of players. Grosvenor squeaked home by a few points and we found ourselves eliminated at the first knockout stage. After a short break – fixtures are hard to come by in Senior School’s rugby due to cup competitions; we were drawn to play Omagh in the Plate competition. Again we were drawn at home and again the task was made increasingly difficult due to injuries and unavailability. Not only were the 2nd XV missing players through injury, but so were the 1st XV, which meant players who would normally have played for the 2nd’s were training with the 1st’s. Omagh sent a very, very strong team to Roughfort - their 1st XV were already out of the Schools’ Cup and they won a game played in glorious conditions by a score line of 22-0. This realistically brought the season to a close as matches after being eliminated from Cup competitions are hard to come by and meaningless for players. Thanks to Mr McCarey for his help and support over the course of the season and sincere thanks to the parents who supported us throughout the year. N.I.

3RD XV

team, this group of young men showed resilience, enthusiasm and commitment throughout the year. It was very gratifying to be able to fulfil 3rd XV fixtures throughout the season with squads of 22/23 players regularly turning out on Saturday mornings. In the 3rd XV Cup we lost to a strong Campbell College side. Despite this, we had strong performances against Wallace, Ballymena, MCB and RBAI and an excellent result against Dalriada. The team comprised boys mainly from FV and was strengthened with LVI and MVI boys. Sam Millar MVI, along with Niall Carson LVI and Robert Spence LVI, were stalwarts in leading and organising the squads that represented the School. Many of the squad went on to represent the 2nd XV having made a positive impact on the thirds. In the front row, Owen Minford, Douglas Adams and Michael Woods were a strong unit ably supported by Daniel Harold, Henry Cavan, Harry Jamison, Aaron Maguire and Nathan Majurey. Andrew Meeke, Jacob Brady and Jack McNeill along with Paul Stuart were effective in the second row of the scrum and at the line-out. The back row of Sam Cherry, Conor McBride, Niall Carson, Karl Buick, Daniel Loudon and Conor Callaghan were robust in carrying the ball and in the tackle. At half-back, Jonathan Cowden, Robert Spence and Daniel Davison played well throughout the season, with ‘Cowdy’ making some special breaks. In the centre, Sam Millar, Cameron Godfrey, Adam Duff and Ethan Purcell were always hard running, while Zak Mills, Anton McDonald, Richard Simon, Tom Kendall, Jack Golden, Ethan Snoddy, Matthew Watson were versatile in forming a dependable back three. This group of young men worked well together and enjoyed the camaraderie of playing rugby. Many of them have the ability to do well in Senior rugby in the years to come. They will continue to develop their rugby skills and importantly develop the other skills that playing this great team sport brings. A.R.C.

The 2015-2016 season for the 3rd XV was not a record-breaking one in terms of results, however, as a

138

School Games

MEDALLION XV

The Medallion XV had a successful season reaching the Medallion Shield semi-final, losing only two games throughout the season. One of the highlights of the season came in the opening game against Ballyclare High School. The side was 10 points down with one minute to play, a converted try in this last minute reduced the deficit to just 3 points. BRA caught the ball from the restart deep inside their own 22, the side put the ball through what seemed like 100 phases as they inched their way down the pitch toward the Ballyclare try line until eventually they scored a try in the corner some 5 minutes into added time. Further victories in September were recorded over Wallace High School and Catholic University School before a narrow defeat to Methody. The winning spirit was once again evident in the Wallace game, the side having led the whole game, conceded a try with two minutes to play to go behind for the first time in the match. They kept their composure and managed to win a penalty in the last minute which was converted by Daniel Logan to regain the lead and ensure victory. October saw victories over Ballymena Academy and a draw with the Royal School Dungannon as well as victory over Bristol Grammar in a round-robin Tournament. November brought handsome wins against Ballymena Academy and Regent House and tight victories over Bangor Grammar, Down High School and Dalriada. This good form continued into December with comfortable victories over Coleraine Grammar School and Banbridge Academy and a tight win against Royal School Armagh in a fractious match. The weather took its toll in January with the side missing out on some matches including a local derby against highly fancied RBAI. The lack of matches in January did not knock the side off-track as their good form was carried into the opening Medallion Shield

match. The side was drawn at home to the Royal School Dungannon. This was a tricky tie against a good side, but a good performance ensured a comfortable 14-0 victory. The side was drawn at home to Coleraine Grammar School in the quarter finals. In very difficult conditions, the side controlled all aspects of the game and cruised to a 31-0 victory. Wallace High School were the opponents in the Shield semi-final at the neutral venue of Osbourne Park. The side got off to a slow start and allowed Wallace to score two first-half tries, BRA had only a penalty to show for their efforts at half-time. The occasion appeared to get to the boys. The second-half got off to a great start when an unconverted Tom Stewart try reduced the deficit. However, a quick reply by Wallace undid all the good work. The last 20 minutes of the game saw the Academy side find their stride and they dominated the game, an Adam Kane try following a clever cross-field kick from Harry Warke brought the side within a score, 20-15 but, unfortunately, that is as close as they would come. The Wallace defence held firm despite the best efforts of the Academy side. The side was captained from Hooker by Tom Stewart; a quiet player who led by example. He enjoys the physical side of the game and actively seeks out contact. He has a big future in the game and he will undoubtedly make a big impact in Senior rugby next year. He was joined in the front row by Ben Coleman, Michael Mahood and, later in the season, U14 players Rob Sturgess and Louis West. All four players made big contributions during the season. Regular faces in the engine room were Adam Keed, Michael Macormack, Jacob O’Neill and Philip O’Callaghan. Adam was excellent in both the lineout and open play, he is tall and athletic and thus a key man in the pack. Philip and Jacob played like an extra back row player they are industrious, aggressive and good ball carriers. Michael does not have the stereotypical physique of a second row but he still made an impact, he played well when called upon, particularly in the early season game against Wallace. The back row consisted of Charlie George at NO 8, with a combination of Dominic Rhodes, Simon Dalzell or Mark Mckillen completing the trio. Charlie was a main ball carrier, fast, dynamic and explosive he regularly got over the gain line. Dominic was one of the main targets in the lineout while Mark McKillen was our expert at stealing the ball. Simon is a versatile player who fitted anywhere into the back five of the scrum when required. Max Burton was the first choice scrum half. Unfortunately he struggled with a shoulder injury and missed the second-half of the season. He was replaced by Callum Davidson from the U14’s who proved to be an excellent deputy.

139

The Owl 2016 Harry Warke played at Out Half, not the quickest player on the pitch, he has an excellent rugby brain. His kicking out of hand was his major strength and got the side out of trouble on numerous occasions. Daniel Logan and Rory Linden played in the centre. Both are skilful players who linked well together causing defences much trouble. Daniel was also the side’s place kicker, he proved to be both consistent and reliable. Brandon Hassan and Aaron Heatley were the first choice wingers. Both are quick and agile and they scored some fantastic individual tries throughout the season. Luke Carlin also played some games on the wing, he is an aggressive direct runner who was at his best going forward with ball in hand. Adam Kane at full back was fearless in defence. He regularly made excellent covering tackles as the last line of defence. He also featured in the centre on a few occasions and he brought his tenacity in defence to that position also. Cameron White also featured in the back line on many occasions. He is a solid player who looks quite at home playing at both full back and out half.

undoubted highlight of the season was victory in a short game tournament against Campbell College and Methodist College Belfast, with the games ending 12-5 and 10-5 respectively. The team welcomed the return of Luca Johnston at centre and used their underdog status to their advantage; displaying great physicality and team spirit. William Irons was imperious during both matches where he was supported by a very able pack that included Caoimhin Gallagher, Kirk Mullally and Youcef Saied. Much improvement was observed amongst the Medallion squad as a whole; with players such as James Bryan, Aaron Heatley, Michael McCormack and Jacob O’Neill making significant inroads to the ‘A’ squad for the Shield. Special mention must go to Eoghan Watt (most improved player), and Cameron White (player of the season) who showed dedication and zeal throughout the year. I look forward to seeing the potential of this group fulfilled in the near future, and would finally like to thank all of the boys for their effort and enthusiasm this year. P.T.S

U14 A XV

It was great to be involved with this group of players and we look forward to watching them fulfil their promise in senior rugby. C.M.C. / S.T.P.

MEDALLION B XV

The Medallion ‘B’ team experienced an inconsistent season, with a lack of fixtures later in the calendar preventing a steady run of form. The team experienced early losses to Wallace and RBAI, but gained some confidence in a tight game against Campbell which included outstanding performances from Cameron White, Myles Ingram and Andrew Bassett. The

140

The U14 rugby teams performed very well this year. Both the A and B teams improved dramatically from the start of the season. It was very encouraging to see over 30 boys turning up to every practice. The pattern and structure to their games was evident. The highlight of the year was a well-deserved win over Campbell College at Roughfort. The team also had a very enjoyable trip to Cambridge at the end of the season. All the boys were fully committed and very enthusiastic throughout the season; this contributed greatly to a very enjoyable year. I have been in charge of this group of boys for two years and have enjoyed it thoroughly. It has been very encouraging to see their rugby improve and to see them mature into a very fine group of young men. I wish them well in their rugby careers. I.M.G.

School Games

U14 B XV

The Under 14 B rugby team had a period of mixed fortunes during the 2015-2016 season, experiencing a number of highs and lows. Notable victories throughout the season came against Ballyclare High School, Bangor Grammar, Down High School, Limavady Grammar, and an unforgettable last-minute victory against Campbell College. Unfortunately, these victories were interspersed with defeats against a number of schools. The season started with an outstanding victory against Ballyclare High School, 29-0. The Under 14 B team played with incredible skill and determination to dominate the entire game. Two tries from Ben Doherty, and one each from Joseph Anderson, Patrick Termini and Carter Moore ensured an emphatic and moraleraising win. The next game against MCB was an exceptionally close and keenly fought encounter. MCB led 7-0 at the break, even though BRA dominated possession and territory throughout the first-half. After MCB scored a very quick try early in the second-half, BRA responded with grit and determination to score a try through Daniel Fusco that their play thoroughly deserved. The game was on a knife-edge until the last minutes when MCB scored a couple of breakaway tries, when the BRA team with bruised and battered limbs, had nothing more to give.

conditions at Osbourne Park. It was extremely cold, wet and windy. In spite of the onset of hypothermia, the boys played extremely well to be winning 19-12 in injury time, through exceptional tries by Carter Moore, Tom Nicholl and Natham Ingram. However, a lapse in concentration resulted in a late and heartbreaking RBAI converted try. Luca Giannetto, Nik Kane and Daniel Fusco were exceptional during this match, showing great leadership, resolve and determination, despite the gruelling conditions. Tragedy turned to ecstasy during the next match against Campbell College. Losing 5 nil at half-time, due to a debatable try awarded by yours truly, the boys fought back to even up the score with Jordan McGuinness scoring a try. In the last play of the game the Under 14 B team powered forward with conviction and intent. They were rewarded for their efforts when Joseph Anderson touched down for a try in the 4th or 5th minute of time added on! In the last game of the season the team defeated Limavady 60-7, with Jordan McGuinness scoring a remarkable four tries. Nik Kane, when not playing for the A’s, captained the B side extremely well. He is a very talented and enthusiastic player who led by example when playing on the pitch. The vice-captain, Daniel Fusco, was also particularly impressive during the season with a number of ‘Man of the Match’ performances.In closing, apart from the boys, I am also indebted to the hard work and professionalism of my fellow coaches during the year; Mr McLoughlin, Mr McGonigle, Mr Ferguson, Mr McCarey and Mr Creighton. Their support, dedication and friendship made it a joy to be involved with coaching such a pleasant and enthusiastic group of boys. I wish the team well in their future rugby careers. T.H.

U13

The team suffered other defeats to Sullivan Upper and Ballymena Academy (Nathan Ingram and Daniel Erwin scored tries in these games).The team returned to winning ways against Bangor Grammar, 22-17, with two tries from Tom Nicholl and one from Nathan Ingram, and Down High School, 5-0, with Neil Og Martin scoring the only points. The next two games of the season with the Under 14 B team were two of my most memorable in my time coaching rugby at BRA. A 19-19 draw against RBAI at Osborne Park in late November, followed by a 10-5 win against Campbell at Roughfort in early January.The draw against RBAI was played in horrific

The 2015/16 season proved successful for the Under 13 A and B rugby teams. The strength of both sides is undoubtedly their ability to work together as a team.

141

The Owl 2016 The large group of players who made themselves available for both practices and matches meant we fielded strong teams and that other schools had problems matching our performance.

FORM I

Throughout the season the players showed improvement both in individual and unit skills, and played their rugby with undiminished enthusiasm and commitment. The forwards scrummaged well, despite often being smaller and lighter than those of the opposing schools. We tried to concentrate on fastmoving play, with quick rucked ball from the forwards supplying quality possession to the backs. When the boys used this tactic, they were often rewarded with significant opportunities to demonstrate skilful, running rugby. This pattern of play featured in some of their more impressive victories. The captains - Michael Harvey for the Under 13 A team and Robin Montgomery for the Under 13 B team – always led by example. Indeed, Michael is an exceptional talent and always played with fierce determination and courage. Robin was unlucky to get injured early in the season, but incredibly came back to fitness at the end of the season. He was a talisman in the B team – whether on the pitch or off it. Jude Moorehead ably captained the side in his absence and played a number of games on the A’s. I would like to commend the boys on their attitude and enthusiasm over the course of the season. The players always gave of their best and enjoyed a pleasing measure of success. Thanks are due to Mr Moles and Tait from New Zealand for their help with coaching the squad. Their knowledge and skills were invaluable. Thanks are also due to parents for their support on Saturday mornings and in their contribution in ensuring that all players were immaculately kitted out – often up to four times a week.

Player of the Year: Liam Davis Most Improved Player: Adam Monahan The U12 Rugby season began slightly earlier than usual with summer training sessions at Roughfort with Mr McLaughlin and the other coaches. Many of the side had not played before, but progressed quickly. In the small number of games that they had, they showed significant character and heart, mostly notably coming back from 5 tries behind to beat Down High in their second ever match. Following a disappointing Coleraine tournament, the boys travelled to Downpatrick to play in the Down High tournament. After an initial loss to Grosvenor, they beat Regent to qualify for the semi-final. In that semi-final they played Royal School Armagh, who had previously beaten them comfortably. The performance against Armagh was the highlight of the season, reversing the previous defeat by scoring 4 tries in a 22-0 win. Unfortunately, the boys were held up over the line in the final and lost 7-5 to the hosts, Down High. This is a talented group and I wish them well as they continue their school rugby careers. M.R.S.

O.T.M

142

School Games

GIRLS’ HOCKEY CLUB The 2015/16 season was undoubtedly the Girls’ Hockey Club’s most successful! Winning 3 league titles and finishing runners up in another! In addition, we were successful in retaining a Form 1 tournament trophy we had won the previous year. For the 2015/16 season we fielded 4 Senior and 4 Junior teams every Saturday in our block fixtures and we would field a 5th Senior team if the opposing school could. Also on a Saturday morning our Form I club ran every week with over 30 girls in attendance. The Form I team played a series of friendly matches against other schools starting with 7-a-side and gradually building up to 11-a-side in order to compete in the end of season tournaments. They performed well in the prestigious annual Grosvenor tournament, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing only one of their group matches, unfortunately not enough to progress through to the next round. In the annual Carrick tournament they won all of their matches to win the Cup and retain the trophy which BRA had won for the first time the previous year. Congratulations to all our girls who achieved representative honours at Belfast Schools’ U15 level included, Amy Bradley, Ellie Bradley, Harriet Dougan, Julia Uprichard and Niamh McIvor. Harriet Dougan, Julia Uprichard and Niamh McIvor were selected for an Ulster U16 trial and all 3 earned themselves a place in the final Ulster training panel. Harriet Dougan and

Niamh McIvor progressed on to be selected for the Ulster U16 squad that played a 3 match series against Scotland in Glasgow. At U17 level we had Irish Alvarado, Charlotte Anderson, Trintiy Geddis and Alice Reid represent Belfast Schools. Charlotte, Trinity and Alice were all selected for an Ulster U17 trial. Alice Reid was selected for the final squad and travelled to Lilleshall for a series of matches against England and also travelled to Cardiff for a 3 match series against Wales. At U18 Erin Getty represented Northern Ireland at the UK School Games at the very beginning of the 2015/16 season. Erin then went on to play in the annual Interprovincial tournament with Ulster U18. From this Erin earned an Irish U18 trial and was selected to played in a 3 match series for Ireland against Scotland. To be selected for the final Ireland U18 team that played in the European Championships in Cork in the summer capped off a fantastic season for Erin. The Owl’s Cup is presented every year to the most successful team in the School and this year it was won by the 1st XI. N.N.

143

The Owl 2016

1ST XI Played: 25

Won: 19

Drawn: 1

Lost: 4

SQUAD: Abbie Brown (Captain), Alice Reid, Anna Wilson, Beth Magill, Charlotte Anderson, Erin Getty, Judithe Allen, Julia Uprichard, Lucy Miller, Lucy Stewart, Megan Geddis, Naomi McGuckin, Sasha Lawther, Savannah Thompson, Trinity Geddis. The 1st XI 2015/16 season, captained by Abbie Brown in her 4th season as a 1st XI player, statistically reads as an excellent season. This was what we had hoped to achieve as we were building on the work which was done the previous year with a young team. The 2015/16 Hockey season was the inaugural year for the Belfast Schools’ Girls 1st XI Hockey League, culminating in a league cup final played between the teams finishing first and second. As we finished second this meant that we still had a chance of winning the trophy if we could defeat MCB. Methody had beaten us at the quarter-final stage of the Schools’ Cup but it had taken penalty strokes to separate us on that occasion. Methody had gone on to win the Schools’ Cup and indeed the All-Ireland trophy as Ulster representatives. Being All-Ireland champions undoubtedly added an extra incentive for us to beat

144

them in the final and gave an edge to the match. After going a goal down in the first-half of the final, the BRA team displayed tremendous character and determination to score an equaliser in the second-half, through Judithe Allen, who was playing in her last match for BRA! Again we finished 1-1 after normal time and extratime was required. Rather than face penalty strokes again, we put all of our efforts into playing attacking hockey, in an attempt to win the match. Every BRA player showed grit and determination, and they got their rewards when Alice Reid scored our second goal in the first-half of extra time. This goal proved enough to win the game, and to make sure that the Cup was going home with us! A fantastic victory in which every member of the squad played their part, in what was a real team effort! The season finished for the squad with a successful and enjoyable trip to Edinburgh. Erin Getty finished the 1st XI top scorer and won the ‘Player’s Player of the year’ which was presented at our end of season dinner.

N.N.

