A Message from the Headmistress

Welcome to the 2012-13 edition concern for others and generosity of The Victorian magazine. At the are also expressed in charitable College, pupils learn, achieve and and community involvement. Our acquire the skills and values which potential for creativity in music, art will prepare them for adult life and and literature is showcased here in all for the world of work. This year’s its variety. magazine offers a record of the year inside and outside of the classroom 2012-13 was a very special year for and takes us from south Belfast to the sport in the College as our 1st XI continents of Europe, North America, Hockey Team played in the Schools’ Africa and Asia. Cup final for the first time in 40 years and brought us great pride. Sporting The magazine begins with a report life goes from strength to strength of the activities of the Association thanks to teams, individuals and all of Parents and Teachers which is those who teach, train and coach to always energetic in its support for whom we express our appreciation. the College, and we are very grateful to parents for their support and I thank Dr Mitchell-Barrett and the partnership, and likewise to our Board of Governors. Our staff of the Preparatory Department, Pre-School and Boarding Department, the House system, the contribution Playgroup for all their efforts to give our youngest pupils of pupils in the School Council and the visit of President such a welcome to the world of learning. I thank also and Mrs Obama are celebrated in words and pictures. the Secretary Mrs Betty Kerr and Committee of the Old Girls’ Association and Victorians Hockey Club for their We have many outstanding academic achievements record of the lives and achievements of our pupils once to report. All three of our Oxbridge applicants were they leave us. successful in obtaining offers. Examination performances by the A-level 2013 cohort out-performed both 2012’s As we go to print, we can report the exciting news that A-level results and the previous average over three years, we have been recognised with the Inclusion Quality placing Victoria College in the top ten grammar schools Mark, and these pages fully illustrate the reasons for this in the Province this year. prestigious award. Truly we inspire and challenge every girl to reach her full potential. Yet there is so much more to Victoria College than excellent examination results and outstanding classroom Thank you to Dr Brown, Mrs Turkington, Mr and practice. The school community is grateful to those who Mrs McCullough, Mr Austin and the PR Team for the offer so many opportunities to the girls to experience combined efforts of all those involved in the production the world around them. The magazine features the of The Victorian issue 39. I trust you will enjoy reading it pupils’ participation in, for example, the thriving Duke as much as I have. of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, a Senior Choir tour to Kenya, Habitat for Humanity, Comenius and World Challenge expeditions. We have secured a Green Flag for our environmental work and been awarded The Best Kept School award once more. Our values of Ms Patricia Slevin

International School Award 2009-2012

1 Editorial

In Ms Slevin’s introduction to the As Business Manager, Mrs Welcome to College on our new website, we Turkington has dealt with the read that “An education in Victoria unenviable task of negotiating The Victorian College adds value.” The truth of the final steps to publication, and this statement is apparent on every members of the Senior Leadership Issue 39 page of our magazine. The Overview Team willingly offered their services of the school year celebrates our to check and proofread. Many academic and other achievements thanks to Mrs McCullough, Mrs and features life in our thriving Porter and the Public Relations Boarding Department. In Teaching Team for providing access to formal and Learning we focus on the work and informal images. Our newly of each Department in helping pupils revamped website is an invaluable achieve their full academic potential. resource, although I trust that readers Other sections testify to the many will find that the magazine offers ways in which each girl rises to the a different experience. Mr Austin challenge of being “the best that is indispensable as the guardian of she can be” beyond the classroom, the images archive and yet again in creativity and performance, in has had his patience sorely tested sport, in the community and in the by the editor – many thanks, Ivor! wider world. The vibrant life of our Miss Mawhinney, Mrs Kirkpatrick youngest pupils in the Preparatory and the office team are an essential Department, Pre-School and source of information and support. Playgroup is abundantly manifest in My most sincere thanks go once their contribution, and the Old Girls’ more to Mr Ray McCullough for Association report demonstrates his sympathetic approach, patience the continuing influence of Victoria and professionalism in bringing the College in the lives of former pupils, magazine to print. many of whom have achieved very remarkable successes. May I thank you for your support for the magazine in its printed form, As ever, I wish to express my sincere which we believe in this digital age thanks to all those who have worked still offers a unique archive of a together to produce the magazine. school year in Victoria College. As Staff and pupils past and present you pick it up to browse through it or have been so helpful in supplying the enjoy a more leisurely read and share articles and images which brighten it in turn with a wider circle, I hope these pages. Particular thanks go that everyone will gain a sense of once more to Miss McQuillan and the the many ways in which our College staff of the Preparatory Department helps its pupils to realise their for a delightfully full record of their full potential. If you wish to share school year. I remain indebted to your news with your wider school Mrs Betty Kerr, Honorary Secretary community or to comment on this of the Old Girls’ Association, and year’s issue, please get in touch - we to her daughter Dr Julie Kerr for are already gathering our stories for furnishing the OGA reports. Dr Issue 40. Kerr’s very attractive and enjoyable book Victoria College Belfast: The Dr J Brown (Editor 2013) First 150 Years is available to those readers and friends of the College who wish to go further back than one single year in exploring our rich and significant history.

2 The Victorian Magazine No. 39 2012 - 2013

Contents Page Secondary Department

Overview of the Year 6 Teaching and Learning 25 International School 48 Beyond the Classroom 58 Creative Expression 70 In Performance 76 Sport 82

Preparatory Department

Pre-school 102 Playgroup 103 Reports from Prep 1 - Prep 7 104 Artwork 116 Overview of the Year 121

Old Girls’ Association Victorians including Statement of Accounts 129

Editor: Dr J Brown Business Manager: Mrs D Turkington

3 Governors and Staff

Board of Governors Senior Teachers Mrs J E Haugh BA PGCE Chairman Mr A M Robinson BSC PGCE MSc Dr B J Gregory BSc PhD CEng MICE MIEI FCIWM FGS Head of Preparatory Department Vice-Chairman Dr R Mitchell-Barrett BA MA PGCE NPQH PhD Dame Joan Harbison DBE BA MSc Head of Corporate Services Ms P Slevin BA MEd PGCE PQH (Headmistress) Mr N Ritchie MBA BA Mrs L Beatty BSc Mr N Brown ACII Mr A J Barrett BSc PGCE Dr B Callender MB MRCGP Miss A Bothwell BSc PGCE (Temporary) Dr R Clarke MB BCh BAO FRCPath Dr J Brown BA PhD PGCE Miss A Curry BA MBA Ced MCMI FSTBE ILTM Mrs H Burn BA PGCE Mr J N Finlay BSc CEng FICE FIEI FCIWEM MConsE Mrs H Burnett BEd Lady Froggatt Miss M Cassidy BA PGCE Mr J A B Gibson MBE JP BSc DipEd Mrs H Clarke BA PGCE AdCertEd Professor D R Hadden MD FRCP Mrs A L Coulter BSc PGCE Dr A Helmy MBBCh MSc MRCPI Mr M P Donaghy MEng PGCE BEI Mrs M-L Morwood LLB LLM (co-opted member) Mrs Y M Dornan BA DipEd Mr M H Hunter FCA Miss N Du Toit BSc DipEd Dr M S Johnston MB BCh BAO Mrs A Edgar BSc PGCE Ms F Kane BA (co-opted member) Mrs R H Elwood BEd Mrs H Lavery BA PGCE PGCCEG Miss M Faloona BA PGCE Mr C G Maccabe CB LLB LLM FRSA Mrs J A Findlay BA PGCE Mr S McKillop BEng CEng MIEI Mrs A E Gillian DipMusEd (RSAM) LGSM LTCL MTD Ms C A McKinney OBE BA (Hons) PGCE MBA MEd Miss L Hamilton BA (Temporary) BA (QTS) Mr A M Robinson BSc PGCE MSc Mrs K Hogg BSc PGCE Mrs E A Robinson Mr N J Kavanagh BA PGCE Mr A Sayers BSc Mrs H Lavery BA PGCE PGCCEG Mr R Telford BSc DIS MRICS MAPM Miss C Lough BSc PGCE Dip (Temporary) Mr E Thompson BSc PGCE Dip HE Mr C P Luney MSSc BA PGCE PGDip PG Cert Mrs G Wells MB BCh BAO MRCGP MFCH Miss C Lynch BSc PGCE Mr J W Wilson QC Mr D McCaw BSc PGCE Mr M Yousaf MBBS FRCS FRCS (G: Surgery) MPhil Dr J A McCormick BSc PGCE PhD Mr D G McCracken BA PGCE Full-Time Teaching Staff Mrs Y McCullough BA ATD AdvDip Mr T McKee MEd BSc DipM Headmistress Miss J McKnight BEd Ms P Slevin BA MEd PGCE PQH Mrs R A McLuckie BEd Mrs N McMurray BA PGCE Deputy Head Miss J McQuillan PGDip BEd ABRSM ALCM Mrs H Woods BEd BSc AdCertEd DASE PQH Dr L Meneely BA Dip PGCE PhD Miss L Montgomery BSc PGCE (Temporary) Assistant Principals Mrs J Morrow BSc PGCE (Career Break) Mrs L Diffin MA PGCE AdCertEd PQH Mrs M J Murray BMUS PGCE Cert TCS Miss M McMackin BA PGCE Mr R A O’Brien BA HDipEd MA Mrs D Turkington BA Cert TCS Dr P A Oliver MSc PGCE PhD

4 Mrs K P O’Neill-Skelly BA MSc PGCE Playgroup Assistants Mrs J Porter BA PGCE Miss H Robinson MA PGCE Mrs R Taylor BSSE Dip Mrs P A Robinson BSc PGCE Miss A L Scott BSc PGCE Playgroup Leader Miss J Sheridan BSc PGCE Mrs C Chambers PSPG Early Years Dip Mrs M C Soto-Kelly BA PGCE PGCCE DipFrench Miss P E Stewart BA PGCE Administrative Staff Mr W Taylor BA PGCE (Temporary) Mr E Thompson BSc PGCE DipHE Mrs R Burnett Dr R R Thompson MA PGCE PhD (Temporary) Mrs D Crockard Mrs C Williamson Licence, Maitrise, PGCE Miss L Dickson Miss S Wright BA(Ed) Ms F Hughes IATI Mrs A Kirkpatrick Part-Time Teaching Staff Mrs F Maguire Miss J Maguire BA Mrs J Beaney BA PGCE Miss N A Mawhinney BA Mrs L Best BTh MTh PGCE Mrs D McCarthy BA PG Dip Mrs A Fowler MEd BA PGCE Miss J Reynolds Mrs A S Glover BEd Mrs C Gray BA PGCE Boarding Staff Mrs C M Hart BSc PGCE MEd Mrs H Henderson BA CertEd CertRelEd Mrs S M Burns (Head of Boarding) Mrs R Hughes MA PGCE Ms M McClenaghan (Matron) Mrs A Loane BA Ms A Toms (Matron) Dr S A O’Kane BSc PGCE PhD Miss J Spottiswoode BA PGCE Laboratory Technicians Mrs L Thomson BA DipEd Mr I Austin Mr M Winning Dip TecEd PGCE Mrs M Guiney EAL Tutor Mr K Jamison Mrs J McKnight Miss A Wray Miss H Megahey (part-time) Mr D Morrow Learning Mentor Miss D Saunders BEd Mrs J Scott Mrs K Moffett Dip (Hons) Classroom Assistants College Librarian Mr R McDonald BA PGDip Mrs S Armstrong NVQ 3 (Preparatory Dept) Mrs P Corish (Senior) Estates Supervisor Miss N Eggl BSc BSL (Preparatory Dept) Ms S Fallon NVQ 3 (Preparatory Dept) Mr R Beattie Mrs C Hunter AdvDipIT, DipNEBOSH (Preparatory Dept) Ms S Khalili NVQ 3 (Preparatory Dept) Estates Department Mrs C McCullough NVQ 3 (Senior) Mr F Olaniyi Ms M McDermott BTEC (Senior) Mr J Lorimer Miss R McMillan (Senior) Mr R Mateer Mrs C M O’Neill BA PGCE (Senior) Mr C McDonald Ms A Reynolds BSL NVQ (Senior) Mr J Owen Ms D Tener NVQ 3 (Senior) Mr W D Wilson Miss L Waugh BSc (Preparatory Dept) Mrs S Welsh BTEC NVQ 3 (Preparatory Dept) Cleaning Supervisor Pre-School Assistants Mr J Sheppard

Mrs H Scott PSPG NVQ 3 Miss A Bari

5 Secondary Department in Overview

Senior Prize Fermanagh, the unforgettable visit Bickerstaff, Jenny Chui, Megan Hayes, from President and Mrs Obama in Aya Helmy, Katie McComb, Jenny Distribution June and the highly successful World Salmon and Azka Yousaf achieved Police and Fire Games during August. four A grades, while Aya also achieved On Thursday 26 September 2013 in All of this set against a backdrop of an A* in A-level Mathematics. Eight the Assembly Hall of the Cranmore uncharacteristically brilliant weather pupils – Amy Cheevers, Megan Campus, we welcomed Professor Dame has contributed to 2013 being D’Arcy, Crystal Ding, Katie Dolaghan, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Visiting Professor remembered as a positive year for our Victoria McFarland, Basma Salem, of Astrophysics at the University of country, and, as you will hear from Nicola Wilson and Ceci Yip - achieved Oxford. As her BBC biography states, my report, a positive year for Victoria three A grades. Professor Bell, an alumna of Lurgan College. College, is credited with “one of the At GCSE Megan Halliday achieved most significant scientific discoveries Examination performances this year nine A* and three A grades while of the twentieth century”, radio pulsars. at all Key Stages have been very good Emma Gilmartin, Rachel Hanley and She has received many accolades and with the A-level 2013 cohort out- Rachel Milligan achieved 11 A* grades academic fellowships, and “forged her performing both last year’s A-level and Erin Skelton achieved 10 A* and own path through the male-dominated results and the previous average over one A grades. Ten girls – Ellen Beattie, world of science”. She was President three years. The attainment of our Kathryn Brown, Cara McCabe-O’Neill, of the Royal Astronomical Society pupils who are recognised tonight is Sophie Stewart, Kathryn Shane, Penny between 2002 and 2004, was made a indeed impressive. However, I would Grudgings, Emma Johnston, Jordan Dame of the British Empire in 2008 like to acknowledge the achievement Allen, Ella Davis and Petra Wells - and a year later became the first female of many of our pupils who are not obtained 11 A* and A grades. In all President of the Institute of Physics. necessarily named in this report who 97.8% of the year group achieved Professor Bell gave a stirring speech have met or exceeded their personal five or more A*-C grades and 50% which also celebrated the achievements targets at GCSE and A-level to enable of results were A* and A grades. Five of Annie Maunder, a notable female them to progress to the next level of girls (Rachel Hanley, Anne Henderson, pioneer in the field of astronomy and their education. Chloe Patterson, Olivia Potter and alumna of the Ladies’ Collegiate School Tannaz Sohrabi Zamani) achieved full as Victoria College was formerly At A-level 38.1% of grades achieved marks in Art & Design at GCSE, and known. were A* or A compared to the Northern Emily Coyle achieved full marks in her Ireland average of 30.7% and UK GCSE Geography course. In the absence of Ms Slevin, Mrs average of 26.3%. The overall pass Woods the Deputy Headmistress rate was 100% with 92.9% of grades In sport pupils from the College delivered the annual address. achieved being A* to C. 19% of pupils competed at Ulster, Irish, British and achieved at least three A* or A grades European level. Emma Henderson was Mr Chairman, Professor Bell Burnell, with Helen Bennett achieving four selected as the youngest member of the ladies and gentlemen and girls - you are A* grades and April Lam obtaining Great Britain Team to compete at the all very welcome to our Senior Prize two A* and three A grades. Cindy Ku European Lifesaving Championships Distribution, an opportunity for us to achieved one A* and four A grades, held in Riccione, Italy. The celebrate the outstanding achievements Rachael Henderson achieved one A* championships, held over three days, of Victoria College pupils both inside and three A grades, Uisce Jordan and involved athletes competing in the pool, and outside the classroom. Professor Rebekah Milligan achieved two A* and sea and also on the beach. Emma made Bell Burnell, I would like to thank one A grade, Searca Smyth achieved three finals in the pool claiming her you for taking time out of your busy one A* and two A grades and Hazel first European medal (a bronze) on day schedule to join us in our evening of Wong obtained three grade As and one one of the championships and recorded celebration. You are an inspiration B grade. Nine pupils – Lucy Gillespie, the fastest time in her age group. to our pupils for the work you have Sophie McCoo, Emily Mills, Sophie Emma’s success will hopefully carry carried out to increase the number of Pollock, Claire Rogers, Livvy Rue, her through to selection for the World women in top positions in universities, Ashleigh Russell, Jade Sheppard and Championships in France in 2014. government and industry. You are most Orlaith Sonner - obtained three A welcome. grades. All three Athletics Teams were placed second in the South Antrim 2013 was a year in which Northern At AS-level the overall pass rate was Athletics Championships while in Ireland was very much centre-stage 98.2% with 81.9% of grades achieved the Ulster Championships Ella Davis through hosting the G8 summit in overall being A to C grades. Emma was crowned Ulster Champion in

