Alumni Newsletter March 2016

AlumniNewsletter Newsletter Alumni March 2016 March 2016

We hope that you enjoy following the stories of Belfast Royal Academy alumni; your contributions and feedback are always welcomed.

For more school news and to read The Owl Magazine, The Academy Newsletter and the Old Boys’ Association Newsletter, please visit ‘Our School’ section of the website at belfastroyalacademy.com twitter.com/belfastroyalac

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ALUMNI NEWS REUNIONS Class of 2015 Christmas Reunion Friday 18th December 2015 A Class of 2015 reunion was held in the Library on Friday 18th 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, browsed through their copy of The Owl 2015 and updated their former teachers on their life post-B.R.A.

Class of 1965/66 Reunion – Friday 8th April 2016 A 50th Anniversary Reunion of School leavers in 1965/66 will take place in Belfast Royal Academy on Friday 8th April 2016. The schedule for the occasion is as follows; 4.15 pm 5.15 pm 6.30 pm 7.15 pm

Assemble in the School Library, Crombie Building. Refreshments will be served and there will be a short welcome speech from the Headmaster, Mr Moore Dickson.

School tour Drinks reception Fork Buffet

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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The cost is £25 per person. Anyone who has not yet confirmed their attendance and would be interested in going to the Reunion should contact me at davidhaslett@hotmail.co.uk or any other member of the Committee: Helen (Killiner) Beckett, Lindsay (Courtney) Bell, Gillian Corry, Malcolm Lees, Felicity (Aston) Price and Yvonne (Hollinger) Starret.

David Haslett (Pupil 1959 – 1966) Class of 1996 Reunion – Saturday 7th May 2016 It is so hard to believe that our school days at Belfast Royal Academy ended 20 years ago this summer!

To mark this time passing there will be a Class of 1996 reunion on Saturday 7th May. We intend to meet in the School Library at 4.30 p.m. From there we will be given a tour of the school, which I’m sure will bring back a lot of memories! We will then move on around 6.00 p.m. to 21 Social where the chat and craic can continue and nibbles will be available. We would love to have a great afternoon and evening reminiscing and so if you are interested in coming along please contact me at ckerr528@c2kni.net (07725753842) or Iain at iainknox@cd-group.com (07590734061).

I am really looking forward to hearing from you all and catching up so get the date in your diary and confirm your place as soon as possible, it will be lots of fun.

Claire Kerr (nee Alexander) Head Girl 1995/1996 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 in varied fields. Please contact Eddie at edward.mccamley@googlemail.com if you are interested in participating in the Shared Experience Programme.

Connor Brogan (Pupil 2006 – 2013) Connor, who is studying Chemistry at Merton College, Oxford, came into school on Tuesday 5th January.

He spoke to Form V chemists about how he coped with GCSE Chemistry, why he chose it for A Level and what he enjoyed most about the A Level specification. He also highlighted some of the career options open to pupils who study A Level Chemistry and he talked to them briefly about his experiences of university life at Oxford. He also encouraged them to consider applying to Oxbridge and pointed out the many benefits of this.

He then spoke with Form LVI pupils studying A Level Chemistry. He highlighted some of the challenges that they will face and encouraged them to regularly consolidate their classwork and seek guidance from their teachers if or when any problems arose. He mentioned some of the career options open to them if they have an A Level in Chemistry, the merits of applying to Oxbridge and spoke to them in more depth about the different areas of Chemistry that are involved in studying for a degree in the subject.

The Chemistry Department are very grateful to Connor for giving up his time to come into school to speak with and challenge the pupils. His enthusiasm and love for this subject was clear for all to see and hopefully some of those present will follow in his footsteps.

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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Cormac Leyden (Pupil 2001 - 2008)

Former pupil, and pilot for Aer Lingus, Cormac Leyden visited school on 22nd January to give a talk to Sixth Form pupils who are interested in a career in aviation. Cormac gave a very interesting, informative and entertaining presentation on his experiences of becoming a pilot, how he came to work for Aer Lingus and what the day-to-day life of a pilot is like.

ALUMNI UPDATES Anne Hailes, nee Shaw (Pupil 1946 – 1955) Congratulations to former Belfast Royal Academy pupil, Anne Hailes who has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to Journalism, Broadcasting and to the community in Northern Ireland.