School Games

2A XI Played:16

Won:9

Drawn:3

2B XI Lost:4

SQUAD:Irish Alvarado, Jayne Bassett, Sarah Cowden, Ellen Dalzell, Laura Fleck, Rebecca Harbinson (Captain), Amy O’Donnell, Beth Magill, Hannah Marshall, Clara Montgomery, Katie Ritchie. The team, captained by Rebecca Harbinson in her last year at BRA, had a good combination of younger and experienced players. The 2A’s statistics for 2015/16 season read well, winning 9 of their 16 matches and drawing 3.They finished 2nd in their South Antrim league losing only to Ballyclare High by a single goal. First half of the season wins against Belfast High, Glenlola Collegiate, Bloomfield Collegiate and Antrim Grammar, had instilled confidence in the team leading into their cup match! We had got a ‘bye’ in the first round but a draw in the second round away to Down High was a tough draw.The girls could not have played better on the day and produced an excellent 3-0 win to take us into the 3rd round. Another tough draw meant we had to play Victoria College away! This proved a great match with ‘end to end’ action producing a 2-2 draw after extra time. Unfortunately the match had to be decided on penalty strokes and Victoria College held their nerve to beat us 3-2 and progress to the next round. Following this exit form the Cup, wins against Grosvenor Grammar, Portadown College and Larne Grammar ended the season on a positive note and undoubtedly the best season from a 2A’s in quite some time! Captain Rebecca Harbinson won the 2A’s ‘Player’s player of the year’!

Captain: Maria Del-Castillo The 2B’s, captained by Maria Del Castillo, had a very successful season with wins against: Antrim Grammar (3-0), Portadown College (3-1), Bloomfield Collegiate (1-0) and Larne Grammar (2-1). The team competed in the 3rdXI Cup and played against Methody, Strathern and Sullivan in the group stage. Unfortunately, we did not progress from the group stages. The players bonded well as a team and every player showed enthusiasm, commitment and dedication in training sessions. The team worked hard this season to improve their skills and fitness and this hard work was reflected on the pitch on Saturday morning. I would like to make special thanks to our captain, Maria Del-Castillo for her organisation and cheerful manner which she used to encourage and motivate the team throughout the season. Well done to all on a successful and enjoyable season and I look forward to watching them progress over the next season. P.R.C.

U15 XI

N.N.

145

The Owl 2016 Captain: Thomasa Kennedy

U13A XI

This season proved to be a most enjoyable experience for the team with a very encouraging set of results only to be improved on next year. The team was dedicated to their training and worked hard to improve upon their skills and standard of play. They were very enthusiastic, energetic and a pleasure to work with. There was great team morale and special thanks must go to Thomasa for motivating and organising the team. I wish all the members every success for the future and know that with their positive attitudes and determination they will continue to succeed. P.R.C.

U14A XI Played:13

Won: 9

Drew: 4

Lost:0

Players’ Player of the Year: Erin McQuiston Top Goal Scorer: Niamh McIvor Most Improved Player: Erin McQuiston Captain: Megan Warke Vice-Captain: Niamh McIvor Squad: Scarlett Armstrong, Emma Dobbin, Erin McQuiston, Megan Warke, Ella Harvey, Monica Del Castillo, Ellie Collins, Olivia Thompson, Kerry Uprichard, Abbie Baxter, Niamh McIvor, Holly Adair, Emma Uprichard, Ruby Dougan. Captain’s Report

An outstanding season for the U14 A team, captained by Julia Uprichard, saw them lose just two matches all season; one of which was in the Junior Cup away to Armagh in extra-time. One of their most memorable matches was a 1-0 win over Ballyclare High, the goal coming from a superb strike by Rachel Duff. They went on to win all of their South Antrim League matches which made them undoubted champions! Sophie Mills finished Top Goal Scorer on 11 with Julia Uprichard finishing just one behind on 10 goals. The Players’ Player of the year was goal keeper Wrianne Salvatierra. The Most Improved player was Sophie Bloomfield. N.N.

This year the U13A team had a very good season with everyone regularly attending training and encouraging each other to play well in our matches. There has been a good improvement in our game, with players linking together well and this resulted in a lot more goals being scored. The season started off with a draw against Methody which the team was reasonably pleased about. Our next match was our first league match that was against Belfast High, we got off to a good start, winning 3-0. Our next three matches were against Glenlola - won 4-0, Bloomfield Collegiate - won 2-0 and Strathearn - drew 1-1. Following that run of successful results we then knew we had two tough matches ahead of us. Antrim Grammar which was a 0-0 draw and Ballyclare High School a 1-0 win. There were then five more friendly matches to be played. We won four of these and drew one. Our last match of the season was in the League against Larne Grammar. We had to win to have a chance of winning the League. We did, with a 4-0 result; this meant we finished first in the league! Everyone was really delighted. The whole team would like to say a massive thank you to our coaches Miss Brady and Miss Allen for

146

School Games teaching us new skills and helping to build trust and teamwork in each other. I have thoroughly enjoyed this season and I hope we will continue to improve our skills and use them to make next year another successful season. Megan Warke The U13A team enjoyed a successful season. This was down to the dedication and hard work that each player put in throughout the year. Their commitment in trying to improve individual skills and team work were second to none. Special thanks must go to Megan Warke who made an excellent captain and Niamh McIvor vice-captain for motivating and encouraging their team. The team won the South Antrim Schools’ League winning against Belfast High (3-0), Ballyclare High (1-0) and Larne Grammar (4-0), drawing with Antrim Grammar (0-0). I would like to congratulate Niamh McIvor who was selected for the U15 Talent Development Programme and Ulster U16 Squad. There was a marked improvement in the standard of hockey at U13 level. Team morale and spirit remained high throughout the season, conveyed through matches and attendance at extra training sessions. It was a great pleasure to work with such a dedicated and energetic group of girls. K.E.B.

U13B XI

Squad: Erin Lavery, Eve Patterson-Wilson, Rebecca Greer, Rebecca Parkes, Chloe Spence, Katie-Rose Massey, Ruby Dougan, Aoife Corry, Eden McCoubrey, Jessica Porter, Kaitlin McCalmont, Rachel Greer, Megan Bloomfield, Amy Harper, Samantha Cassidy-Campbell, Lauren Hetherington, Molly Noble, Lucy McMahon-Beattie, Bryanna Catney, Olivia Crowe. Captain’s Report The U13B team had a fairly successful season. We started the season with a draw against Methody (0-0) which was a good start against a strong team. We then went on to achieve wins against Bloomfield (2-0) and Glenlola (3-0). Throughout the season the U13B team players were hard-working in all weather conditions. As the season progressed we may have got a bit complacent, however, this did not stop us from ending the season with wins against Grosvenor (3-0) and Larne (1-0).

Played: 11

Won: 4

Drew: 3

Lost:4

Players’ Player of the Year: Kaitlin McCalmont Top Goal Scorer: Megan Bloomfield Most Improved Player: Rebecca Greer Captain: Kaitlin McCalmont Vice-Captain: Rachel Greer

During this year we think that the team has improved in many aspects of our play and overall we have enjoyed being part of such a hard-working team. We hope that next season we can achieve more wins to show the hard work we have put in all year round. Kaitlyn McCalmont & Rachel Greer The U13B team had a tough season, given such a dedicated and hard-working group of girls. However, many matches were extremely closely contested and the team always worked hard until the final whistle.

147

The Owl 2016 Attendance at training was excellent and a great deal of work was devoted to improving both skills and fitness. I know that next season, the team will continue to progress and the results will only get better. Many thanks go to the girls for their effort this season. I would also like to thank Miss Allen for all of her coaching and umpiring throughout the year. K.E.B.

OWLS LADIES HOCKEY CLUB Owls Ladies Hockey Club had another great season in 2015/16 with the 1st XI gaining promotion the previous year we maintained our position in Senior 2 for the upcoming season. The 2nd XI reached the final of the Minor Plate Competition. This season was also the first year we had gained a 3rd XI team for many years and we will continue next season with three teams. This has shown that as a club we have gone from strength to strength. This is facilitated by our 3 coaches as well as our goalkeeping coach who work to develop players of all abilities. We hope that this season will bring even more success for all our players and welcome new players, coaches and club volunteers to get involved. Training Times: Monday: 7.00pm-9.00pm Roughfort playing fields (astro) Wednesday: 7.45pm-9.30pm Roughfort playing fields (astro).

OWLS LADIES JUNIOR HOCKEY Owls Ladies Junior section has had another very successful season in 2015/16, both catering for and developing the hockey and social skills of girls aged 6-15.We currently have a budding Miniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s section for girls aged 6-11 where the girls experience hockey through a range of progressive drills and games led by experienced coaches. The girls have had great fun this year, with P6/P7 taking part in Ulster Hockey Blitz days, P4-P7 taking part in friendly tournaments and developing friendships through a range of social events.

In addition, we have growing U13 and U15 sections with numbers increasing every season. Our U13 girls take part in Ulster Hockey Blitz days and our U15 team takes part in the Ulster Hockey Development league, gaining match experience and developing their love for the sport. This season we hosted a number of special events including an Easter camp, friendly tournaments and had the pleasure of experiencing a special training session led by 1992 Olympic Bronze medallist Jackie McWilliams and 2016 Olympic athlete from team GB, Mark Gleghorne. We hope the 2016/17 season will bring great success and the girls continue to foster their love of hockey. Training information can be seen below: Under 13, 15 and P4-P7: Wednesdays 6.30-7.30pm BRA Playing Fields, Mallusk. (Astroturf Pitch) Minis (P2-P7): Saturdays 10.30-11.30 BRA Playing Fields, Mallusk. (Gravel Pitch). For further information please contact: owlsladieshockeyclub@hotmail.com

148

School Games

BOYS’ HOCKEY 1ST XI The question is always asked; ‘Well, did you have a successful season?’ It depends on how you define and measure success, would be my answer. “Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” Orison Swett Marden “Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.”– Winston Churchill Both quotations I feel have some truth with regard to the 1st XI Boys’ Hockey team this past season. During the first term our focus was, as always, on the Prior Shield group matches. We were placed in a group that we knew would have several unpredictable matches; teams which ‘on their day’ would be very

difficult and others that we were confident we could compete well against. Our target has always been qualification for the semi-finals, through winning the group. We started exceptionally well, with a 1-0 victory away to Antrim, which turned out to be the most pulsating, hard-fought and most satisfying win and performance of the season. Both teams were aware that a defeat in the opening-group game made qualification very difficult, so chances were limited and it turned into a hard-fought midfield battle. Several of their players suffered injuries early in the game and play was stopped, which disrupted the flow of the match. However, against the run of play, David McClements managed to direct a hard cross played across the front of goal into the net. This slender lead was taken into half-time. The second-half consisted of sustained pressure from the Antrim attack, with it getting more difficult to play the ball out of defence and try to counter attack. With 10 minutes remaining Antrim scored, only for the goal to be disallowed by the umpires. Tension was high and it seemed inevitable that an equaliser would be conceded. On the final whistle, a penalty stroke was awarded to Antrim and all hope of victory was gone. However, the Antrim striker flicked the ball wide and the final whistle was blown, followed by relief and celebrations from our players.

149

The Owl 2016 ‘The courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds’ - so true.

COLTS

The victory gave renewed motivation and belief that the Prior Shield semi-finals were achievable. However, the second group match against Ballycastle, away, could not have been a more contrasting match. A 4-0 defeat against a side that we had competed well against and beaten in recent years, consisting of one very good player in midfield, was very disappointing for all involved. The motivation, desire and team spirit that had been so evident against Antrim, had all but disappeared. With one win and one loss, we knew that the next two matches would have to be won in order to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages. Our next opponents were Friends’ at home. The firsthalf performance was excellent and a superb goal from Kurtis Taylor put us in the lead at half-time. However, early in the second-half Friends’ equalised after some good possession and better technical players. We knew that victory was needed and in the closing 10 minutes the team performed well to create chances to win, but no avail and the match finished 1-1. It was disappointing because the good team spirit, determination and commitment was shown by the team again, but ‘success’ in terms of the result was not achieved. The last group match was against Methody at Mossley HC. In a very open game from the start, we won 5-3, which was a good way to end the Prior Shield campaign, even though we knew that qualification was now beyond us. Two goals from Brandon Binnie and one each from Ryan Lightowler, Jason Roe and Kurtis Taylor helped to reinstate a positive team spirit after some inconsistent performances. We were entered into two cups in the second-half of the season - the Dowdall and the Burney. Unfortunately two 2-0 losses to Methody and Antrim resulted in our exit from both competitions. These results were particularly disappointing because we had beaten both teams in the Prior Shield earlier in the season. Lack-lustre performances in both games and the failure to raise the level of performance for a big Cup match were disappointing to watch. Throughout the season the team was led well by captain John Miller. John has served the Boys’ Hockey Club since Form I and led by example, with commitment, perseverance and skill. He was encouraging, inspiring and enthusiastic in all that he did and brought good humour to the group. Consistent performances from MVI pupils Adam Stronge, defence, David McClements, midfield and Ryan Lightowler, forward, helped bring experience and leadership to the team. With only 4 MVI players leaving, the majority of the team has gained valuable experience and, with a good group of Middle school players stepping up into Senior hockey, next season looks promising. K.L.

150

The Colts Hockey team is made up of Form IV and V players with the occasional Form III boy included. The 2015-16 was a season of rebuilding for the Colts as several of the players from last year were now ineligible due to their age. The first half of the year consisted of friendlies against Regent, Wallace, Grosvenor, Friends, Methody and Kilkeel. The boys showed exceptional character during the matches especially as several of the boys were new to the faster pace of Colts Hockey. The second half of the season saw the beginning of the group stages of the Taylor Cup. The Academy began the campaign with very high expectations, as we finished runners-up in this tournament last year. The competition kicked off with two fixtures against last year’s champions Markethill High School. The first match was played at Mossley Hockey Club, with the boys losing narrowly 1-0. The game was very close, as we had several opportunities to draw and even win the game. The away match wasn’t as close with the team losing 3-0. The next match for the Colts was away to Craigavon Senior High. Unfortunately the boys were hit on the break twice by fast counter-attacks and only managed to score one goal in response. This result knocked us out of the tournament and dashed the boys’ hopes of winning the competition this year. All of the boys have been fully committed and worked extremely hard throughout the course of the season and I look forward to working with them again next year. D.D.M.

School Games

JUNIOR XI

did play a role outfield in the Cup matches and showed not a little ability. His fitness was by a distance the best within the group and he had good stick skills to boot. Mathew Logan started the season at right back but he too tried his hand at goalkeeper. When playing outfield Matthew needs to be a bit more circumspect when he tackles. He had a tendency to overcommit and dive into tackles. He needs to work on moving his feet a bit better in defence to avoid doing this. Ben Watt occupied a position at sweeper. Ben has better stick skills that most of his peers and also strikes the ball well. However, he tended to be a bit too circumspect in possession and needs to improve his mobility if he is to be more effective for the team. Leo Millard was another who played in the back four. He was a disciplined marker and a good tackler. However, he needs to improve his distribution on the ball, in particular, he needs to develop a better slap hit to relieve pressure.

The 2015-16 season was a challenging one in terms of the results achieved by the team, but tangible progress was made by the boys and many made significant improvement in their technical ability over the course of the year. The team took a number of different forms and spanned boys from three different year groups. There were four Form III boys who featured in the side. At the back Chris Pollock was a strong physical presence and was brave in his defending. He needs to work a bit on his distribution and get a little more subtlety in his play. In midfield the nucleus of the team was David Russell and Owen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Kane. These are two very different players, with different qualities but were both integral to the operation. David is a physical player, who had a very combative style and a great engine. He showed good leadership qualities and was always competitive. He needs to develop a little bit more composure on the ball, as he had a tendency to panic a little in possession. Owen is a very tidy player with good stick skills. He did show composure on the ball and as such was a good foil for David. However, he needs to develop a little bit more strength and steel on the ball, if he is to be more effective. The other Form III was Ryan McBride, who plied his trade up-front. His greatest asset was his speed, but he also had good instinctive positional sense, as such he was always a threat to the opposition defences on the counter attack. He needs a bit more discipline, as he had a tendency to allow his frustration to get the better of him on occasion. The Form II boys were the largest contingent in the side. Unfortunately we lost the services of Alex Dowds and Peter McKillen to rugby during the season. Alex in particular was a significant loss as he had shown in an early season match against Wallace that he was technically a very good player. In the same match against Wallace, Ciaran Dixon made a rare appearance away from the velodrome. As such he was able to make his debut as a goalkeeper. He acquitted himself very well all things considered, pulling off one remarkable save. Not available on Saturdays, Ciaran

Darren Osborne was arguably the most improved player over the course of the season. He had a habit of losing concentration and could over carry the ball, but he has a very good competitive instinct and his stick skills and distribution improved a lot over the course of the year. Lok Man Kung started up with hockey this year and proved to be a useful addition to the team. He was technically sound and had a good engine but he had a tendency to let his head drop a little when the opposition got on top in matches. Of the Form II players Isaac Walsh was the leading scorer. Isaac is strong and quick and had the ability to strike a good ball. He was sometime guilty of trying to do too much with the ball and over dribbling, while he needs to work on his hitting to make it much more consistent. There were a number of Form I boys, who under Dr. Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tutelage emerged as vital cogs for the team as the season progressed. Adam Finnegan is a determined boy, who showed discipline in his defending and tenacity in his tackling. He needs to be a bit more of a presence vocally on the pitch and get a bit more strength and speed in his passing if he is to realise his full potential. Adam McCabe has a good instinct for the game and took up intelligent positions on the pitch. He operated in midfield and brought much to the game. He needs, like his name sake, to improve upon his ball speed if he is to make significant progress next year. Joshua Donnelly filled one of the forward positions. He is a very competitive boy whose basic stick skills are sound. However, he needs to work on improving his body position to better protect possession of the ball. Thomas Crowe played most of his hockey for the team at left back. He is a good tackler and also judges well when to step off his man and address the ball carrier. Sometimes however, this leads to one of his downfalls as he can get caught ball watching and lose track of the player he is supposed to mark. I would like to thank the boys for their efforts during the course of the year; it is my hope that they derived

151

The Owl 2016 enjoyment from the games, even in the face of the occasional heavy defeat. I hope they stick at it and see some improvement both individually and as a unit over the next few years. In order to achieve this improvement, it is strongly recommended that as many of the boys as possible join a local hockey club to compliment the coaching and involvement they get in school. M.G.H.

MARK LONG The Boys’ Hockey Club would like to take this opportunity to pay their respects to the late Mark Long for his long-serving dedication and commitment to Boys’ Hockey at Belfast Royal Academy. He worked tirelessly for over twenty years to keep Boys’ Hockey alive and enjoyable for all participants. He was the backbone of the Club, which involved organising fixtures, practices and tours on an annual basis. There are many expressions and sayings that always make us smile for those who were fortunate enough to be involved with him on the hockey pitch or in places like Edinburgh, Oxford or Amsterdam on the numerous hockey tours that he organised. Shaking hands with the hockey teacher at Raphoe. ‘… let’s have some more Christy…’ ‘…ok, see you in the morning for breakfast…’ ‘…another one on the bursar….’ Boys’ Hockey at the Academy will always be in debt to Mark for all that he did for a sport that he loved so dearly. B.M.M.