6 the 800m and Emma Henderson was Ulster Under-18 B Team. Rebecca member of the winning team in the UK placed second in the discus. At the Irish Lobo was selected onto the Under-18 Intermediate Dressage Competition Athletics Championships Emma was Ulster Development Team and also held in August. placed seventh in the discus, Ella was played for the Under-16 Ulster Hockey placed sixth in the 800m and Rebecca Team. Furthermore Rebecca and Amy Many other individual sporting Harvey was placed sixth in the 1500m. Edwards (Year 10) were members of achievements also deserve recognition. Emma also represented Northern the winning Northern Ireland Hockey Rebecca Getty, Year 11, was the winner Ireland in the UK Schools’ Games. Team at the UK Schools’ Games which of the Badminton England Under-15 were held earlier this month. Both Gold tournament and finalised in the Both the Intermediate and Senior Amy and Rebecca have been selected Under-15 East of Scotland and the Cross Country Teams were placed first for Ulster to compete in the Inter- Under-17 Irish Championships. She in the South Antrim Championships. Provincial Championships next month. represented Ulster, Northern Ireland The Intermediate Team also won the and Ireland at the English Inter-County Ulster Championships and was fifth At the Ulster Secondary Schools’ tournaments, the UK Schools’ Games in the Irish, while the Senior Team Swimming Gala Emma Henderson and the Home Nations Quandrangular was third in the Ulster Championships was placed second in the Breaststroke respectively. At the UK Schools’ and eighth in the Irish. All the Cross and Esmée Hall was third in the Games Rebecca won a bronze medal Country Teams have been invited to Individual Medley. The Relay Team in the team event with Northern compete at the inaugural European of Emma, Esmée, Katie Hayes and Ireland and at the individual event Championships. Georgia Dick, Year Evie Dougan won gold in the Freestyle she won a bronze medal in the Girls’ 12, was selected to represent Northern and silver in the Medley. At the Ulster Singles, the best result by a female Ireland at the London Mini-Marathon Grammar Schools’ Championships Northern Ireland player since the in April. Triathlon Ireland also the Intermediate Team of Esmée Hall, Games began in 2006. She was also confirmed that Esmée Hall, Year 11, Katie Hayes, Emma Henderson and the winner of the Under-17 Ulster had reached Academy Level, indicating Sophie Hunter won gold in both Relays Championships and is a member of that she has the potential to compete and were crowned overall Grammar the Ulster Senior Badminton Squad. for a qualification place in the Youth Schools’ Champions 2013. Esmée won Sophie McCoo, Year 14, won the NI Olympics 2014, and Esmée will now gold in the Individual Medley, Emma Women’s Artistic Gymnast of the work with Triathlon Ireland coaches for won silver in the Breaststroke and Year, the NI Outstanding Gymnast training going forward. Rachael Henderson won silver in the of the Year and the Irish Outstanding Senior Breaststroke. Emma Henderson Gymnast. Rachael Houston, Year 11, The Senior Netball Team won the was also selected onto the Ulster was selected to represent Ireland as part Belfast League and reached the Belfast swimming squad and was selected to of the Nations Cup Team at equestrian Cup Final and Bronagh McCann was represent Ulster Schools at the Inter- events in Belgium and France, during selected onto the Northern Ireland Provincial Championships in Dublin which the team was placed third, with Under-17 Netball Squad. The Senior where Ulster were crowned champions Rachael being the only Irish competitor Tennis Team – Emma Dornan, Emma for 2013. Esmée Hall, Evie Dougan, to win a class. Tanith MacLynn-Hill Russell, Lauren Russell, Hannah Katie Hayes and Emma Henderson and Rebecca Johnson were selected to McFerran and Alix Bell (Reserve) - qualified to compete in the Irish Long represent Northern Ireland in the Sea won the Senior Tennis Cup, and the Course Swimming Championships Cadet Regatta in London, and Caitriona Table Tennis Team – Megan Halliday, in April and Evie and Emma were Campbell was selected to represent Hazel Wong, Emma Dornan, Emma selected onto the Ulster Schools’ Ireland in the Junior European Ski Russell, Lauren Russell, Sophie Hunter, Swim Team for long course training in Championships in Andorra. Ciara-Beth Yasmin Abdelrahman and Kristina Bell Tenerife. Neale competed in the Great Britain – won the Ulster Under-19 League and Irish Dance Championships in England was placed second in the Ulster Cup. In Lifesaving Rachael and Emma and Ruth Aicken competed in the Irish Henderson represented the College at National Senior Cup in water polo. The 1st XI Hockey Team – Sophie the British Lifesaving Championships. Pollock, Emily Mills, Rachael Rachael won two British titles and We are very grateful to our sports Henderson, Maddy McCavana, Jemma Emma won five British titles, setting staff and our coaches who provide the Hool, Megan Halliday, Azka Yousaf, new British records. Both girls were girls with so many opportunities to Kathryn Shane, Rachel Hanley, selected onto the Great Britain Team participate and to compete. Olivia Blundell, Jessica Bamber, and Rachael represented Great Britain Rebecca Lobo, Elizabeth Lawther, Eva at the European Championships in Our Music Department has delighted McCartan, Kathryn Brown and Georgia Sweden. us throughout the year with a huge Dick – reached the Senior Schools’ array of performances including the Cup final but lost 1-0 in a nail-biting The Under-16 Gaelic Football Carol Service, the joint production match to Lurgan College. The 2nd Team played in the Ulster League, of Calamity Jane with RBAI and the A XI reached the quarter-final of the the Football Team competed in the Spring Concert. The Senior Choir McDowell Cup. The 1st and 2nd XI Belfast District Cup and the Rugby reached the semi-final of the All Hockey Teams also went on a trip to team competed in the Regional Island School Choir Competition Barcelona in March. Olivia Blundell Tournament. The College’s Equestrian for the third successive year. Pupils was selected for the Ulster Under-18 B Team participated in a number of achieved individual successes in the Team and is currently on the A squad. competitions and won an event at Associated Board and Trinity College Rachael Henderson also captained the Balmoral. Abigail Carlisle was a examinations throughout the year and

7 Year 14 in Fifty Years Time Lucy Hellawell, Caitlin Diver, Year important feature of school life allowing Children and Young People which went 12, and Hannah McMurray Year 13, girls to experience and develop a global on to inform the work of the Ministerial participated in the Schools’ Proms at the perspective and understanding. An Advisory Group on advancing shared Royal Albert Hall in November. Emma increasing number of Senior School education and future Department of Gilmartin and Ellen Beattie, Year 12 pupils participated in the European Education policy. The College was are members of the Ulster Youth Choir Studies Programme, Comenius project, one of six schools chosen to participate who performed concerts throughout Global Schools Partnership and the in the European Youth Parliament Northern Ireland and collaborated with Eco Schools Initiative. Their valued Regional Forum. A group of Year 12 the Irish Youth Choir. work was recognised by the renewal pupils interviewed for the Rotary Youth of our International Schools Award Leadership programme and Emma GCSE, AS and A2 Drama and and the achievement of the Best Kept Gilmartin progressed to represent the Theatre Studies students participated School, the Eco Schools Award and the College at the regional finals. Laura in performances and workshops and awarding of a Green Flag. Pupils from Hutchinson, Ellen Beattie, Megan benefited from talks from experienced Years 10 to 13 celebrated the European Halliday and Chloe Haylett were visiting practitioners. The GCSE Day of Languages and performed a selected to attend a Youth Leadership class performed in the Shakespeare dynamic drama piece at a cultural Conference during the summer months. in Schools Festival staged in the MAC concert at the Belfast City Hall. In Pupils participated in a number of Theatre in October. Directed by Mrs October a select group of Senior pupils visits and trips throughout the year Helen Burn, the production of As You – Basma Salem, Wiktoria Slomkowska including Geography field trips, a Like It was an unforgettable experience and Katie McComb – joined 27 Scripture Union weekend, a Spanish for participants and audience alike. other schools from across Ireland to exchange visit, a Senior Choir trip to Trips to productions at the MAC, the participate in the annual Mock Council Kenya with Toccata and a Business Lyric Theatre and the Opera House of the European Union held in the Studies trip to Paris. A group of Year enhanced the pupils’ Drama experience, Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings. 13 pupils along with Miss Cassidy, as did the Department’s move into the A group of Year 12 pupils participated Mrs Haugh and Dr Brown participated brand new drama suite at the College. in the first EurVoice forum, pupils from in a nine-day Habitat for Humanity Pupils’ talents were much in evidence the school’s India Society represented Global Village project in Transylvania in the numerous devised performances, the College at a ‘Taste of India’ event in West Romania building a house for monologues, duologues and showcases and Siva O’Neill and Sarah Blaney, local families in need. A group of two throughout the year. Furthermore, Year 12, contributed to the online Your members of staff (Mr Robinson and Languages pupils attended four Onatti Europe, Your Say Forum. Year 11 and Miss Faloona) and 18 Year 12 and 13 plays in French, German and Spanish 13 pupils contributed to research into pupils successfully completed a World which provided an enjoyable way for children and young people’s views Challenge expedition through the pupils to boost language learning. of shared education conducted by the rainforests of Borneo. The group also The international dimension is a really Office of the NI Commissioner for climbed Mount Kinabalu, the highest

8 mountain in Borneo. This desire to help Intermediate Mathematics Challenge Science also left the College in June. others is typical of so many girls in five silver and 10 bronze certificates We miss them all and wish them well Victoria who strive to make a difference were awarded with Helen Francis being and hope that they will maintain their and it is wonderful to see the effort awarded the Best in School certificate. links with the College in the future. that pupils have invested both inside and outside school to raise additional A team of Year 12 and 13 pupils – Asha We welcome our new staff – Mr Mark money for our chosen charities Water Pandey, Amy McCartney, Hannah Ware Gray, teacher of Biology, Mr David Aid and Disability Sports. Pupils and Meredith Telford – represented the McCluskey, teacher of Mathematics, also raised money for Action Cancer College at the National Finals of the UK Mrs Rebecca Pollock, teacher of Home during the APT Craft Fair and Laura Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge Economics, Miss Kate McCaughey, Hutchinson, Year 11, fundraised for (UKAYRoC) at Farnborough, after teacher of Home Economics, Mrs Teenage Cancer Trust. successfully competing in the regional Lynsey Beattie, temporary teacher of finals. The team was ranked in seventh Home Economics, Miss Ciara Loade, In these challenging economic times, place and was awarded the prize for temporary part-time teacher of Biology expert careers advice and guidance the best static display. and Science, Mrs Audrey Boyd, Key is more important than ever and the Stage 2 Leader and Preparatory teacher, Careers Department provides assistance In November Year 13 pupils Julia Miss Elaine Armstrong, temporary Pre- and support through mock interviews, Kennedy, Wiktoria Slomkowska, School teacher and Miss Chloe Smith, CAO and Oxbridge seminars and Aya Helmy, Cushla Little and Elena Preparatory Secretary. conferences, Law and Medicine Olmo Campos took part in the conferences, attendance at open days Juvenes Translatores translation Tonight’s celebrations would not and higher education and careers competition, organised by the European be possible were it not for the total conventions along with invaluable one- Commission. Their combined efforts commitment of all the staff in the to-one support. Pupils also attended a covered five foreign languages – College and their dedication to the girls. range of lectures and conferences and French, Italian, Spanish, German and I think it would be fitting to show them the local PSNI Road Safety Office Polish. All girls did extremely well our appreciation. And I would also like addressed Sixth Form pupils regarding and Julia Kennedy was singled out to pay tribute to our parents without road safety, while pupils from Middle for the quality of her translation, in whose support I would be unable to School represented the College at the which she showed remarkable skill. present this very impressive report. Anti-Bullying Ambassadors’ Training Basma Salem, Year 13, was nominated Parents who encourage their daughters held at Cookstown High School. as one of the Best Speakers in the NI to always give their best, who bring Debating Competition and was invited them to and from training, matches and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to debate in the Senate Chamber at rehearsals, who support the school’s Scheme continues to grow. The Stormont and Maria Doran, Year 14, policies and who engage in a positive majority of Year 10 pupils started participated in Lord Sugar’s Young partnership with staff play a huge part working towards their Bronze Award. Apprentice on BBC TV and did in the whole educational experience and We were delighted this year when extremely well, reaching the final their contribution is much appreciated. six girls – Orlaith Sonner, Rebekah stages of this competition. Shannon I would also like to thank our Chairman Milligan, Jody McKeown, Rachael Kincaid, Year 12, was involved in the Dr Gregory and the Board of Governors Henderson, Lucy Crossan and Sophie Peace III Conference at the Belfast for the invaluable advice and support Pollock - successfully completed their City Hall which was a part of a special provided to the Principal Ms Slevin, to Gold Award and 14 girls completed EU Programmes body. Sarah Murray, myself and to my colleagues in the College. their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Year 14, was awarded a scholarship Awards. We are indebted to Mrs worth £2,000 from Bangor University I would like to finish by asking you Caroline Hart, who co-ordinates the towards her degree course in Creative girls to consider how this report reflects scheme within the College, and her & Professional Writing. the spirit of Victoria College which is team of assistant leaders for their so dear to many of us. Even with all generosity in giving so freely of their This academic year we said farewell of your success, the College stands for time and expertise to ensure our pupils to long-serving members of staff, something much more than than an experience the breadth and depth of Mrs Audrey Edgar, teacher of academic exercise. Staff, parents and challenges and opportunities through Science, Mrs Ann Fowler, teacher governors endeavour to provide a rich the Award Scheme. of Mathematics and former Head of variety of experiences for each and Mathematics and Mrs Lyn Coulter, every young person so that she may Year 13 and Year 14 Mathematics Deputy Head of the Preparatory proceed with confidence to meet the pupils took part in the Senior Department. Mrs Edgar, Mrs Fowler next challenges of her life’s journey. Mathematics Challenge and one gold, and Mrs Coulter made significant However, the great educationalist two silver and eleven bronze certificates contributions to the College. Mrs Professor Albus Dumbledore summed were awarded with April Lam, Year Kelly O’Neill-Skelly, Head of Home it all up when he said “It is our choices, 14, obtaining the gold and Best in Economics, and Mr Noel Ritchie, Head Harry, that show what we truly are, far School certificates. Aya Helmy and of Corporate Services. Mr Andrew more than our abilities.” Girls, I hope Jenny Salmon from Year 13 obtained Barrett, teacher of Technology & that Victoria College will always help the silver certificates. A team of AS Design, Mrs Lisa Best, teacher of you to make the right choices. and A2 Mathematics pupils also Religious Education, Dr Lisa Meneely, took part in the regional final of the teacher of Home Economics and Mr Chairman, this concludes my Senior Mathematics Challenge. In the Miss Laura Montgomery, teacher of report for the 2012-13 academic year.

9 Junior Celebration of 110 competitors and qualified as an individual for the Irish The Junior Tennis Team - Kristina of Success Championships. In the Irish Cross Bell, Emma Conlin, Lucy Hamilton Country Championships the Junior and Sophie Hunter - reached the The Junior Celebration of Success Team was placed sixth. quarter-final of the Ulster Junior Cup. took place but in the Assembly Hall of the Cranmore campus on In the South Antrim Athletics Sophie Hunter and Kristina Bell, the afternoon of Thursday 27 June, Championships all VCB teams were Year 10, were members of the Under prizewinners from Years 8 and 9 placed second. In the Ulster Athletics 19 Table Tennis Team which won gathered with their families and Championships Sarah Hanley, Year the Ulster Under-19 league and was staff for the annual Celebration of 10, won the Triple Jump, Amy placed second in the Ulster Table Success. We enjoyed the performances Edwards, Caitlyn Harvey and Maeve Tennis Cup. of the Junior Choir and Junior Hoyt came second in the Javelin, Chamber Choir, and Dr Bryan Gregory, 800m and 1500m respectively. Sarah The College’s Football Team Chairman of the Board of Governors, Lemon, Year 10, was placed third in competed in the Belfast District Cup distributed the prizes, and our Guest of the High Jump. for the first time and the Year 8 and 9 Honour and speaker was Mrs Deborah Team was placed third and the Year Harris, Public Relations Director of At the Ulster Athletics Championships 10 and 11 Team was placed fifth. The Belfast International Airport. the Junior Team was placed sixth Year 10 Rugby Team competed in the overall. Amy Edwards was the Ulster Regional Tournament at Grosvenor Ms Slevin brought the report on the Junior Girls Javelin Champion and against much older competition and year in Junior School. went on to be placed sixth in the thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Irish Schools’ Athletics Finals. Amy The College’s Showjumping Team Good afternoon, Mrs Harris, Dr was also selected in the Javelin – Olivia Hughes, Year 8, Jordan Gregory, ladies and gentlemen, and for the Inter-Provincial Athletics McClements and Tara Murphy, Year girls. team while Maeve Hoyt and Erin 9 and Abi Carlisle, Year 10 - won at Blundell, Year 9, were selected for an event in Balmoral. You are all very welcome to our the Under-14 Inter-District Athletics Junior Celebration of Success, an Team in the 800m and the High Jump All Year 8 pupils participated in a opportunity for us to recognise the respectively. Five Star Sports Session, organised many achievements of the girls in by Disability Sports NI and a Year Years 8, 9 and 10 both inside and The Under-14 A XI Hockey Team 8 squad of two teams participated outside of the classroom. Girls have played in the Junior Cup and Plate in the annual Gaelic Football excelled in music, drama and sports and reached the quarter-finals, being Development Blitz while Year 9 and ranging from swimming, netball, beaten by Banbridge Academy who 10 pupils played in the Under-14 hockey and tennis to athletics, were the eventual winners. The Year Gaelic Football Ulster League. badminton, Gaelic and rugby. 9 team hosted St Olave’s School from Players of the Year were Kirsten Academically the girls have achieved England and Emma Conlin, Year 9, and Matthews, Eimear Maguire and highly in their internal examinations Sophie Hunter, Amy Edwards and Sophie Robinson while Camogie while at the same time benefiting Caitlyn Harvey, Year 10, were selected Players of the Year were Rachael from the wonderful experiences onto the Belfast Under-15 Hockey McCormack, Megan Ingram and offered to them through school Team. Amy was also selected onto Lauren Henderson. trips and visits and extra-curricular the Ulster Under-16 Development activities. Squad and was awarded the Under-14 We are very grateful to the many staff player of the year, and has just been who support the girls, training, coaching On the sporting front, the Cross selected on the Northern Ireland and accompanying them to events. Country Teams competed in the Hockey team for the UK Games to be Belfast, South Antrim, Ulster and held in September. Individual pupils also enjoyed success Irish Championships. At the Belfast with Phoebe Hagan being placed third Championships the Year 8 Team was The Junior Swimming Team won the in the Northern Ireland Youth Climbing placed second, the Year 9 and 10 overall Grammar Schools’ Swimming series and Abi Cairns achieving gold in Teams were both placed first and Eve Cup. The Junior Relay Team - Hannah dancing awards. Sophie Robinson was Corry, Year 9, and Amy Harvey, Year Beattie, Eve Corry, Maia Dougan and a member of the Northern Ireland Pony 8, won as individuals in their races. Sarah Montgomery - won bronze Club Mounted Games Team which At the South Antrim Championships medals in both the Medley and competed at the Windsor Horse Show the Year 8 and Year 9 Teams won Freestyle Relays at the Ulster in May, and Ara McCartan, Year 9, won and the Year 10 Team was placed Swimming Championships and the May Fitzgibbon Golf Cup and will second. All VCB teams qualified for Rachael and Caitlin McCormack now represent Ulster in the All-Ireland the Ulster finals and the Junior Team (Year 8 and Year 10 respectively) Under-19 competition in July. – Robyn Chambers, Lauren Coulter, won the Junior section of the Ulster Amy Edwards, Sophie Gormley, Lifesaving Championships. Sophie Caitlin Maguire, Year 9, was selected Caitlyn Harvey, Natasha Patterson Hunter, Year 10, was also a member to play for Ulster in the Under-15 - was placed second and qualified of the Intermediate Swimming Inter-Provincial Girls’ Squash Team. for the Irish Championships. Maeve Team which won the overall Ulster This is the third year that Caitlin has Hoyt, Year 9, finished eighth out Swimming Grammar Schools’ cup. played for Ulster both at Under-13