Ruth Cornett (Pupil 1976 – 1983) Ruth, who visited the school on Monday 18th January, is a lawyer and tax advisor for Christies, the internationally renowned Art specialists. She provided the specialist advice for the loan of the Rembrandt self-portrait now on display at the Ulster Museum. Ruth also advised on the earlier sale of clothing and personal possessions of the former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

Laura Jackson nee Francis (Pupil 1991 – 1998) Angela McGowan (Pupil 1986 – 1988) On Wednesday 6th January, former pupils, Angela Magowan and Laura Jackson were photographed in school for an article in Business Eye about business advisory firm BDO teaming up with Danske Bank to take the message of business as a career choice back to school pupils across Northern Ireland, excerpt below…

Both Laura and Angela McGowan are former pupils of Belfast Royal Academy and returned to their alma mater last week to meet with this year’s A level students.

Ms McGowan said: “I was delighted to return to B.R.A. and I was really impressed with the pupils we met.

Today’s school leavers are determined and committed to building a future in Northern Ireland and I am confident that among those we met there will be accountants, economists and business leaders. This has been a rewarding experience and I’m delighted that via Danske and BDO we will be able continue these school visits in the year ahead.”

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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Daniel Dass (Pupil 2006 – 2013) We were pleased to learn that former pupil, Daniel Dass, has been appointed the new Captain for 2016 of Cambridge University Rugby Football Club.

Daniel went up to Cambridge in 2014 to study Economics at St. Catharine’s College. He came off the bench in the 2014 Varsity Match and started at No. 7 in the 2015 Varsity Match. Daniel has previously played for Belfast Harlequins, Ulster U19′s and Ulster Ravens.

Simon Thomas (Pupil 1962 – 1973) Simon, pictured on the right, contacted the school to ask if he is the first old boy to take part in and finish the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. “The car, a 1904 MMC, belonged to a garage owner beside the Belfast Waterworks called Ronnie Jennings, in the late 1960s. I spent too much time there looking at it and questioning Ronnie about the history and how it worked while ignoring Latin classes with Brutus Clark, Maths with Bronco and Geography with Tiger Lyons. Eventually I bought the car in 2013 and restored it. In 2014 I completed the 60 mile run in just over seven hours.”

Simon can be contacted via the Alumni Office.

Class of 2015 Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Presentations Congratulations to the Class of 2015 pupils who received their Gold Awards at St James’s Palace on 1st March: Rebecca Burns, Hannah McCalmont, Aaron Lyons, Lori Turkington, Amy Hunter, Claire Magowan and Gabrielle Moore.

Academy pupils past & present triumph at sports awards Form V pupil, and rising swimming superstar, Conor Ferguson and former pupil, and Ulster and Ireland rugby player, Iain Henderson were two of the major winners at the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards, held on Monday 25th January. At a starstudded evening at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Conor scooped the Young Player of the Year award, with Iain picking up the George Best Breakthrough Award. Conor is now rated as the third fastest backstroker in the world in his age-group, which, given the intense competition in the sport, is incredible. Making it a hat-trick of Academy pupils at the ceremony was up-and-coming golfing star, Tom McKibbin, also nominated in Young Player of the Year category.

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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FUND FOR SPORTING EXCELLENCE We have recently 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 pledged donations of £147,500 over the next 5 years. If you would like to be part of this ambitious development and help us reach our target, please contact Iain Knox (E-mail: iainknox@cd-group.com Mobile: 07590 734 061) who can advise on making Gift Aid donations through Direct Debit. With Gift Aid, the value of your donation is increased by 25% at no extra cost to you.

We look forward to receiving your support!

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 of these functions were very successful with the former attracting a total of 170 and the latter 75 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 of these functions.

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

The Annual General Meeting will be held at 6.30pm on Monday 25th April 2016 in the Sixth Form Centre at School.

This will be the President’s last formal duty. On behalf of the Committee and the Association as a whole, I wish to thank Mr Tony Cole 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 doc_malone2004@yahoo.co.uk.

L Campbell (Hon. Secretary)

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION On 8th December at 7pm, the Old Girls’ Association held our first AGM at Ben Madigan Preparatory School.

We had members from quite a few decades, ranging from those who left only last year, to those of us who left longer ago than we care to remember! Apart from drinking tea and eating mince pies, we did manage to make a few decisions.  The Old Girls’ hope to be moving forward as a charity. Our application has been submitted and we are looking forward, exploring ways in which we can help the school with our future donations.  A subscription for the new Old Girls’ Association was also agreed. This small amount of money will allow OGs from all over the globe to contribute to the Association and to keep in touch through social media. We hope to have this up and running before the end of 2016.  The new committee was voted in, and remained the same as last year. New members to the committee are always welcome, so if you feel that you would have some time to spare, please get in touch. Please also note that we hope to have our first official re-launch dinner in September 2016.