152

School Games

CRICKET 1ST XI Captain: Connor Boyd Played 11 Won 10 Lost 1 2016 Schools’ Cup Winners ‘If you've ever won a championship, then that's all you're interested in doing.’ Bill Parcell (American Football Coach) The above summarised the attitude of the 1stst XI to the retention of the 2015 Schools’ Cup. From that victorious squad, we had lost Andrew Forbes, David Reid, Andrew Palmer and Christian O’Connor but gained Zarar Khan, Bradley Luney, Robbie Moffett, James McMahon-Beattie, Harry Warke and Brandon Doyle. The season began in February with indoor practice in the Sports Hall, which were the best attended practices that I can remember. The pre-season friendly was against Academy Cricket Club, a very effective bowling and fielding performance leading to a 5 wicket victory. First up on the School’s fixture list was last year’s beaten finalists Campbell College. A poor bowling and fielding performance allowed Campbell to score 175 in their 25 overs, despite James McMahon-Beattie taking 3-17. In reply, we were struggling at 62 for 5 after 13 overs but,

in an innings eerily similar to the last year’s cup final, Francis Collins scored a majestic 85 not out to guide us to victory with a few balls to spare. A comfortable 7 wicket win over Ballyclare High followed before we travelled to Lisburn to face the much-fancied Wallace High in the second round of the Cup (having been seeded in the first round). We lost the toss against Wallace and were inserted to bat. An impressive opening partnership of 85 by Collins (54) and Jack Burton (38) was the central part of our 152-8. This score did not bat us out of the game and we knew that our fielding and bowling would have to be at its best. Thankfully, Michael Wilson blew the Wallace top order away with a great spell of quick bowling; he took 4-17 off 7 to nick the man of the match award in a 78 run win. Another comfortable victory followed against Friends’ before our Quarter Final of the Cup, against Foyle College. Having won the toss, we allowed them to race to 46 for 0 before Connor Boyd took the key wicket of Irish international, Andrew Austin. As was the hallmark of the season, once we had a route in, we were clinical in dismissing Foyle for 97 and went on to win by 5 wickets. A victory over Wallace and a narrow defeat against RBAI followed before our semi-final against Campbell College at the Castle. On a damp pitch, Campbell was delighted to win the toss and bowl. Unfortunately they ran into an inspired Francis Collins (82) and Jack Burton (68) who put 169 on for the first wicket. Some impetus from Max Burton (23)

153

The Owl 2016

and Connor Boyd (53no) took us to 263-5 in our 40 overs, the highest team score I remember in my time at the Academy. We followed this up by a very professional bowling and fielding performance to win by 144 runs, a huge margin for a Schools’ Cup semifinal. Shortly after the game had finished, we realised that the undefeated RBAI had beaten Grosvenor by 7 wickets in the semi-final and would be our opponents at Muckamore Cricket Club in the final. In preparation for the final, we beat Bangor Grammar School by 79 runs with Max Burton scoring 62 not out, an indicator of what was to follow. Following a team lunch, a tradition before cup games, we made our way to Muckamore Cricket Club where we lost the toss and were put into the field. With the exception of the wicket of the dangerous Hume, the first 12 overs did not proceed as planned, some impressive batting by Inst. had led them to 77-1 off 12 and we were looking at chasing a score in excess of 250. The next 7 balls changed the game. Jack Burton produced a jaffa to dismiss the set Lightbody for 31 and the next ball dismissed McNamara for 0. In the first ball of the next over, Collins had Mellor caught on the boundary by Moffett for 41. 77-1 became 81-4. Tight bowling by our unit: Boyd, McMahon-Beattie, Jack Burton, Collins, Wilson and McLarnon ensured that we restricted Inst. to 158, around 100 runs short of what they might have expected after the start. Despite this turnaround, on a slow wicket with aspects of variable bounce, this score was still around par. As

154

in 2015, we lost early wickets, slipping to 44-4 including the crucial losses of Collins, Jack Burton and Boyd, the heroes of the semi-final. From there, opinion polls would have suggested that we were significant underdogs but these polls did not allow for Form IV’s Max Burton. Inspired perhaps by Collins in 2015, his brother with the ball earlier in the day, or many other performances from this team when the chips were down, Max batted for the remainder of the day. He was the mainstay of an innings which crept to 72-5 (Osborne out), 94-6 (McLarnon), 140-7 (Moffett) before inching over the line together with Michael Wilson. Max finished 78 not out, out of a total of 160 and even got (invented?) his own hashtag, #maxyb78. Despite hitting a 6 which nearly broke the hand of the watching Warden, Mrs Weir, he was rightly awarded the Man of the Match award. I know that he would be the first to congratulate the rest of his teammates, notably Collins (18, 1-14, a catch and a run out), his brother Jack (3-38), Boyd (6-1-7-1) and his partners in significant stands: Moffett, McLarnon and Osborne, who had been so influential the year before. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank a number of people: Dr Louis Campbell, for his enthusiastic support; the boys’ parents, apart from whom we would not have had these opportunities; Mitch Dickeson, for his coaching expertise; Anton Gaw, for preparing the Castle for fixture, despite the challenges brought by weather and finally, all those who attended any of the games to support.

School Games

One looks back at a very successful season and reflects on the importance of the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tenacity and team spirit at four key points: the Collins inspired victory against Campbell in the first game, the turnaround against Foyle after a very poor start, the retention of composure in the face of an explosive start to the Inst., innings in the Cup final and the gritty composure of Max Burton and others in getting us over the line in

COLTS XI The U15 Colts XI had a very successful season. An early victory against Ballyclare and Campbell College set the team up well. The team itself was made up of some very talented and exciting cricketers who have a bright future in the game.

An early game against Wallace High School showed clearly that this was a very talented team. The game was won by 4 wickets, highlighted with Harry Warke scoring 66 runs and Robbie Moffett taking 2 wickets. Following this we played, Friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; School Lisburn, winning comfortably scoring 130 runs. Moving into the first round of the Cup competition, expectation was high. The first game came against Strabane. Max Burton scored 40 runs to give a solid platform. Robbie Moffett took several wickets. The game was won by 30 runs giving an excellent start to the Cup campaign. that final. I hope that those who were involved in this team realise the importance of their competitiveness, team spirit, enthusiasm and belief, especially in difficult circumstances and continue this in their lives, sporting and otherwise. They were led by an outstanding captain and were a pleasure to coach. I trust that the 2016 season will live long in their memories. M.R.S.

The next Cup game was against Campbell College. Having won the toss the team decided to Bat first. Harry Warke had another fantastic innings scoring 99 runs with Max Burton also batting superbly scoring 54. A target of 184 was set for Campbell to win. Excellent fielding and excellent bowling by Rory Linden taking three wickets, gave a victory by 113 runs. A fantastic start. A friendly game against Bangor gave the opportunity to play other members of the squad before the next

155

The Owl 2016 Cup game. Bangor opened the batting scoring 39 all out; the highlight being Oran Corry taking 6 wickets. Tom Stewart opened the batting and scored 22 not out, closely followed by Rory Linden scoring 14 not out. The victory by 9 wickets was very pleasing. The next Cup game came against a strong Methodist College Belfast team. BRA won the toss and chose to bat first. The team scored 98, with Max Burton scoring 22, Robbie Moffett 18 and Rory Linden 19. Two early wickets by Rory Linden gave a very positive start. However, Methody had a strong middle order and went on to win the game by 7 wickets. This was a disappointing way to exit the Cup but the players had given their all. This was a very successful season. I would like to thank all the players for all of their hard work and efforts. Harry Warke, Max Burton and Robbie Moffet excelled in all the games they played for this team. Their cricket experience and talent was invaluable on many occasions. There were notable performances throughout the season by Ethan Thompson, Joshua Ritchie, Luca Johnston, Oliver Allen, Oran Corry, Tom Stewart, Aaron Heatley and Tom Spence. Many of these players have a bright future. I look forward to seeing them play next season.

against Methody. Unfortunately due to time factors, the final could not be played and so the Shield was shared between the two teams. There were a number of impressive contributions with bat and ball during this unbeaten run in the shield. Nik Kane and Ollie Parkes consistently scored well and were backed up by Ryan Jameson, Andrew Greer and Adam Lamb. The bowling attack was spearheaded by Ollie Parkes and Patrick George who regularly put the opposition under pressure by taking wickets regularly and conceding very few runs. This created a platform for the spinners, Andrew Greer and Nik Kane, to wrap up the innings of the opposition. The team deserves high praise and we would like to thank all of the players who made this a successful and fun season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Andrew Greer, Joel Miller, Joel Clarke, Ben Brown, Jack Davis, Jude McCracken, Ben Dougherty, Max Hopkins, Scott Kelly, Joseph Anderson and Callum Davidson. The team would like to thank their coaches for their dedication and commitment, namely Mr Creighton (Jr), Mitch, Tate and especially Dr McMurray.

D.J.C. Nik Kane (IV) /Ollie Parkes (IV)

JUNIOR COLTS XI

This year was very promising with the team, yet again, improving on their previous seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performances. Competition for places was one of the reasons for these improved performances as some new players shone with both bat and ball. The season got off to a good start with a comfortable win against Ballyclare High School. Unfortunately over the next couple of weeks the level of intensity dropped resulting in the team losing in the first round of the Cup competition. It was a disappointing result, but the team picked themselves up and never really looked back since that defeat. They competed in the Shield competition and went on an unbeaten run which saw them reach the final. They beat Campbell College, Coleraine and Parkhall Integrated to set up a final

156

JUNIOR XI

Captain: Max Braniff Played: 12 Won: 4

Lost: 8

The playing record would suggest that the 2016 season was not a vintage one for the second year pupils. However, considering the side managed only one victory as a Form I side, significant progress was made during the season. Aside from a couple of comprehensive defeats to the cricketing powerhouses of RBAI and Campbell, the latter unceremoniously ending our run in the Mourne Plate, the rest of the games were very competitive. Indeed if the progress made this season is complemented by boys getting involved with clubs and playing cricket over the summer, I think this group of players is capable of being above.500, to use a baseball term, next season.

School Games As a side we were a better bowling unit, than batting. The bowling was blessed with a good amount of variety. Max Braniff was our quickest bowler and often opened the bowling. He was consistent and accurate and could often be relied upon to remove some of the opposition top-order batsmen. Tom Davis, who at the start of the year had opted to do athletics, returned to cricket after a few matches. He soon settled in to become a great foil for Max as his opening partner. He too was steady and accurate and moved the ball a little both ways. His 4 overs for 9 runs against Grosvenor was a particularly impressive display. As a player Tom needs to work on following through with his delivery. Too often at the minute he just stops as soon as he delivers the ball. Following through will add more pace to his bowling and make him even more of a handful for the opposing batsmen. Sam Caldwell, once a chinamen bowler, then a left arm pace bowler, ended the season a slow left arm bowler. As you might assume he struggled a bit with consistency. On his day he was deadly – his 3 wicket haul against Friends’ evidence of this. His performance against Grosvenor summed the season up well. Bowling pace his first over went for 12 and, as he was about to be removed from the attack, Mr. McCallen (he of the 225 Irish caps) stepped in to persuade him to bowl slow left arm. His last 3 overs went for 10 runs and he picked up a wicket, bowling with flight and guile. I hope Sam will continue to work at his spin bowling as it does show genuine promise. Noah Davis and Sam McConnell would compete for the title of most improved bowlers. Noah bowled left arm seam and, like his twin brother Tom could do more work on his follow through. His bowling improved steadily during the season, culminating in a fine display against Limavady where he removed their 2 key batsmen and returned figures of 3 overs 2 wickets for 3 runs to set up a comfortable, season ending victory. Sam McConnell viewed more as a batsmen than a bowler at the start of the year got his chance when Max Braniff’s abacus broke against Bangor. The home side needed 6 runs to win with 4 wickets in hand of the final over. Of our recognised bowlers Evan Robinson had one over left, but having bowled the 19th over was unable to bowl the last. The ball was thrown to Sam and 2 run outs and 3 runs later victory was ours. To show that it was no fluke he followed it up with 2-13 of 4 overs against Grosvenor and bowled 3 frugal overs in the win over Limavady. Michael Harvey was our most consistent bowler. He could always be relied on to bowl a good line and length and conceded fewer wides than all of his peers. His best bowling performance came in the Mourne Plate against Regent where he bowled 4 overs, 3 maidens, taking 4 wickets for 2 runs. He was also our best all round fielder.Evan Robinson was the other frequently used bowler. Like Michael, he gave very few extras away. His best showing was his 2 wicket haul against a very strong Methody side.

Alex Dowds was our first choice wicket keeper. He was very enthusiastic and willing to improve his technique all the time. Sometimes he had a tendency to stand a little too far back, which meant he was often taking the balls on or after the second bounce. He needs to be more confident in his abilities and stand up closer to the wicket if he is to reduce the amount of byes he concedes. In general the ground fielding of the side was pretty good, but the catching at times was poor. No more clearly was this seen than in the heavy defeat to RBAI. The RBAI openers put on 168 and were without doubt as good an opening pair as we faced. However, we made the task a lot more difficult for ourselves by dropping several catches, some of which we didn’t even lay a hand on. The old adage that catches win matches is true and if they are to improve upon their playing record as a side this element of our game has to improve. Onto the batting and the skipper by a distance led the way here. Max scored 20 or over on 6 separate occasions, no-one else got past 20 more than twice. Max always scored his runs at a quick pace and is a very talented batsman. However, if we are to be critical, you would have to say it is very disappointing than having got to 20 so many times his highest score was 34. If we are to win more games he needs to bat a bit more responsibly and selfishly and ensure he turns these good starts into big scores of 50 or more. Many of the others showed glimpses of their abilities, but were too inconsistent. Sam Caldwell was 24* in a losing battle against Grosvenor. Michael Harvey and Noah Davis batted well together scoring 34* and 25* respectively against Methody, which was noteworthy as a game for Max being run out without facing a ball. Tom Davis scored 21 to get us to a defendable total in the win over Bangor. Evan Robinson scored a well measure 16* in the win against Regent. However, the fact remains that these innings were islands in a vast ocean of low scores. As a side we need to work on our batting a lot. Especially defensive shots, which if combined with alert running between the wickets will improve our totals by easily 20-30 runs a game. Max as a captain led the team well by example, but could have been more vocal in the field. For our part Mssrs Harte and Hughes really enjoyed working with such an enthusiastic and pleasant group of boys. In addition to those mentioned above the others who represented the team were: Jonathan Forbes, Michael Kane, Ethan Quinn, Ryan Simpson, Matthew Logan, Robin Montgomery, Jude Moorehead, Archie Wylie, Eliot Donaldson, Dylan Carlin Smith and Morgan Curran. We would like to thank them all for their commitment and effort. In addition we would also wish to thank Tate and Mitch for their help with coaching on a Monday. M.G.H./T.H.

157

The Owl 2016

FORM 1 CRICKET

BOYS’ ATHLETICS CLUB The season started off with two friendly meetings. The first was against RBAI and CCB on the gravel track at Campbell College. The second was on the newly refurbished tartan track at The Mary Peters’ Track against MCB and Coleraine Grammar School. Both proved useful for athletes who were focused on the District Championships in mid-May and for those who were new to the sport. The District Athletics Championships took place at the Antrim Forum on Tuesday 10th and Saturday 14th May. Congratulations to Reuben McCrea, Callum Davidson, Shane Martin, Gareth McAdams, Thomas Carey and Stephen McCorry who all became District Champions.

The Form 1 cricket XI was comprised a team of enthusiastic and dedicated players. Ryan Armstrong captained the team with great spirit. The season started with fixtures against Ballyclare High School, Sullivan Upper School, Wallace High School and Bangor. The team struggled to gain momentum at this early stage, but showed great progression as the weeks progressed. In these early games Sudeep Tirupathi, Ryan Armstrong and Jack Magowan showed some excellent bowling, with Ryan also showing some great promise in his batting. The team lost to a strong Friends’ School Lisburn team in the Cup but played extremely well. The season finished with a disappointing loss against Sullivan Upper in the Plate competition. Valuable contributions were made throughout the season from Harry Norton, Jadyn Ross, Sudeep Tirupathi, Adam McCabe, Sol Morrow, James Carleton, Jack Magowan, Ryan Armstrong, Matthew Martin, Ben Lonsdale and Jamie Clokey. These players should continue to play cricket with the dedication and commitment they have shown this season. Their commitment and enthusiasm to improve was invaluable. I would like to thank Mr McGonigle for his continued help and support throughout the season. M.D.

The Ulster Schools’ Athletics Championships took place at the Antrim Forum on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st May. In good conditions there were some fine performances. Reuben McCrea set a new record in the Mini Boys’ Shot and Jack Agnew set records in the T50 100 and 200m. In addition to this Stephen McCorry, Shane Martin and Callum Davidson became Ulster Champions in their respective events. The Irish Schools’ Athletics Championships took place in Tullamore on Saturday 4th June. In excellent conditions there were many excellent performances from Academy athletes. Special congratulations must go to Stephen McCorry who won the Senior Boys’ Hammer and Shane Martin who won the Intermediate Boys’ Pole Vault. Callum Davidson also deserves a special mention for finishing second in the Junior Boys’ Pole Vault. Shane Martin continued to show great promise in the Pole Vault this year. In addition to being Irish Champion he was selected to Represent Ireland in the Schools’ International as well as Ulster in the Tailteann Interprovincial Championships and Northern Ireland in the U.K. School Games. I would like to thank all staff involved with Boys’ Athletics. The running of the Athletics Club would not be possible without staff giving generously of their time. Mr Carolan, Mr Patterson, Mr Moffett, and Mr D.J. Creighton coached with enthusiasm and their commitment is greatly appreciated. Results District Athletic Championships Mini Reuben McCrea 1st Shot 9.55m + 5th 100m 14.01 4 x 100m Relay 3rd 58.1s Liam Davis 6th Long Jump 3.94m Andrew Cairns 6th 100m 14.09 s

158

School Games

Minor Boys 4 x 100m Relay 4th 55.6 Ronan Poots 6th High Jump 1.33

Ulster Schools’ Athletic Championships

Junior Callum Davidson 1st Pole Vault 2.20m Luca Gianetto 3rd Triple Jump 10.19 Aaron Gooderham 4th Triple Jump 10.07 + 6th Long Jump 4.68 4 x 100m relay 6th 51.4 Intermediate Shane Martin 1st Pole Vault 4.20m Daniel Logan 3rd Triple Jump 11.95m William Irons 3rd Shot Putt 9.57m Simon Dalzell 2nd 1500m Steeple Chase 5.33.1 Ethan McCartney 3rd 1500m Steeple Chase 5.57.7 Odhran Catney 6th 800m 2.18.6 Tom McAlister 4th Long Jump 5.41 Adam Keed 5thHigh Jump 1.55 4 x 100m relay 4th 47.5 Senior Thomas Carey 1st Triple Jump 12,02m Stephen McCorry 1st Hammer 51.44 Matthew Dalton 2nd Discus 39.61m Gareth McAdams 1st Shot Putt 10.35m 34.13m Andrew Milligan 3rd 800m 2.04.8

Senior Boys Stephen McCorry 1st Senior Hammer 48.94m Matthew Dalton 2nd Senior Discus 33.55m Thomas Carey 5th Triple Jump 12.82m Intermediate Boys Jack Agnew 1st in 100 17.09 s (New Record) and 200m 29.45s (New Record) T50 Wheelchair Shane Martin 1st Inter Pole Vault Daniel Logan 3rd Inter Triple Jump 12.29m Jack MacNeill 4th Javelin 41.09m Simon Dalzell 5th Inter 1500m Steeple Chase 5.40.77 Ethan McCartney 7th Inter 1500m Steeple Chase 5.55.05 Junior Boys Callum Davidson 1st Junior Pole Vault 2.30m Mini Boys Reuben McCrea 1st Mini Shot 9.43m (New Record)

3rd Discus

Irish Schools’ Championships Results Senior Boys Stephen McCorry 1st Senior Boys’ Hammer 52.68m

159

The Owl 2016

Intermediate Boys Shane Martin 1st Intermediate Boys’ Pole Vault 4.00m Daniel Logan 9th Intermediate Boys’ Triple Jump 12.22m

Harriet Dougan: 3rd IG Pole Vault & 4th IG 300m Hurdles Amie Bradley: 7th IG 300m Ellen Dalzell: 5th IG 1500m Steeplechase

Junior Boys Callum Davidson 2nd Junior Boys’ Pole Vault 2.60m Daniel Logan 9th Intermediate Boys’ Triple Jump 12.22m C.M.C.