10 and Under-15 level. In Year 8, Holly the Carol Service there were excellent at the City Hall, Belfast, and language Beattie was selected by her dance performances from all choirs and the pupils also attended and enjoyed club Utopia to participate in the orchestra. four Onatti plays in French, German Flamingo Land Dance Festival which and Spanish. Pupils from Years 8, 9 was held in Yorkshire in April and A wide range of peripatetic tuition and 10 participated in the European Niamh Neale, Year 8, was placed is offered in the Music Department Studies programme and were awarded second in the World Irish Dance and our pupils continue to excel European Studies Certificates. Championships held in Boston in the in their chosen instruments in the United States. Associated Board and Trinity College Five Year 10 pupils – Gina Gilmartin, examinations throughout the year. Francesca Drumm, Caitlin McCormack, Almost all of our Year 10 pupils Special mention should be given to Katie Lynn and Kristina Bell – started working towards their Duke one of our Year 10 pupils Alexandra represented the College at the Stormont of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award. They Dick, who recently played one of Climate Change Summit organised by undertook training in the Mournes the leading roles in The Sound of TidyNI and were also involved in the in October and did their Bronze Music with the St Agnes Choral BEEs project. They were shortlisted expeditions in the Mournes in June. Society. Alex also performed in front for the Belfast finals and are now the I would like to take this opportunity of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber in the Belfast Environmentally Efficient to thank Mrs Caroline Hart, Duke of International Youth Production of Schools (BEEs) champions. I would Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator, for Cats in the National Indoor Arena in like to thank Mr Winning for his work her work towards this scheme and Birmingham. with the Eco Team which ensured for all other staff who volunteer their success in these events and also helped free time during the year to support During the Spring Concert, all of our the College to win the Best Kept School this work. choirs, the orchestra and our many competition for the second consecutive vocal and instrumental ensembles year and to achieve our Eco Schools In February the College hosted a visit gave outstanding performances Green Flag. by the author Nicola Pierce, who spoke enjoyed by all. to Years 8 and 9 pupils about her novel, As a Specialist School in Science it was Spirit of the Titanic. Year 8 pupils Some girls enjoyed individual wonderful to see pupils achieve wide- attended the launch of the fourth success at the recent Carrickfergus ranging success in STEM subjects. annual Northern Ireland Book Award Music Festival. Janie Kennedy, and a number of Year 8 and 9 pupils Year 9, was awarded second place Year 10 pupils Francesca Drumm, read in excess of one million words in the Under-16 Flute solo while Emily Greer, Francesca Eldred, each since September, with Teresa the Woodwind Ensemble - Kathryn Emma Connolly, Sara Gray and Chan, Emma Greer and Jessica Welch Kerr, Kristina Bell, Anna Darling, Alexandra Dick were winners of reading a total of 36, 39 and 45 books Emma Conlin, Janie Kennedy, Emily the Northern Ireland Go For It respectively. Pupils from Year 10 joined McQuoid and Georgia Ross - won programme and Kristina Geddis, Dr Brown and Mr McCaw early on the Under-12 Woodwind Ensemble Amy McMorris, Renuka Sharma, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays for Class. Hannah Rose Glover was Emily Irvine, Katie Brennan and Greek Club and have already gained awarded first place in the Under-12 Amy Edwards were winners of the some proficiency in the language, using vocal solo and Sarah Rogers was Engineering Crest Silver Award. interactive games and drills from Eton selected for the National Youth College and the Open University. Choir of Scotland and for the Ulster A group of 20 Key Stage 3 pupils Youth Choir and the Philharmonic took part in the Sentinus Engineering Junior School welcomed the Gideons Choir. Sarah and Erin Devlin were Solutions Programme and the best who presented all Year 8 pupils with also selected for the National Youth team represented their school at the a personalised Bible and presented Choir of Scotland residential training celebration day in the Whitla Hall, the College with a Bible in memory course which was held in March QUB. The College’s team - Anna of a former pupil who had been a while Robyn Chambers, Year 10, Darling, Eva Davis, Erin Devlin and member of the Gideons. attained a place in the musical theatre Emma Salmon – won two out of the company The Rainbow Factory. five awards available on the day. The Junior Chamber Choir entertained Their design was awarded ‘Most parents and guests at the APT Social Francesca Drumm, Year 10, is a Creative Engineering Solution’ and Evening in September, along with member of the Belfast City Council an award for Commercial Potential. special guests the newly formed Youth Forum and Sarah Wilson took All the pupils who took part in the male voice choir the Lagan Seahorses part in the NI Voice Box Competition programme received a Sentinus under the direction of Mrs Murray and Awards and was selected as a finalist to certificate and a CREST Silver Award Mrs Gillian. The girls also enjoyed the Senate Chamber at the NI Assembly in recognition of their work. singing in the One Voice concert at the in November. India Atkinson, Year Waterfront Hall alongside Peter Corry 9, won the Vision Express Star Pupil Fifty-four Year 9 pupils took part in and Rachael Tucker. competition and won an all-expenses- the Junior Mathematics Challenge in paid trip for her family to Disneyland April and four silver and 10 bronze Calamity Jane, our very successful Paris. Francesca Eldred, Alexandra certificates were awarded. Sophie whole-school production in November, Dick and Emma Connolly, Year 10, Doran, Sophie Wilson, Emma Hand gave many girls the opportunity to performed in a short drama piece at The and Janie Kennedy obtained the shine and showcase their talents and at European Day of Languages Concert silver certificates and Sophie Doran

11 was awarded the ‘Best in School’ from each class were invited to attend a in Spain in February. Fifty Year 9 pupils certificate. Katie Brennan, Amy celebration event at Queen’s University attended an outdoor residential event Edwards, Katie McConkey and where they were awarded certificates. at Tollymore in June during which Teresa Chan also took part in the they did bouldering, orienteering, high Junior Team Mathematics Challenge Pupils participated in a number of ropes and canoeing. Year 10 Geography which was held in April. trips throughout the year, visiting students also enjoyed an overnight Carrickfergus Castle and attending residential at Magilligan Field Centre A class of Year 8 pupils and Prep 7 the Scripture Union Weekend in where they developed their fieldwork from the Preparatory Department took Castlewellan Castle. Our Year 8 pupils skills and investigated rivers, coastal part in an Outdoor Classroom Science have just returned this week from a trip dune eco-systems and the formation Project with Queen’s University Belfast to Paris during which their itinerary of the Giant’s Causeway. during which the pupils studied the included visits to Montmartre, a river natural habitats of Victoria College. cruise, visits to museums and the Parc Well done everyone. In June, Miss Bothwell and Miss Astérix. Year 10 Spanish students Wright along with two representatives participated in a return visit to Huelva Pupil Voice

During October and November 2012 Commissioner for Children and Young importance on listening to pupils and a selection of Year 11 and Year 13 People and informed the work of the allowing them to shape the life of the pupils from the College contributed Ministerial Advisory Group on school. A major forum for this is the to valued research into children and advancing shared education and future School Council, and you can read an young people’s views of shared Department Education policy. account of the year’s events in the education. This research was conducted Council below. by the Office of the Northern Ireland Victoria College places great

School Council

We were selected to be part of the formulated. For example, one of the and the day was a great success. Some School Council this year. The selection issues raised this year was the lack of pupils also wanted to get new vending process required application forms to be variety of the canteen food at break and machines and lockers. These issues filled out by pupils who were interested lunch time. To resolve this problem, were taken on board and discussed in becoming either class Councillor a organisation called SNAG (School in the meetings, but unfortunately or Vice-councillor, and members of Nutrition Action Group) was created were not possible, and the pupils were Senior Staff then read the application so that the pupils could be actively offered explanations as to why this forms, interviewed the candidates, and involved in the food choices available was so. Overall, the School Council decided on individuals who would be in the canteen. This has been an has been very effective in resolving suited to the positions. The selected absolute success, as now more pupils pupil issues and implementing new Councillors and Vice-councillors enjoy the wider variety of healthy food schemes throughout the year, and we were required to act as role models for offered in the canteen. A lot of the girls have both very much enjoyed being a the other pupils and take on leading requested a day of joint education with part of it. responsibilities within their form RBAI, so, after some discussion at the classes. Any issues put forward by council meetings, the staff offered the Debbie Heatley and Eve Bannon, members of the form classes were Year 11 girls the opportunity to go to Year 11 then discussed at the monthly RBAI for a Young Enterprise event. Council meetings and solutions were This was met with great enthusiasm Year 8 Induction Day

This year at the very start of their You always know that when you are Tower, Archery, Toss the Wellie and school career at Victoria College, under warned to wear comfortable footwear Go-Kart Racing, Poisonous Yoghurt the leadership of Head of Year Mrs and bring waterproof clothing that and Sheep and Shepherd and lastly, Lavery, Year 8 enjoyed a fantastic day anything can happen! After Fred and Group Skiis and Human Photocopier. of teambuilding and fun with Clearsky the Clearsky leaders met the group Adventure. Clearsky made it their aim outside at Richmond and introduced This was a fantastic opportunity which that the girls would have an enjoyable their team, they organised ice-breakers got the year off to a great start. time, get to meet their peers and break and split the pupils into five teams for down barriers. The focus was on a carousel of five tasks to be completed Mrs H Lavery keeping high energy levels – certainly in rotation. Form teachers accompanied there was little time to stand around and each group to help with supervision but surrender to those natural start-of-term fortunately did not get roped in! The nerves! five terrifying tasks were the Climbing

12 Prefects 2012 - 2013 Head Girl Junior School Prefects (Year 10) Charity Prefects Rebekah Milligan Helen Bennett Lucy Crossan Niamh Nixon Katie Martin Deputy Head Girl (Cranmore) Eden Dinsmore Rachael Henderson Gemma Thompson Eco Prefects Cushla Little Jade Sheppard Deputy Head Girl (Richmond) Chelsea Goodwin Orlaith Sonner Junior School Prefects (Year 11) Lucy Gillespie Mentoring Co-ordinator Junior School Prefects (Year 8) Rebecca Mercer Joanne Stranaghan Ellie Alcorn Cindy Ku Olivia McMullen Ashleigh Russell Prep Department Laura Bell Sarah McClelland Emma Dornan Sarah-Louise Morrow Debra Wray Shannon Duke Evie Crockard Shannon Neale Middle School Prefects (Year 12) Sixth Form Prefect Carrie Lane Alison Chan Sophie Pollock Claire Rogers Madeline McCavana Kathryn Lynas Charlotte Hillan Sports Prefects Nicole Shields Sarah Murray Emily Mills Janine Luk Sophie McCoo Junior School Prefects (Year 9) Naomi Sharratt Holly Cox Olivia Rue Careers Prefect Ruth Finlay Jody McKeown Searca Smyth Kirsty Higginson

Head Girls Team (l-r) Dep Head Girl Orlaith Sonner, Head Girl Rebekah Milligan, Dep Head Girl Rachael Henderson

13 The Visit of President Obama and Mrs Obama to the Waterfront Hall, Belfast

17 June 2013 was a day which will never be forgotten by the people of Northern Ireland and more particularly by those pupils of Victoria College who had the honour of being chosen to meet the President and First Lady of the United States on their occasion of their visit to Belfast. The name of Mrs Burn was also drawn at random from a list of staff to be present when the President and Mrs Obama made their speeches, and we thank her for providing the image used. We were not at all jealous, Francesca Drumm listens to President Obama (BBC image) of course! Our own Rebecca Johnston, representing her youth group rather than give everyone we met a fair shake, no to work together, choosing to lift each school on this occasion, made it on to matter who they were or where they other up, choosing to leave behind the the television news with her excited and came from. And we soon realized that conflicts and prejudices of the past touching report of her warm personal the more we lived by those values, and create a bright future for us all. exchange with the First Lady. the more we’d see them from other That’s what’s so powerful about your people in return. We saw that when we generation. And again, that’s why we’re We include here some excerpts from reached out and listened to somebody here today - because we want you to the speeches delivered on the happy else’s perspective, that person was more know that we believe in each and every occasion, as released by the White likely to listen to us. If we treated a one of you. That is exactly why we’re House Press Office. First, some classmate with respect, they’d treat us here. We believe that you all have the inspirational words from Mrs Obama, well in return. And that’s sort of how ability to make a mark on this world then a speech of encouragement from we became who we are today. That’s that will last for generations to come. the President. how we learned what leadership really We are so proud of you. We expect means. It’s about stepping outside great things.” Mrs Obama: of your comfort zone to explore new “It is such a pleasure to be here in ideas. It’s about rising above old President Obama: Belfast. And as you might imagine, divisions. It’s about treating people the “You now know why it’s so difficult whenever we travel to places like this or way you want to be treated in return. to speak after Michelle - she’s better anywhere else in the world, we’ve got a than me... We wanted to come here, pretty packed schedule... But wherever “And as young people, you all are in a to Northern Ireland, a place of we go, no matter what’s on our plate, very powerful position to make some remarkable beauty and extraordinary we always do our best to meet with of those same choices yourselves. history; part of an island with which young people just like all of you. In You have the freedom of an open tens of millions of Americans share fact, you all might just very well be mind. You have a fresh perspective that an eternal relationship. America’s some of the most important people that can help you find solutions to age-old story, in part, began right outside the we talk to during our visits, because in problems. And with today’s technology, doors of this gleaming hall. Three just a couple of decades, you will be the you can connect with other young hundred and twenty-five years ago, ones in charge. Yes, indeed. You’ll be people from all over Northern Ireland a ship set sail from the River Lagan the ones shaping our shared future with and all around the world. So right now, for the Chesapeake Bay, filled with your passion and energy and ideas. So you’ve got a choice to make. You’ve men and women who dreamed of when I look around this room, I don’t got to decide how you’re going to use building a new life in a new land. They, just see a bunch of teenagers. I see the those advantages and opportunities to followed by hundreds of thousands people who will be moving our world build the lives you dream of. Because more, helped America write those forward in the years ahead. And that’s that decision will determine not only early chapters. They helped us win why we wanted to be here today… the kinds of people you’ll become, our independence. They helped us draft but also the kinds of communities our Constitution. Soon after, America “Barack and I refused to let other you’ll live in, the kind of world we’ll returned to Belfast, opening one of our people define us. Instead, we held all share together. And standing here very first consulates here in 1796, when tight to those values we were raised with all of you today, I have never George Washington was still President. with - things like honesty, hard work, felt more optimistic, let me tell you. Today, names familiar to many of you a commitment to our education... We Because time and again, I have seen are etched on schools and courthouses did our best to be open to others; to young people like all of you choosing and solemn memorials of war across

14 reality... And when peace was achieved here, it gave the entire world hope...

