Alumni Newsletter April 2017

Alumni Newsletter March 2017 For more school news and to read The Owl Magazine, The Academy Newsletter, the Old Boys’ Association Newsletter and past copies of the Alumni Newsletter, please visit the school website at belfastroyalacademy.com belfastroyalacademy

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ALUMNI NEWS CLASS OF 2016 – CHRISTMAS REUNION A Class of 2016 reunion was held in the Library on Tuesday 19th December. Around 100 former pupils came along, many of whom had returned home to Northern Ireland for the Christmas holidays.

The former classmates enjoyed meeting up to swap stories, browse through their copy of The Owl 2016 and update their former teachers on their life post-B.R.A.

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CHRISTMAS RECEPTION .

The Headmaster was delighted to welcome former pupils, staff and other guests, young and old, to a very festive-looking School Library for the Academy’s Christmas Reception on Saturday 17th December.

REUNIONS Class of 1992 – Saturday 28th January 2017 37 members of the Class of ’92 gathered to celebrate their 25th leaving anniversary at the recently refurbished Academy Sports & Community Hub. We enjoyed an excellent Academy Rugby Club lunch and the stories and wine flowed throughout the day and long into the night. It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with old friends, some of whom hadn’t seen each other for a long time. Special mentions must go to the only teacher who attended, Mr Alan Fawcett, and to Scott McGimpsey, who flew in especially from Manchester to be there. An organising committee was established for an even bigger function later in the year. Gareth Davis Schools’ Cup Winners 1997 20th Anniversary Reunion – Friday 17th and Saturday 18th March On Friday 17th March, the 1997 1st XV reunited at school to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Schools’ Cup win. After a tour of the school, we watched the Schools’ Cup final at Ravenhill and then enjoyed dinner at the Bureau, Jordanstown. The following day we gathered together again at Roughfort to watch some rugby and view the new 1st XV changing room, we then moved on to the

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Academy Club to have lunch and watch a video of our 1997 Schools’ Cup Final. Afterwards we watched Ireland vs England and then enjoyed another dinner and night out. It was wonderful to get together to reconnect and reminisce.

Chris McCarey On St Patrick’s Day 1997 the 1st XV won the Schools’ Cup outright, the first time an Academy team had achieved this distinction. Read team member Chris McCarey and Captain Michael Haslett recollections of that day in the School Archives section.

Cricket Reunion – Friday 16th June 2017 June 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1967 1st XI cricket team, arguably one of the greatest teams ever to play for the school. Six of the team played for either Ireland or Irish Schools. The team famously bowled out Campbell College for 5 and the team captain, Ian Johnston, scored a record 157 in the schools’ international v. Wales at Swansea.

The team and coaches will hold a celebration lunch in the School Library on Friday, June 16, 2017, a date that coincides with the school’s 1st XI cricket match against the Old Boys or, hopefully, the final of the Schools’ Cricket Cup in which another Academy side will be playing.

Perhaps more importantly, on the evening of June 16, there will be a dinner to celebrate the history of Academy cricket. Such an event has not previously been organized and it is hoped to attract as wide a selection of former school cricketers and those associated with BRA Cricket as possible. This event will take place at Royal Belfast Golf Club, Craigavad, and those interested are encouraged to contact the event organiser, Dr. Graham Crothers, at grahamcrothers@yahoo.com.

Martin Blake Class of 1977 Reunion – Saturday 27th May 2017 40th Reunion - Bay City Rollers, Star wars, Annie Hall, President Carter, Steve Biko, Commodore PET….1977! I and a few others from our year in BRA will be holding a 40th year reunion on May 27th 2017. We have compiled a database of all known contacts but if you have any leads for anyone in that year, or wish to register your interest in attending, please contact me at jamieson1@ntlworld.com Roly Jamison Class of 1988 Reunion – Friday 13th October 2017 A reunion for Alumni who left BRA in 1988, or who left at the end of Form V in 1986, will take place on Friday 13th October 2017 in Ten Square, Belfast City Centre. Amanda Charlwood (nee Graham) and Stephen Fuller visited the School Alumni Office on 22nd March for a reunion planning meeting and also enjoyed a tour of both the new facilities and their old haunts! Keep in touch with news of the reunion on Facebook: BRA Class of ‘88 & (‘86) reunion, or contact Dr Louis Campbell at doc_malone2004@yahoo.co.uk.