Ellie Bradley: 6th IG Hammer Inter Girls: 2nd Overall Kerrie Johnson: 4th SG 400m Sasha Lawther: 3rd SG 400m Hurdles

GIRLS’ ATHLETICS 2016 The athletics season began with the traditional Inter Schools’ Meeting between Glenlola, Hunterhouse, Methody and Strathearn. This was the first opportunity for athletes to prepare themselves for the season ahead. Enthusiasm and commitment to train were evident with large numbers turning out to games and extra practice. This meeting laid the foundations for a successful season to come, at District, Ulster and Irish level. At the Ulster Schools’ Championships our athletes won 4 Silver and 4 Bronze medals. The Minor Relay team had a strong performance finishing in 3rd place against a very competitive line-up. The Inter-Girls team finished the competition 2nd overall showing the girls dedication and commitment to the School team. There were distinguished performances from Monica Del Castillo, Katie Richie and Harriet Dougan who placed 2nd, 2nd and 3rd respectively in Pole Vault. 6 girls qualified for the Irish Championships in Tullamore. To reach this level is a superb achievement for our athletes. Erin McMahon had an excellent performance finishing 2nd in the Minor Girls 75m Hurdles with a time of 12.03 seconds. Other strong performances came from Katie Richie and Erin Moffett who finished 4th and 5th in Intermediate Pole Vault and 5th in Intermediate Hammer respectively. Ulster Schools Athletics Championships Results. Erin McMahon: 2nd 75m Hurdles & 5th 100m Monica Del Castillo: 2nd JG Pole Vault Minor Relay Team: 3rd Hannah Hill: 8th High Jump Erin Moffet: 2nd IG Hammer & 3rd IG 2000m Walk Katie Ritchie: 2nd IG Pole Vault

160

Rioghnagh Catney: 3rd SG 3000m Senior Relay Team: 6th

Irish Schools’ Athletics Championships Results. Erin McMahon – 2nd Minor 75 m Hurdles 12.03 secs Katie Ritchie – 4th Intermediate Pole Vault 2.80 m Harriett Dougan – 6th Intermediate Pole Vault 2.60m Erin Moffett – 5th Intermediate Hammer 42.73m Rioghnagh Catney – 10th Senior 3000m 11m 31secs Monica Del Castillo – 10th Junior Pole Vault 1.80m

BADMINTON The Badminton Club ran weekly in the Sport’s Hall this year. A total of 150 pupils from all forms joined with the aim of developing their badminton skills whilst socialising with other pupils in the school. A.M.M./ S.C.S.

School Games distinction over the years. All have now moved on to higher education. They have our best wishes.

CROSS COUNTRY CLUB

The Club could not function without the input of volunteers who willingly give up their time in an effort to improve its standards. Michael Roberts, an old boy of the Academy and a coach of some distinction in both the United States as well as Northern Ireland, gave unstintingly of his time and effort, focusing particularly on our elite runners. New Zealanders Tate Harte and Mitch Dickeson proved to be sympathetic in their efforts to encourage those who were less than enthusiastic in their efforts to come to terms with the undoubted pleasures of cross country running. Their efforts were very much appreciated by the staff, if not always by the pupils! J.H.C.

BOYS’ GOLF As many of the tournaments were Senior competitions and our best golfers are still Juniors, it was difficult for us to compete at the highest level. Tom McKibbin (FII), Keaton Morrison (FII), Rhys Goodall (FIV) and Owen Donnelly (FV) represented the School at Senior level with Owen dropping out for our single Junior competition. We played in all the available competitions but fell just short of qualification for each. That said, I am very confident that success is ‘just around the corner’ as the boys develop further and get stronger with age. I know that Tom, Keaton and Rhys all enjoyed tremendous success in a variety of competitions during the summer holidays when competing within their own age groups.

Although starting from a low base, the Cross Country Club shows encouraging signs of a revival, both in the number of pupils participating and in the level of enthusiasm evinced by those who take part on a voluntary basis.

Of further note, during the summer, Tom played in his first ‘professional tournament’, the Northern Ireland Open at Galgorm Castle and weeks later was joined by Keaton to represent Ireland and compete for the Reid Trophy.

MIXED GOLF

3 teams qualified to compete in the Ulster Schools’ Championships. Harriet Dougan also qualified as an individual. Although none were to go on to qualify for the Irish Championships, Andrew Milligan (11th in the Senior Boys’ race) and Rioghnach Catney (14th Senior girl) both qualified as individuals. Andrew unfortunately was not able to run in the Irish Championships due to injury. Rioghnach however, was to finish 41st in her race, a performance of particular note given that she – and Andrew – were young Seniors and will be eligible to compete at this level next season.

The Darren Clarke Schools’ Competition saw us narrowly miss out on qualification for the semi-final stage. Despite convincing victories against Our Lady St. Patrick’s College, Rockport and Sir Edmund Rice College, we were defeated in a closely fought match by St Malachi’s College. My thanks to all that took part in the academic year, including Judithe Allen, Amy O’Donnell, Tom Stewart, Harry Warke, Max Burton, Rhys Goodall, Andrew Greer, Ben Hopkins, Tom McKibbin and Keaton Morrison.

As ever, the end of a season is a time for farewells. Callum Dalzell, Amy O’Donnell and Hannah Lau have been loyal stalwarts, representing the School with

This year saw the end of an era for Girls’ Golf in BRA. Unfortunately, Judithe Allen and Amy O’Donnell were unable to end their wonderful golfing years at BRA with another win. In the Ulster Schools’

GIRLS’ GOLF

161

The Owl 2016 Competition, played this year at Portstewart Golf Club, they were beaten into 2nd place by the excellent pairing from Lurgan College. Their contribution to Girls’ golf at BRA over the past 7 years, combined with the success they have had has been tremendous. They will be missed. I wish them well for their future both on and off the golf course.

convert any of their chances. The game eventually finished 5-0.

P.M.

R.B.

FOOTBALL CLUB

In the 2015/16 season, the Football team competed in the Belfast Cup and Northern Ireland Cup. The squad contained a good mix of Lower VI and Middle VI pupils.

Despite these defeats there were some good performances. Matthew Knox was strong in the centre of midfield and goalkeeper Matthew McCracken made some excellent saves.

KARTING

2015-16 was a very successful year for the Karting Team. We started with a stall at the extra-curricular fair, which generated considerable interest from the new Form I pupils. This was important as our team looks to be set up for the long-term, as our A and B teams are composed entirely of LVI and MVI pupils. A good number of those who expressed interest attended some of the practice sessions at Need 4 Speed, Doagh.

Our Belfast Cup 1st round game was at home to St. Colm’s High School. The team passed the ball well in the early stages of the first-half and were unlucky not to take an early lead, with efforts from Brandon Doyle and Matthew Knox going close. Unfortunately, lapses in concentration cost the team two goals in quick succession and they went into half-time 2-0 down. In the second-half the Academy midfield was the stronger of the two. This led to a period of intense pressure, which resulted in a well-deserved comeback. Connel McGeough got on the end of a long ball and slotted home to make it 2-1 with ten minutes to go and Zak McWilliams finished from close range, with a minute left on the clock. In the extra-time period, both teams cancelled one another out and the game finished with a penalty shootout. The Academy scored their first four penalties and would have won the game had the fifth been converted. Unfortunately, the opposition’s goalkeeper picked the correct side and pushed Chris Faloon’s effort wide of the post. St. Colm’s went on to win the shootout 5-4.

The semi-final didn’t end with the same domination from the A team, as they finished 2nd on the day, 8 points behind Bangor. This was due to a series of mechanical failures and unfortunate 1st lap collisions. The B team finished 4th, 3 points off 3rd place. The C & D teams finished 6th and 7th respectively. Despite all of this, the A team qualified for the UK National Final for the 3rd year running.

In the Northern Ireland Cup we faced a strong Christian Brother School side. The game was played at the Grove in good conditions. CBS dominated the game from the first whistle and scored two goals within the first fifteen minutes. The Academy had a brief rally at the end of the first-half but failed to

In addition to this, I launched a separate tournament last year for P5-FI students. The aim of this was to get students involved in karting at a younger age, which would also enable our school team to prepare for the long term with enthusiastic, young, talented individuals coming through the ranks. Feedback for

162

Following the practice sessions, teams for the BSKC were registered, and the team headed to Eddie Irvine’s for the BSKC Practice. Our pace was very strong, and the A team finished top by a massive 8 points, which was very encouraging ahead of the semi-final happening two weeks after. The B team finished 4th, not far off 3rd place.

School Games the tournament was very positive – from both students and their parents. The tournament will return for a second year in 2017. The A team practiced at Whilton Mill on Friday July 1st, with good pace being shown on the track by the A team of Michael Woods, David Rea and Nathan Duddy. We were given the chance to practise some wet driving as the rain began to pour down – it was amusing to see everyone run over the grass under braking at turn one. The team continued their Friday form into Saturday’s Final, finishing 12th in the UK standings for 2016, after some stellar driving and a perfect driver strategy - a remarkable achievement after finishing 21st in 2015.

FORM I NETBALL The Form One Netball club trained on a Tuesday after school with four teams playing competitive matches against other schools. The girls were extremely enthusiastic and committed and came determined to improve their skills. Their commitment enabled us to enter a team in both the Belfast ‘A’ and ‘B’ Leagues.

As a team, we are striving to push up the UK rankings each year, and I hope that (with a little bit more practice) we will be able to push into the top 10. The younger drivers have shown great potential in their first year at the Academy, and I look forward to working with them in my final year at BRA. As always, the team wouldn’t be able to function without Mrs Alexander, whose dedication and belief in her teams has led to her building a very strong foundation for individual and team success. Stephen Rea (MVI) Captain (2015-17)

NETBALL This year we had ten Senior teams playing competitive games in the Belfast Schools’ Area League with a number of teams reaching the finals stage of their competition. The Minor A and Minor B teams reached their League Finals, losing to Aquinas and St Genevieve’s. The Form 1 ‘A’ Team reached their League final, unfortunately losing to Methody. The Junior A reached the semi-final of the Northern Ireland Cup competition and both the Junior A and Senior A teams reached the semi-final of the Northern Ireland Shield competitions. Netball in school has continued to strengthen with talented and committed players emerging throughout the Club. I would like to thank all of the players and coaches for their hard work this season. Representative Honours: U13 Regional Development Squad - Megan Warke, Erin McMahon, Ellie Murray. U15 Regional Development Squad – Fabienne Cochrane, Hannah Hill. U19 Belfast Area Schools Squad – Abbie Brown, Holly Sharpe, Emma MacDougall.

Captain: Siobhán Baine Player of the Year: Siobhán Baine Most Improved Player: Catelyn Burns A Squad: Sarah Saunders, Kristie Monroe, Anna Buckley, Catelyn Burns, Rebecca Dwyer, Siobhan Baine, Caitlyn Hennessy, Nada Hawela, Susie Kerr, Ruth Davis. This year, the A team’s netball season was very exciting. We started off with a great win against Dominican, 11-4. We kept on winning, beating Bloomfield 13-3, Rathmore 16-4 and then Victoria 15-11. Following this successful run, we found out the amazing news that we were to play Methody in the Belfast finals. Unfortunately, Methody caught us off guard, played a hard match and beat us. Despite the disappointment of losing, we enjoyed the occasion, and finished runners up. The team and I would like to thank Miss Brady and Mrs Winning for their support, putting in the time to train us and transporting us to matches. Siobhan Baine Captain:Olivia Jones Player of the Year: Anna Matthews Most Improved Player: B Squad: Charlotte Stronge, Anna Matthews, Emma Uprichard, Darcy Martin, Katie Keed, Mia McCurley, Amy McCrory, Olivia Jones, Sacha McAuley,

163

The Owl 2016 Georgia Harvey, Abi Crainey, Becky Lough, Rachel Stronge. The B team this year had a really good season and played very well. To start off the season we played against Dominican and won 5 – 4. The next match we played was against Rathmore and their team was amazing, but we managed to have really good play throughout the whole game and won 6-1. We were meant to play Ashfield but unfortunately they could not field a team. The final match we got to play was against Dominican for a second time. On this occasion we lost narrowly. The matches weren’t the only exciting things that happened in school netball this year; we also had a House Netball competition where Cairns came first. We also had a netball awards dinner at Greenisland golf club for all of the teams in the school. Olivia Jones

against Victoria (12-3), Grosvenor (18-5) and Rockport (20-6). The team then proceeded to the League Finals where we lost to Aquinas. We won Cup matches against Cookstown (12-2) and Wallace (16-7) but lost narrowly in the semi-finals to Rathmore. I would like to thank Miss Brady, Mrs Winning, Miss Stewart and Abbie Brown for all of their hard work and commitment. We never would have been able to get this far without you! We will continue to develop and hope to have another great season next year. Ella Harvey

MINOR ‘B’ NETBALL Captain: Ellie Murray Vice Captain: Abbie Baxter Player of the Year: Ellie Murray Most Improved Player: Olivia Snoddy

I would like to thank the girls for their commitment and determination at training. The level of participation and enthusiasm were excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed working with them this season. I hope we continue to build upon the skills and promise shown next year. K.E.B

MINOR ‘A’ NETBALL Captain: Ella Harvey Vice Captain: Megan Warke Player of the Year: Megan Warke Most Improved Player: Erin McMahon

Minor B Squad: Mia Delargy-Debois, Eden McCoubrey, Bethany Hunter, Abbie Baxter, Ellie Murray, Megan Bloomfield, Olivia Snoddy, Lauren Macauley, Aoife Corry, Grace McQueen, Jessica Porter, Kaitlyn McCalmont.

Minor A Squad: Ella Harvey, Emma Dobbin, Leah Doran, Erin McMahon, Ellie Collins, Monica Del Castillo, Niamh McIvor, Megan Warke, Nicole McClean, Ellie Murray, Olivia Snoddy. The Minor ‘A’ Netball team had a fantastic season this year. We meet on a Tuesday after school and have always been enthusiastic about learning new skills and techniques. We won our first three league matches

164

This year has been quite successful for the Minor B team. We started the league off with a great 13-1 win over St. Dominic’s and Eden McCoubery got player of the match for amazing shooting. Our next match was against St Joseph’s which we won 13-3, with our wing attack Bethany Hunter getting player of the match this time round. Next we played Hunterhouse. Unfortunately we lost this one 9-4. Lauren Macauley, our goal keeper who stopped a lot of opportunities for Hunterhouse to get more goals than they did, was awarded player of the match. Hazelwood were unable to play us and conceded the match so we were awarded the points meaning we were through to the League finals. St Genevieve’s were our opposition and from the beginning proved to be stiff competition and at half time they were ahead. With some good attack and defence we managed to close the gap but it was not enough and we lost the match.

School Games The girls have played very well this year and have improved greatly as a team due to their hard work on the court and commitment to training. We would like to thank Miss Brady and Mrs Winning for their encouragement and support at our Tuesday afternoon training sessions and at our matches. Ellie Murray Commitment from the Minor netball squad was excellent this year and we had over thirty girls attending training each week. The Minor A team won their league matches against Victoria, Grosvenor and Rockport to reach the Belfast Area League Finals. Unfortunately, losing to a very strong team from Aquinas Grammar School. The Minor B team also reached their league final with wins against St Joseph’s, St. Dominic’sand Hazelwood but again they finished runners up to a very well drilled team from St Genevieve’s. The players trained hard each week to improve their skills and were always very enthusiastic and competitive. I would like to thank the girls for their effort and look forward to training with them in the coming season. K.E.B.

teams defence stayed strong and the team worked together well. Overall, we had a fun season and worked hard right until the end. Well done to the whole squad. Ellie Armstrong

JUNIOR ‘B’ NETBALL Captain: Sophia Del Castillo Vice Captain: Zara McClean Player of the Year: Sophie Bloomfield Most Improved Player: Varia Peters

JUNIOR ‘A’ NETBALL Captain: Ellie Armstrong Vice Captain: Hannah Hill Player of the Year: Fabienne Cochrane Most Improved Player: Julia Forbes

Junior ‘A’Squad: Rachel Duff, Fabienne Cochrane, LaylaCreaney, Ellie Armstrong, Julia Uprichard, Julia Forbes, Hannah Hill, NiaMcVicker, Cliodhna McNaughton, Olivia Donaldson, Jessica Kendell, Lois Sharpe.

Junior ‘B’ Squad: Rebecca Caughey, Niamh Rogan, Zara McClean, Sophie Bloomfield, Naoise McCormick, Sophia Del Castillo, Varia Peters, Louise O’Neill, Emma Higgins, Dervla Craig, Laura Meeke, Charlotte Story. It has been a tough year for the Junior B netball squad as last year we won the B league which meant we moved up to the A league competing against the A teams of every school. We met eachMonday after schooland worked hard at every session on our footwork, passing and teamwork alongside the help from Miss Brady and Mrs Winning. Our first match was away against Aquinas which we unfortunately lost 13-10 but then came back with a win against Rockport 7-2. Then sadly lost our next two and last to matches against Methody and Rockport which were both A teams and meant we didn’t go any further in the league. Although the matches were tough we enjoyed competing at this level. We continued playing netball every Monday working towards next year. Sophia Del Castillo

The Junior ‘A’ netball team won four out of seven matches this season. We had two difficult defeats against Loreto and Grosvenor. Unfortunately, it was our loss against Loreto that put us out of the cup. We stayed positive throughout with some successes. The

165

The Owl 2016 The Junior netball squads improved their skill set and match play greatly this season. I would like to congratulate and thank the girls for their effort and teamwork. It was great to see so many girls in Form Three taking part and I hope they continue playing netball next year. Well done to all of the girls involved.