“From the start, no one was naïve enough to believe that peace would be anything but a long journey. Yeats once wrote “Peace comes dropping slow.” But that doesn’t mean our efforts to forge a real and lasting peace should come dropping slow. This work is as urgent now as it has ever been, because there’s more to lose now than there has ever been…

“We need you to get this right. And what’s more, you set an example for those who seek a peace of their own... Ultimately, peace is just not about politics. It’s about attitudes; about a sense of empathy; about breaking down the divisions that we create for ourselves in our own minds and our own hearts that don’t exist in any objective reality, but that we carry with us generation after generation. So as your leaders step forward to address The First Lady addresses the Waterfront Hall your challenges through talks by all parties, they’ll need you young people the United States - names like Wilson seen around the world. And while to keep pushing them, to create a space and Kelly, Campbell and O’Neill. So you have unique challenges of your for them, to change attitudes. Because many of the qualities that we Americans own, you also have unique reasons ultimately, whether your communities hold dear we imported from this land - to be hopeful. For you are the first deal with the past and face the future perseverance, faith, an unbending belief generation in this land to inherit more united together isn’t something you that we make our own destiny, and an than just the hardened attitudes and have to wait for somebody else to unshakable dream that if we work hard the bitter prejudices of the past. You’re do - that’s a choice you have to make and we live responsibly, something an inheritor of a just and hard-earned right now. The terms of peace may be better lies just around the bend. So our peace. You now live in a thoroughly negotiated by political leaders, but the histories are bound by blood and belief, modern Northern Ireland. fate of peace is up to each of us. by culture and by commerce. And our futures are equally, inextricably linked. Northern Ireland is hosting the World “And you should know that so long And that’s why I’ve come to Belfast Police and Fire Games later this year as you are moving forward, America today - to talk about the future we can which Dame Mary Peters is helping to will always stand by you as you do... build together. organize. Golf fans like me had to wait You must remind us of the existence of a long six decades for the Irish Open peace - the possibility of peace. You “Your generation, a young generation, to return to the North last year. I am have to remind us of hope again and has come of age in a world with fewer unhappy that I will not get a few rounds again and again. Despite resistance, walls. You’ve been educated in an era in while I’m here. I did meet Rory despite setbacks, despite hardship, of instant information. You’ve been McIlroy last year, and Rory offered to despite tragedy, you have to remind tempered by some very difficult times get my swing “sorted”, which was a us of the future again and again and around the globe. And as I travel, what polite way of saying, “Mr. President, again… I have confidence you will I’ve seen of young people like you - you need help.” None of that would choose that path; you will embrace around the world, they show me these have been imaginable a generation that task. And to those who choose currents have conspired to make you a ago... the path of peace, I promise you the generation possessed by both a clear- United States of America will support eyed realism, but also an optimistic “And these daily moments of life in a you every step of the way. We will idealism; a generation keenly aware bustling city and a changing country, always be a wind at your back. And as of the world as it is, but eager to forge it may seem ordinary to many of I said when I visited two years ago, I the world as it should be. And when it you - and that’s what makes it so am convinced that this little island that comes to the future we share, that fills extraordinary. That’s what your parents inspires the biggest of things - this little me with hope. Young people fill me and grandparents dreamt for all of island, its best days are yet ahead. with hope. you... Because of their effort, because of their courage that day has come. “Good luck. God bless you. And “Here, in Northern Ireland, this Because of their work, those dreams God bless all the people of Northern generation has known even more rapid they had for you became the most Ireland. Thank you.” change than many young people have incredible thing of all - they became a

15 The House System at Richmond and Marlborough Houses Pupils are encouraged to develop their were added. talents by participating in a range Victoria College of competitions including football Using the Virtual Learning (Association and Gaelic), hockey, The Victoria College House System Environment to encourage applications, cross-country running, spelling exists to promote a spirit of competition we appointed Year 14 pupils from bees, performance and design. These and teamwork. We have six Houses worthy candidates without a prefect competitions also allow the girls to – Crescent (green, Head of House Mr role, and deputies from Year 13. Their improve the relationships they have McCracken), Howard (blue, Head efforts are much appreciated. Particular with other members of their House of House Mrs Loane), Marlborough thanks go to Miss du Toit, who is very across the year groups. The House (red, Head of House Dr Thompson), familiar with the House system which Christmas card competition was as Pakenham (purple, Head of House Mrs is strong in her native South Africa. popular as in the previous year, as was McMurray), Richmond (white, Head of We have missed her greatly in the past the Christmas entertainment. We would House Miss Faloona), and Wellington year and have felt her absence in co- like to encourage more participation in (yellow, Head of House Dr Brown). ordinating House events. It is very good the Middle and Senior School – your to have her back. House needs you! Many people ask where the names of the houses came from. Their origins are strongly connected with our College’s roots in the city of Belfast.

In the spring of 1859 encouraged by the advice of some of her friends, our founder Mrs Margaret Byers moved to Belfast, where at 13 Wellington Place and later in Howard Street she established ‘The Ladies Collegiate School, Belfast’. Accommodation soon proving inadequate, Mrs Byers decided to have a house built to her requirements and a double-fronted house, 74-76 Pakenham Place, was opened in 1867. In 1874 the dream of her life was realised, when the now familiar stone buildings in the Crescent rose in their impressive dignity. In 1997, following the amalgamation of Richmond Lodge School with Victoria College at Marlborough Park South, the Inter-House Football Competition The House points table stood as follows at the end of the school year 2012-13:

Place House Points

1st Howard 310

2nd Crescent 275

3rd Richmond 250

4th Wellington 230

5th Marlborough 175

6th Pakenham 155

Congratulations to Howard who will receive the House Cup on Senior Prize Day.

Christmas Card Competition

16 Association of Christmas Craft Fair

Parents and Teachers On Saturday 8 December 2012 the offer goods and services, competing biggest event of the APT year took intensely for shoppers’ attention. The The Association is an essential place in the Cranmore Assembly Craft Fair teaches the girls valuable element of the school’s vision of Hall and Canteen. Local artists and entrepreneurial skills and concern for collaboration between school, parents crafters, many of them with a personal others, as a proportion of their takings and the community. We are very association with the school, came go towards the school and other grateful for the support and direction together for the Christmas Fair. All good causes. The canteen offered the of experienced members, including the your Christmas gift dilemmas could usual very welcome treats and snack Teacher Representatives. In particular be resolved at a stroke! It was also lunches, and gave the more reluctant the Committee is grateful for the lovely to see a number of members shoppers the chance to mingle. Mrs ongoing support and help provided by of staff displaying their talents and Dot Crockard who spends so much Assistant Principal Mrs Turkington creativity – Mrs Clarke sold her time and effort organising the Craft who spends so much time promoting jewellery and accessories, Mr Winning Fair Organiser was very pleased to the APT in so many ways. Ms Slevin’s his stunning photographs, and Mr report that we could present school with enthusiastic support is also much McCaw his pencil drawings. Many several thousand pounds. appreciated by all. enterprising pupils booked stalls to

APT Executive Committee Membership 2012-2013

Ms Patricia Slevin (Headmistress) Ex official member

Mrs Carmel Francis Chairperson

Mrs Patricia Maguire Honorary Secretary

Mr Ian Crossan Honorary Treasurer

Mrs Deirdre Turkington Senior Staff Representative

Mrs Robena Elwood Krafty Kids for Action Cancer Miss Maureen Faloona Teacher Representatives (Senior School)

Mrs Ide Scullin Mrs Noreen Heatley Parent Representatives (Senior School)

Miss Sarah Wright Miss Louise Hamilton Teacher Representatives (Preparatory Department)

Mrs Pauline Cosgrove Parent Representative (Preparatory Department)

Mr McCaw’s drawings prove a hit

17 Big Business

Mrs Clarke and Mrs Gilchrist Annual General Meeting Uniform Sale During the year 2012-13, the APT As ever, we held our popular held a number of enjoyable events. Young Entrepreneurs uniform sale at the end of June. This year’s Annual General Meeting Everyone benefits from this event – took place on 26 September 2012. As Flower Arranging space is made in school and in cluttered well as the usual busy agenda, the APT wardrobes at home, money is raised for was treated to An Evening of Light On the evening of Thursday 11 school and money is saved by parents. Entertainment with the Junior Choir March, we held another Flower and also the newly formed Lagan Arranging Demonstration in the The APT welcomes parents of Year 8 Seahorses. This male voice choir is Cranmore Assembly Hall to the pupils and of all new girls to join them an opportunity for Old Boys of RBAI to accompaniment of light refreshments – in raising funds for your daughter’s sing together under the direction of Mrs just in time for Mothers’ Day! new school. Over the years the Murray, and their performance of popular fundraising efforts of the Committee, classics was much enjoyed by all. with the support of new and ‘not-so- Fine Dining in new’ parents, has enhanced the school Valentine’s Quiz Night Deane’s At Queen’s experience of Victoria College pupils. APT fundraising has purchased a Who needs a romantic meal out on In the past two years we have enjoyed a school minibus, ICT, sporting and Valentine’s Night? The real thrills black-tie Spring Ball in the Wellington other classroom equipment, new were to be had at the Quiz Night in the Park Hotel. This year the Committee canteen furniture and equipment, a laser Cranmore Assembly Hall. Pupils, staff organised an evening of Fine Dining in cutter for the Technology & Design and parents gathered in very carefully the justly famous Deane’s At Queen’s Department, and many other resources. chosen teams for an amusing and which took place on a lovely late We are always interested in new ideas challenging evening testing our general spring evening, Friday 17 May. There for events and schemes for fundraising. knowledge. Everyone enjoyed the spot was a distinctly glamorous ‘after six’ We would be delighted to hear from prizes and picture rounds, even if some atmosphere and after a memorable you if you are willing to help in any of the music rounds were a bit beyond meal there was dancing till late. This way or have any suggestions for future the older generation. [Editor’s note: excellent evening was well attended APT events. Please contact us via the justice was done as the right team won and profitable; our thanks to the staff Cranmore office. without even cheating once.] of Deane’s.

18 Boarding Department Routine is a key part of Drumglass House and we assure you there is time for all the school work to be Drumglass House is back in action done. However, we also recognise the and 2012-13 was a big year for the importance of extra-curricular activities Boarding Department with the with our girls participating in sports introduction of two new Matrons, new such as Gaelic football, Camogie, chefs and of course, this year’s new ballet, hockey, table tennis and tennis. students and boarding mistresses. We We also have girls who are enthusiastic can boast a multi-cultural house with about music, attend the choir and staff and students from a range of orchestra and participate in the annual diverse places such as Ireland, Great collaborative production with RBAI Britain, Hong Kong, China, Swaziland, attending numerous rehearsals which Egypt, Spain and Germany. displays the drive and determination which is encouraged within the house. The boarding house went through a lot of renovation in the summer of 2013 Boarders’ Council is an integral part and has been left with stylish kitchen of the Boarding Department. It is units, a fashionable staff room and led by our current Head of Boarding modern washing machines. Mrs Burns Mrs Sharon Burns and is attended by showed us photos depicting Boarding in the Head and Deputy Head Boarders the 1950s and we all agree that we are alongside a boarder from each year very glad to be living here now rather group which ensures that every view than back then. Furthermore the Senior is represented. Within this body, we girls can now enjoy the availability bond as a team and deal with any of a snack area for making a wee cup Anna’s Got Talent! issues which arise helping us to ensure of tea and toast and all boarders can a constant happy and comfortable enjoy the use of our new WiFi system environment. which makes it easier to contact family and friends, which is very important Each year, we celebrate the Mid- to those who live thousands of miles Autumn Moon Festival and St away. Another exciting development in Nicholas’ Day which assists us in the Boarding Department is our very sharing our different cultures. At own new Boarding-specific website and Halloween we host an annual party we look forward to updating it regularly which includes fancy dress, games and and sharing our wonderful events a scary movie. When the cold weather with you. See for yourselves! sets in, we welcome our annual group www.victoriacollegeboarding.org.uk.

Your Emcee for the Evening, Collette trip to Belfast City Centre where we buy gifts for our Boarding Secret Santas which are distributed by Santa at our Christmas Party. This festive night includes Christmas dinner, followed by ‘Drumglass House Has Got Talent’, a traditional dance contest and a play performed by our boarding mistresses.

Social activities in Drumglass House are an important aspect of the lives of all our boarders. Regular trips are organised and these have included visits to Belfast Zoo, Dundonald Ice Bowl and Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory along with visits to the cinema and Cave Hill. More relaxing activities at the weekend include arts and crafts, games, movie nights and boarders baking plenty of tasty treats. This year has also seen the Summer days introduction of the ‘Terrific Tuesday

19 Tournament’ – a weekly football game Turkey and to our Year 14 leavers who Come Dine With Me for the Junior girls which helps to bring celebrated their time with us through out some healthy competition. a short presentation, cake and flowers. On the Exceptional Closure Day However, in the words of Winston which followed the Year 14 Leavers’ As with the end of each year, there was Churchill, “To improve is to change; Formal Dinner, staff were treated to a an air of sadness throughout Boarding to be perfect is to change often.” And deliciously different lunchtime thanks for the departure of temporary members therefore, with the end of each year, we to the hard work of the Geography of staff and Year 14 students. In June, welcome another with fresh staff and Department. Everyone agreed that we said goodbye to Miss Megan Porter students and look forward to sharing it was a lovely opportunity to spend and Miss Maria Grumley and wished our stories with you. a more relaxed period chatting with them the best of luck as they headed off colleagues we often did not have the to begin their teaching careers. We also Collette McAllister, chance to meet, even if it presented said goodbye to our German assistant Head Boarder 2013-14 quite a technical challenge to cater Miss Kezi Ozen as she returned to for and serve all the staff in Cranmore staffroom. Mrs Haugh in particular received many plaudits for her homemade curry and wheaten bread. The magnificent choce of desserts tempted even the most disciplined away from the diet. Staff covered costs with donations and any surplus was donated to the school charities. We think this is an excellent idea which should be repeated regularly! Miss Hannah Megahey

Halloween frights

Congratulations to our reprographics technician Miss Megahey, who has been awarded a Highly Commended Essential Skills Award certificate. This Fancy dress for Halloween Christmas Dinner very prestigious award was presented to her at Hillsborough Castle on Wednesday 13 March. Miss Megahey was nominated by her tutor Lorna Lundy and chosen from applicants from all colleges and training organisations throughout the province. Miss Megahey was a Business Management student in a Programme-Led Apprenticeship at Lisburn College, where she completed her Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication. As the press release noted, the Essential Skills Awards are a fitting acknowledgement of the enormous commitment to learning by adults of all ages and from all backgrounds. This is an outstanding Dressed for dinner achievement by Miss Megahey.

20 News from the Staffroom

Congratulations to Dr Oliver on Mr Barrett. Congratulations to career break following the births of his marriage to Dr Andrea Rainey Mrs O’Neill-Skelly and husband Chloe and Lucy, twin sisters to Ben, at Christmas 2012, Miss Bothwell Declan on the birth of Joshua, and likewise to have Mrs Beaney on her marriage in the summer of their first child also. We welcome and Mrs Gray back in the English 2013 to Mr Kevin O’Riordan, and also baby Mabel, second daughter Department, albeit on a part-time to Miss Walker of the Finance of Mrs Julie-Ann Findlay and basis. With baby Adam and baby Office who becomes Mrs Paul her husband. Many staff know Ruby respectively, their time is Kelly and takes to farming life! Samantha who works in the fully accounted for. Miss Maguire of the Cranmore staffroom and were very happy Office became Mrs McCune in the to hear of the safe arrival of baby Our thanks as always go to the summer on her marriage to James. Jack. Belated congratulations to hard working but usually unseen Every future happiness to these Mrs McCullough and her husband Staffroom Committee who provide couples. who have become grandparents to refreshments on special days, Ewan. arrange social events for staff We are delighted to announce and organise the gifts presented on the birth of Elkie Bea, a first It is good to welcome back Mrs happy occasions such as those child to Dr Mitchell-Barrett and Morrow to teaching after her celebrated here.

Mr Andrew Barrett was appreciated by all his classes and he will be missed by the pupils We say a sad farewell to Mr Barrett he taught. Dr Brown also appreciated his tolerance of the Classics when for who was with the Technology & a few mornings each week he was Design Department for twelve short forced to vacate the computer in the months. Mr Barrett had a very varied Department to facilitate early morning timetable, as he also contributed Greek classes. to various other subjects such as Physical Education, Home Economics We wish him well in his new role as and the Year 9 L2L (Learning 2 Learn) Head of Technology & Design in St programme. Patrick’s Academy in Lisburn. Of course he will maintain his links with Although he was at Victoria College the College through the Preparatory for such a short space of time, he Department and we hope to see him at enjoyed excellent relationships with future events. staff and students and has left a lasting impression. Mr Barrett was an Mr D McCaw enthusiastic and energic teacher who

Mrs Lisa Best under the leadership of Mrs Hart. Lisa was employed in a job-share capacity, Lisa joined the Religious Education and she and Mrs Thomson were a great team for two years until her Department in 2011 to replace Mrs move to bigger things at Carrickfergus Margery Irwin. She came to us as Grammar School. We congratulate Miss Dodds, only to become Mrs Best her on her appointment as Head of after the October half-term break, after Department and we know that she will marrying Matthew. This caused a great bring glamour, efficiency and a strong deal of confusion for pupils and staff, work ethic to her new post. We still so much so that she remained Miss try to keep in contact – she misses the Dodds on the C2K computer system female company of our Department, as until the Summer Term. She also she now works with male colleagues, learnt to answer to both names with which will be quite a change! And of graciousness. She was very active not course, there aren’t as many coffee only in the RE Department but also shops in Carrick where she can hold her through her help with Scripture Union, Department meetings! Cross Country Club and with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme which Mrs R Elwood has grown from strength to strength

21 dedicated, hard-working member of the Audrey was also a brilliant Biology Science team and Biology Department teacher and her GCSE results reflect her who loved her teaching and had great dedication and talent. She always gave relationships with staff and pupils. the girls the best classroom experience Our girls really respected her no- and was involved in developing new nonsense approach and her 17 years in materials and resources. She ran a very Newtownbreda High School allowed popular Botany Club where the Year her to develop classroom management 8 and 9 girls could produce flower skills that were greatly to be admired! arrangements and hanging baskets. Audrey loved her plants, as can still be Audrey’s pastoral skills were put to seen by the flora in the Biology labs! great use in her service as Head of Year for Years 8 and 9 in turn for 14 Her experience, kindness and razor- years, seeing two full generations of sharp wit will be missed by all in pupils through the secondary school. Science and Biology. We wish her a Mrs Audrey Edgar She worked along with Mrs Carolyn long, healthy and happy retirement in Watson and they were a formidable the company of her family. Audrey Edgar taught junior school team on the Junior campus. Mrs Edgar Science and Biology up to GCSE for always had the girls’ best interests at Dr J McCormick the last 19 years at Victoria College heart and her experience, hard work and Belfast and will be sadly missed common-sense approach made her a following her retirement. She was a fantastic pastoral leader.