SHARED EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME The Shared Experience Programme is co-ordinated by Eddie McCamley, who is very grateful to former pupils who give so generously of their time to encourage ambition and aspiration among our pupils, by sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise. Please contact Eddie at edward.mccamley@googlemail.com if you are interested in participating in the Shared Experience Programme.

Helen Watt nee Ferguson (Pupil 1974 – 1981) Helen visited school on Friday 3rd February to talk about her career in the community and voluntary sector. She has over 30 years' experience of working for the sector, was a Director of Carers Northern Ireland from 1994-2015 and and is now a Commissioner, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The Sixth Form pupils greatly enjoyed and benefited from her visit.

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Amy Matthews (Pupil 2014 – 2016) Amy, who is studying a nursing degree, came into school on Wednesday 11th January to talk to our current Form MVI pupils about the course and how to survive the interview process. She offered some practical tips and sound advice on interview preparation and spoke about the rewards and challenges of the course to date.

Jonny Johnston (Pupil 1995 – 2002) Jonny, Trinity College Dublin’s Northern Ireland Engagement Programme Coordinator, came into school on Tuesday 22nd November to speak to our Form MVI pupils. He explained the CAO application process and discussed the benefits of applying to universities in Southern Ireland. Pupils found this presentation to be very helpful and informative.

Dr James Flanagan (Pupil 1998 – 2005) On Thursday 30th March, James returned to school to talk about careers in science, and the prospects for study at American universities.

Currently a Teacher of Chemistry in Brighton College, James graduated from QUB, with first class honors MSci in Chemistry, before embarking on a PhD in Chemistry at Stanford University in the United States. James was given a Stanford Centennial Teaching Assistant Award for Chemistry in 2014, which recognises outstanding Teaching Assistants for their tremendous service and dedication in providing excellent classroom instruction for Stanford students.

ALUMNI UPDATES Rosemary Bennett (Pupil 1977 – 1984) Rosemary took up the post of Education Editor at The Times on Monday 20th March 2017.

Moving to England post-BRA, Rosemary graduated from Oxford University after studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics. She started her career in the financial trade press, reporting on bond and money markets, moving to Reuters as a financial markets reporter in 1994. She moved to The Financial Times in 1999 and then to the Times as Deputy Political Editor for 5 years. She then held the post of Social Affairs Correspondent at The Times since 2007. We wish her all the best in her new post!

Dr Andrew McAllister (Pupil 1978 - 1985) Andrew returned to school on Monday 6th February as part of his 50th birthday surprise celebrations organised by his wife, Christine.

Accompanied by his old school friends Gary Glasgow, Ian Campbell and Andrew Kerr, they enjoyed a light lunch with the Headmaster, followed by a tour of the School.

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Scott Macauley (Pupil 2009 – 2016) Congratulations to Scott on his appearance on the BBC Saturday night prime time show ‘Let it Shine’!

Scott made it through to the second stage of the competition after being awarded a fantastic 19/20 by the judges for his performance of ‘Laura’ by the Scissor Sisters.

With the judges commenting that he shone as a solo artist and was “‘the coolest, most accomplished singersongwriter”, Scott is definitely a talent to watch! Available for live acoustic gigs at weddings, parties, pubs, clubs etc, you can follow Scott on his Facebook page, scottmacaulaymusic.

SEEKING FORMER PUPIL, SUSAN ELLEN MACDONALD Penny Boersma is hoping to make contact with her primary school friend, Pat Ross. Pat lived in Alexandra Avenue and left the Academy around 1958. She married an Englishman, who worked for Marks and Spencers, and settled in London. Pat had a brother called Michael, who married a girl called Suzanne Solomans. If you have any knowledge of Pat, Penny would be very appreciative if you would consider getting in touch with her via the Alumni Office.

OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION In my last article for the Alumni Newsletter, I reported that preparations were in hand for the Old Boys’ Annual Dinner at the Wellington Park Hotel and the Former Pupils’ London Dinner at the RAF Club. Both functions were very successful with the former attracting a total of 170 and the latter 87 guests. Iain Knox is to be warmly thanked for his efforts in organising the Annual Dinner, which is generally considered to be one of the best Old Boys’/Former Pupils’ dinners on ‘the circuit’. David Haslett coordinates the London Dinner, no easy task when you consider that he lives in Belfast.

The Association is much in the debt of these two gentlemen and to Nik Simon, the Hon. Treasurer, for his work in managing the accounts for both functions. The photograph to the right shows, David Haslett (left) at the London Dinner with the guest speaker, Ruth Cornett, the OBA President and the Headmaster.

The Old Boys’ Association organised a Networking breakfast, in conjunction with the Old Girls’ Association, at the Ten Square Hotel on Thursday 9th February. Jacqui Berkeley, BBC producer of The Nolan Show and the series 'Wanted Down Under', and Marty Neil, music journalist, founder and CEO of AirPOS Ltd, a successful international technology start up, were the guest speakers for this event. Twenty-nine former pupils attended. The Old Boys’ Association thanks Senior Vice-President Martin Blake and Michael McDowell for the organisation behind the event and Matthew Corkey for introducing the speakers. Another Breakfast will be held at Ten Square on Thursday 11th May; details of this event will be sent to Former Pupils in due course.

The series of monthly lunches, coordinated by Robin Reid, continue to attract around 50, mainly retired, members every month. The Christmas Lunch was held at Knock Golf Club; the January lunch at

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Shandon Golf Club; the February lunch at Helen’s Bay Golf Club and the March lunch at Greenisland Golf Club.

The Old Boys’ Association is organising a dinner in Edinburgh for Former Pupils on Friday 28th April.

This will be held in the New Club on Princes Street. Invitations have been sent out to all Alumni who have current e-mail addresses. If you are interested in attending this dinner [or know a Former Pupil who might be interested in attending] please contact me at doc_malone2004@yahoo.co.uk as soon as possible. The closing date for applications for tickets is Friday 14th April.

The Annual General Meeting of the Old Boys’ Association will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 25th April 2017 in the Heritage Room in the Crombie Building at School. This will be the President’s penultimate formal duty. On behalf of the Committee and the Association, I wish to thank Mr Robb Fletcher for his excellent leadership over the past year.

Old Boys who wish to join the Committee, take part in the monthly lunches or have suggestions for new activities should contact me at the email address given above.

Dr L Campbell, Hon. Secretary OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION We began our new fundraising year with Roly’s Quiz Night at the Academy Club on 3rd February. It was a fantastic night enjoyed by many Old Girls, Old Boys, teachers and friends.

Our host made sure we were kept entertained and we look forward to this becoming a regular fixture on the Old Girls’ calendar.

On 7th March two of our Committee members spoke with the current MVI girls in the Jackson Suite. It was the perfect opportunity to meet the girls and to promote the Old Girls’ Association. We had a very positive response and look forward to the new generation joining us, bringing fresh ideas, when they officially become Old Girls upon leaving BRA in May. Recently we have been asking any Old Girls if they would like to give an hour or two of their time in school to speak to pupils about their chosen careers or give some advice on CVs, interview skills etc.

The response has been huge so far, and if you would like to add to our growing list of volunteers, then please contact us at BRAOldGirls@outlook.com.

Finally, the Old Girls’ are delighted to have been able to fund a new school crest, which can be seen on the front of the Darbyshire Building. We have also provided a drone to capture footage at the outdoor events throughout the year. Both have been welcomed by the School and we are very grateful to those members that made these gifts possible with the fundraising initiatives prior to the ‘re-launch’. We will also have another exciting project to announce soon, so keep an eye out on social media for the big reveal!

Upcoming Events 2nd September 2017 March / April 2018

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Annual Dinner at Ten Square Hotel, Belfast; Tickets £35pp Annual Hockey Match OG XI v 1st XI; Date TBA

Please follow us on facebook and twitter, and feel free to email us at BRAOldGirls@outlook.com with any questions you may have. You can also keep in contact through the Alumni section of the School website.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and we wish everyone a Happy Easter.