INTERMEDIATE ‘B’ NETBALL Captain: Caitlin Joyce Vice Captain: Amber McCalmont Player of the Year: Julliah Allen Most Improved Player: Amber McCalmont

K.E.B.

INTERMEDIATE ‘A’ NETBALL Captain: Elish McEwan Vice Captain: Charlotte Poh Player of the Year: Ellen Dalzell Most Improved Player: Charlotte Poh

Intermediate ‘B’ Squad: Caitlyn Joyce, Elizabeth McCauley, Amber McCalmont, Rachel Toan, Julliah Allen, Niamh Gutermann, Kenzie Arbuthnot, Alix McKee, Lucia McCorry, Katie Baird, Chloe Sayers, Jaimie Eaglen.

Intermediate ‘A’ Squad: Lucy Gaston, Elish McEwan, Amber Vick, Ellen Dalzell, Laura Loboda, Charlotte Poh, Eileen Donaldson, Olivia McConnell, Carly McComb, Thea Reddington. This year, the Intermediate A squad trained during games and on a Thursday after school. We developed a wide range of skills and progressed on many existing ones. Although we hadn’t received the results that we had been hoping for, it didn’t detract from the fact that we had trained very hard throughout the season. This has been a year of development and progress which will benefit us next year. We played in a league against schools such as Rathmore, St. Dominic’s, Aquinas and Grosvenor. All matches had very tight scores, particularly the Aquinas match in which the result was 13-12. This was a massive achievement as Aquinas are a very strong team. We would like to thank Miss Brady and Mrs Winning for arranging the matches, committing their time to us every single week and for putting up with us! With the great team-spirit and camaraderie we can move forward to next season and be successful. Elish McEwan

166

This year the Inter B team had quite a successful season, winning three out of our four league matches. We started out the season, playing a match against Ashfield Girls’ School winning 16-5, player of the match being Julliah Allen. A win to start the year is always nice. Our next match against Grosvener was also successful, winning 13-6, player of the match being joint between Julliah and Caitlin Joyce. Our next match we won against Wellington College 24-7, this was our most successful win of the whole league, and player of the match was Amber McCalmount. Sadly our next match was a loss, meaning we did not advance further in the League. We lost 16-8 to Hunterhouse, and player of the match was Kenzie Arbuthnot. I would like to say thanks to the entire team for being dedicated players that turned up for all of the after school training sessions. I would also like to thank our coaches Mrs Winning and Miss Brady for all their work and dedication throughout the season. Caitlin Joyce The Intermediate A team had a challenging year. It was a very strong league and despite the efforts made at training unfortunately the girls lost matches against Rathmore, Aquinas, St. Dominic’s and Grosvenor. The team was a very committed, hard working group of girls and I thank them for their persistent efforts throughout the year.

School Games The Intermediate B team had strong wins against Ashfield, Grosvenor and Wellington but unfortunately lost against Hunterhouse who progressed on to the League finals.

competition and made it to the semi final by beating Methody in a very competitive match. Unfortunately we were knocked out by St. Dominic’s who went on to win the Shield competition.

The Intermediate netball squads are a very committed group of players. I would like to thank them all for their hard work at training and matches. I look forward to seeing the girls improve further over the coming seasons. K.E.B

A few of the girls were selected for Belfast U19 Schools’ Squad including Abbie Brown, Emma Macdougall and myself. This was a big achievement for us as we gained valuable skills and learnt some new training techniques.

SENIOR ‘A’ NETBALL Captain: Holly Sharpe Vice Captain: Emma MacDougall Player of the Year: Holly Sharpe/Emma MacDougall Most Improved Player: Hannah Torrens

Senior ‘A’ Squad: Kellie McLean, Courtney Duncan, Emer Gribbon, Abbie Brown, Emma Macdougall, Holly Sharpe, Hannah Torrens, Ciara Patterson, Elish McEwan. This season was a successful one for the Senior netball team. The first match of the season was a Cup match against Wallace and we had a big win with the final score being 18-7. The success drove us as this is when we first realised our potential as a team. From here we trained twice a week, working together to improve our strength and fitness, dedicating our time to being the best we could be. We worked hard on improving each individual’s strengths and weaknesses through skill work and this also helped us bond as a team, making our on-court action smooth as we felt comfortable with each other.

The Senior netball team could not have had the season they did without the committed work from Miss Brady and Mrs Winning, who both pushed us to our potential and guided us through every training session. However, they did not only act as our coaches but became our friends, never failing to encourage us working as one big team. They did not only work extremely hard in the coaching aspects of their jobs but took the time to organise other activities outside of school. This included the annual Netball Awards dinner where everyone came together to celebrate the season. It was enjoyed by all teams throughout the school. Although many of the other girls have these dinners to keep attending it was most of the Senior netball teams very last one. This was a very emotional time as many of us have been playing netball from Form One and did not expect to be where we are now or have the success that we did through netball, but none of this would have been achievable without both Miss Brady and Mrs Winning and we are all very grateful for our seven unforgettable years of netball at BRA. Holly Sharpe

SENIOR ‘B’ NETBALL Captain: Ciara Patterson Vice Captain: Kirstyn Smith Player of the Year: Kirstyn Smith Most Improved Player: Emily McMahon

Due to each girl having such a big commitment to the team this led us to more success throughout the season with wins against Dominican and Methody. This is down to each girl pushing themselves to their limits during our training sessions and each week excelling as a player. We progressed to the second round of the Cup but unfortunately lost to Sacred Heart Newry, which was a huge let down considering how well we played. However, we then entered in to the NI Shield

Senior ‘B’ Squad: Emily McMahon, Hannah Edgar, Kirstyn Smith, Naomi Martin, Ciara Patterson, Mary

167

The Owl 2016 Cousins, Natasha Kelly, Kerrie Johnson, Laura Loboda, Charlotte Poh. It was a mixed season for the Senior B Squad this year. We started the year well, however, beating Hunterhouse 13-10. This greatly improved our confidence, and in training we began to work effectively as a team. Unfortunately, this was not enough to beat Victoria College and Bloomfield, which both had very strong teams. We also played against Grosvenor, who we beat 19-10. This was an excellent result and showed us that all our training on a Wednesday and Thursday had paid off. Ciara Patterson This year’s Senior squad showed good progress and determination. The Senior ‘A’ team had a highly competitive league with opponents such as Rathmore, Dominican and St. Dominic’s but the girls always gave 100% on the court. They had notable wins against Dominican and Wallace. The girls reached the semi final of the Northern Ireland Shield competition but unfortunately lost to a strong team from St. Dominic’s. The Senior B team had good wins against Grosvenor and Hunterhouse however lost against Victoria College and Bloomfield. Overall both teams showed great commitment to training and matches. Holly Sharpe along with Abbie Brown and Emma Macdougall were selected for the Belfast Area, U19 Netball Squad. After several weeks of training with new teammates from different schools the girls competed against five other areas. Many of this season’s Senior players are in MVI and sadly we must say farewell. I would like to thank each girl for her commitment and determination throughout many years of netball and I hope they continue playing in the future. One thing that will never be forgotten from this year’s leavers will be the creation of #TNS The Netball Squad! I am proud of our netball achievements this year and I thank the squads for their continued motivation and efforts and look forward to next year. K.E.B.

SHOW-JUMPING The Show-Jumping team had yet another successful season in 2015/2016, under the excellent leadership of their chef d’équipe Mr Murphy. The Open team had a great start to the season finishing in 2nd at the Interschools’ Show-Jumping Competition at Balmoral Park. There were 26 other teams in this competition. The team competed in the Open League of the Meadows Equestrian centre Inter-schools’ league which was generously sponsored by TRI-equestrian. The team this year comprised Mimi Joffroy, Ana Desmond, Justine Harding and Jessica Davidson.

168

The team debuted at the second week of the league on Saturday 11th October and placed second in the Open team class (maximum height 1m). This brilliant start to the season placed the team in good stead for the rest of the league, despite missing the first leg. The team was unfortunately not placed the following week, though Ana Desmond (MVI) placed 4th in the highly competitive Premier Individual competition (maximum height 1.10m) that week with her horse Lizzy. The fourth leg of the league took place on the 23th December, where the team placed 3rd in an extremely tight competition. Mimi Joffroy (MVI) also placed 5th individually in the Open class, whilst Savannah Thompson (LVI) jumped clear in the Novice Individual class. The final of the Inter-schools’ league was held on Saturday 9th January 2016, where the team finished 5th to place 6th in the overall league with a total of 69 points. The four team members were honoured to receive Major Honours for Show-Jumping after this season and look forward to the 2016 -17 season. Ana Desmond (MVI)

SWIMMING

School Games With swimming being our main aquatic sport, it was great to see we had another successful year. Conor Ferguson heading the way just missed out on a Rio Olympic Games qualification by 5 hundredths of a second. To start the year as always was the Ulster Minor Schools’ Competition, the Juniors did not disappoint, they picked up 24 medals, 10 gold, 9 silver and 5 bronze. 4 girls qualified for the Irish Championships in February, Giulia Allen, Siobhan Baine, Rachael McGrath and Sorcha Boersma. At the Ulster Grammar Schools’ competition in October we won 43 medals: we won the Intermediate Boys’ and Intermediate Girls and the Overall Schools’ Trophy. At the Ulster Schools’ competition in Bangor we won a further 24 medals, with the Intermediate Boys’ winning the McGivern Cup (Conor Ferguson, Lui Hurson, Finn Purdy and Lorcan Gourley). At the Irish Relay Gala, BRA medalled in the Junior girls’ and boys events and won the Intermediate Boys’ races, with the Intermediate Girls’ finishing with two This ensured that we were the most 4th places. successful school in Ireland. Conor Ferguson, Lui Hurson, Finn Purdy and Lorcan Gourley were selected for the Ulster Schools’ InterProvincial Team. Ulster won. Lui Hurson, Conor Ferguson, Finn Purdy, Sinead Gourley, Lorcan Gourley and Scarlett Armstrong were all selected for the Ulster Swimming Squad with Conor and Scarlett representing Ireland in their respective age groups. E.A.

LIFESAVING

British Records. Nine pupils were selected onto the GB Performance Squad (Lui Hurson, Finn Purdy, Sinead Gourley, Lorcan Gourley, Ollie Parkes, Sam Brown, Zoe Parkes, Katie Baird and Phillip O’Callaghan). The GB Performance Squad came over to BRA in May for a training camp, they praised the BRA facilities (pool, sports hall and our outdoor basketball and 5-a-side pitches), they want to make it a yearly event. At the Ulster Championship we picked up 14 medals; 4 Junior girls (silver and bronze), 4 Senior girls (gold and silver) , 4 Junior boys (gold and silver), and 2 Senior boys (gold). The Irish were held in Lisburn at the end of September, the Junior girls finished 3rd and 6th, the Junior boys were 3rd, the Senior girls were 1st and 5th, superb results. In September Sinead Gourley competed in the World Lifesaving Championships in Eindhoven, Holland. She finished 7th in one of her events setting a new PB by over 4 seconds. In November pupils will be competing for the GB Squad at a Junior competition in Holland called the BeNe Cup, and for the Senior team who will go to Germany to compete in the European Championships. E.A.

WATERPOLO Our U19 Boys’ Waterpolo Team finished 2nd in the Schools’ league and the Canada Trophy this year. The U16 boys retained their Ulster Schools’ Championship title, they didn’t lose any matches. Phillip O’Callaghan, Matthew McIlroy and Lorcan Gourley were selected for the Ulster U16 Boys’ Squad and represented Ulster in Hungary. In Girls’ Waterpolo, the team finished 2nd in the Irish Schools’ U19 and U16 Championship. Maeve Gallagher, Sam Brown and Anna Whiteside were selected for Irish U17 team, they have competed in Denmark (8 nations), Holland (European Championships), England (4 nations) and Ireland (North Sea Cup). Anna and Cara Carson were also selected for the Irish U15 team. All the girls including Ashley Johnston, Emma Gourley and Jennifer McCorry were members of the Ulster U17 Squad.

The Lifesaving Team had a very successful year. A group of 24 pupils went to the London Olympic Aquatic Centre again for the British Lifesaving Championships. They won 58 medals and set 2 new

We had a very successful Waterpolo tour to Edinburgh and Stirling in March. We played and beat the Edinburgh University 2nd team and suffered a narrow defeat in Portabello, but went on to defeat the Scottish Junior and Youth Girls’ teams, also the Stirling U17 team. E.A.

169

The Owl 2016

GIRLS’ TENNIS This year we entered fewer teams into the age group competitions than ever before. It has become apparent in recent years that fewer girls than ever are entering the School with basically no or very little tennis experience and as a result it is virtually impossible to get a team of the standard required to play competitively. Also the impact of summer exams starting earlier means fewer girls can give the time and commitment required. This meant that only one Intermediate Team and one Senior Team were entered into the Cup competitions which are played in league format for the first part. Each team had 3 or 4 matches in their section but unfortunately neither of the teams progressed through this year despite winning some of their matches.

BOYS’ TENNIS Boys’ Tennis continued in the summer term with an enthusiastic group taking the bus to Cavehill tennis courts on a Friday after school for ninety minutes of doubles and singles matches. Play continued with enthusiasm irrespective of sunny skies or pouring rain; the wetter sessions only noticeable by the lack of bounce on the tennis balls and the going up of whatever umbrella the besuited supervising teacher had managed to beg, borrow or steal on his way to the bus. The combination of a disregard for the rain (verging on enjoyment) together with the devouring of a loaf of bread that happened to be brought one week did provoke comparisons to a group of ducks which has never quite gone away. Revision tennis was a novel idea this year in which a group of Form II boys decided to call out key terms from a selected subject while rallying; this is surely the epitome of cross-curricular activity and must be the only time an ace has ever been served while someone shouts ‘peristalsis’. The Club continues to be a very enjoyable way to end the school week and I encourage anyone who might be interested to come along in May when we reconvene for our 2016 season. S.C.S.

170

The Intermediate team as runners-up in their section went into the Plate competition where they beat Cambridge House in the first round, but then lost narrowly away to Down High in the 2nd round. The Senior team consisted of: Lucy Miller, Anna Wilson, Hannah Torrens, Kellie McClean, and Mary Cousins. The Intermediate team consisted of: Irish Alvarado, Sinead Gourley, Zoe Parkes and Julia Uprichard. The Junior girls played friendly matches as a means of enjoyment and encouragement. Every year the girls in all the year groups have the opportunity to compete for a school cup and gain points for their House. The Form I Cup was won by Nada Hawela. The Form II Cup was won by Kerry Uprichard. The Form III Cup was won by Julia Uprichard. N.N.

School Games

COLOURS AWARDS - EASTER 2016 CROSS COUNTRY

NETBALL Major Re-Date:-

Abbie Brown, Courtney Duncan, Emer Gribbon, Emma MacDougall, Kellie McLean, Holly Sharpe, Hannah Torrens.

Major New:-

Elish McEwan, Ciara Patterson.

New Minor:-

Mary Cousins, Natasha Kelly, Naomi Martin, Emily McMahon, Kirstyn Smith.

Major Re-Dates:- Rioghnach Catney, Callum Dalzell. Major New:-

Andrew Milligan.

Minor Re-Date:-

Cameron McCartney.

Minor New:-

Hannah Lau, Ethan McCartney.

HOCKEY (BOYS) Major Re- date:-

Major New:Minor New:-

Thomas Carey, John Miller, David McClements, Ryan Lightowler, Barra Patterson, Stephen Rea, Jason Roe, Adam Stronge, Seweryn Szulgan, Richard Ware. Brandon Binnie, Kurtis Taylor, Luke McGarvey.

RUGBY Major Re-Dates:- Luke Auterson, Francis Collins, Matthew Dalton, Lewis Davidson, Gareth McAdams, Conor McAuley, Cormac McCracken, Conor O’Neill, Samuel Osborne, Michael Wilson. Major New:-

Matthew Borne, Jack Burton, Tom Gilpin, Bradley Luney, Scott Macaulay, Jay McCrum, Timmy Robinson, Kurtis Scott.

Minor New:-

Connor Boyd, Cameron Brady, Karl Buick, Roy Chia, JudeZion Cowley, Brendan Crinion, Luke Doherty, Daniel Harold, Joshua Hegarty, James Lavery, Aaron Lyons, Thomas McAlister, James McMahonBeattie, Jack Plackett, Ethan Purcell, Harry Russell, Abdullah Sabri, Jason Stubbs.

Eoin Bradley, James Campbell, Conor Gallagher.

HOCKEY (GIRLS) Major Re-Dates:- Judithe Allen, Charlotte Anderson, Abbie Brown, Megan Geddis, Trinity Geddis, Erin Getty, Lucy Miller, Alice Reid, Lucy Stewart, Savannah Thompson, Anna Wilson. Major New:-

Harriet Dougan, Sasha Lawther, Naomi McGuckin, Beth Magill.

Minor ReDates:-

Irish Alvarado, Ellen Dalzell, Rebecca Harbinson, Naomi Martin, Clara Montgomery, Amy O’Donnell, Katie Ritchie.

Minor New:-

Jayne Bassett, Chloe Dawson, Laura Fleck, Sarah Cowden, Hannah Marshall.

MEDALLION Minor New:-

Max Burton, Ben Coleman, Simon Dalzell, Callum Davidson, Charlie George, Brandon Hassan, Aaron Heatley, Adam Kane, Adam Keed, Rory Linden, Daniel Logan, Michael Mahood, Mark McKillen, Philip O’Callaghan, Dominic Rhodes, Tom Stewart, Rob Sturgess, Harry Warke.

171

The Owl 2016

SWIMMING Major Re-Date:-

KARTING Sam Brown, Maria Del Castillo, Conor Ferguson, Sinead Gourley, Lui Hurson, Kirsty Miller, Zoe Parkes, Finn Purdy.

Major New:-

Katie Baird, Lorcan Gourley.

Minor New:-

Sophia Del Castillo, Cher Enriquez, Naoise McCormick, Ollie Parkes, Ewan Purdy.

WATERPOLO (BOYS) Major New:-

David Bannon, Michael Calderwood, Matthew McIlroy, Rhys McKendry, John Mooney, Phillip O’Callaghan.

Minor Re-Date:-

Lui Hurson, Finn Purdy.

Minor New:-

Andrew Boyle, Ollie Parkes, Ewan Purdy, Lorcan Purdy, Cameron White.

WATERPOLO (GIRLS) Major Re-Date:-

Sam Brown, Maeve Gallagher, Ashley Johnston.

Major New:-

Anna Whiteside.

Minor Re-Date:-

Cara Carson, Emma Gourley, Sinead Gourley, Jennifer McCorry.

Minor New:-

Sam Brown, Maria Del Castillo, Maeve Gallagher, Sinead Gourley, Ashley Johnston, Lui Hurson, Zoe Parkes, Finn Purdy.