Mathematics Department. She held this extra-curricular activities including post for 18 years until she made the Badminton Club and the Duke of decision in 2005 to change from full- Edinburgh’s Award Scheme as well as time to part-time teaching. being involved in many school trips.

Ann has been a dedicated teacher I would just like to thank her for whether in her first year of teaching, everything she has done for the when she had exam classes in O-level school in your time at Victoria and Maths, Additional Maths, A-level for everything that she has done for Maths and Further Maths or, in the last me personally – for being so easy to couple of years, with the classes who work with, first of all as my Head of have those ‘hard to motivate’ pupils Department when I joined the school who struggle with the subject. Her and then over the past number of knowledge and skill in the classroom years when our roles were reversed. I Mrs Ann Fowler are going to be missed both by all her really have valued her experience and pupils and by the rest of the Maths friendship during this time. Ann started her teaching career in Department. None of us in the Maths September 1982 with her first job – at Department have ever known a time I know that the decision to leave was Victoria College – and she remained when Ann hasn’t been there so we are not an easy one but we know that here ever since. She has been through all unsure what may happen without her. the friendships that Ann has made at many changes in her 30 years here Victoria will continue. We wish her including the amalgamation of the Ann has been involved in many and every happiness for whatever lies ahead school with Richmond Lodge. varied aspects of school life. She in the years to come. It was only five years after joining was a Boarding Mistress for a time, Victoria that Ann became Head of the and worked with the girls in many Miss L Scott

Miss Ruth McMillan her work. Ruth has maintained her strong ties to Victorians Ladies’ Hockey Club and she and Rachael shared Ruth and her twin sister Rachael the role of Club Secretary. As a vital together with their older sister Hannah part of this role was sharing annual spent their secondary years as pupils at reports and images with the Editor of Victoria College, where they immersed The Victorian, Ruth has my gratitude themselves in sport, particularly for the cheerful efficiency she showed hockey. Such was Ruth’s loyalty to in executing this task. Ruth now works her alma mater that she returned to for Queen’s Sport combining many of spend two years offering invaluable her skills, talents and enthusiasm, and help as a classroom assistant on the we expect to hear of her achieving Senior campus. She formed a close and great things! positive bond with those she worked with and brought her deep but fresh Dr J Brown knowledge of school life to bear on

22 within the Consumer Studies degree When the post of teacher of Home programme. This experience coupled Economics came up in St Joseph’s with a doctorate in Consumer Studies Grammar School, Donaghmore, the provided Lisa with an excellent advantage of teaching in a school understanding of the Home Economics close to home was obvious. Lisa had curriculum and she proved to be an previously completed her teaching outstanding teacher who demonstrated practice in St Joseph’s and the Principal a genuine passion in her chosen subject. clearly recognised her potential then, so it was no surprise that she was appointed Lisa was able to demonstrate flexibility in June 2013. Lisa is a creative, in the delivery of the curriculum dynamic and conscientious teacher by assisting in the teaching of and we are very sorry to see her A-level Health & Social Care and leave. her professionalism and meticulous attention to detail was of great benefit Lisa has further change on the horizon both to her pupils and to the Head of as we have recently heard that she has Dr Lisa Meneely Department, Mrs Aine Loane. become engaged to Martin Daly. During Mrs O’Neill-Skelly’s maternity On behalf of all the staff and pupils, I Lisa began Victoria College in leave, Lisa undertook the role of Head would like to wish Lisa every success September 2011 as a newly qualified of Home Economics and executed this in her new teaching position and much teacher of Home Economics. Lisa role with her customary dedication. joy and happiness as she embarks on came into the teaching profession She dealt with budgets, requisitions, married life. following a period of time when she managing staff, reviewing assessments, worked as a part-time lecturer in the tracking pupil progress and planning Mrs H Woods University of Ulster to deliver modules resources.

Miss Laura in Year 13, and the overflowing hampers are a testament to her skills Montgomery of organisation and encouragement. Having trained at John Moore’s Miss Montgomery joined us in 2010 University in Liverpool, Laura has never been frightened of seeking on a temporary basis as a teacher wider horizons, and she left us at of Biology. However, she quickly the end of her two years to take up became involved in many aspects of a one-year post at Thames Christian school life such as Scripture Union College in London. This has proved and this certainly helped her develop to be such a success that her contract warm relationships with the girls she has been extended. We wish her an taught. She may be remembered best exciting and fulfilling career in the for her knitting club which thrived city and hope that she will keep in at lunchtimes as a cosy venue for touch. creativity and chat. Her concern for others showed itself in involvement Dr J Brown with the Voluntary Services group

Mrs Kelly with her enthusiastic attitude and willingness to embrace change. Her O’Neill-Skelly qualifications, including a Masters degree in Human Nutrition, equipped Successful completion of Early her with an excellent knowledge and expertise to deliver the subject. Kelly Professional Development, had a genuine interest in promoting engagement, marriage, moving a healthy school and in her first year house, appointment as Head of Home of teaching she ran a Healthy Eating Economics Department, new baby Group, set up a School Nutrition Action – Kelly certainly packed a lot into Group (SNAG) and persuaded top chef the four years that she was with the Paul Rankin to compete in a Ready College! Steady Cook competition in the Home Economics room on Cranmore – not Kelly was appointed to the position quite the type of cooking environment of teacher of Home Economics he was used to! Following the on 1 September 2009 and quickly retirement of Miss Kathleen Wood, established her mark on the Department

23 Kelly successfully applied for the survival cookery classes for Sixth Form home in Rainey Endowed, Magherafelt, position of Head of Home Economics in order to prepare the girls for fending Kelly deliberated for a long time before and took up this role in September for themselves while at university and applying. However, the difference 2011. One of the most visible signs of extend their cooking repertoire beyond between a journey to work lasting five change under her leadership was the Pot Noodles. minutes as opposed to one of over an removal of the ancient ovens located hour was a strong factor in helping her in the Home Economics room on the As a form teacher, Kelly formed to make the decision to apply. Richmond campus which were then positive relationships with the pupils replaced with modern cookers which in her form class and was able to help I would like to take the opportunity to did not require the oven door to be motivate pupils and deal with pastoral wish Kelly every success in her new secured with sellotape and took less issues. post as teacher of Home Economics in than one hour to heat to the required Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt temperature. In her personal life, Kelly had much and hope that she continues to have to celebrate. She married Dr Brendan much contentment and happiness in her Kelly also embraced the extra- Skelly in July 2011 and, much to our personal life. curricular aspect of school life. She chagrin did not adopt the name Kelly assisted with Duke of Edinburgh Skelly. In January 2013 she gave birth Mrs H Woods training and accompanied pupils on to a beautiful baby son Joshua James. the ski trip and Politics trips to the US When the opportunity of a teaching and London. She also delivered the post became available closer to her

Mr Noel Ritchie also enjoyed social events with staff members and entertained us all with We say a sad farewell to Mr Noel his impersonations of Elvis at end of term functions! Noel is also a parent Ritchie who has retired from the in the College and we look forward College on the grounds of ill health. to continued contact with him in Noel joined the staff of Victoria this role. We wish Noel well in his College as Head of Corporate retirement. Services in March 2009. He was an active member of the Senior Ms P Slevin Leadership Team and was responsible for leading and managing the non- teaching staff in the College, liaising with the Department of Education and the Education and Library Board. Noel worked closely with the Finance team and with the Estates and administration teams in the College and his energy and enthusiasm were notable. He enjoyed hard work but

Mr Warren Taylor coached the Soccer Team after school on Tuesdays along with Mr Donaghy Mr Taylor joined the ICT and Dr Oliver, and gave generously of his time with the Duke of Edinburgh Department in September 2010. He team, spending many weekends in the demonstrated his dedication to all the Mourne mountains. He also facilitated students that he taught throughout the Young Enterprise scheme in school, the school from the very first lesson. which allowed Year 13 students to Mr Taylor brought the best out of all develop their business acumen. Mr the students that he taught, with his Taylor will certainly be missed by his classes achieving results that the ICT colleagues and students alike. Perhaps Department are very proud of. Mr his move back west of the Bann to a Taylor was also a key member of the full-time teaching position will give men’s corner in the staffroom with his him more opportunity to pursue his ability with tricky crossword clues and fascination with the salmon. up-to-date fashion sense. That classic tweed jacket with the leather elbow Mr N Kavanagh patches will be sorely missed.

Mr Taylor was heavily involved in the extra-curricular life at the College. He

24 Teaching and Learning

Art & Design Art and Design complete a broad stunning paper wedding dress creations and balanced course. Throughout the which appear early in the year before It has been a most successful year Key Stages there is a clear focus on the mannequins are required for the developing a range of skills including GCSE textile work! in the Art & Design Department, with imagination and creativity, expression, many girls receiving top grades and visual thinking and observation. Mrs Our congratulations to the five girls high accolades. The highly experienced Porter is once more at the helm of the who achieved full marks in Art & and well qualified teachers, led by school website. We continue to rely Design at GCSE. Well done to Rachel Head of Department Mrs McCullough, on technical assistance from Mr Keith Hanley, Anne Henderson, Chloe demand the very best from the pupils, Jamison. Patterson, Olivia Potter and Tannaz expecting them to aim high and to Sohrabi Zamani. reach an understanding of the material We can see the results of the girls’ in hand. The intention of the Art achievements all around the school. Mrs Y McCullough Department is that all pupils studying Visitors are particularly drawn to the Business Studies organised a number of extra-curricular how it has developed since its opening. activities, including a February trip The seminar also focuses on the The Department continues to offer for AS and A2 students to Paris to Disney brand, marketing and corporate investigate the huge business concern structure. Task booklets are completed AQA Business Studies at GCSE and that is Disneyland Paris, and a Year 14 during their day in the Park. Advanced Levels to all students. We student’s perspective features below. also promote the Young Enterprise You are never too old for a themed Once again we hosted a Business programme and Level 3 examination hotel and a ride on Thunder Mountain! Conference in October 2012 for all to AS students in Year 13 to enable all However there is a serious agenda: the the Year 13 students, whether they pupils who wish to learn entrepreneurial girls attend business seminars tailored were studying business or not. Using skills have the chance to do so. Clearly to the needs of the A-level curriculum, simulations and real products which we are having an effect – you can read and learn about the business side they created themselves, they learned in our Beyond the Classroom section of Disney directly from a Disney about the world of business from the of the success of Maria Doran, our very representative. They learn about the bottom up in a refreshing and busy day. own Young Apprentice finalist. history of Disneyland Paris including how and why the Park was built and Enterprise starts early at Victoria During 2012-13 the Department College. Francesca Drumm will tell us in her own words in the Beyond the Classroom section about the Year 10’s triumph for the College in the Step N Zones competition. Year 10 were also able to attend an Enterprise day in the lovely surroundings of the Christchurch Library at RBAI when they learned how to generate ideas, anticipate problems, provide solutions and make their pitch in real-life exercises such as planning a festival. Mr E Thompson Business Studies Trip to Paris

In my last year at Victoria College, I thought that going to Disneyland Paris with my school friends would be a Year 10 explore enterprise at RBAI good way to finish my school days. I had never been to Paris before and I

25 was really looking forward to the trip. centre of Paris and visited many sights, Disney characters which made us all feel We arrived late at night and settled into including Notre Dame, the Louvre and like we were about five years old again! our rooms. The hotel was amazing and the Eiffel Tower. On Days Three and actually looked like a cowboy village! Four we had time to try out all the rides Overall the trip was definitely the We were all very excited! Going to in both theme parks. Due to the fact highlight of my final year at Victoria breakfast in the morning we ran into that it was a quiet season for the park, College. I had great fun with my friends Minnie Mouse and got a photograph we were able to access all the rides and got to see an amazing city. To with her – the highlight of our day! very quickly – no queues and no need anyone thinking of going on this trip, for Fast Pass! We rode the Tower of I highly recommend that you do. You We attended a number of lectures on Terror as a group which was definitely won’t regret it! the marketing and financing of the Park. the highlight of the trip for me. Going On Day Two we took a bus into the around the Park we got to meet all the Beth Nolan Year 14

Careers

The new year began with a bang as usual once the A-Level, AS-Level and GCSE results were published. After welcoming back our students who attended the summer residential schemes at Corpus Christi, Cambridge and Eton College in England, Careers staff were busy helping students to finalise their subject choices. Simultaneously the staff were in great demand assisting the leavers with their university places and guiding some applicants through the Clearing and Adjustment processes. We were delighted again with the success of our girls, with most applicants gaining a place on their first preference course. The girls opted for a wide variety of courses and universities. Many students opted for places locally at Queen’s, Ulster, Stranmillis and St Mary’s University College. Notable successes Careers Year 8 included Sophie Jackson (European Law at the University of Groningen), Sixth Form pupils attended the Queen’s success with over 60 exhibitors from Sorcha Foster (Physics at Imperial open day and individual pupils attended across Ireland and Britain representing College, London), Chloe MacAuley open days of their choice including universities, FE colleges, employers (Medicine at Trinity College, Dublin) events at Stranmillis and St Mary’s and other stakeholders. Of course, and Molly Gilmartin (Medicine University Colleges. Staff were also representatives from many universities at Queen’s College, Oxford). We involved in interviewing applicants to and FE colleges visited the school enjoyed great success with our other St Mary’s, providing us with a unique during the year, providing our pupils Medicine applicants who gained places insight into the process. Pupils were with ample opportunity to research their at Queen’s, St Andrew’s, Dundee, afforded the opportunity to attend options. Year 13 pupils and their parents Manchester, Aberdeen and Leicester. the Medicine, Law and Engineering or guardians attended a UCAS/CAO Our Dentistry applicants were also seminars at Methodist College and Information Evening where we outlined successful: Rachel McKinney and the Dentistry open day at Queen’s. the university application process Dara Murphy departed for Bristol Potential Oxbridge applicants attended in some detail and Mr Thompson whilst Alice Nicholl secured her the Oxbridge conference at Lisburn and explained how student finance works. place at Newcastle. Both of these we were delighted to host an Oxbridge All Year 14 students sat a mock universities were very popular choices seminar for all of our partner schools in interview and we are very grateful to again this year, along with Durham, south Belfast. Wiktoria Slomkowska, all the parents and friends of the school Leeds, Manchester and other Russell Aya Helmy and Azka Yousaf attended who gave up their time to assist the Group universities. Stella McLachlan a fascinating Cambridge University students. Careers Information, Advice journeyed to Bristol to read Veterinary residential summer school with Miss and Guidance is delivered to the Sixth Science. Our successful Pharmacy Robinson in June. Pupils in Years 12 to Form through timetabled sessions. applicants included Jane Cunningham 14 attended the biennial Victoria College Pupils learn about the application (Queen’s), Tori Kerr (Manchester), Belfast Higher and Further Education processes, student finance and other Alison Mallon (Bath) and Maram Omar Fair. The event, which was very well issues they may face at university. (Ulster). attended, proved to be another great Visitors to the school included the

26 for Employability lessons where they school’s delivery of LLW and CEIAG. engage in activities and research At Victoria College Belfast we adopt aimed at developing their awareness of a cross-curricular approach to the enterprise and entrepreneurship, work delivery of Careers Information, in the local and global economy and Advice and Guidance and Learning career management. This programme for Life and Work. For example, is supplemented by visiting speakers the Business Studies Department and stand-alone events including a organises a range of Young Enterprise Year 8 STEM workshop and the annual and Sentinus events developing Experience of the Workplace days. pupils’ employability skills. In their This year the Year 10 girls visited curriculum they study selection and workplaces at Armagh Planetarium, recruitment, employment legislation the Laganside Courts, Allstate and and the impact of new technology on the BBC. Many pupils also attended business In English, pupils in Years 8 a Sentinus Employability workshop. and 9 complete a unit on ‘My Ideal Job.’ In Religious Studies pupils consider At Key Stage 4 pupils have timetabled the importance of human rights and lessons for the delivery of Education for freedoms alongside responsibility. In Employability and Careers Information, Geography they consider the impact Advice and Guidance (CEIAG). of globalisation and multi-national All pupils passed the AQA Level 2 corporations on the workplace. In Latin Careers Year 8 STEM event Certificate in Preparation for Working and Classical Civilisation they research Life. Making subject choices at the end changing employment patterns and BELB (Student Finance), St Mary’s of Years 10 and 12 is a vitally important develop the analytical and evaluative University College, Queen’s University, process. Pupils and parents attended skills necessary for Law, Medicine SE Regional College, the Scottish Subject Information Evenings where and software development. In History Universities, University College the Careers Department briefed them and Modern Foreign Languages their Dublin, NUI Galway, Newcastle and on the process and the implications of literacy and communication skills are Northumbria Universities and Oxford their choices. As in KS3, the emphasis nurtured. All subject areas make a University. is on self-evaluation and all pupils valuable contribution. are required to audit their extra- As part of their Learning for Life curricular activities in relation to skill Mr R O’Brien and Work programme, pupils at Key development on an annual basis. Pupils Stage 3 attend timetabled Education are also involved in evaluating the