Claire McGovern, Membership Officer

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FRIENDS OF THE ACADEMY (FOTA) The Friends of the Academy continued to be very busy again this year. We lost some familiar faces after many years of invaluable service on the committee and gained several new and enthusiastic members.

Fundraising events throughout 2017 have included a quiz night and wine tasting; future plans include the Spring Fever supper dance - to be held at the Dunadry Hotel on 13th May with tickets at £30. Excellent value with a champagne reception and two course meal, plus dancing, to raise funds for the school. All are welcome, with tickets available from the school office and FOTA committee members.

Both the Senior school and the Ben Madigan carol services were well catered for by the team in December, at both St Peter’s (Antrim Road) and Whitehouse Presbyterian churches. 2017 kicked off on 11th and 12th January with two successful evenings of Open Evenings for prospective pupils, throughout which some 1,265 cups were used, not to mention biscuits and cakes eaten.

The Jackson Suite was put to good use on both evenings and again in early February with a superb wine tasting evening, hosted by Peter McBride and accompanied by a fabulous cheese supper.

Pre-loved school uniform sales have blossomed as rails have been donated which, together with storage within school, have transformed a semi jumble-sale into a lucrative source of income for the benefit of both parents and pupils.

Throughout 2017 to date, FOTA has raised some £1,186 and has contributed to the life of the school in the purchase of a new sofa for the drama department and in part funding the Sixth Form Physics trip to CERN in Geneva, enabling pupils to enjoy a trip on Lake Geneva. Carolyn Rhodes, FOTA Secretary SCHOOL ARCHIVES A number of books have been published on the history of Belfast Royal Academy, available to purchase from the school.

In each edition of the Alumni Newsletter we will feature an aspect of school history, excerpted from these books. If there is a theme or an era you would be particularly interested in reading about, please do tell us!

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RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SCHOOLS’ CUP FINAL 17TH MARCH 1997 Chris McCarey (Pupil 1990 - 1997 & currently Head of P.E. and Games at Belfast Royal Academy) Our opponents on the day were RBAI, who had displayed excellent form on the way to the Final, beating two excellent sides in Methody and Bangor Grammar. However, we approached the final with confidence as RBAI had never beaten us.

The day started with class as normal. At Period 6 we made our way to the canteen, where Tracy had prepared a special lunch for us. Not wanting to upset my routine on such a big occasion, I had my usual: sausages, beans and chips. From there we went to the Sports Hall where we were briefed by Mr Moffett and Mr Moles. Michael Haslett, our captain, set the scene and left us under no illusions about the task in hand.

Our departure from school was something very special. The whole school, accompanied by the school band, cheered us onto the bus. When we arrived at Ravenhill we were greeted by our opponents warming up on the pitch (90 minutes before kick off!). If this was a psychological trick it was to backfire on them as they tired towards the end of the match.

Before kick-off there were emotional scenes in the changing room as Michael talked to us all individually, reminiscing about our times together and highlighting what they had meant to him. Our reception onto the pitch was amazing and something I will never forget. Beyond that, most of the game is a blur. I can remember a tight match with few chances for tries. Excellent defence kept Inst at bay and Johnny Well’s kicking was enough to see us through.

The final whistle saw scenes of delirium as we were swept up by supporters in a pitch invasion. We fought our way towards the main stand to see Michael lift the trophy. A very special moment. That evening a reception was held in the Chimney Corner Hotel, hosted by the Academy Club. Over the tables, the menus had ‘BRA Schools’ Cup Winners 1997’ printed on the top – a lovely touch and something I still have to this day. We finished the evening in the Academy Club relaxing and recalling events that had happened during the day.

Michael Haslett (Pupil 1990 - 1997) 1st XV Captain 1996-1997 When I arrived at the Sixth Form Centre on the morning of the Schools’ Cup Final there was a BBC camera crew conducting interviews, so I decided to get away from the distractions and headed to the Sports Hall. Clearly everyone was on the same wavelength, as the rest of the squad were escaping the excitement there as well, as opposed to signing autographs as a few of them had been doing for the previous couple of weeks.

