Speech Night 2009

The Royal School hosted its annual prize-giving last Thursday evening at St Mark’s Church. Archbishop Harper, Chairman of the Board of Governors, was Master of Ceremonies.

The Archbishop welcomed all guests, including Professor Peter Gregson, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s who he then introduced to the congregation.

In his message, Professor Gregson shared personal experiences with the pupils whom he exhorted to aim high. He recalled how life had unfurled successfully for him after his time at ImperialCollege. He updated the audience on the progress Queen’s university had made with the recent unveiling of its new 50 million pounds library and its admission to the Russell Group of universities which places it in the top 20 universities in the United Kingdom. He was pleased that a quarter of Royal School leavers chose to attend Queen’s and he profiled several current successful students from the Royal at Queen’s who are involved at the top of the sporting and cultural life of the university. Their success was evidence of the Headmaster’s message them that students from the Royal were both “schooled” and “educated”.

The Headmaster gave his Annual Report, pointing out that GCSE grades had been excellent with a quarter of all grades being at A* and 5 in every 10 grades being at A* or A. The pressure for Sixth Form places had been difficult with so many of the year group wishing to return and numbers allowed to return capped. AS grades had smashed all records which augured extremely well for next year. Three students: Julian Fung, Lauren Mortimer and Nathan Cantley had scored 5 A grades at AS. 4 pupils in every 10 of the year group, had a University Admission points score equivalent to 3 grade As or more. The average A2 equivalent grades were ABB across the year group.

The school’s celebration of the 400^th year or quatercentenary came to an end in November. Following on from the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh last year, a selection of staff and pupils was invited in November by President McAleese to her Residence in Phoenix Park, and then afterwards, guests of Trinity College, Dublin by Provost Dr John Hegarty.

Mr Crute highlighted the schools sporting and cultural successes. He paid tribute to those leavers who represented the school at Hockey. In their time at the school, they were the first tranche of players to bring the Ulster Junior Cup to the school and have an average of 3 Ulster Schools senior medals each and an average of two All-Ireland champion medals each. Alex Speers, a recent former pupil had made a little bit of school history last week becoming the school’s first pupil to become a professional hockey player. Alex signed a professional contract with top Belgian side; “The Dragons”.

The rugby season had been as absorbing as ever. Schools’ Cup fever had gripped the community for longer than usual as the second. third, fourth and Medallion XVs reached at least the semi-finals of their competitions. The firsts won the final of the Northern Bank Bowl in front of a large crowd at Ravenhill. The second XV were beaten finalists in the seconds cup, losing narrowly to Sullivan. It is hoped that gaining experience against some of Australia’s strongest schools on tour this summer will set the returning squad up for a successful season. Certainly, a fine performance with a depleted team against the finest from EtonCollege touring sides in the first week of term augurs well.

Mr Crute reported on the excellent opportunities that exist in Music, Drama and Debating at the school. The school production of Oliver had been one of the most uplifting events of the year.

Mrs Susie Hamilton-Stubber was thanked for her dynamism in boosting the Equestrian opportunities within the school and Miss McCartney, Miss Robinson, Miss Fleming and Miss Lyons had brought in new competitive opportunities for girls in Modern Dance and Netball.

The Combined Cadet Force continues to flourish and provide enviable opportunities for many pupils. The Annual Camp at the end of June at Nescliffe in Shropshire proved to be a great success. The Air Section camp to RAF Brampton in August was an enjoyable addition to the flying experience opportunities provided by RAF Woodvale which exist throughout the year for cadets.

Tory Armstong became a staff Cadet at the Challenge course in The Rocky Mountains, Alberta, Canada after winning top Brit Award last year. Hannah Brown, Victoria Minnis along with twins, Susanne and Naomi Herron, fought their way through several provincial and national selection-interview rounds to win coveted places on the three-week Adventurer Programme to Lesotho in July 2010.

Dr Paul Reaney, former President of the Old Armachian Society introduced Mr Harry Morrow, current President of the Society who presented Medallions – awarded to pupils and former pupils who, in the opinion of the committee have distinguished themselves through their achievements – The first recipient was Tory Armstrong for her outstanding achievements in the Combined Cadet Force and strong representation of it internationally. Tory has been appointed Lord Lieutenant’s cadet for CountyArmagh this year. Other recipients were Mrs Ann Doughty, author, for services to literature; Mr John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at OxfordUniversity; Mr Jimmy Nelson OBE former Irish Grand Slam winning international rugby player and British Lion for services to rugby. The Armachian Medallion is a prestigious award with previous winners including Sir Reg Empey, Lord Kilclooney of Armagh and Mr Tommy Bowe.

The Headmaster finished with a message for leavers reflecting on the differences between ‘schooling’ and ‘education; expressing the school’s fervent hope that the fact that the leavers had received both at the Royal, would equip them well for the great future everyone was sure they had ahead of them. He thanked the parents and staff whose input made the school such a special community.

The Award of Prizes was conducted by Mr Reid (Senior Teacher), Mr Cardwell (Deputy Headmaster) and Mr Millar (Vice-Principal), Dr Downing (Senior Teacher) and Dr Addis also assisted. Details of major prizes are listed.

The Head Girl, Anna-Mae Morton, closed with a vote of thanks and a presentation to Professor Gregson.

Platform Party  - Mr Paul Crute, Headmaster; Professor Peter Gregson, president and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University, Belfast; Mrs Avril Paisley Chair of the School Management Committee; Archbishop Harper, Chairman of the Board of Governors.

Head Boy, speaking at Prize Night

2008-09 UVI pupil receiving her prizes for French, Governement and Politics, The Senior debating Cup and the Headmaster’s prize for overall achievement in GCE ‘A’ level