Major New:-

Katie Baird, Lorcan Gourley, Phillip O’Callaghan.

Minor New:-

Sophia Del Castillo, Ellie Cross, Cher Enriquez, Charlie George, Patrick George, Ollie Parkes, Ewan Purdy.

172

Stephen Rea, Michael Woods.

Major New:-

David Rea, Nathan Duddy.

COLOURS AWARDS - SUMMER 2016 BOYS’ ATHLETICS Major ReDates:-

Thomas Carey, Matthew Dalton, Stephen McCorry.

Major New Colours:-

Jack Agnew, Jack MacNeill.

Minor Colours:-

Simon Dalzell, Daniel Logan, Gareth McAdams, Ethan McCartney, Andrew Milligan.

GIRLS’ ATHLETICS Major ReDates:Major New Colours:Minor Colours:-

Erin Moffett, Katie Ritchie. Rioghnagh Catney, Kerrie Johnson, Sasha Lawther. Amie Bradley, Ellie Bradley, Ellen Dalzell, Harriet Dougan, Clodagh Poots, Zarah Ryan.

BRIDGE Major ReDates:-

Lucy Kinnear, Ryan Lightowler, Cameron McGaughey, Andrew Milligan, Roma Mulholland.

Major New Colours:-

Molly O’Donnell.

Minor Redates:-

Brandon Binnie, Conor Gallagher.

Minor New Colours:-

Lauren Colville, Rachel Gamble, Megan Jiang, Megan Lightowler, Anna O’Kane, Lucy O’Kane.

Maria McDaid.

LIFESAVING Major Re-date:-

Major Re-Date:-

School Games

CRICKET 1st XI Major ReDates:-

Connor Boyd, Jack Burton, Max Burton, Francis Collins, David McLarnon, Samuel Osborne, Michael Wilson.

Major New Colours:-

Brandon Doyle, Zarar Khan, Bradley Luney, James McMahon Beattie, Robbie Moffett, Harry Warke.

CRICKET 2nd XI Minor Colours:-

Michael Brady, Ben Greenlees, Zak McWilliams, Johnny Mooney.

GOLF Major Colours:Minor Colours:-

Rhys Goodall. Judithe Allen, Amy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell.

RIFLE SHOOTING Major ReDates:Minor Colours:-

Max Magill. Daniel Harold, Ross Pyper.

SHOW JUMPING Major ReDates:-

Ana Desmond, Mimi Joffroy, Justine Harding.

TENNIS Minor ReDates:-

Sinead Gourley, Zoe Parkes.

173

The Owl 2016

174

School Games

175

The Owl 2016

176

Ben Madigan Preparatory School BOARD GAMES CLUB

Pre-Prep Nativity

Every Tuesday afternoon a small number of board game enthusiasts met in Mrs Lennon’s room for some board game fun. Lots of different board games were available, Cluedo, Operation, Junior Scrabble and Chess to name a few and many children brought in their own games each week for others to share. The members also enjoyed using various apps available on the school ipads. P. Lennon SHUTTERBUGS This year in Shutterbugs we had several issues with our cameras. Nevertheless, we made the most of our opportunities in school - turning our Photography Club into an Animation Club instead. We used the Lego Movie app on the iPads to retell and create various stories using our own Lego mini-figures – adding creative transitions and sound effects. Next year we aim to develop our skills in the Animation Studio in our new and improved Activity Based Learning room. D. Warwick DIARY 25th September 7th October

16th – 23rd January 29th January 1st March 10th March

Ski Trip Library Coffee Morning Girls’ Ulster Hockey Qualifiers BRA Spring Concert

12th April

Boys’ Ulster Hockey Qualifiers

14th April

Football Team to Stormont

9th May

Girls’ Ulster Hockey Finals

11th May

Prep 4 Chichester Library Visit

17th May

Boys’ Rugby at Roughfort Prep 3 Balmoral Show

20th May

Friendly Hockey with Strandtown P.S.

25th May

Mini Rugby Festival at Campbell College

June

After Schools visit to W5 Sponsored Stay Awake

Macmillan Cancer Coffee Morning Pantomime

14th October

Streamvale Farm visit Pre-Prep

15th October

Cross Country in Antrim

22nd October

Halloween Disco

23rd October

Prize Day

December

Preps 3 – 7 Christmas Outing

Hairspray – Prep 7 Ice hockey and W5 – Preps 5 and 6 Carol Service Choir at Clifton Residential Home Prep 1 – 3 Nativity

Family Fun Day at the Zoo – Pre Prep Prep 1 to Belfast Zoo Fun Day National Smile Month with Blue Sky Dentistry Pre Prep Teddy Bear’s Picnic Preps 3 – 7 Summer Play Sponsored Walk Prep 7 to the Titanic Centre Preps 3 and 4 to St. Anne’s Cathedral Prep 4 to the Ulster Museum Preps 5 - 7 Day Out

177

The Owl 2016 MUSIC IN BEN MADIGAN Ben Madigan School Choir was kept so busy in the final term. We were invited to sing at the BRA Spring Concert in the Ulster Hall, and the children certainly made an impact on the audience with brilliant singing and professionalism. Mrs Pyper and Mr Wilson were overjoyed at their performance. The choir also went on to take part in the Carrick Music Festival, giving of their best and wowing the judges. For their first competition entry they earned themselves a wonderful 3rd place. We will be back next year!

MUSIC MAKERS

This year saw the start of a brand new club led by Mrs Bell. Music Makers allowed children to experiment and explore many different types of instruments, take part in rhythm and sound games and finished off with the children creating some of their own instruments. The Club had a dedicated group of pupils who worked well with the percussion instruments enabling us to learn and play some pieces of music as a small group. The children were very enthusiastic and were very creative making Music Makers fantastic fun. We look forward to seeing this develop in the future.

! BALMORAL SHOW Prep 3 went on their annual trip to the Balmoral Show as part of their ‘Farm’ topic. Having already hatched their own chicks and grown their own plants, they were excited to experience everything the event had to offer. The children tasted various cakes and treats before moving on to the petting zoo, where they got to hold pythons and stroke some animals. They climbed on all the different farm machinery, watched the horse jumping, cheered for the motorbike stuntmen and even ate some barbecued bamboo worms and water bugs! A brilliant day overall! Mr D. Warwick

178

Ben Madigan Preparatory School

PREP FOUR VISIT THE ULSTER MUSEUM Prep 4 had a great trip this year at the Ulster Museum! They were so keen they arrived at the museum a few minutes before the doors opened. Once they were in they had a great day exploring all the different areas and worlds within the Ulster Museum. They especially enjoyed the camouflage workshop, provided by a lovely member of the museum staff, before a quick game of football in Botanic gardens to finish off their fun-filled day.

SANTA’S ON STRIKE After such a successful Nativity play last year, I wondered how we would ever match that level of performance again. However, the hard work of both the staff and the children blew me away yet again with this year’s show, ‘Santa’s on Strike’. I am always amazed by what the children can pull off – the lines they have to learn, the songs, and remembering all of the stage directions. They were simply fantastic and we are all extremely proud of them! Well done to all of our Preps 1 – 3 pupils and thank you to all of the parents for providing such wonderful costumes.

FRIENDSHIP FOUR FESTIVAL Prep 5 and 6 were invited along to the SSE Arena to support the ‘Friendship Four Festival.’ The day began with a 3 hour trip to W5 where pupils were able to explore their different senses through a variety of scientific workshops. The highlight of the day, however, was cheering on ‘Brown University’ in the ice hockey match in the Arena itself. Brown ran out 5-1 winners (thanks to our cheerleading skills) in what proved to be a super school trip. Thanks must go to Belfast City Council for providing us with free transport and tickets.

MAX WHITLOCK VISITS BEN MADIGAN On Friday 11th December there was great excitement amongst the pupils of Ben Madigan Preparatory School at the prospect of coming face to face with one of their sporting heroes. Gymnast Max Whitlock, current World Champion and double Bronze Olympic medalist had been shortlisted as one of the nominees in this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year. In preparation for his visit, pupils made posters and banners with the hash tag #mightymax. He arrived at school around 1 pm and had his lunch in the staffroom with some of the Ben Madigan teachers before being introduced to the rest of the school. The pupils

179

The Owl 2016

SKI TRIP On the 16th January, 61 pupils and adults set off for what was for some an “adventure of a lifetime”. We had a very early start, meeting at school at 5.00 am for a transfer to Dublin then on to Minningham. After all of the traveling we arrived in the resort and unpacked our bags in the Sonnenburg Hotel which has been our destination for the last four school trips.

assembled around the perimeter of the hall and there was a buzz of expectation as they waited for the arrival of Max Whitlock. As Max came into the hall the pupils cheered, clapped and waved their banners. A welcome only fit for a ‘World Champion’. Max took time to answer questions from Prep 1-7 children before taking the opportunity to show off some of his own skills. He walked around the hall on his hands, completed a short floor routine and finished off with a standing back flip. Ben Madigan pupils didn’t want to be outdone, so Lara Lennon showed off her own hand walking skills before Jack Montgomery performed a standing backflip of his own. Max then went around the classes and spoke to each child in the school individually before signing his autograph for them.

180

With the boot and ski fit completed, we headed for the slopes. This was a great relief to all the keen weather watchers who had realised that a week earlier some of the slopes had areas of green grass on them! Thankfully over the first two days 50 cm of snow arrived. This made for excellent skiing conditions in lovely soft powdery snow. After the first two days of skiing being very cold, the wind dropped significantly and for the rest of the week we had beautiful skiing conditions. Evening activities were organised every night, including Bingo, a quiz, fancy dress and watching ski instructors demonstrate their skills in the nearby resort of Lermoos. All the skiers enjoyed a scenic and, at times, breath-taking ski from one side of the mountain right down to the village and our resort. The week passed all too quickly, with evening time chat turning from “snow ploughs” and “blue runs” at the start of the week to “parallel stops” and “red and black runs”, towards the end of the week. A hearty thank you must go to the parents who were only too

Ben Madigan Preparatory School willing to help with all the “little things” that made a trip run smoothly.

up their time to assist with the setup and running of many stalls on the evening. We are delighted to announce that the amount raised was just over £1,500, which is a super amount. We are extremely grateful for your continued support.

SPORT AT BEN MADIGAN MINI RUGBY The boys attended two festivals at Campbell College and one festival at our own grounds at Ben Madigan run by Mr McLoughlin and Mr McCarey.

LAUNCH OF COMPUTER SUITE After many months of hard work we finally launched our new computer suite. This room will be a fantastic space which will ensure pupils are being taught in an innovative, creative and engaging learning environment. The room boasts 20 computers and a new state-of-the-art ‘CleverTouch’ board where lessons will become interactive. With ‘ICT’ at Ben Madigan already having been given ‘outstanding’ by ETI, this will ensure that we stay ahead of the game.

The Campbell festival was one of our more memorable excursions playing some fine rugby in all the matches. For the first time in a number of years the boys frequently took the correct options and passed when they needed to pass and ran when they saw an appropriate gap. This highlighted the maturity of the players especially considering that many of the boys could play the following year. Again with more boys playing club rugby at Academy it was clear as to the help this had given them in terms of their skills in attack and defence as well as their running lines of attack. Many of the boys will be available for selection for the 2017 season and should hopefully progress even further in their skill development for the coming season combining some powerful runners and low tacklers. In May, Prep 5 participated in, for many, their first rugby festival in our own grounds. This involved 8 other schools and was a great success with a mixture of girls’ rugby, tag rugby and full-contact rugby. The festival was rounded off by a lovely BBQ with fruit and drinks and then Mr McCarey asked Iain Henderson and Stuart Olding to present all the participants with medals. P. Ingram

SPONSORED STAY AWAKE In prior years we have raised money for school funds by participating in a sponsored walk. We decided to change this fund raising initiative this year by introducing a ‘Sponsored Stay Awake’. The stay awake was for children in Preps 6 and 7 and was held on Friday 27th May 2016. The children raised a staggering amount of money and the grand total from the two classes was…£2705.

FUN EVENING On Friday 3rd June we had our evening of fun. The weather was fantastic which contributed to the success of the many stalls which were on show. We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the parents who gave

GIRLS REACH SEMI-FINALS OF ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS! The Girls’ Hockey team have capped-off a terrific season with an outstanding performance in the Ulster Primary Schools’ Finals which were held at Lisnagarvey. Their hard work in the group stages was rewarded when they qualified in top position for the Shield competition. The ‘round robin’ format of the Shield saw the girls drawn against Sullivan Prep School and Ballyclare Primary School. They won both of these matches convincingly and secured a place in the semi-final where they would come up against Gilnahirk Primary School. Although the girls battled well, they were beaten by 2 goals to 1. On another day

181

The Owl 2016 closely-contested races across the board. Again, it was another successful Sports Day with plenty of silverware on show for the efforts of all those who took part.

CROSS COUNTRY

we would surely have secured the Shield, however it just wasn’t meant to be. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the parents who have given of their time this year to collect and leave the girls as well as offer some outstanding support. Although we were one of the smallest schools to enter the regional competition, Ben Madigan has been punching well above their weight. Super work LADIES!!!

SPORTS DAY Again we were fortunate to have had beautiful weather for our Sports Day which showcased the picturesque grounds at Ben Madigan. With an array of events, the parents certainly enjoyed the atmosphere as children displayed their sporting talents. With Mr Wilson again responsible for the sound system, all parents were kept well informed of the events and winners throughout both the Senior and Junior sports days. Preps 4-7 battled it out in many disciplines from sprint races to obstacle races with

182

The Cross Country Club at Ben Madigan was open to pupils from Prep 4 to Prep 7 and met every Tuesday afternoon throughout the year. Many of the children joined the Club to try to improve their overall fitness while others were interested in training for competitive running. Our school grounds with its extensive areas of flat lawn coupled with the more challenging, hilly slopes provided an excellent environment in which to run. It is hoped that our school’s involvement in the “Daily Mile” initiative will encourage more children to be active and run with our club. E.W.

BEN MADIGAN PUPILS’ WORK

Ben Madigan Preparatory School

All About the Inuit This report will tell you all about the Inuit. What is an Inuit? An Inuit is a group of very good hunters. How they Hunt An Inuit needs boots. They bring a knife called an ulu that goes into the ice and cuts it up. They get some wood and string and hooks. They catch fish called char. When they catch the fish they lay them in a row but they actually come alive again into ghost fish. It is so crazy! Animals in the Arctic There are all sorts of animals in the Arctic. There are arctic foxes, polar bears, wolves and caribou. Where do they live? Some Inuit live in wooden houses or igloos. Some live in Finland, Canada, Alaska, Greenland and all sorts of places. How do they travel? Inuit can travel by using snowmobiles and huskies that can pull a sled. They also use skis but skis are easier to use because you just move your legs and slide on them. It is super fun to ski across the ice but when it melts itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not so fun. By Lucy Bittles, Prep 3

183

The Owl 2016 The Story of Wool First the sheep needs its wool to grow really long. Then the farmer has to shear it. Next they use two brushes to clean the wool. After that they use a spinning wheel to make the wool thinner. Finally they dye the white wool any colour. They can sell it once the wool has dried. By Mya Wilson, Prep 3

Foxes visit the farm to eat chickens Our world’s most fox-visiting place is… the farm! X-rays are sometimes taken on chicks because foxes bite them in the night at the farm Extraordinary foxes can… Survive in the city. By Mya Armstrong, Prep 3

Step 2 Put 1 tablespoon of maple syrup in the bowl. Step 3 Add 1 tablespoon of yeast. Step 4 Mix in 4-5 cups of wheat flour. Step 5 Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt. Step 6 Leave the mixture to rise for 45 minutes. Step 7 Make shapes with the dough. Step 8 Put it into the oven at 200°C until it turns brown.

How to Make Gluten-Free Bread You will need: - wheat - grain - flour - 2x cups of warm water - 1x table spoon of maple syrup - 1x table spoon of yeast - 4-5 cups of whole wheat flour - 1x teaspoon of salt Step 1 Pour the warm water into the bowl.

184

Step 9 Take it out. Step 10 Eat it! By Emmet Morris, Prep 3

Ben Madigan Preparatory School small bag for washing things and clothes.

Prep 4

You thought you knew about your senses but you don’t!

Where and when was Anne Frank born?  On June 12th 1929 Anne Frank was born in Frankfurt, Germany. What did Anne do on June 1943?  Anne started writing her diary.

If someone or something touches you it sends a signal to your brain. Your eye has a blind spot anything that touches it you don’t see. Your tongue has taste buds without them you couldn’t taste. There is something in your ear called your ear drum.

Who were the other members of Anne Frank’s family?  Her parents were Edith and Otto Frank and Anne Frank’s sister was called Margot.

By Anna Gemmell, Prep 4

By Jacob McLaughlin, Prep 4

Letter home as an evacuee  Dear Mum and Dad

Benan and I have become evacuees, I’m doing great but I miss you. Come here please. I wish you were here because you would be having the time of your life. I’m living at the farm in the army base. It looks very dark, is covered in webs and is creepy. I think there are some spies watching me during the night. The person who is looking after me is creepy and scary, I don’t like him, please come soon.  Signed JJ   By James Joseph Hegarty, Prep 4

Prep 6 Zombie Apocalypse – Matt McLaughlin – Prep 6

Research using Fronter

Why were children evacuated?  People expected cities to be bombed, as enemy planes tried to destroy factories.

How many children left their homes in September 1939?  The plan was put into action in September 1939 and about 800,000 children left their homes.  Where did the children go?  Children were sent from cities to places where there was less risk of air raids.   What did evacuees take with them on their journey?  Every evacuee had a gas mask, food for the journey, a

It was a beautiful day and I decided to go to the park with my friend called Matthew. I walked down to his house and knocked his door. Matthew came to the door and opened it. I said, “Hi Matthew, do you want to go to the park to play rugby with me?” He replied and said, “Ok, just let me get my rugby ball first”. He walked over to his garage and grabbed his rugby ball and then we started to walk to the park. When we arrived, the park seemed to be deserted. Everywhere was silent. We didn’t take much notice so we just started passing and kicking to each other. I passed the ball to Matthew. Then he kicked it so hard it went into someone’s back garden. He said, “Oh flip!” Then I said, “We had better go and ask if they can get it for us.” We walked to the house and knocked on the door. No-one answered. We tried again but still there

185

The Owl 2016 was no answer. We then decided to go into their back garden and get it ourselves. We opened the gate and walked in. There it was; the rugby ball. We quickly ran over to get it but before we could get it we noticed something inside the house, something horrible. It was a Zombie! It was trying to open the back door to get at us! We were taken completely by surprise, we just ran as quickly as we could out of the back garden. As we were running Matthew said, “Let’s go back to my house. Hopefully we’ll be able to phone for help”. I replied by saying, “Ok, but we’ll have to be quick otherwise the Zombie will get us! We ran as quickly as possible to Matthew’s house. When we arrived, I knocked on the door. There was no answer. We tried again. Still no answer. Then a horrifying thought came into my head, “What if everyone except us has turned into a Zombie?” I think Matthew had had the same thought because he also had a terrified look on his face. Suddenly we heard a noise! It sounded like a sort of groaning. We heard loud footsteps coming from inside the house. I said, “Something’s coming!” The door opened. It was another Zombie! Matthew shouted “Run!” We ran as fast as we could away from the Zombie. We stopped for a moment to catch our breaths and then Matthew said, “We need to find a safe place to stay.” I replied and said, “I know an abandoned house, it’s only a few minutes’ walk from here.” Matthew said, “Ok, let’s stay there for the night.” We started to walk to the abandoned house. When we

186

arrived Matthew opened the door and we walked in. Matthew and I decided to sleep in the living room. I had plenty of pillows and blankets so we wouldn’t be cold. We went outside to look for berries and apples to eat but we only found a few blackberries. We went back inside and ate the blackberries before we went to sleep. I said to Matthew, “Do you think we’ll survive long enough to find any other survivors?” He replied with, “I’m not sure but I really do hope so!” Then we both fell asleep. Bang! Bang! Bang! “What was that Matthew?” I said. He replied, “I don’t know, but it’s coming from outside.” I got out of my make-shift bed and went to the window. It was pitch black, I couldn’t see anything. I said, “I can’t see anything out here.” Bang! Bang! Bang! Matthew then said, “There it is again.” I replied, “I think it might be a Zombie.” Bang! Bang! Crash! The Zombie had broken into the house!