It was a Monday and I was scheduled to be on duty at break time in the Dining Hall, so I went down to see what the atmosphere was like. Every face had a smile. I took a lot of strength from all the excitement and support. Once break was over, the rest of the lads arrived and we ate our pre-match meal before heading back to the Sports Hall for a meeting where Mr Moffett, Mr Moles and I went over some final points. We then picked up our bags and the whole school, accompanied by the school band, cheered us onto the bus.

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When we arrived at the ground Inst were already there, fully kitted and warming up. They saw us arriving and lined up arm in arm along the pitch to stare us down as we got off the bus and into the changing room. If they thought this would intimidate us, it didn’t work, as we actually thought it was quite amusing and gave them a wave. The BRA supporters (including dressed up mascots of a smurf and an owl who somehow managed to stay on the touchline for the whole match) arrived before those from Inst. There can be some lonely times before a rugby match and I spoke to each player individually.

It felt very special having a moment with each person, some of whom I had been close friends with for 13 years, just before we were about to attempt something that no other Academy team had ever done.

It certainly took away any feelings of doubt I may have had.

The atmosphere in the Away changing room, which some boys thought was lucky for BRA, was emotionally and aggressively charged. Inst had never beaten us at any stage from Form I up, and as I looked at the Academy team, I knew that Inst did not have the team to match us.

I lost the toss and Inst chose to play into the wind. We were on top throughout the first half, but with the weather and conditions deteriorating, we only managed to establish our lead in the later part of the half with four penalties from Jonny Wells. At half time 12-0 was a nice cushion, but there was no sign of complacency. The atmosphere at half time was the most intense I had ever experienced. This was the only match I had ever played for the 1st XV when the team shouted the rallying call of ‘Academy, Academy, Academy,’ at half time as well as in the changing rooms before kick-off.

In the second half we defenced very well into the wind and Inst rarely got the chance to put us under significant pressure. When the final whistle went I was on the ground at the bottom of a ruck and remember almost getting trampled on by a stampede of BRA fans who had no interest in helping me up. I had not been thinking of lifting the Cup at all in the lead up to the match and at the final whistle had almost forgotten about it. At some Schools’ Cup Finals when I was younger I had sat close behind where the Cup was lifted and the view was exactly the same. It was a sea of people, except that this time I could not believe how many faces I could recognise. In lifting the Cup I had a feeling of great pride in our achievement for everyone associated with BRA. The next morning the squad arrived for Assembly, which was held outside for the first time so the entire school could see us presenting the Cup to the Headmaster. As the squad left the stage and playground I remember everyone started to shout ‘BB, BRA..BB, BRA’. One of the strongest memories I have of the first BRA rugby match I remember going to see is of this chant at the 1984 Schools’ Cup Final. The whole school came together and every teacher, girl, boy, 1st or 6th Year shared in what was a very special moment in the history of the Academy.

FUND FOR SPORTING EXCELLENCE Last year the School embarked on a fundraising campaign, led by Iain Knox (Pupil 1982 – 1996), to develop the sporting prowess of our pupils.

This fund is to enable us to provide the first class rugby coaching services of Brian McLaughlin to our pupils and to improve sports facilities, including the construction of a new weights and conditioning suite. We would also like to be able to provide funds for hockey and other sports in the school.

We are very appreciative of alumni who have already made or pledged donations. If you would like to be part of this ambitious development, please contact Iain Knox (iainknox@cd-group.com | 07590 734 061). And don’t forget, with Gift Aid the value of your donation is increased by 25% at no extra cost to you.

We look forward to your support!

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Belfast Royal Academy

THE OWL

THE ACADEMY NEWSLETTER ‘The Owl’ is published each December and ‘The Academy Newsletter’ each June.

Both publications are available on the School website under ‘Our School’.

The Owl can be purchased from the School Office for £5.00. It can also be posted and the total cost including postal charge is currently £8.50 for United Kingdom addresses; other charges apply to ROI, Europe and overseas. If you would like to receive a postal copy of The Owl, please contact the Alumni Office.