Experience of the and how long it takes him. Someone asked him “What happens if you make Workplace Day 2013 a mistake?” He responded, “Because I’m live there’s not much I can do In May the Year 10 pupils visited about it!” It was really funny when he a variety of workplaces as part of switched to the politics show and a the Education for Employability man was standing behind with a protest programme. My group was allocated sign. He looked really funny and we all to the BBC Studios in Belfast. Upon laughed, including Mr Thompson and arrival we were greeted by Eamonn, Mr Luney. our tour guide for the morning. He informed us that we would be touring When we left BBC2 we went to the the various studios - if they weren’t on BBC Radio Ulster studio where we met air! The first studio that we visited was the presenter Hugo Duncan. He was the news studio. It was much smaller really funny and told us if we wanted to than we had expected. Eamonn showed be something to go for it and not hold us all the ways the news reporter knows back. This was my favourite part of the what to say and how they are informed tour because he was really encouraging of breaking news by the director in Sarah Hanley Year 10 at the controls and amusing. the box through a small earpiece. Caoimhe and Olivia read from the necessary for the tasks they face every That night when the news was screen from the daily news. day. The assistant director came in so broadcast I was yelling at the TV “I we had to depart quickly. sat there!” I knew what the studio When we were finished in the news really looked like and how everything studio Eamonn escorted us to the From there we went to see the BBC2 happened. I really like the BBC studios gallery where all the TV screens were. voiceover person. He was really and would definitely consider working In the gallery he explained the different friendly and let us all have a go at there in the future. roles of the people who worked there speaking into the microphone. He and the skills and attributes that are showed us all of the things he has to do Beth McGardle Year 10

27 Classics e-learning DVD which accompanies It has been a bleary-eyed pleasure to the course and offers exceptional offer classical Greek in the mornings to opportunities for inter-active, self- several pupils and the very enthusiastic Once again we started the year with directed learning. Who knows how I Mr McCaw, who has offered us the good news of former pupils, this time can put his skills to use in the future! luxurious space of the Technology that our former A-level Classical Room for classes. Using Greek To Civilisation student Ruth Ware has We continue to offer Latin to GCSE GCSE and online resources from the taken up a place to read History at St using the new OCR specification which Open University and Eton College, we Andrew’s University in Fife after an dovetails well with the Cambridge have pursued a fairly serious course exciting year in South Africa. Jane Latin Course. The inventiveness of in the language. We are delighted that Maxwell is now well through doctoral pupils in learning grammatical tables Francesca Drumm was able to use research in Mediaeval Literature and principal parts knows no bounds, her Greek classes towards her Skills including Latin at King’s College, and the study of Latin literature proves portfolio for her Duke of Edinburgh’s London. to have an uncanny link to modern life. Award at Bronze level. At Key Stage 3 the new interactive At A-level we can offer Latin or In March I had an unexpected white board in G5 is put to Classical Civilisation according to opportunity to bring our work to a exceptionally heavy use in accessing student interest. We are delighted to wider audience when I was contacted the Cambridge Latin Course online. maintain our links with RBAI and by the Wendy Austin show on Pupils love the drag-and-drop exercises, welcome some male input into our BBC Radio Ulster to discuss the the vocabulary drills and the multi- world – even when that heats up the announcement in Latin of the election media resources provided by this site. debate about the role of women in of the new Pope Francis. Clearly a As well as these new techniques, we Homer’s Odyssey. Congratulations number of Victoria College parents continue to learn in the old-fashioned to Sarah Murray who achieved an and grandparents were listening and I style – amo, amas, amat still reigns excellent grade A at AS in Year 14 am glad that Wendy set this nervous supreme. My warmest thanks are due after taking the Odyssey paper in the participant very much at her ease! If to the ever-versatile Mr Winning who Enrichment module last year and an announcement in Latin from the stepped in to take a Year 8 class for a revising for this largely independently. Vatican can reach many millions, portion of the year while I assisted the We hope that her studies of the rhetoric maybe millions more will be inspired English Department. Mr Winning’s of Cicero along with her Latin GCSE to study this beautiful language and pupils greatly enjoyed his classes and stand her in good stead in her studies culture. The Department remains he has left a lasting legacy in the amo, of Creative & Professional Writing at convinced that the study of the ancient amas, amat song featured on YouTube, Bangor University in Wales. Next year, world and its ancient languages has a aptly described by pupils as ‘random’ we anticipate a welcome and refreshing great deal to offer to the modern world. but requested weekly as a lesson finale. return to A-level Latin. Mr Winning himself road-tested the Dr J Brown

Year 8 explore the theme of slavery

28 Drama The Drama Department has had a busy and successful year, with a plethora of performances and trips, workshops and visiting practitioners.

We began in October with our performance of As You Like It as part of the Shakespeare for Schools festival in the brand new MAC theatre in Belfast. This was a very exciting and enjoyable experience for Year 12 pupils not least for the collaboration between the Drama and English Departments. Several Drama students were heavily involved in the bi-annual musical, which this year was Calamity Jane. You Drama students enjoy their new space can read an account of this in our In December saw the production of two teaching and learning and rehearsing Performance section. A-level devised pieces, Anonymous purposes. We held an opening coffee and Judgement. afternoon and the picture attached to Autumn also saw a trip to the Lyric this article shows how much pupils Theatre to watch Lynne Parker’s After Christmas we were into rehearsals already feel at home. vision of Macbeth preceded by a for our AS monologues and duologues, workshop from the actors involved in as well as the GCSE scripted work. We greatly missed Mrs Dornan who the production. November saw a trip Six plays were performed, and 20 was absent for a part of the year, to the MAC to watch Bruiser Theatre pupils took part in monologues and and would like to thank Miss Louise Company’s performance of Lady duologues. All of this was showcased Doherty for stepping in and teaching Windermere’s Fan. All the A-level for parents and friends. After Easter we the classes. Congratulations also to her girls enjoyed this and had the privilege also showcased four plays by our AS on the publication of her novel The of inviting the director Lisa May to Drama groups and took a trip to see the Hidden, a tale of family secrets set in come into school to give a talk and Northern Ballet’s version of The Great her native Belfast. facilitate a workshop. November also Gatsby in the Grand Opera House. saw a talk from Paula McFeteridge We look forward to as busy and from Kaboosh Theatre Group, a unique The Department also moved into our successful a time next year. opportunity and most enlightening brand new Drama Suite, situated in the experience, arranged as the group Cranmore car park, and this has been Mrs H Burn and Mrs Y Dornan wanted to research Drumglass House. of great help to all the students, both for

English Sophie Thompson of Year 13 who has hosted by the University of Ulster, produced some enigmatic and haunting Jordanstown in October and on Frost The academic year 2012-13 proved work over the years. and Thomas in December. These events a successful one for the English have become a worthwhile part of the Department. The year began with a World Book Day gave us another calendar in the Senior School. A-level pleasing set of examination results, chance to enjoy reading and writing students benefit from the academic and especially at A-level where a 100% with lessons on related themes and analytical rigour these events offer as pass rate at grades A* to C was Library visits. With activities ranging well as from the differing perspectives achieved by all students, a testament to from graffiti walls to prizes for volume gained on A-level texts. the dedication of staff and pupils alike. of books read as well as presentations and reviews given by students, the Dr Brown’s creative writing society The Muriel McGregor Poetry experience proved stimulating and Shakespeare’s Sisters continues to be Competition again highlighted the worthwhile. a well supported and valuable addition depth of creative talent the College is to English at VCB. Again you can see blessed with. As you will be able to see Senior pupils had the opportunity to some of the best of their work elsewhere elsewhere in this publication this year’s avail themselves of a series of high in this publication. Dr Brown’s energy theme of ‘Dreams’ allowed our writers quality lectures on AS and A2 texts and commitment to this club is much to experiment with many different delivered at local universities. Year 14 appreciated by the English Department. forms and voices. Almost 150 students attended day-long courses on the works We welcomed her into the teaching of entered this year’s competition with a of Geoffrey Chaucer at the University A-level English Literature during the variety of forms. The hard work and of Ulster in November and Queen’s academic year and I thank her for the enthusiasm of our creative writers is University Belfast in March. Year 13 considerable verve, enthusiasm and much in evidence. We hope you enjoy AS students gained valuable insights expertise she brought to the teaching reading some of the fruits of their into F Scott Fitzgerald and his novel of Twentieth Century Drama during labours. Particular mention must go to The Great Gatsby at a day-long course Mrs Gray’s maternity leave.

29 Another society that continues to go over RBAI, Thornhill College and The English Department welcomed from strength to strength in the English Rathmore Grammar School to name back two very experienced members Department is the Debating Society. but a few. Ellen Beattie and Basma of staff in June. Mrs Beaney and Mrs At times lunch-time debates have Salem represented the College with Gray return to the fold having added had triple figure audiences on both aplomb this year, with Basma reaching to their respective families. We now the Junior and Senior campuses. Our the National Final at Stormont as a top look forward to another busy and teams continue entered a number of runner-up. Alix Bell, Emma Gilmartin rewarding year. prestigious competitions. This year and Alexandra Doran have also has been our best year ever in terms contributed notably to the success of Mr D McCracken of competitive success with victories the society. Geography Year 9 Geography

2013 was another busy year for the Trip to Tollymore Department. As ever, the Department found itself actively involved with trips Fifty Year 9 girls got the opportunity and residentials throughout the year. to go to Tollymore Outdoor Adventure Centre for a Geography field trip. Fifty Year 9 students enjoyed a one- night residential trip to Tollymore We got the bus from school and it was Outdoor Adventure Centre. Students an hour’s journey, give or take. When experienced bouldering, abseiling, we got there we were all very excited. rock climbing, orienteering and the We got our room keys and went up to adrenalin-raising leap of faith on the the lounge room, which was very big. high ropes course. An exciting and After lunch and after we had settled in, we went bouldering. It was great exhilarating time was had by both staff Alys Jarden on the riverside and students. Year 10 Geographers fun and we all got completely soaked, enjoyed a one-night residential on the including Miss Lynch. We all came Antrim coast in which they visited back covered in mud, water and bruises. the Giant’s Causeway to investigate weathering and erosion, and completed a river study to collect fieldwork data.

Year 11 Geographers completed the collection of their fieldwork data along the River Burn. We enjoyed glorious weather, instead of precipitation. This was the second year in which all Year Measuring up 11 Geography students were entered Learning Environment. Students can for their external GCSE module in now access a wide range of revision Year 9 dressed for anything June. Thank you to all the students and support materials at home or in who attended the additional revision school. Past examination questions, surgeries and gave of their best. The model answers, revision notes, revision results were amazing! lists, revision timetables and podcasts are amongst the wide range of materials Year 13 Geographers visited Magilligan available for pupils to browse and Field Centre, for the annual two-night download. residential. Students returned to Victoria exhausted after collecting and sampling Congratulations to all students. Once river, urban and coastal data and again, the Department’s examination learning many fieldwork and statistical results were higher than the national Year 9 on the ropes! techniques. average for girls’ grammar schools at GCSE and A-level. Special Year 14 Geographers visited Newcastle congratulations must be given to Emily to investigate the potential impact of Coyle who achieved the top candidate a National Park in the Mournes. This ranking in Northern Ireland for GCSE gave students an opportunity to study Geography and Megan Halliday who river and coastal management case was placed fourth. studies. They also developed their sampling skills and a enjoyed a well Thank you to all members of the deserved hot chocolate in Maud’s. Department and pupils who have made this an enjoyable year! 2012-13 has also seen the development of the Geography Department’s Virtual Mrs J Haugh Year 9 try the mud mask treatment

30 We got dried off and had dinner. The food was lovely and many of us Year 13 Magilligan Field Trip had second helpings. At about seven o’clock we went orienteering. After everyone was back we got changed into our pyjamas and went into the lounge to play a few games before bed. Mrs Haugh was playing the cardboard box game with us. It was very funny. There was very little sleep that night!

The next morning everyone was struggling to get up for breakfast. Everyone was a little nervous because it was high ropes that day. We did the climbing wall and abseiling first. It was really fun because most of us had never abseiled before. Then it was time for the high ropes. The first thing we had to do was climb up all of these moving The AS Geography classes Year 13 made it to the top logs and net. The hardest part was at participated in a residential field trip the top. We had to climb up rotating to Magilligan Field Centre at the end fieldwork questions in the recreation tyres. After everyone had done that – or of February. The Magilligan Field room (and there was much complaining everyone who wanted to – it was time Centre is located a few miles outside about that) and writing up a fieldwork for the leap of death. Almost everyone of Limavady and near Magilligan report in the small computer room. tried but many failed. We had to climb a Point and Downhill Beach. After that, a movie was produced, pole that was almost 30 feet tall, and the as was a sickeningly large mound of steps moved. Then at the top there was We arrived at Magilligan on 28 sweets and chocolate. Our last day was a plank of wood that we had to jump February by bus from school and after spent in Coleraine so that we could off. We had to try and grab a trapeze we had packed away our luggage, we complete a shopping survey there and bar once we had jumped. Everyone were briefed by the Centre organisers. a Nearest Neighbour statistical test. gave it a good go but no-one could get We had to investigate the downstream Afterwards Coleraine’s Starbucks was the trapeze. Miss Lynch made a gallant changes in the River Curly Burn and stormed en masse. effort but could only reach halfway. write an investigation. The discharge Mrs Haugh completed the challenge. was high at this time of year and Overall, it was a very enjoyable trip and resulted in water in our wellies! We it helped us understand our Geography After lunch we were all very sad to were saturated. The following day, we course, especially when it came to sand leave. We said thank you to the leaders visited an Area of Special Scientific dunes and river. It also meant we didn’t and made our way to the coach. It was Interest (ASSI) nearby called Umbra have homework for a few days, so no so much fun and we would all love to where we investigated the plant complaints there. go back. succession from sand dunes to oak forest. We also ran into a herd of cows. Naomi Skilling Year 14 Erin Blundell Year 9 The evenings were spent completing

Health & Social Care part of the course was to design a disabilities compete in this sport, learning aid for a particular girl. After which involves trying to get a puck as This year 15 girls studied A2 Health consultation with the Prep 3 and 4 close as possible to a target mat. In the & Social Care very successfully teachers, each student was assigned accompanying photograph you can see and many of the girls have pursued a Prep girl to trial their designs, in Tara Hallworth and Emma Blair assist careers in this area: Kirsty Higginson order to develop the pupil’s fine motor a wheelchair user to get the puck on in midwifery, Katie McCullough in skills and intellectual development in target. general nursing, Uisce Jordan in social a specific topic studied. work, Megan O’Neill in radiotherapy, In total, 23 girls studied AS Health and Olivia Rue in primary teaching to The Health & Social Care pupils have & Social Care; similar to the A2 girls mention only a few. The Psychology many links with the Prep Department they completed two portfolios and one unit Understanding Human Behaviour and in Year 13 the girls volunteer examination. Promoting Good Health suited these girls who were planning for one period a week in assisting in is one of the portfolio units and as part a caring career; this examination Playgroup and Pre-school. The H&SC of this unit the girls devised a Health unit was completed in January. This Department tries to facilitate as many Promotion campaign. Some of the allowed the girls time in the second voluntary experiences as possible: this campaigns focused on promoting self- term to complete two portfolios in year we linked up with Disability NI esteem and healthy eating and on issues Care Practice and Provision and finally and the girls assisted in their many around binge-drinking. The group Child Development. The girls loved the events. One in particular was Kurling, which chose healthy eating promoted Child Development unit, as an essential where children and adults with physical this campaign to the Year 8s during

31 Festival time. Communications in Care Kurling for the winning team from each section Setting is the second portfolio where the then advanced to the finals to play the girls spend time with Primary 1 and 2 Disability NI winners of their sections. We learnt classes, observing good communication many things from helping Disability and recording their own communication On Thursday 8 November, a group NI: first and foremost, we leant how skills. The examination unit for AS-level of 12 Sixth Formers associated with to kurl, which many including myself is completed in the June series. the Heath & Social Care programme had never played before. We learnt travelled to Antrim Forum. In this large how to referee and score the kurling. This year, we introduced GCSE Health leisure centre we assisted our local We gained experience in working with & Social Care. This also has practical charity this school year, Disability NI, other adults and also working with elements to the course, where the girls by helping to referee a dry kurling children who are disabled. The whole spend time in an Early Years setting one competition. Dry or New Age kurling day was very beneficial because, apart period a fortnight. We had girls placed is like the traditional Scottish sport of from the learning, we also got to see in different daycare facilities such as winter curling which takes place on the children’s passion for the sport of Victoria Pre-school and Playgroup, ice with brushes, except that there is kurling. Over the Rainbow at Deramore and no ice and no brushes and you play Eglantine, Little Hands Little Feet, on a dry surface. You play the game Holly Cairns Year 13 Buddies, Stranmillis Nursery and by pushing stones (made of bearings) Inchmarlo Nursery. This is essential along the surface of the playing area, experience for the girls in writing their the idea being to get more of your portfolio work. This group will take stones closer to the centre of the target an examination unit in June to complete than your opposing team. Within each this course. game we had three rounds. Each team had four kurling stones or kurlers We also introduced a Double Award which were either red or blue. The qualification at A-level, which is winner of each round was the team equivalent to two A-levels. This course who had the most kurlers on the mat, is suitable for girls who are planning which looked like a big archery target a career in Health & Social Care. Four on the ground. The beauty of this sport girls are studying this A-level, and is that disabled people can compete they spent time this year in an Early on completely equal terms with the Years setting and in residential care able-bodied, hence the promotion at Bethany Care Home and Redlands by Disability NI. The competitions Residential to gain experience of included lots of teams from schools for working with different groups. children who had a disability, and each school had at least one team. Each team Mrs A Loane had a chance to play the other teams; Kurling for Disability NI History

The History Department has focused very intensely on improving teaching and learning and has been rewarded with great success in public examinations. At A2 all History candidates achieved grades A* to C. Congratulations to Emma Donnan on achieving her A* in addition to her tennis triumph. At GCSE level, the Department achieved an outstanding proportion of 31% candidates at A* with 47% securing either an A* or an A grade. No fewer than 9 girls achieved full marks (200/200) in Paper One!