This event will need considerable organisation, not to mention support. Further details will be shared as and when we have secured a date and venue but it’s lining up to be a night not to be missed! If you would like to be part of the organising team please let a member of the committee know; we would love to hear from you.

To help our numbers grow, we talked about possible events for this year. Here’s what we have to look forward to so far 

21st May



May (TBA)

 

24th June Early September

Coffee Morning, new Jackson Suite, free to all Old Girls.

10am to 12 noon.

Talk with existing Form MVI to introduce them to the Association and our plans for the future Cocktail Night, 21 Social, Belfast First official annual dinner, city centre venue

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 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 Here’s to a new year and a new beginning for B.R.A. Old Girls’ Association. We hope to see lots of new faces at our events in 2016.

Old Girls’ Association

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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FRIENDS OF THE ACADEMY (FOTA) Friends of the Academy – or “FOTA” as we are more usually known – is a group of parents and teachers dedicated to providing support for the school. That support is provided in both cash and kind.

Our principal fundraiser is our annual supper dance which will be held this year on Saturday 14th May. The venue for FOTA’s 2016 Back to School Disco is the fabulous new Jackson Suite and we would be delighted to welcome former pupils to what promises to be a most entertaining evening. The ticket price is £25.00 and all proceeds go to the school. Tickets can be obtained through the School Office.

FOTA volunteers provide welcome refreshments at various school functions and events – most notably at Open Evenings and Induction events when we are often asked about the school by parents of prospective pupils. We answer queries on everything from public transport, school dinners, timetables to school uniform.

On the uniform front we not only share our experience of laundry tips and lost property but also run very popular uniform sales twice a year. Our next sale will take place in June and we welcome any and all contributions of pre-loved uniform and sports kit.

Events like the Supper Dance and the uniform sale raise vital funds for our school.

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 include some 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!

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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As the Alumni Office recently received an enquiry about the history of the Preparatory Department, we thought we would begin with that story.

The fact that B.R.A. is a co-educational school can be attributed at least in part to the existence of a Preparatory School, founded originally in 1829 by Dr Bryce ‘in which children who are too young for the English School will be taught the first elements of reading by a new and improved method, and when not engaged in lessons will be employed in such a way as at once to benefit their health, cultivate their minds and train them in habits of benevolence and virtue’.

In 1926, Wingfield, a Regency-style house was purchased for £1,500 and four Preparatory School classrooms were constructed in it. (A swimming pool was built on this site some 50 years later.)

Wingfield housed the pre-school for many years and survived the Belfast Blitz when it was hit by German incendiary bombs. As Wingfield become more hazardous for children, classes were moved to the Chapel of the Home for the Blind, and plans were made to build a new school on the site of the tennis courts at the Castle Grounds and bring all Preparatory and Kindergarten pupils on to the one site.

Some Prep 1-4 children had been housed in the church hall of Duncairn Presbyterian church. Former pupil, Simon Thomas, recalls being taught there by the Misses Salters and “each lunch time we were marched to the ‘big school’ for lunch in all weather”.

In 1965, Prep 5-7 pupils from Wingfield joined Preps1-4 children at Castle Grounds to form the new Ben Madigan Preparatory School; this building being designed by former pupil, Allan Dorman.

All former pupils are warmly welcomed to have a guided tour of Ben Madigan and can book one by phoning 028 9077 1139.

Memories of Wingfield Denis Mahaffey (Pupil 1942 – 1955) Wingfield was a big house in which a family of substance had once lived, reception rooms below, attics under the roof. We sang our morning hymn in the drawing room and were taught in the dining room. The front path to Wingfield was divided by a round flower bed. Perhaps it was of modest size, but to me if looked so huge that, if it had been a wood, I could have got lost in it. We observed a law that out-distanced any rules laid down by the school, and to break it, even inadvertently, was as much as your reputation was worth. Boys went round this flower bed to the left, and girls to the right. Friends, brothers and sisters separated, and met again further on.

Memories of Wingfield are recorded less in my brain, than in my anatomy (feel of the bench on bare legs, twisting around the bend in the stairs, running in the playground, glorious hurtles on swings far too high to pass a safety inspection today).

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Dr Jack Kyle, FRCS OBE (Pupil 1930 – 1944) excerpt from The Owl, Christmas 1941 I can remember only a few incidents about the kindergarten. The main occupations were building with wooden blocks and playing with plasticine. For this work I had to have two overalls. These articles I detested wearing, along with a pair of dancing pumps.