CURRENT SCHOOL NEWS

RETIREMENTS English Teacher, Mrs Catherine Currie, who joined the School in 1981, retired on 12th January 2007. A Valete was held in the Library at break time on Wednesday 4th January at which Mr Dickson presented Catherine with a gift.

Mr Dickson, Headmaster, will retire at the end of this School year, having joined BRA in 1980. Further information will be provided in the June issue.

SCHOOL OPEN MORNING PRIMARY 6 OPEN MORNING AND AQE INFORMATION SESSION Saturday 20th May 2017 9.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.

Primary 6 pupils and their parents are invited to tour the School, meet staff and pupils, view the facilities and experience the wealth of extra-curricular activities on offer at Belfast Royal Academy.

Information will be given on the AQE assessment, assistance offered for completion of the forms and a test classroom can be visited.

NBALC EQUALITY SYMPOSIUM The North Belfast Area Learning Community ran a Symposium on Equality in the Assembly Hall on Thursday 2nd March.130 pupils and 20 staff from schools across North Belfast attended. It was compered by former pupil Claire McCollum (Pupil 1985 – 1992) and the Guest Speakers were Bill Wolsey and former pupils Patrick Anderson (Pupil 1995 – 2002) and Judith Gillespie.

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SPRING CONCERT PRING CONCERT On Wednesday 15th March, the Music Department hosted the annual Spring Concert in a sold out Ulster Hall. This was an absolute extravaganza of music and showcasing of B.R.A.’s finest musical talent. From the opening bars of the Orchestra’s rendition of ‘Montagues and Capulets’, the Chamber Choir’s electrifying ‘Elijah Rock’, Clare Njanina giving Aretha Franklin a run for her money in ‘Respect’, the dancers with Senior Trad, Johnson Furusa’s final performance before world domination, Senior Choir and Senior Strings gallop through Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’, Junior Choir’s inspirational ‘How Far I’ll Go’ to the Boys’ Choir singing in Welsh with not a rugby ball in sight, the audience was treated to one of the finest musical evenings ever.

The Headmaster said “The Concert last night was an outstanding success. Not only was the quality of performance very high, but there was a tremendous sense of commitment (more than a quarter of the school took to the stage) and fun. It was all testimony to the inspirational quality of our members of staff. Well done to all!”

For those of you who didn’t make it along, or who wish to experience it again, the Spring Concert will be available to watch on the schools youtube page.

BEN MADIGAN We were delighted to hear of our fantastic AQE results this year. Once again 100% of our pupils will gain a Grammar school place. Our Prep 6 parents enjoyed a “Meet, Eat and Learn” Evening on 25th January which focused upon the arrangements for the forthcoming AQE exams.

The Travelling Book Fair visited the school from the 6th to 10th February and raised a considerable sum for our Library and other resources.

Our Boys’ and Girls’ Hockey teams performed well in the Primary Schools’ Hockey Tournament. Both teams narrowly missed out on a place in the Ulster finals. Cole Mullan (Prep 5) won first place in the Ulster Cross Country qualifiers on 27 March. Our Valentine’s Evening Discos were again very successful and all pupils from Prep 1 to Prep 7 took part.

Continuing to improve our technology throughout the school, Clever Touch screens are to be installed in Preps 3 to 7, while Preps 1 and 2 are to get interactive White Boards.

Class visits have taken place to Castleward (Prep 4) and Castle Espie (Preps 1 & 5).

The recently formed Parents’ Committee organised a very successful Quiz Night on 2nd March and a Golf Day on 31st March.

Open Afternoon for our parents took place on 30th March, with performances from the choir and Prep 6 dancers.

The members of the school choir, under the able direction of Mrs Alice Pyper, gave a memorable performance at the BRA Spring Concert which took place on Wednesday 15th March in the Ulster Hall.

Their talented accompanist was Mrs Pyper’s brother, Stuart Johnston.

Timothy Wilson, Principal

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SPORTING NEWS RUGBY Commiserations to the 1st XV on their 37-21 Danske Bank Schools’ Cup semi-final result against MCB at the Kingspan Stadium on Tuesday 28th February.