Ben Madigan Preparatory School Matthew and I scampered upstairs as quickly as possible. We then ran into the bathroom and locked the door. We could hear the Zombie slowly walking up the stairs. We would hear it groaning and moaning. Then it started bashing at the door, trying to break in. I said to Matthew, “We’re going to die!” Then the Zombie bashed the door off its hinges and started to come towards us. I tried to punch it but it grabbed my arm before I had even made contact with it. Then it sunk its teeth into my arm and everything went black. The End.

My Special Sister – Grace Ashe-McGurk – Prep 6 The person I admire the most is my sister, Rose, not only because she is my sister, but also because she has autism. Autism is a condition found in adults and children and it makes learning in school more difficult for them. I really look up to her (even though she is smaller than me!) Rose has worked very hard ever since she went to a mainstream school. She has recently moved to a school for children with special needs and is doing very well there. Even when I haven’t had the best day at school she can make me smile. Because of Rose my mum arranged for a summer camp called Adams’ Camp to come to Northern Ireland for the first time. It normally takes place in the U.S.A. This camp is organised for children with special needs and gives them therapy through play. There is also a siblings’ camp for the brothers and sisters of the children who attend the Adams’ Camp. She brings so much to my life that I couldn’t imagine life without her.

The Wedding Dream Disaster! – Hannah O’Kane – Prep 6 I’m Caroline and today is my wedding day. I am marrying a guy called Jonathan Bannon. He is the kindest, most loving person in the world. We’re getting married in the Canary Islands in a small village called Villanese. The hotel is beautiful and the food is to die for. We finished the ceremony an hour ago and we are going down to have dinner in 30 minutes, so I will go and get ready now but I will finish writing after the party. Later that evening. The food was amazing. It was a set menu which had a mini seafood platter followed by seafood chowder for the starters, a divine creamy sauce which was served on scallops and a small bowl of mussels on the side. The dessert was our wedding cake and a few other mini tray bakes. I did not get to eat it all because I was afraid that I was going to explode!

a week before my wedding. He died from heart failure. This was very sad because he always went on and on about how he couldn’t wait to be at his daughter’s wedding. However, as he always said, “You cannot let something in the past let you down in the future”. Tom, my father-in-law, filled in for my dad. It’s currently 00:23, just past the midnight of my wedding day and my husband and I are now walking to the patio area where we are going to chat and have some coffee. This is certainly the best and most romantic day I have experienced in my whole entire life! Earlier in the day my husband gave me this amazing, delicious box of chocolates. The best I’ve ever tasted. I decide to walk to my suite to get them. As I’m walking to my room there is a massive crash and I’m thinking, “Should I go back and check Jonathan is ok but it is probably just the kitchen”. As I am taking the key out of my bag I hear the crash again but this time it is even louder as though it is happening just in front of me. I quickly go in and try to find the chocolates but there is someone face to face. I bolt for the door running as fast as I could. If someone can hear me, I plead in my head, “PLEASE, PLEASE, HELP ME!”

After dinner the first dance was a dad and daughter/ bride dance but unfortunately my dad had passed away

187

The Owl 2016

Prep 7 The Treehouse – Lorena Del Castillo – Prep 7 Then suddenly everything was gone ...The Tsunami was over, everything was gone, homes, forests and buildings. There was sea-weed, clothes, bodies, boats almost everything you could think of washed up everywhere. I started searching for hours and hours for any of my family or friends. I was walking through some bricks when I heard a noise; it was like a quiet moan. I realised it was coming from under me. I started to lift up some of the bricks. I saw an arm moving slightly so I reached out to lift up the bricks, when suddenly, a head came out of the bricks. I helped lift the person out, then I released it was someone I knew, I looked closer … it was my best friend Sohalia. Soon she was out of all the bricks, safe and sound. After, we started to look for some kind of shelter, enough shelter to keep us out of the rain. That night there was a storm, the wind howled all night, not that it could do that much more damage, actually, there was no damage left to be done. Morning came; Sohalia and I realised we both had empty stomachs. We both left our shelter searching for food or water. I found a little stream down the side of a mountain and tried to go to the source of the stream just so it wasn’t too contaminated. We had to stay in the clothes we were in to keep on searching for food. Sohalia found some berries and I found some nuts. We walked back to our shelter to eat our food and water. Next we tried to build a fire to heat up our wet clothes. Our shelter was only some wood in the shape of a tent, after a couple of days the wood got very soggy and started to fall. We decided to go on a hunt to find more of a shelter. Sohalia and I thought we would have more of a chance to find shelter if we split up. Sohalia went up the left side of Mount Coco and I went up the right side. I heard a twig snap behind me, I got very scared so I started to run as fast as I could. As I was running I looked behind me, suddenly I tripped and bumped into a tree. I got up from the ground and looked up at the tree. I realised it had a ladder on it…my eyes followed the ladder up to the top of the tree, there I saw what would be an amazing shelter, no, more like a tree house! It took me a few minutes until I believed what I was seeing! Having found Sohalia, I told her all about how I found the tree house and that we could use it as our shelter. Soon we had a new shelter, it was all decorated inside and there was enough food and water for the both of us to live together.

The Winding Woods – Eve Taylor – Prep 7 I was being chased when I tripped over. The next thing I knew I was surrounded by Sycamore trees in some kind of woodland and I had no idea how I got there. I saw a bright, blue light glowing up ahead and decided to go and investigate. As I tentatively

188

approached the light I realised it was a little winged creature with long, blond hair wearing a light blue dress. “I am Cassabell, a magical pixie and these are the Winding Woods,” she said smiling at me. “Well it’s very nice to meet you Cassabell. My name is Rosie, the Woods are very nice but how do I get home?” “Once you have entered the Winding Woods the only way to leave is to find three magical items. Good luck!” and then she was gone without telling me what on earth the three items were. It was beginning to get dark and I was feeling very tired and also a little wary of the night time sounds of the forest so I found a hollow at the bottom of a tree and curled up to sleep. The next morning I was very hungry, I found some berries but worried they might be poisonous so I just got a cold drink of water from a stream and set off to find my way home. As I started walking deeper into the forest it became cold and damp. I heard something behind me and started running, in these woods, who knew what it could be! When I finally stopped running I came to a glade, there was a large lake with an island in the middle. I could hardly believe my eyes, there drinking from the water was a mythical UNICORN. This creature was so amazing and majestic I didn’t even realise it was talking to me! “Rosie, Rosie! It’s ok, don’t be afraid, you need to keep moving but I’m here to tell you that the first item you search for is a pair of enchanted deer horns. I wish you good luck.” Then the Unicorn disappeared. As I started on my way the little Pixie, Cassabell, appeared again and exclaimed “You need to hurry or you’ll be trapped here forever!” Then she was gone again leaving me with no clues. Soon I came upon a temple. It was covered in vines and made of the oldest stone. Stupidly I decided to go inside only to be chased out by little dwarfs with crazy purple hair. I just knew this was the place where I would find the enchanted deer horns. Later that night, under cover of dark when the dwarfs were sleeping, I crept back into the temple. You can imagine the dwarfs weren’t the only challenge I had to face once inside. I had no idea what I was doing but I knew I had to keep going if I ever wanted to escape from the Winding Woods.

The Night – Erin Bennett – Prep 7 Boom! Bang! They were here. I could see them. Something was wrong. The sirens hadn’t sounded. My family and I sprinted to the forest on the hill. We were sure they’d never get us there. We ran to dig up our hidden emergency supplies. We ran until we couldn’t run anymore. Then, we knew we were safe. Night had started to fall and we hadn’t even dug up our trench. Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be running away? I have, and let me tell you, it’s not nice. Nazis are our enemy…They try to get us into these so called “concentration camps”. Allies bomb us; I’m kind of on their side. But I can’t show

Ben Madigan Preparatory School it. And that’s why we’re here. Oh, and by the way I’m called Alexandra and I have an older brother called John. I’m twelve and he’s seventeen. Enough rambling, sorry. John’s putting up the tent inside the trench, I’m of course writing in my diary. I’m sitting on a tree branch, my mother’s red hair swaying in the wind below me and my father’s dark brown hair bobbing up and down as he moves about. It’s pretty windy. There are people moving towards us in the distance; I can see them. There are five shadows. I can see my family run to hide. I doubt they can see me up here because I’m really high up. They search our tent. They search until they know it’s safe to use. A few metres away I can see my family hiding and their faces have very angry scowls on them. I drop my book. They look up at me. I can see every one of their single faces. There is a boy around my age. He has two sisters. His parents seem shocked. All of them do. “Come down here at once!” shouts the man. As I climb down I can see my parents. As I hit the ground my mother runs over and stands by my side. “Who are you?” shouts mother. “Vincent Snitzel”, says the man. It’s weird because the first thing he asks us is if we are Jews. “Yes. Are you Jews?” asks mother. “Yes,” replies his wife. “Can we please have our shelter back?” asks mother. “Yes, but only if you share it with us,” said Vincent. So we spent the night talking, but father and John never came to the tent. So I decided to find them. I reckoned it was about 1 am and I went to the place where they were hiding, but they weren’t there. There was a river behind where they were hiding. “I must tell them there’s a river,” I mumbled to myself. I went to the tree that I sat on earlier and climbed it. And still I couldn’t see them. I walked back to the tent. And fell asleep on mother. Father and John came back in the morning and woke us up screaming “THE WAR IS OVER! THE WAR IS OVER!”

189

Former Pupils’ News

OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION

in Great Britain or abroad, who would not receive any notices or invitations connected with the Association, but would receive ‘The Owl’. Today we have Life Members from as far away as South Africa, Hong Kong and New Zealand. If you are not a member, and would like to be, please contact the School. The Old Girls’ Association has continued to grow from strength to strength in the past year. The first important event of the year was the AGM which was held on 8th December 2015. There was a good turnout with members spanning a number of decades, and several important decisions were taken regarding the future direction and development of the Association. A number of events were also planned for the forthcoming year and the new committee was elected.

The Old Girls’ Association has been in existence for more than 50 years. Mary Hyndman was one of the founders of the Old Girls’ Association and the first President. She was a member of the Academy teaching staff and served the School devotedly for over forty years, during which time she had been Domestic Science Mistress and Senior Mistress. From September 1900, girls who had hitherto attended the Preparatory Department continued their education through the higher classes of the Academy. In 1923 it was the decision of the Headmaster, Mr Foster, to make the Academy a co-educational school. This important development would not have been accomplished as smoothly as it was had not Miss Hyndman supervised the practical details of the change. Mary Hyndman remained a Patron of the Old Girls’ Association until her death in 1958. The Constitution states that the aim of our Association was to unite former pupils of the Academy and to engage in social, philanthropic and educational enterprises. Membership came under the headings of ‘Ordinary’ and ‘Magazine’. Ordinary membership included former pupils and members of staff who had been connected with the School for at least one year. Magazine membership was for former pupils residing i

190

The first main event of the year was a coffee morning held in the new Jackson Suite. This provided an opportunity for visitors to view the fantastic new state-of-the-art Music block and the multi-purpose area within the Jackson Building. The highlight of the year was the first official relaunch dinner held in Ten Square Hotel on Saturday 3rd September 2016. This was a great success with over 80 Members and guests in attendance. Feedback on the event was very positive and this will be an important annual fixture in the Old Girls’ Association’s calendar going forward. During the course of the year some Old Girls were delighted to have the opportunity to meet with current students and share their experience and skills. This included teaching CPR to Duke of Edinburgh students and meeting with MVI girls prior to the end of their final school year to introduce them to the Association and talk about the Association’s future plans. The current 1st XI have been invited to a match against an Old Girls’ hockey team. It is hoped this will be the inception of an annual event and a new trophy has been commissioned to be presented to the winning team.

Former Pupils’ News underway is the ordering of a large school crest to go on to the Darbyshire Building, funded by the Association. Work is also underway to produce house flags that will be flown from the Crombie building when a house has achieved success in an organised school event. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Old Girls who have helped us get this far and for the interaction and encouragement that we receive through the social media sites. If you would like to become a member, have any questions or suggestions, or are interested in giving up a few hours of your time to assist us, then please contact us through social media or send an email to: BRAOldGirls@outlook.com

OLD GIRLS’ NEWS **** Maebh Martin was awarded a First Class Joint Honours in French and German from St. Andrew’s, with a distinction in spoken German. To be included on her scroll is that Maebh won the music award for most outstanding student of the year; she has been included on the Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement and last year she received a fellowship. In September, Maebh goes to Paris for a year to begin a part-time teaching post in the Sorbonne. ****

ALUMNI NEWS HELEN BEGGS-FRIGIERI Over the past year the Old Girls’ Association has been working towards achieving charitable status. This culminated in the NI Charities Commission approving the Association as a charity in June. This means Gift Aid can be claimed on all donations as well as the annual membership subscription, ultimately providing valuable extra funds to support the School. A fundraising page has also been set up which provides free donations to the Association, when purchasing online through participating retailers. Please go to h t t p s : / / n e w. e a s y f u n d r a i s i n g . o r g . u k / c a u s e s / braoldgirlsassoc/ sign up for free, then every time you shop online go to ‘easyfundraising’ and choose the retailer you want to shop with. The Old Girls’ Association will receive donations at no extra cost to you. There has been ongoing liaison with the School to identify the most effective projects to get involved with and provide financial support to through funds raised by The Old Girls’ Association. One initiative currently

191

The Owl 2016 Helen Beggs left the Academy in 1975 to study modern languages at Queen’s University. She graduated in 1980 with a joint honours degree in French and German. After graduation, Helen was employed as Information Assistant to the British Tourist Authority. So esteemed were her skills that in the following year she became Deputy Estates Manager with the British Embassy in Rome, and was then rapidly promoted to become Personal Assistant to the Ambassador. In November 2015, Helen was presented with the British Empire Medal at the Ambassador’s official residence in Rome. This honour was awarded for her services to fostering good relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See – the term is derived from the Latin phrase “Sancta Sedes”, and refers to the seat of government in Rome of the Catholic Church.

Control. In 2006, Brenda resigned from Merck to join her husband Claudio’s law and payroll consultancy. Those who have some knowledge of Italy beyond the tourist experience, may be aware that there have been extensive changes to labour law and payroll arrangements in the last decade. This reconfiguration has involved very detailed and complex negotiation. Having concluded a six-year process of reorganisation, Brenda decided to reduce her business commitments, and now enjoys not having to work full-time. She and her husband now divide their time between their apartment in Rome and their summer house in the beach resort of Sabaudia, an hour south of the city.

Helen was involved in the preparations for no less than six Royal visits to the Vatican in five years. The Queen’s fourth such visit took place in April 2014. Helen has been described as the kind of person for whom the Honours system is best designed; her personal qualities shining through the preparations for each of the Royal visits for which she had responsibility. Our photograph shows Helen being presented with the BEM by Nigel Baker, then Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See.

BRENDA McMANUS After leaving the Academy, Brenda spent the first half her gap year working in Belfast, and then decided to see how far she could travel with the money she had saved. She set off for Athens, at the other end of Europe, but like so many travellers before her, she was so enchanted by what she saw of Rome that she decided to go no further. On her return to Belfast, Brenda enrolled at Queen’s to study Italian, and then, for her obligatory year abroad for her degree, she, fortuitously, found herself back in Rome. A course in marketing followed graduation, which involved working on projects for the Northern Ireland Office in Brussels, after which she moved to Dublin to work for Alitalia, the Italian national airline. It was this position that led to her promotion to the airline’s headquarters in Rome, leaving in 1992. In the best romantic tradition, she then married an Italian. After leaving Alitalia, Brenda began work as a certified translator at Rome’s Law Courts, then in 1995 she decided to move to the pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co Basic, initially in the company’s Scientific Secretariat, then as Assistant to the Administrative Director, with responsibility for Budget Planning and

192

PROFESSOR KAREN MORRISON In 1980 Karen Morrison won the only scholarship of that year awarded by Girton College, and went up to Cambridge to read Medical Sciences. After graduation, she moved to Oxford where in 1986 she took her BM and BCh degrees.

Former Pupils’ News Karen then crossed the Atlantic to undertake postdoctoral research in the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale University. She returned to Oxford to study inherited disorders of motor nerves, which transmit sensations such as heat, cold and pain to the spinal column and to the brain. Karen was subsequently appointed Medical Research Fellow at Corpus Christi College, Oxford and completed her clinical training in neurology at the world renowned Radcliffe Infirmary, where she was appointed Honorary Consultant Neurologist in 1998. In the following year, Karen was appointed the Bloomer Professor of Neurology at the University of Birmingham where she also directed the Birmingham Motor Neurone Disease Care and Research Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Motor Neurone Disease damages parts of the nervous system (the motor neurons) which control muscle activity such as walking, speaking, swallowing and breathing. As the disease spreads to other parts of the body, movement may be impossible, and communicating, swallowing and breathing become problematic. There is currently no cure for this condition and most people with MND die within five years of the onset of systems. Karen’s research has been published widely in medical and scientific journals, and she serves on several national and international panels, advising on clinical and research aspects of neuro-degeneration. In 2016 she moved to the University of Southampton to lead educational programmes in the Faculty of Medicine. She is Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience, and Director of Education, as well as Professor of Neurology and Honorary Consultant Neurologist at University Hospital Southampton.

OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION The main event in the Association’s calendar is the Annual Dinner. This was held in the Wellington Park Hotel on Saturday 28th November 2015. The President, Mr Tony Cole, welcomed a total of around 160 members and guests. The speakers at the dinner were: • • • •

Mr Geoff Simon who proposed the toast to the School The Headmaster who replied and proposed the toast to the Association The President responded and proposed the toast to our guests Mr Robin Hogg replied on behalf of the guests

The success of the dinner was again due, in no small measure, to the Dinner Secretary, Iain Knox, who worked extremely hard to encourage a large number of members to attend. The Old Boys’ Association organised the third annual dinner in London which was open to all former pupils of the Academy who live in the Greater London Area and beyond. A total of around 70 former pupils attended the dinner which was held on Friday 19th February 2016 at the RAF Club, Piccadilly. Prof James Stirling, Provost of Imperial College, said the Grace before dinner. The main speakers at the dinner were the President; the Headmaster and Mr Peter Dickson, who entertained those present with a variety of stories from his time at School and in show business. Plans are already in place for another London Dinner; this will be held on Friday 24th February 2017 again at the RAF Club, Piccadilly. Former pupils who wish to attend should contact the Hon. Secretary at doc_malone2004@yahoo.co.uk. Also in 2017, the Old Boys’ Association will host a dinner for Former Pupils in the New Club on Princes Street, Edinburgh. The date chosen is 28th April 2017. Former Pupils who are interested in attending this dinner should contact the Hon. Secretary at doc_malone2004@yahoo.co.uk. The Annual General Meeting of the Association was held on 25th April 2016 and the following officials were elected for 2016/2017:

E.M.C.

President Senior Vice President Junior Vice President Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Hon. Membership Secretary Dinner Secretary Hon. Auditor

Robb Fletcher Martin Blake [vacant] Louis Campbell Nik Simon Michael Bennett Iain Knox Drew Wilkinson

The Committee for 2016/2017 was also elected and permission was sought, and granted, to co-opt a Junior Vice President at a later date. The future of the Association depends upon Old Boys becoming

193

The Owl 2016 involved and I would again appeal to anyone who has an interest in joining the Committee to speak to the Hon. Secretary or any member of the Committee. The annual cricket match of the Old Boys’ XI against the School XI had to be cancelled because of the weather. Again, the Old Boys’ Association congratulates the School 1st XI on winning the final of the Schools’ Cup against RBAI on Friday 17th June 2016. In what proved to be a very exciting, close match, Max Burton (Form IV) was the hero, scoring 78 not out! This is the first time since 2010 that a team has retained the Cricket Schools’ Cup; Captain Francis Collins and his team fully deserve our warm congratulations for making another piece of history. The Golf Society, under the leadership of Ken Knox, continues to attract good numbers of golfers for the two main competitions normally held in June and September. The results this year were: Picken Cup at Malone G.C. Thursday 1th June 2016 Winner: Alan Russell James Beattie’s Captain’s Day at Royal Belfast G.C. Friday September 2016 Winner: Stewart Beattie Ferguson Cup for best aggregate score over two outings Winner: Alan Russell Provisional dates for next year’s competitions are: Picken Cup at Malone GC on Thursday 22nd June 2017 tee-off 2pm to 3.30pm. Tim Weir’s Captain’s Day will be at Royal Belfast GC on Friday 8th September 2017 with tee-off time 12.00pm to 1.30pm.

older members alike. The Association is in the debt of Iain Knox and Michael McDowell for keeping this internet site up-to-date. Michael McDowell also promotes the Association on Social Media through the Old Boys’ Twitter account @TheBRAoldboys. [An ad hoc sub-committee has been established to review the current effectiveness of the website and how it can be improved.] At the time of writing these notes, the President’s letter is about to be sent to all members; a copy of the School’s Academy Newsletter will also sent with the letter. Also included in this mailing will be the fifth edition of the Old Boys’ Newsletter which highlights the activities of some of our Old Boys. If you would like to contribute an article for a future edition of this Newsletter please contact the Hon. Secretary. Inevitably, many of the President’s letters are returned to School as members have moved away from the address held by the Membership Secretary. I would appeal to all members who have moved in recent months (or years) to contact Michael Bennett at membershipsec@bra-oldboys.com or contact Andrea Kerns in the Alumni Office in School at akerns246@bfsra.belfast.ni.sch.uk. Again, I appeal to those Old Boys of School who are reading these notes but who are not members of the Association, to think about joining and thereby restoring links to the School. L. Campbell Hon Secretary

Throughout the year, Robin Reid once again masterminded, with the assistance of others, a series of monthly lunches which are normally held in golf clubs around the greater Belfast area. These continue to be very popular with around 50 or more, mainly retired, members attending. It was especially pleasing that Honorary Vice President, Mr Des Simon was present at the September lunch in the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra, two days after celebrating his 100th birthday. This lunch attracted 72 members! We thank Robin for coordinating these lunches. Each year, the Old Boys' Association tries to make a substantial financial contribution to School to support particular projects. Last year, the Association, with the guidance of the Headmaster, donated £2500 to support the purchase of a new table and chairs for the refurbished Heritage Room in the Crombie Building. In addition, £500 was donated to Ben Madigan to support the Library/IT project there. It is worth noting here that the Association has donated over £19,000 to fund various projects in School over the past number of years. The Old Boys’ website – www.belfastroyalacademyoldboysassociation.com – continues to attract a lot of interest from younger and

194

Old Boys’ President, Mr Robb Fletcher; David Haslett, Mr Des Simon, Geoff Simon.

Former Pupils’ News

OLD BOYS’ NEWS ALAN MCKENNA Given my father, uncle, older brother and cousins had attended BRA, and my father and mother were teaching at BRA - it was obvious which seat of learning I would attend (and I had another brother to follow me). BRA offered such a wide range of activities – particularly Rugby (we all played 1st XV), Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Waterpolo, Orienteering, Christian Union and Canoeing. I managed to get through my 7 years at BRA, avoiding being taught by either of my parents, and departing in 1993! I graduated with an Honours degree in Chemistry from Queen’s University of Belfast – though my finals might have gone even better if I hadn’t had some concussion and four staples in my head from a sports injury! My first teaching post was in the Vavoua International School, 500 miles into the Ivory Coast bush, north of the capital Abidjan. I taught science to the children of missionaries in West African countries. Thankfully the school had managed to switch on the mains electricity a couple of months before I arrived – the village next to us had to wait two more years. My three years in Vavoua were enjoyable and challenging. There were two coup d'etats while I was in the Ivory Coast, though they were more of a concern to my family than to my own safety. I also had a bout of malaria!

race! We have run quite a few such races since, and May, even though she works in London, has been great support in my various roles at school as well as supporting me in diet and races. We are now quite settled at Royal Russell School, south of London. I am still teaching, but relinquished my Head of Department role, as I am House Master to 37 teenagers who board at the school. A. McKenna **** Pictured below is former pupil Pat Hodges, 1970-77 (formerly Pat McKay) pictured with her sons, Gareth Hodges, 1990-97 and Connor Boyd, 2009-2016. A very proud mother who uniquely has one son Gareth, a Schools’ Cup Winner (Rugby) and Connor, a Schools’ Cup Winner (Cricket).

On returning to NI, Mr Young gave me an opportunity to teach Chemistry at BRA, and during this first year, I received an offer to teach Chemistry in the Middle East. I decided to accept the Chemistry role in Kuwait English School. Teaching in Kuwait offered a very different experience to the Ivory Coast. I had moved from a very Christian environment to one of the most Islamic countries in the world. The missionary kids in Vavoua had hand-me-down clothes whereas Kuwaiti kids were oil-rich wealthy. However, the hospitality shown to me by the families in both regions was similar. Then, when war came to the doorsteps of Kuwait and Saddam Hussein pointed his missiles in our direction the school closed! One of my students phoned me to say: "My father says you must come and stay with us." So for the duration of the war I had maid service, my own office and, more importantly, an international phone line so I could reassure anyone watching the news that I was safe. While in Kuwait, I played in the finals day at the Dubai rugby sevens, but a rib dislocated while playing in Qatar triggered the end of my rugby playing days. I returned to the UK to teach Chemistry, first at the Purcell School for gifted young musicians north of London, and then Trent College near Nottingham, which included coaching rugby and cricket. I took up running quite long distances, and met my wife, May, while we were running a marathon - though I’m not sure she was too keen to chat during that first

195

The Owl 2016

ALUMNI NEWS SAM BUTLER

Irish Times the Times, the Sunday Times, the Washington Post and the BBC. I n 1 9 9 1 h e f o r m e d S a m B u t l e r C re a t i v e Communication and Public Relations to utilise his media and business experience. He is a member of the Guild of Food Writers, President of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists in Ireland, consultant to Food Invest NI and the Industrial Development Board. Our photograph shows Sam Butler with Arlene Foster, First Minister of the NI Executive, and, in the centre, Mark Hix, the celebrated chef, food writer and restaurateur.

SIMON EDENS

Sam Butler left the Academy to study History at Queen’s University. After graduation in 1970, he took the first steps in what was to become a long and distinguished career in journalism, and then in consultancy. He began his apprenticeship in journalism with the Belfast Newsletter, one of the city’s best known morning newspapers – and, since its first edition was printed in Joy’s Entry in 1737, the oldest English language newspaper still in publication. Following a stint as business editor, and subsequently as education correspondent, Sam became editor in chief of the Newsletter in 1983, and in the following year he successfully oversaw the change from the paper’s traditional broadsheet form to the more modern tabloid style.

Simon Edens had wanted to be a police officer since Fifth Form, and left the Academy a few days before the end of term in 1981 in order to do so. Now a senior officer in Northamptonshire Police, he believes that a clear, sustainable sense of purpose is important in any career.

These were momentous years in the history of both parts of Ireland, described by Hugh Shearman, in his short history of the Newsletter, as a period in which people lived their daily lives in spite of a background of continuous violence. By a curious twist of history, another former Academy pupil, Douglas Gageby, was editor of Dublin’s Irish Times at the same time as Sam Butler was editor of the Belfast Newsletter. In 1987, Sam was awarded a PhD in History by Birkbeck College, University of London.

Simon spent his first ten years in Northern Ireland. Working in the front line of what was then the most challenging policing environment in the western world, he found that the skills acquired with the RUC were an enormous asset when he later moved to pursue a career in England. Serving for the next 17 years in Cambridgeshire, he also took a degree and trained as a hostage negotiator. His competence was acknowledged when he was deployed to lead the searches for the missing Soham schoolgirls, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in a case which dominated the national and international media in August 2002, and which eventually resulted in the arrest and successful prosecution of the schoolgirls’ murderer, Ian Huntley.

After 1990, when he surrendered his editorial chair, Sam added to his journalistic experience an impressive portfolio of media and business expertise. He became editor of Today (London), and contributed to, among a host of other news outlets, the Belfast Telegraph, the

196

Former Pupils’ News In 2007, Simon joined the National Strategic Command and moved to Worcestershire as assistant Chief Constable with the West Mercia Police; four years later he was in Leicestershire as Deputy to the Chief Constable. He is now Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police.

ministry to both English and French speaking communities. Brian is also the author of two books on Christianity: The Foundations of Faith, and Great Works of Faith, and blogs at crazyrev.blogspot.com

In what is colloquially known as Northants Police, Simon Edens has responsibility for a force which responds to over 1 million calls a year. He oversees 1,220 officers, 130 Police Community Support Officers, 400 Special Constables 700 Police Volunteers, 100 Cadets and 700 police staff. In addition to what might be considered its traditional challenges, policing today presents new threats from terrorism and cybercrime. A National Crime Agency, based on the model of America’s FBI, has been established, and a National Police College was instituted in 2012. Simon Eden’s advice to those who aspire to a career in policing is to complete one’s education beforehand, and not to be discouraged by the inevitable setbacks that one encounters – as is the case with any career.

REV C BRIAN ROSS **** In June 2016 former pupil, Brian Ross (1955 -1959) returned to the School, with his wife, for a brief visit during a short stay in Northern Ireland. On leaving the Academy, Brian trained as a chef at the old Royal Avenue Hotel which, as our older readers will remember, was in Belfast city centre, opposite today’s Castle Court shopping mall. He was subsequently employed by the P&O shipping line and worked in the cruise ship, SS Oriana. In this way, he says, he was privileged to see parts of the world that he would never otherwise have been able to visit. Converted while still at school, in 1966 Brian enrolled for a Diploma course at the Bible Training Institute in Glasgow, intent on going abroad as a “lay missionary”. However, while undergoing his training, he received a call to a settled pastoral ministry in the Church of Scotland. He then proceeded to a five-year programme of study leading to a Licentiate in Theology at the University of Glasgow, and followed this with a BA from the Open University. On leaving the ministry, Brian embarked on a third career as a teacher, eventually retiring as Head of Religious and Moral Education in his Scottish secondary school. During this time he was also awarded the post-graduate degrees of MSc and a MDiv. On his retirement, he spent three years as a Chaplain (Voluntary) to the former Strathclyde Force, deployed in two divisions, and in the Force Training and Recruitment Centre. Three years ago he and his wife moved to France, where he was actively involved in a

SOMME The battle of the Somme, which began on the 1st July 1916, and finally ground to a halt in November 1916, 141 days later, has a special place in the collective memory of Belfast. There is a terrible paradox in our sense of such conflicts, in that it is often easier to imaginatively comprehend the tragedy of them through the life of one individual, rather than through contemplation of the overall number of dead and injured. There were over 600,000 British and French casualties. One of the names on the Academy’s Great War memorial is that of Claud Arthur Leonard Walker. He was the son of the Reverend Robert and Mrs Walker, and his father was Rector of St Matthew’s Church on the Shankill Road. 2nd Lieutenant Walker was commissioned into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and joined his battalion in France in July 1915. A year later he was killed in action at Ovilliers during the Somme battle. He was twenty one. Lieutenant Walker is buried at Bouzincourt Cemetery, three kilometres from Albert, in the Department of the Somme. Bouzincourt was used as a field ambulance station from early 1916 to February 1917, but the area was briefly recaptured by the Germans in their last great offensive of the war in the spring of 1918. This

197

The Owl 2016 may account for the uncertainty about the date of Walker’s death which is variously given as 10th or 11th July 1916. The cemetery contains 33 Commonwealth war graves, and Lieutenant Walker’s is registered as Plot 1.B.2. Claud Walker is also commemorated on a family memorial in St Malachy’s churchyard in Hillsborough County Down – testimony to his parent’s grief at his death. E.M.C.

Hillsborough, County Down

ALUMNI OFFICE The aim of the Alumni Office is to engage with our past pupils and to help our alumni to remain connected to the School and to former classmates. We can help put former pupils back in touch with old school friends and assist with the organisation of reunions, visits to the School and other former pupil events.

2nd Lieutenant CAL Walker.

The Alumni Office works with the Old Girls' and Old Boys' Associations to manage their member databases and assist with the promotion of their events and other communications. The Alumni Office also publishes an Alumni Newsletter each term, sharing information on alumni events and former pupils’ activities, plus a selection of current school news. We love to hear about what our past pupils are doing after they leave Belfast Royal Academy and former pupils’ contribution, feedback and suggestions to the Alumni Newsletter are always welcomed. If you have a story or piece of news that you think others would be interested in, please email the Alumni Office with an accompanying photo. Last year, Belfast Royal Academy invested in a communications and alumni relationship management system, The Raiser’s Edge, which has enhanced the Alumni Office’s ability to communicate and therefore strengthen links with our alumni and others who have an interest in the School. The School appreciates your help to ensure that your contact details are up to date and to actively encourage friends, colleagues, siblings and other family members who were pupils at Belfast Royal Academy to join the alumni family. All alumni data is held securely in the School in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Bouzincourt Cemetery, France.

198

Andrea Kerns is your main point of contact in the Alumni Office and she can be contacted on 028 9074 0423 or akerns246@bfsra.belfast.ni.sch.uk

Degrees and Diplomas

Degrees and Diplomas QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST BA Jazmin Campbell Aodhan Devlin Kathryn Fusco Rachel Ireland Nathan Jordan Katy McLarnon BDS Christine McMahon BSc Paul Borne Emma Green Jayme Hamilton Matthew Harvey Jamie Moore Neil McAlister Rebecca McCrea Marie-Claire McKenna Dean McLarnon Allen Loyola Paula O’Hare Amy O’Neill Sarah Sproule Kimberly Stewart LLB Matthew Magill Jordan McClurkin BEng Craig Rea BMus Niall McIlroy MA Lauren Beck MArch Mark Glover Jacob Thompson MB Clara McCarter Niall O’Neill

MEng Matthew Arrell Ross Edens Jordan McDonald Rigby McLoughlin PhD Matthew McAuley Luke Rogan PG Dip (Mental Health) Sherrie Taylor

UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER BSc Laurie Anne Bartsch Steven Bigger Ashleigh Black Gabrielle Cupples Kathryn Garry Kerry Harrison-Ankin Jack Harrison-Ankin Rachel Harvey Stephen Kane Samuel McCord Kirsty McKerracher Cara O’Kane Aimee Smyth Bethany Snoddy Rebecca Weir LLB Aaron Cairns Bronagh Conlon

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN MArch Christina R Kerr

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN BSc Adam Ferris

Bsc Bms MBBS Sasha Hooks

MSc Rachel Abbot Jack Carson Andrew Harbinson Nathan Lyons Toyah Warnock

199

The Owl 2016

Births, Marriages and Deaths BIRTHS BLAIR, 25th January, a son, Theo Alexander CAIRNS, 18th February 2016 to Tom and Jessica (nee Thompson), a daughter, Cecily Susan FARNBANK, 28th August 2016, to David and Sara (nee Shields), a daughter, Zoe Hilary FOY-NORTON, 6th September 2016 to Brain Foy and Linsey Norton, a son, Cormac Michael Foy HARTE, 30th April 2016 to Aly and Michael, a boy, Abraham Enda Matthew MCDEVITT, 21st April 2016, to Charlie and Lynsey (nee Cochrane), a daughter, Alexandra Charlotte Evelyn MCKINNEY-STEWART, 4th November 2015 to Ciara McKinney and Graham Stewart, a daughter, Katie MUDGE, 27th October 2016, to Jamie and Jemma (nee Cochrane) , a son, Zachary James NORWOOD/ARDIS, to Christine Ardis and Gareth Norwood, a son, Max Alexander PATTERSON, 13th October 2016 to Adrian and Louise, a son, Flynn John SHAW, 9th November 2015, a daughter, Harriet Ruby

MARRIAGES

MULRANEY-THOMPSON: 29th May 2016, Lauren Mulraney and James Thompson COOKE-SUTHERDEN: 11th August 2016, Graeme Cooke and Helen Sutherden GILLIES-MCKEE: 15th October 2016, Don Gillies and Debbie McKee McALISTER-MARTIN: 9th September 2016, Rebecca McAlister and Robert Paul Martin Â

DEATHS BANKHEAD: 10th April 2016, Robert HADDEN: 8th December 2015, David HUGHES (nee Long): 24th March 2016, Elizabeth LONG: 19th May 2016, Mark Norman PAUL: 3rd April 2016, Jimmy SCOFFIELD: 5th December 2015, Derek WHITE: 22nd December 2015, J Hubert

200

Owl Cover Design Contributions

Alexis Payot

Becca Reel

Hannah McKittrick

Jamie Sloan

Nakisa Towfighi

Olivia Snoddy