We welcomed another PGCE student to the Department this year. Our student from last year, Mr Michael Brown, has had a very successful year in Bolton School, England. Kathryn Chowder was an exchange student from the University of Virginia who was based at Stranmillis University College, and she joined us for eight weeks. Thrown Group at Carrick Castle

32 in very much at the deep end not only in a new school but in a new school system, she found herself conquering the topic of the Normans with Year 8. She left with a much greater grounding in mediaeval and early modern Irish history which we hope she can use on her return to the eastern United States! A hard worker who quickly formed happy and productive relationships with her pupils and got thoroughly immersed in the extra-curricular life of the school, she left a very positive impression on our staff and girls. She too spoke very warmly of her time at Victoria College. Her words must have taken effect in Virginia, as 2013-14 will see another student from the University in the former colony join our Department.

Once more Year 8 stormed Carrickfergus Castle in March, accompanied by several teachers from Look up there within and outside the Department. The images which accompany the article show some of the fun we had, and you can read some of the comments from Year 8 below. I thank all our staff in the Department for their hard work not least in administering and marking Controlled Assessment. We look forward to another successful and rewarding year in 2013-14. Mrs N McMurray

Danielle Mackle: When I went to Carrickfergus Castle for a class trip, I had an amazing time and I think everyone else did as well. Firstly when we were walking to the In the dark banqueting hall I saw cannons! They were huge but I think they had been made safe. We went up many stairs to the keep where the king would have lived, and we all got to stand on the see- through cover of a well which was very deep. The water in the well is what the soldiers survived on when they were under siege. They also ate the guard dogs! We know this because the bones of a large dog were found. When the Normans tried to invade the English killed some of them and ate them! We all found these interesting facts out by going into a small room and watching an animated video clip about it.

Next we went upstairs to a room with all the armour the soldiers wore, such as chain mail and about three hats! The chain mail was extremely heavy and I could barely hold it. To get down to the main room with the well we went down Enjoying the tour a narrow passageway of stairs. It was

33 Emily attacks Annalese in a straight jacket Nice helmet, Jessica

Karla makes a new friend really scary and I got dizzy.

Next we went to see the different types Playing the box game Heidi attacks the photographer of catapults outside. One of them would Alexandra Luke: marks on the walls. send things far and low and the other It was fascinating how they were able sent things less far but high. These to recreate the actual size of a dog by Anna O’Hara: would have been best for shooting using its skeleton. It is amazing to think the castle is rocks up to the top of the castle, and it over 900 years old and still in great would crush people. Flint was the best Sophie Lockhart: condition. rock as it would break off and kill Looking down the hole into the well more people! was magic. It is beside salt water and Orlaith Mulholland: isn’t linked at all to any nearby rivers When I put on the chain mail it was It was a very interesting trip. (Queen’s University has tested) but it is so heavy. There is a well in the castle which is in the ground. The castle is Catherine McIlhone: fresh drinking water... Dead cows that had been in the sun for three days and absolutely freezing! Castlefergus Castle was the most had maggots over them were catapulted enjoyable trip. We learnt about the over the castle walls then bits of dead Dasha Kresnodembskaya: weapons they brought with them to cow would go over everyone and give I thought it was very interesting to learn war and the clothes they wore. The all those in the castle diseases so they about the place where the castle was scariest bit was walking down the spiral would die. built, and also learning what the knights staircase. It was such a squeeze! used as weapons to protect the castle. Lara McFerran: Ava McIlhone: I liked the banquet hall... It shows that Eva Mulligan: I got to hold a real bow and arrow. I human emotions are the same as there I loved playing the hand-in-the-box really enjoyed it. It was also very cool were carvings and tally marks that the game. to see what they wore. guards made when they were bored. It is fascinating to see the scars of spear

34 Home Economics This year has seen the departure very late in the year both of our Head of Department Mrs O’Neill-Skelly and of Dr Lisa Meneely who acted up as Head of Department during Mrs O’Neill-Skelly’s maternity leave. Both ladies have left us for posts much nearer their roots; you can read their farewells earlier in the magazine. In the light of so much change, the reliable support provided by our technicians GCSE Fine Dining Mrs McKnight (Cranmore Campus) and 13 Home Economics candidates and Mrs Guiney (Richmond) is more was such a success that it was repeated. valuable than ever and offers a sense of The Belfast Cookery School based in permanence and continuity. central Belfast is the city’s first cookery school. Sixteen professionally equipped The new CCEA GCSE specification is cookery stations inspire the girls to now well embedded. The management improve their kitchen skills. Northern of Controlled Assessment is particularly Ireland is justly famous for its fish complicated and time-consuming, as and sourcing, preparing and serving a practical sessions must be timetabled variety of fish was a special focus of within the school day with the co- the short course. Mrs McKnight got to operation of other teaching staff. participate too, and particularly enjoyed However, as you can see from the the tasting! Throughout the year the delicious meals set out in the images ethics of food sourcing has been a here, it was all worth it and reflected major emphasis. in the excellent results. It was rightly described by those who should know In the GCSE kitchen Cookery Club, both Junior and as “restaurant quality food” presented 3 module imaginatively entitled Aliens Senior, remains a very popular after- at restaurant level. Healthy eating and in Our Food. The Department again school option which is heavily over- personal care are still very much to the entered Year 13 candidates for early AS subscribed. The mini carrot cakes and fore in our Health-Promoting School, units in Nutrition for Optimal Health. Malteaser cheesecakes were especially and we have a beautiful new display popular - perhaps not so healthy, board which reflects our emphases Last year’s visit to the famous Mourne though! on these issues. Year 8 study food Seafood Restaurant and Bar in ingredients and hygiene in a Key Stage December and February for Years 12 With thanks to Mrs McKnight

Information & The AS and A2 programmes require capacity. Wireless provision increased extensive coursework which accounts dramatically with Drumglass House Communication for up to 60% of the final mark. and Richmond acquiring much speedier Pupils produce excellent multi- and more reliable connections. After Technology media portfolios which include involving the pupils in an online web development to a demanding discussion and questionnaire on This year we were rewarded with specification, including custom banners, our Virtual Learning Environment, excellent results at all levels, not least logos using Photoshop, animation we have acquired a set of iPads for because of the sterling efforts of Mr using Flash, video and voiceover with classroom use which can be ‘booked’ Taylor who has now left us and whose full accessibility to able-bodied and and are already being heavily used. farewell you can read in the opening disabled users. Clearly the ICT courses Throughout the year staff and pupils section of the magazine. We will produce students who are well equipped provided feedback on their impact miss him. to meet the challenges of the modern on teaching and learning. Almost all financial and business world. classrooms now benefit from inter- The revised GCSE ICT course is now active whiteboards to allow media-rich in full swing, and pupils continue to There were major changes to the C2K experiences in the classroom. enjoy the Games Development module network at the start of the academic which asks them to design and create year, and staff in particular are to Internet safety has been promoted at a game using Game Maker software. be congratulated on coping without every level in the school, with outside Year 10 pupils have also enjoyed a too much panic with the relocation speakers including representatives of taster of the software, which offers or removal of resources which were the PSNI addressing the issues of safe them a glimpse into the highly lucrative occupying considerable space on networking and use of social media and world of games development which the network. We moved to a Cloud- the dangers of cyber-bullying. has brought so much success to the UK based network offering virtual computer industry. storage and therefore much increased Mr N Kavanagh

35 Library

Another busy year in the Library with various events, author visits and thousands of books read and borrowed! The Library also moved into the 21st Century by installing a new interactive Library Management System allowing pupils, staff and parents to access resources from anywhere via our new website at https://u015224.microlibrarian.net/ or even on the app for your mobile or tablet! Visit http://www.microlib.co.uk/home/ imls.aspx for details or search for the iMLS app on Apple or Android. At Bangor Grammar School Robert Muchamore

We started the year on a high in September as we were delighted to host author Robert Muchamore who spent several hours entertaining Years 8, 9 and 10. Robert was on a tour of the UK and Ireland and we were one of only three schools he agreed to visit in Northern Ireland, which was a real coup for the College.

Most teenagers are already fans of his work - Robert is currently one of the most high-profile authors of teenage books and has sold over 3.5 million copies in the UK and Ireland alone. This is reflected in our own pupils and for several years his books have been amongst the most popular in the College Library. Many pupils at the College have wanted to meet him for several years and were delighted that he finally had time to visit.

Robert’s books are based around the CHERUB organisation – a secret government organisation that trains teenagers to work undercover against enemy agents. He has now published nearly 20 titles including the latest in the series Guardian Angel. The Cherub series has won numerous awards. Cherub: The Recruit won the Red House Children’s Book Award in 2005 and in 2007 it was the 11+ category winner in Richard & Judy’s Children’s Book Club. Cherub: The Sleepwalker was awarded the Independent Booksellers’ Book Prize 2008.

After a lively talk to the pupils, Robert answered questions before signing copies of his books for jubilant pupils. Robert Muchamore and VCB make the Telegraph!

36 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize

Our first book award of the year saw pupils help judge the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize which “celebrates the best books that communicate science to young people.” The Royal Society has awarded a junior book prize since 1988 with the aim of encouraging the writing, publishing and reading of good and accessible books that communicate science to young people.

Victoria College was one of only a handful of schools participating in the Royal Society Book Award award in Northern Ireland. Pupils from Years 8 to 12 were selected as a judging panel and, over the course of several weeks, had to read through each of the books on the shortlist.

These were:

• How the Weather Works by Christiane Dorion

• Out of this World: All the Cool Bits about Space by Clive Gifford

• Plagues Pox and Pestilence by Richard Platt

• Science Experiments by Robert Winston

• See Inside: Inventions Royal Society Book Award - difficult choices by Alex Frith

• The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins, illustrated by Dave McKean

After careful consideration and a lively debate votes were cast for our favourite book – as we were an official judging panel this was fed back to the Royal Society to help decide the overall winner. Royal Society Book Award Shortlist We chose The Magic of Reality as our favourite but the winner overall was Kids Lit Quiz Science Experiments. This was the second year we have been involved Once again this year the College Years 8 and 9. Although we did not win in this book award but it is proving entered the annual Kids Lit Quiz at the overall competition, we came away to be very popular and is now an Wellington College Belfast. This with a number of prizes. annual event in the Library. See http:// literature based quiz is held every year Congratulations to Methodist College. royalsociety.org/awards/young-people/ and schools from across the province See http://www.kidslitquiz.com/ for for further information. are invited to enter teams of pupils from more information.

37 The Northern Ireland Book Award

Our second book award of the year was The Northern Ireland Book Award. This is a local award and participation is limited to pupils in schools in Northern Ireland. This year a group of pupils travelled to RBAI for the launch ceremony where we met the author Joe Craig and received our pack of nominated titles:

• Twelve Minutes To Midnight by Christopher Edge

• Small Change for Stuart by Lissa Evans

• Wonder by RJ Palacio NI Book Awards Launch with author Joe Craig • Itch by Simon Mayo After the launch every pupil was invited In March a selection of pupils travelled • All Fall Down by Sally Nicholls to read as many books as possible on to Bangor Grammar School for the the shortlist. Over the next we few grand finale of the event. There we • The Case of the Good Looking months we had many enthusiastic got to meet the excellent author Corpse by Caroline Lawrence pupils eagerly trying to read every book DJ McCune and saw a number of and add their thoughts onto the official presentations before the overall • The Adjusters by Andrew Taylor website at http://www.nibookaward. winner was announced – Wonder by org.uk/. We then took votes on our RJ Palacio, which was an extremely • Oliver Twisted by JD Sharp favourite books and fed this back to the popular choice. organisers.

Nicola Pierce novel is a work of fiction but based Howard Hartley Wallace, the heroic on real life individuals and events. band-leader who played ragtime music In February we were delighted to The central character is fifteen-year- as the freezing waters lapped at his feet; host the author Nicola Pierce. A local old Samuel Scott who died while Harold Bride, the junior radio operator author, Nicola splits her life between building the Titanic. After the ship is whose messages echoed on, long after Drogheda and Belfast. launched and sailing to her doom, his the ship had disappeared to its icy ghost moves restlessly alongside the grave! Speaking in the Richmond Assembly passengers and crew: Frederick Fleet, Hall, Nicola gave a lively and the young look-out who spotted the Following her talk Nicola answered interesting talk to Years 8 and 9 about iceberg and who survived in a life-boat questions from an excited audience her novel Spirit of the Titanic. The with (the unsinkable) Molly Brown; before signing copies of her books for pupils and staff.

Book Fairs

This year we held two book fairs in school, one in October and one in March. The fairs gives pupils the chance to purchase some great books at reduced rates and the school also benefits as we receive a number of free books for the Library as commission from all of the money raised. This year we were delighted to receive over £400 worth of free books, so many thanks to all those pupils who participated.

Nicola Pierce visits VCB

38 The Carnegie Mathematics Francis, Anna Johnston, Jessica Carter, Bronagh McCann and Nikita Book Award Pupils from a number of year groups McColgan obtained the silver have taken part in the UK Mathematical certificates with Helen also being Our last book award of the year Trust Maths Challenges that are awarded the ‘Best in School’ certificate. was the prestigious Carnegie Medal organised by the University of Leeds which is awarded annually to the throughout the year. Fifty-four pupils from Year 9 took writer of an outstanding book for part in the Junior Maths Challenge children. It was established by in 1936, In November 2012 Year 13 and Year in April 2013. There were four silver in memory of the great Scottish-born 14 Mathematics pupils took part in certificates and 10 bronze certificates philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie the Senior Maths Challenge. There awarded. Sophie Doran, Sophie Wilson, (1835-1919). were one gold certificate, two silver Emma Hand and Janie Kennedy certificates and 11 bronze certificates obtained the silver certificates with The award is decided by a select panel awarded. April Lam from Year 14 Sophie Doran also being awarded the each year but schools are invited to obtained the gold certificate and she ‘Best in School’ certificate. shadow this process and pupils are was also awarded the ‘Best in School’ encouraged to evaluate the nominated certificate. Aya Helmy and Jenny A team of Year 9 and Year 10 pupils books themselves. This year the short Salmon from Year 13 obtained the took part in the regional final of the listed titles were: silver certificates. Junior Team Maths Challenge at Rockport School in April 2013. Katie Also in November 2012 a team of Brennan and Amy Edwards from Year • The Weight of Water four AS and A2 Mathematics pupils 10 and Katie McConkey and Teresa by Sarah Crossan took part in the regional final of the Chan from Year 9 formed the team Senior Team Maths Challenge at and they had an enjoyable day at the • A Greyhound of a Girl Rockport School. This is a demanding challenge working on and completing by Roddy Doyle mathematical competition and the team the variety of puzzles and problems that of Helen Bennett and April Lam from were set. • Maggot Moon Year 14 and Aya Helmy and Ceci Yip by Sally Gardner from Year 13 enjoyed an afternoon Our sincere congratulations to Sophie of working on and solving a range of Stewart, who achieved the firist place • In Darkness challenging maths problems. in CCEA GCSE Mathematics – as well by Nick Lake as coming second in CCEA Biology Sixty-seven pupils from Year 11 and third in Chemistry. What an • Wonder took part in the Intermediate Maths astonishing achievement! by R.J. Palacio Challenge in February 2013. There were five silver certificates and 10 Miss L Scott • Midwinterblood bronze certificates awarded. Helen by Marcus Sedgwick

• A Boy and a Bear in a Boat Modern Languages by Dave Shelton German Newsreading • Code Name Verity Competition by Elizabeth Wein Towards the end of the Summer Term seven enthusiastic pupils from the Year 10 German class gathered in L3 to read the latest news for German television. This was a nationwide competition called “Digital Days” run by the Goethe Institut in London to promote German as a European language. It proved to be a very popular competition, attracting entries from over one hundred schools across the UK. Prior to sitting in front of the camera the girls had carefully honed the winning place going to a school The winner, Maggot Moon, was their accents and got their tongues in Somerset. announced at the end of June and around the deliberately difficult tongue Sally Gardner became the 74th twisters in news items which covered Well done to Gina Gilmartin, Sophie recipient of the medal. politics, culture and sport. The greatest Hunter, Erin Burnett, Emma Connolly, fun, however, was the dressing up to Frankie Eldred, Robyn Chambers, and Mr R McDonald look the part! The digital recording Katie Lynn! was then sent to London where it was judged as highly commended, with Miss H Robinson

39 European Day of Languages

Budding linguists from Years 10 to 13 performed a dynamic piece of drama at a cultural concert to celebrate EDL at the end of September 2012. The Modern Languages enthusiasts participated in an exhibition featuring the tastes and sounds of Europe and beyond, as schools from across Northern Ireland joined together to celebrate and highlight their creative and linguistic talents. Here is a summary from our participants:

On 26 September we participated in a concert to celebrate European Day of Languages at the City Hall Belfast. After rehearsals following school and collecting all our props together into our group’s travel case we scheduled a dress rehearsal in front of the Senior School assembly. In the morning prior to our performance we practised our sketches and perfected our make-up. Once there we were provided with refreshments before entering the Great Hall. We enjoyed nine other schools’ performances which included singing, drama and dances before getting up to show off all our hard work. After our eye-catching and pleasing performance and once the last school participated in the event, we were given a packed lunch full of tasty surprises and had our photographs taken, then we made our way to the bus. We really enjoyed our day out. Alexandra Dick, Frankie Eldred, Emma Connolly Year 10