The team performance in the semifinal, and on the road to it, was a credit to the School, as were the enthusiastic Academy supporters, whose vociferous and good-natured endorsement of their side will live long in the memory.

HOCKEY Congratulations to the Girls’ 1st XI who defeated Methody 2-1 on Thursday 23rd March to win the Belfast League. They add the trophy to the South Antrim League title and, following their success in at the Oxford-Cambridge Varsity Schools’ Cup in London, it is a great way to end the season!

LIFESAVING The School’s Lifesaving team travelled to Sheffield to compete at the 2017 British Lifesaving Championships. The team performed brilliantly and accumulated 45 medals in total, finishing 3rd overall in the medal table. Sinead Gourley became U18 Champion and, along with Lui Hurson and Lorcan Gourley, has been selected for the GB Lifesaving team, with nine others from our team selected for the GB Performance squad.

WATERPOLO Congratulations to the U19 Girls’ Waterpolo team on winning the Irish Senior Schools’ Waterpolo Championships, held in the National Aquatic Centre, Dublin on Wednesday 22nd March.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACHIEVEMENTS BALLYMENA MUSIC FESTIVAL During February and March, pupils from the Senior Strings and Chamber Choir competed in a number of classes at Ballymena Festival. Congratulations to the 6 second place winners and also to first place winners: Jonathan Hayward (Form II) Double bass solo 13 years and under, Jason Poots (Form LVI) & Ellen Quinn (Form LVI) Duet for Strings Open, Ellen Quinn Cello Solo Open and Chamber Choir Post Primary Choir class.

DEBATING Our Debating team of Jack Golden and Conor Callaghan competed in the semi-final of the Northern Ireland Schools’ Debating Competition on Tuesday 21st March against a team from St Louis’ Grammar School, Ballymena. While both teams had prior notice of the motion for debate, we were only told on the day which side we would be required to argue. We were asked to propose the motion: “This House agrees with the populist view that our liberal elites have lost legitimacy by ignoring the fears and aspirations of ordinary people.” We were delighted that the panel of judges decided that we should progress to the final of the competition against Bangor Grammar School on Friday 28th April.

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BRIDGE The Irish Schools’ Bridge Team Championships took place in Galway over the weekend of 3th-5th March. In the final, one of the B.R.A. Gold Section teams overcame Bangor Grammar School to retain the title they won last year. The second B.R.A. side beat Kilkenny in the 3rd place play-off.

Q.U.B. MATHS COMPETITION Our team at the annual Queen’s competition won out of 22 teams present. It was a very challenging quiz with questions which would stump many an undergraduate! The team begin by completing two rounds of increasingly difficult long questions of roughly Olympiad standard. There was then a longer third round of quicker questions in which teachers also participate (it’s always hard!). The team was consistently in the top three. They noted that we are now one of only two teams to have won more than once. This result comes after the victory two weeks ago in the UK Mathematics Trust team challenge and really affirms B.R.A.’s reputation as consistently one of the teams to beat at these competitions. The team worked really well together and did some great maths.

KEEPING IN TOUCH The aim of the Alumni Office is to engage with our past pupils. We can help you to remain connected to the School and to your former classmates. We can help to put you back in touch with old school friends and to assist with the organisation of reunions, visits to the School and other events. The Alumni Office also administers the Old Girls’ and Old Boys’ Associations membership and email communications. An Alumni Calendar of Events is available in the Alumni section of the school website.

Your contribution, feedback and suggestions to this Newsletter are always welcomed. If you have a piece of news that you think others would be interested in, please email us with an accompanying photo. The Alumni Newsletter is published 3 times a year in December, March and June.

We appreciate 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. An online sign up form is available in the Alumni section of the school website; alternatively please use the email address given below. All alumni data is held securely in the School in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

The Alumni Office will be closed from Monday 10th to Friday 21st April, inclusive.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Belfast Royal Academy and have a very happy Easter!

Alumni Office Belfast Royal Academy 3 – 17 Cliftonville Road BELFAST BT14 6JL 028 9074 0423 akerns246@bfsra.belfast.ni.sch.uk ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – April 2017

Belfast Royal Academy