One of the grievances I had against Wingfield was that it was strictly forbidden to eat any of the apples or pears from the trees or on the ground. Unfortunately I was once caught behind the pear tree at break gorging myself. I was given a severe talking to, and my mother was informed.

One thing I hated about sports day was dancing around the maypole holding onto a coloured ribbon which came from the top of it. On one occasion the ribbons became entangled much to the annoyance of our dancing teacher.

The Rt. Hon. Sir Donald Murray (Pupil 1929 – 1940) My school life began at Wingfield in 1929. Even at this distance in time I have a clear recollection of that large house on the Cliftonville Road where I had the gentlest possible introduction to the world of learning. It was provided by three teachers – one for each of the three years I was there – and each exuding tender care for the ‘little people’ in their charge. My first teacher was a Miss Campbell who endeavoured to round the very flat ‘a’ vowels of her little Ulster children by requiring us to repeat after her the phrase ‘palm trees and bananas’ as an upper crust southern Englander would have pronounced the words. Not surprisingly her efforts were a complete failure.

Gentle instruction was given to get us started on the three Rs, but we also enjoyed a lot of singing, dancing and modelling with plasticine, all of which resulted in our being one happy band of playmates.

CURRENT SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL OPEN MORNING PRIMARY 6 OPEN MORNING AND INFORMATION SESSION Saturday 14th May 2016 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 extracurricular 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.

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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SPRING CONCERT Belfast Royal Academy held its Annual Spring Concert in the Ulster Hall on Thursday 10th March 2016.

A stunning highlight was the performance of Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ in the second half of the Concert performed by 350 pupils (and some staff!) from all the School’s music groups and choirs.

Mr Dickson, Headmaster, said “The concert in the Ulster Hall last night was outstanding. The quality of the performances and the diversity and ambition of the programme were exceptional. It was one of those occasions which make me proud of what we do. Special thanks to Mary, Gavin, Catherine and Vivienne. The evening was filmed and I believe that the DVD will be available at a very reasonable price!”

BEN MADIGAN Our school library project has virtually reached completion.

The majority of the furniture, books and computerised book monitoring system are in place and the library opened on Thursday 3rd March. We are very grateful to the Library Management Committee and the volunteers who staff the library on Thursdays for all of their help. The pupils have certainly enjoyed their library periods, including the sweets which are given at the end of their sessions.

The computer suite is nearing completion. All that now needs to be done is to connect the computers to the system and that work will commence this week. The facilities have been further enhanced by the provision of a Cleverboard, which represents the latest in IT technology. The adjoining room, which was at one time a Prep 5 classroom, will be fitted out with a green screen and a podcasting booth. You are certainly very welcome to visit and to view the facilities. An official opening will take place later in the year.

The school Girls’ Hockey team has been participating in the regional qualifiers for the Ulster Primary Schools’ Hockey Championships. They experienced success with qualification for the Northern Ireland finals to be held at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club on Thursday 14th April. The Boys’ Hockey was postponed due to bad weather.

The members of the school choir practised enthusiastically under the able direction of Mrs Alice Pyper for the BRA Spring Concert which took place on Thursday 10th March in the Ulster Hall. Their talented accompanist is Mrs Pyper’s brother, Stuart Johnston.

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY POLITICS ESSAY COMPETITION SUCCESS On Thursday 19th November, 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” in an attempt to promote Politics A Level and studying at Queen’s. At the end of the day, Dr Jeremy Watkins announced the outcome of an essay writing competition on ‘Young People and and Politics’, which the Academy’s Olivia Spence won, providing a great end to the trip!

ALL IRELAND SCHOOLS’ PAIRS’ BRIDGE CHAMPIONSHIP Congratulations to our Bridge players, who have returned triumphant from the Irish Pairs’ Championships. Four teams were away to Galway from Friday to Sunday to represent B.R.A. in the All Ireland Schools’ pairs competition and once again dominated the competition with admirable placings.

B.R.A. 1 won the Gold division with B.R.A. 2 coming fourth. B.R.A. 3 won the Silver division with BRA 4 coming 9th (BRA 4 was a team of new junior players and their finish was the best of the teams attending the competition for the first time). The continuing success of Bridge in school is a great credit to all concerned.

GLEBE HOUSE POETRY COMPETITION SUCCESS Form III student, Rosie Strutt, won the Glebe House Harmony Trust poetry competition, judged by Irish poet, Frank Ormsby.

She received her award at a special ceremony held at Down County Museum, Downpatrick. Rosie’s poem, The Tune, was praised by Frank for its extensive use of imagery, and for a strong message that celebrated the theme of the competition, Harmony. 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 poems of Stuart Rea, Nicole McClean and Hannah Hill were also highly commended.

