The Owl 2014
experience life, culture and language in Spain and Northern Ireland. As we have seen over the many years of this exchange, enduring friendships have been formed and this year’s students look forward to being able to continue these relationships in the future. Viva el intercambio! S.R. SPEECH AND DRAMA
SPONSORED WALK The Sponsored Walk took place on a fine April day with over 900 pupils participating. New safety measures on the course and a slight alteration to the route ensured that everyone participating in the the Walk and had a great deal of fun. The good weather and activities at Ben Madigan ensured the whole-school community had an enjoyable time, whilst raising nearly £9000 in the process. P.D. SWEDISH EXCHANGE Belfast Royal Academy had a most successful exchange with a group of students from Fyrisskolan Upper Secondary in Uppsala. The continuation of a long-standing partnership between the two schools saw the Swedish students arrive in Belfast in October 2013 for three days of cultural activities. The students enjoyed a range of activities such as attending Stormont, touring the City Hall and experiencing the Open Top Bus tour of Belfast.
In March, pupils from Belfast Royal Academy participated in the Belfast Speech and Drama Festival at the Lyric Theatre.
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James Moorehead (LVI) placed 3rd in the Senior Prose Reading Competition, Amber Cole (III) finished just 1 mark off Highly Commended in the Senior Monologue Recital, and Jing-Yi Sun (I) and Mairead Crinion (I) both received Highly Commended awards in the Junior Verse Competition. Jing-Yi also took part in the Junior Prepared Prose Reading competition. She read an extract from ‘Ratburger’ by David Walliams and placed 2nd overall. The pupils were a credit to Belfast Royal Academy and are already looking forward to representing the school in next year’s competitions. L.E.C.
In March, 2014, seven students from BRA relished the experience of living with a Swedish family and attending classes in an Upper Secondary School in Uppsala. This was a unique experience as students gained a personal insight into the Swedish Educational system. In glorious weather, students and staff also enjoyed a guided tour of the picturesque town of Uppsala and the nearby city of Stockholm. Genuine friendships were made during the trip and a greater sense of understanding between two cultures. O.T.M. TEENAGE KICKS I have taken part in teenage kicks for six years and will participate in my seventh this year. Teenage Kicks is an energetic, fast-moving dance programme with Fitness Freddie and is a fun way to exercise with your friends. The programme is for young people across Belfast. It helps teenagers in leadership, through the mentoring of the younger pupils and highlights the benefit of physical exercise. We learn two dances over a period of six enjoyable weeks and at the end we get to perform at the Ulster Hall in front of an audience including the Lord Mayor.