The Tune

by Rosie Strutt The lonely tune drifts across the rooftops, The notes dancing on the chimneys, Flying through the quiet night.

A person perched on a dusty windowsill, Listened, fascinated to the lonely tune He took his violin out of its battered case and started to play.

Together the two melodies intertwined, And danced together on the rooftops, Floating together like beautiful ballroom dancers.

Night after night more instruments interlaced, And night after night the tune was refined more, It could be heard from miles drifting across the rooftops.

As the tune advanced so did the community, Like a tree growing leaves it got stronger and bigger, Until the town was dancing all through the night.

The once lonely tune built a community from once lonely people, And the community built a diverse world, And the strong yet delicate tune continues to dance over the horizon.

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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SPORTING NEWS GIRLS’ HOCKEY SUCCESSES Our girls’ hockey teams have had a very good season, and it was crowned yesterday afternoon when the 1st XI came from a goal down to beat Methody 2-1 after extra time in the Final of the Belfast League. MCB are Ulster and AllIreland Cup winners (they defeated us on penalty flicks after the scores were level at the end of extra time in the Cup), and they were determined to maintain their undefeated run, especially as it was the last game of school hockey for several girls on both sides. Our girls were keen to avenge the Cup defeat. The match was of high quality and keenly contested.

Mr Dickson said, “I was impressed by the skill, tactical awareness and determination of our girls, and I congratulate Nadine and Phil, whose work over months and years enabled them to play as they did yesterday. Well done!”

TOM KIBBIN WINS JUNIOR HONDA CLASSIC IN FLORIDA Form II pupil Tom Kibbin has hit the sports headlines again after another sparkling performance in an international golf event. He won his age group category at the prestigious Junior Honda Classic tournament in Florida.

The Belfast Telegraph posted an excellent article about Tom after his big win, excerpts below: “Meet the next Rory McIlroy: Golf prodigy Tom McKibbin hopes to emulate Northern Ireland star after winning top junior title in Florida.

At an age when most boys are more interested in computer games, 12year-old Belfast Royal Academy pupil Tom McKibbin has just triumphed at the Junior Honda Classic in Florida. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph from the US, Tom told of his incredible dedication to golf, “It’s really tough, I was playing against people who have won world titles,” said Tom reflecting on his win. Finishing on two under par to win by two strokes at Palm Beach Gardens, this is the second high-profile junior tournament victory for Tom, having won the World Kids Championship at Pinehurst, North Carolina, in August.

McIlroy, who won the main Honda Classic in 2012, congratulated Tom on Twitter. “Well done Tom. Great to see all your hard work paying off.”

Having only started playing in late 2010, Tom said his love for golf was instant. These days he says that school work aside, he lives and breathes golf and that his dream is to someday win Majors, and in particular the Masters. After celebrating his victory, he’s already looking forward to the next competition.

“The European Championships is next, which would be great to win. I came seventh last time,” he said.

A year nine student at BRA, there were also congratulations for Tom from his school principal Moore Dickson. He described Tom as popular with his friends and, in spite of all his success, “very modest and not in any sense arrogant or vain, he’s also very determined and focused”. “He just takes things in his stride and deals with pressure very well,” added Mr Dickson. “His parents are keen that he would excel in school as well. He is an able boy and at school we would try to help him with his games option, he gets to go and train at golf instead of playing hockey or rugby.”

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – March 2016

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NATIONAL LIFESAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS During the half-term holidays, a 24 strong Academy Lifesaving team headed to London to compete in the 2016 UK Lifesaving Championships. The team had a fantastic competition this year, winning a total of 58 medals. The Junior boys set 2 new National Records and 6 pupils were selected for the GB Performance Squad.

ULSTER GRAMMAR SCHOOLS’ SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS The Academy swim team took part in the Ulster Grammar Schools’ Swimming Championships on Saturday 28th November, and achieved some excellent performances and results. They picked up 43 medals in total, won the Intermediate Girls’ and Intermediate Boys’ cups, and the overall Ulster Girls’ title.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

The aim of the Alumni Office is to engage with our past pupils and to help you to remain connected to the School and to your former classmates. We can also 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. Belfast Royal Academy Alumni Office also administers the Old Girls’ and Old Boys’ Associations membership and email communications.

We love to hear about what our past pupils are doing after they leave Belfast Royal Academy and your contribution, feedback and suggestions to this Newsletter are always welcomed. If you have a story or 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. All alumni data is held securely in the School in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

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 – March 2016

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