Juvenes Translatores were asked to represent Victoria schools representing the UK. There College in the competition run on can only be one winner from each EU For the second year in a row, Mrs an annual basis by the European country represented and although a boy Soto-Kelly registered Victoria College Commission known as Juvenes in London won the UK competition, for the annual translation competition Translatores (‘Young Translators’ in translating from English into German, organised by the European Commission Latin) in which each candidate had to all of the Victoria College participants open to pupils born in a given year translate from one European language received a certificate acknowledging (1995 this time). Again we were to another. Respectively, we worked their participation and in my case, I selected to enter the contest, and you in Italian, French, Polish, German and received a special citation from the can read Julia Kennedy’s very positive Spanish. European Commission congratulating account of her experience below. Thank me on the quality of my translation, you very much to Mrs Soto-Kelly for This year, only students who were born which my parents have framed. organising the event. in 1995 were allowed to participate in the competition. We all translated It was a great honour, in this, my first Julia writes: from a foreign language in which we year as a pupil at Victoria College, to excelled, or a language in which we have been asked by both the French and On 27 November 2012, Elena Olmo were fluent as the source language, into Spanish Departments of the College Campos, Cushla Little, Wiktoria our target language, which was English. to represent them. Furthermore, given Slomkowska, Aya Helmy and myself Victoria College was one of the 73 my trilingual background and my good

40 fortune to have been able to acquire Onatti Plays French Film Nights a high level of French (having been born close to the French frontier) I Between October 2012 and April Year 13 and 14 French students have to say that – quite apart from the 2013, the Onatti theatre company enjoyed two evenings at the cinema honour to have been chosen in the first visited VCB on four occasions, to to watch excellent films in French or place – it was a great pleasure for me perform plays in French (Ecris-moi relating to France: Intouchables, at to have been able to participate in the for Key Stage 3 on 13 December and QFT, and Les Misérables at the Movie competition. Les Filles for KS4 on 22 November), House. Both shows gave pupils the Spanish (En el campaneo on 22 opportunity to expand their knowledge All in all, it was an experience that October) and German (Nichts zum and enjoyment of the language and I would highly recommend to all anziehen on 8 April). Pupils and created opportunities for discussion on at Victoria College, not only for teachers alike enjoyed exciting contemporary issues as well as cultural the experience itself, but for the performances, made even better by and historical aspects of France. recognition, honour and especially audience participation. We look forward the prestige our collective efforts have to inviting the Onatti Theatre Company Watching films together is a very added to our school’s outstanding back to Victoria College in the future. relaxing way to experience languages reputation for academic achievement. outside the classroom! My visit to enjoyed being at your College very Assembly topic: International Day of much. Miss McMackin gave me such the Girl. Yes, we should never take Victoria College a warm welcome and provided me anything for granted. So congratulations with such a very varied and interesting on what you have achieved! From 10-11 October 2012, we had programme that I felt fine from the the pleasure of hosting a European very first moment. As your College is a Well, tomorrow when the girls of colleague, Frau Ulrike Wiek. Ulrike single-sex school, the overall presence Biology 2 will be checking the results came to us from the Friedrich-Schiller- of only girls was new to me. Nice girls, of their osmosis experiment, I will be Gymnasium in Königs-Wusterhausen very polite, in their school uniforms in the Titanic Museum. There is so in Brandenburg state in Germany. As – what a beautiful sight! I guess the much to see and experience in Belfast. I a teacher of German and English, she boys of my school would like to attend would like to stay here much longer, but hoped to see something of the school all lessons here! By the way, I was have to be back at school on Monday programme in a Northern Ireland overwhelmed to see how much the girls morning. I will take home many grammar school to compare it to her are interested in communicating with precious memories of Victoria College, own academically selective but mixed students from Germany to apply and its nice and co-operative teachers as school. She enjoyed hospitality from extend their German language skills. well as its nice and active girls. Miss McMackin, Miss Robinson and Dr Brown and made a two-day visit to I enjoyed all the classes I could see, I’d like to thank Ms Slevin, Principal of school and to Belfast. As you can tell such as German, English, Drama, the College, for giving me the chance of from her comments below, the visit was Biology, Mathematics and Geography. visiting her College. a success! On the other hand, I think teachers as well as students are much under Best wishes and much success! Belfast, 11 October 2012 pressure because of the hard assessment scheme. We have to do a lot of testing Ulrike Wiek As a teacher in a grammar school in too, but your assessment pressure Germany (Land Brandenburg) I have seems to be much higher. I liked your Italian Italian remains a popular choice of language for upils in Victoria College. I am happy to report that numbers studying GCSE and A-level Italian have increased. For the second year I was delighted to work with Mrs Silvia Ballocchi, Italian language assistant. Silvia has written a short piece in Italian, of course, about herself and her career to date.

Grazie mille, Silvia!

Mrs L Diffin

Com’è stato bello ed interessante parlare in italiano con le ragazze di Mrs.

41 Diffin per i loro studi a livello A/AS! ma tanta gente desiderava imparare loro italiano, ma anche perché hanno Ogni settimana mi sembrava di essere a meglio l’italiano. imparato a conoscere meglio una Milano e discutere in italiano. diversa cultura. Infatti, la conoscenza Tutto questo è stato possibile perché Per aiutare gli altri a comprendere di una lingua straniera non solo aiuta alcuni anni fa io e la mia famiglia ci meglio l’italiano ho studiato con a comprendere la storia e l’evoluzione siamo trasferiti dalla Lombardia (in l’Università per Stranieri di Siena; della lingua stessa nei secoli, ma Nord Italia), alla contea di Down (in in seguito ho fatto esperienze apre anche nuove porte in ambiti Nord Irlanda). di insegnamento a Newcastle, professionali. Downpatrick ed anche, come sapete, Per me, che sono appassionata di lingue al Victoria College di Belfast come A presto. straniere (infatti parlo inglese, tedesco “Language Assistant” di Mrs Diffin. e francese) è stata un’esperienza Silvia Ballocchi entusiasmante fin dall’inizio. Io Mi è piaciuto parlare con le ragazze: desideravo migliorare il mio inglese, non solo perché hanno migliorato il

Year 8 Paris Trip

On Tuesday 18 June, 42 pupils and five teachers left VCB on their way to Paris, followed on the Wednesday by another 39 pupils and four teachers. Both groups reached their destination in the early afternoon and started in the sunshine with a boat trip on the Seine, which allowed them to take in the main landmarks of the city. Then came a visit to Montmartre and a meal before transferring to the hotel. At the Park Another day was spent exploring various places in Paris: the Tour Montparnasse, with breathtaking views of the city, the Museum d’Histoire Naturelle and its beautiful Grande Galerie de l’Evolution, Notre Dame (group 2), the Musée d’Orsay (group 1), an amazing building which is home to world class art (we saw some original Van Gogh paintings) enjoyed by visitors and French primary school children who come here for Art classes. We also enjoyed a picnic in the Jardin des Plantes next to the Natural History Museum. The Musée de la Poupée was a little disappointing for some after the fantastic places we had seen earlier that Parisian skyline day but many enjoyed the great display of dolls from around the world.

Both groups were together for two evenings and, more importantly, for the full day in Parc Astérix, a theme park with a very definite French flavour; it was a most enjoyable expedition from which we all returned tired and hungry, ready for a good meal at the hotel.

To round off a very successful trip, Group 1 called at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie on their way to the airport. A slight delay meant that we only had time for the magnificent Leonardo exhibition, which focused on On the rides Montmartre

42 Da Vinci as an inventor and engineer... Dublin, everybody was glad to be Mrs Madden was in technology reunited with their families and happy heaven! Group 2’s schedule was to have experienced an action-packed slightly different, and their stay ended few days in Paris. with a little retail therapy in Disney Village. You can read some of the pupils’ impressions below. After an uneventful return trip from Charles de Gaulle airport to VCB via Mme C Williamson

Lara McFerran: Miss Faloona, Mrs McKnight and Miss I think Paris is the best city ever... The best bit was Parc Astérix, and there are Stewart with a few friends dolphins there that flipped a girl up into the air.

Sophie Lockhart: My favourite part is Parc Astérix. It had lots of fun and scary rides, one roller coaster with four loops and two vertical drops.

Anonymous comments: We learned everything about the teachers in Paris. We loved... the teachers acting and dressing different. The teachers aren’t themselves out of school. The best trip ever! Wish I was there. Teachers were so much fun. Thanks! Time to relax

Spanish Exchange In February 2013, a group of 12 pupils with Miss Robinson and Mrs Soto-Kelly travelled to Huelva, Southern Spain to return the visit of our exchange partner school La Rábida to Victoria College in June 2012. We landed on Portuguese territory in Faro airport and were welcomed by midday scorching sun. We crossed the border into Spain after only 60 minutes driving along fields full of strawberries and oranges.

As part of our visit to the Instituto La Rábida, we attended some master classes on the uses of Spanish in the southern area of Spain and also on the history and British legacy of Huelva. We had time to share information about Victoria College with some pupils and teachers in the Spanish school.

During our stay in this area we shared two wonderful days in the company of our Spanish friends visiting the old mines of Riotinto, playing volleyball while we sunbathed in El Portil beach and touring through Doñana Natural Reserve Park. We also spent a lot of time socialising with our Spanish friends from Huelva and walking around the town. We had the opportunity to taste lovely tapas and had evening meals in different

43 restaurants every night. We could not have survived without some retail therapy, and Mrs Soto-Kelly took us to a shopping centre where we had time to prepare our outfits for the disco we attended with our Spanish friends on Friday evening.

On Saturday, we visited Seville, one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Spain. We climbed to the top of La Giralda, a cathedral tower, from which we enjoyed stunning views of the city. We also went to Los Reales Alcazares and La Plaza de España, outstanding buildings famous for their architecture and artistic value.

All in all, this was a unique and complete immersion in the Spanish culture thoroughly enjoyed by pupils and teachers alike. Mrs C Soto-Kelly

44 Music this year; Emma played at the piano of school life and are excellent for her own piece and Ellen’s sister ambassadors for the College at city From their first days at the College, Hannah sang the solo part, and the and community events. We also have pupils are encouraged to participate in a live recordings were submitted as part a whole-school Flute Group and, this wide range of musical activities. In Key of their portfolio. GCSE moderators year, a Brass Group which perform Stage 3 classes they learn the basics of used Ellen’s portfolio as an example to a very high standard. You can read performing, composing and listening of work of an exceptionally high all about their contributions in the In skills, and are able to audition for standard. At A-level, Naomi Sharratt, Performance section. the Junior Choir and Junior Chamber an experienced and accomplished Choir. At GCSE there is an exciting guitarist and singer-songwriter, My thanks once more to Mrs Murray emphasis on composition. Pupils are played John Dowland’s Come Again and all the members of the peripatetic required to produce a portfolio of two Sweet Love, also covered by Sting, staff who make such a contribution to compositions of between three and for the performance element of her the Department and to school. six minutes. One is related to another examination. area of study. The compositions of Mrs A Gillian Emma Gilmartin and Ellen Beattie The Choirs, Orchestra and smaller were performed at the Carol Service ensembles are a permanent feature Physical Education XI Hockey Team received the Shield. Inter-House sports competitions and It’s not always about the winning, a swimming gala. What a wonderfully successful year but the cheering on and the it was. Unbelievably, we won five participating. Victoria College pupils The GCSE PE class was invited Ulster titles in five different sports had a fabulous day out at the Belfast to officiate for Disability Northern in a matter of a few months. The Telegraph Senior Schools’ Hockey Ireland at the Boccia Championships. Senior Tennis Team won the Senior Cup final supporting their peers, and They also officiated at the Belfast Ulster Schools’ Championships, and the Senior Netball Team competed in Cross Country finals and completed the VCB swimmers maintained their the Belfast Cup Final. Rebecca Getty an athletics officiating course, which high standard winning the Ulster was runner-up in the prestigious they put to very good use at Sports Grammar Schools’ title. The Table- Champion of Champions Badminton Day. The Year 12 pupils completed a tennis Team won the Under-19 Ulster competition. course in Sports Leadership, teaching League again. The Intermediate the Preparatory pupils and the Cross Country Team won the Ulster In addition to these elite events, nursery class. Cross Country Championships for many more pupils enjoyed the second year running and the 1st recreational activities, Sports Day, Miss P Stewart Government & Comparative Government (focusing on their place among the electorate and the United Kingdom and United States) play a part in the democratic process. Politics in January. This has quite certainly As well as a synoptic paper on the Government & Politics at A-level relieved pressure on the summer UK and USA, we study theories of continues to present a new opportunity sessions for a number of students. political power, such as Marxism, to students entering Sixth Form who liberalism, pluralism and feminism want to try a contemporary and highly In the past year the focus has been on – very enlightening for many of our relevant subject which will challenge teaching and learning in the classroom students! You may imagine that there preconceptions and stimulate thinking and anticipation of future trips. At is often lively debate in class, as some about the political systems which AS-level, we study the complexities learn for the first time that it is possible shape our lives in Northern Ireland of the government and politics of to be a male and a liberal and a feminist and beyond. While government policy Northern Ireland and the British all at the same time! has allowed, we have continued to political process. Hence our students offer an early A2 examination unit on are better equipped than many to take Mr C Luney Religious Studies Our A2 results have also been would no longer be teaching in Junior noteworthy. Out of a class of 16 school; this year, I have to report that In my last report I highlighted the students, 14 achieved either A or Mrs Best (who was working in a job- curricular changes we introduced in A* (four achieved an A*) and the share capacity with Mrs Thomson) relation to GCSE. I am now pleased remaining two students achieved a has also left us. Mrs Best had been to report that the students really B grade. We are absolutely delighted given confirmation of permanency did themselves justice in the early for them and hope that their RE study in the job-share post when she was module with a truly wonderful set will be useful in providing skills which offered a Head of Subject position of results: 93% A*-C (120 students). can be employed in their future career at Carrickfergus Grammar School. Whilst many students have been paths. We are truly delighted for her but challenged with the deep philosophical obviously sad that she is moving on. questions they have had to deal with, Nothing ever stays the same in Mrs Best contributed a great deal to the they have risen to these academic this Department. Only last year, I RE Department in Victoria College and challenges and enjoyed the mature mentioned that Mrs Beaney was also her support to the Scripture Union nature of such existential questions. going on maternity leave and thus was most encouraging. Her preparation,

45 attentiveness to the individual needs Thomson is without her ‘partner in on the Lisburn Road during the next of students, work ethic and team spirit crime’ so to speak. We look forward academic year. made her an invaluable member of our to conducting some ‘Departmental very small team. Needless to say, Mrs catch up’ meetings in Café Mauds Mrs R Elwood Science Chemistry out a variety of forensic techniques in order to analyse the evidence so Results continue to be excellent as Congratulations to Sophie Stewart that they could solve the crime. The we reap the benefit of our Specialist once more, who in addition to her evidence ranged from tyre tracks, School status even some years after second place in Biology was placed fingerprints and fibre analysis to blood this came to an end. The Year 14 third in CCEA GCSE Chemistry. In the grouping and DNA profiling. Students A-level cohort out-performed both Old Girls’ Association section at the end absolutely loved the experience and last year’s A-level results in general of the magazine, you can read about the have gained practical insight into the and the previous three-year average. continuing success of Amy Hogg. world of forensic science. 46% of these Year 14 students took at least one STEM subject to A2 level. Physics We got the chance to become a dead Congratulations to those scientists who victim in a body bag and were also have done spectacularly well at GCSE Helen Bennett achieved four A* able to strut our stuff in the forensic and A-level. grades at A2 level which included jumpsuits. We got to use real forensic all three scientific subjects and equipment to solve the crime, for You can read tributes to those staff who mathematics, and was awarded a example the ultra violet light to detect have left us in 2013 in the Overview 2013 All Ireland Scholarship for blood and fibres on different types of section of the magazine. Our colleagues third-level education. We wish her all clothing. Another piece of technology will be greatly missed by pupils and the best for her study of Physics at we used was the magnifying camera staff alike. Manchester. connected to the computer. This allowed us to search for brick dust and Dr J McCormick (Biology), gunshot residue (GSR). Mrs K Hogg (Chemistry) and A Case Of Identity Mr M Robinson (Physics) Once more in the Autumn Term, What did we learn? To sum up: the Science Department under the Biology leadership of Dr McCormick organised • evidence is key a very successful visit for the Year • there are many different types of A class of Year 8 and Prep 7 pupils 11 students which built on the huge evidence took part in an Outdoor Classroom interest in forensic science generated • we must think logically Science Project organised by Queen’s by the Crime Scene Investigation • we must not to jump to conclusions University, Belfast. The project was television franchise. This year the big • forensics is a puzzle – a bit like led by Miss Bothwell (now Mrs question facing our ‘detectives’ was - Latin sentences* O’Riordan – our congratulations!) and Who murdered Dean Johnson? Miss Wright, who attended workshops Eve Bannon, Rachael Hewitt, at QUB before jointly organising the Year 11 students were faced with a Rebecca Lobo, Olivia Pattison, two-day event for their classes. The murder crime scene to solve. The Anna Wylie pupils studied the habitats of Victoria students had the opportunity to carry (* Year 11 Latin students) College by looking at leaf litter, the wetland pond and the trees in the school grounds. In June at the invitation of the university, Mrs O’Riordan and Miss Wright took two representatives of each class to a celebration event with the other schools involved in the project. Pupils and teachers presented their projects and were awarded certificates for their participation.

Congratulations to Aya Helmy who came first in CCEA GCSE Biology in 2012 and joint first in Mathematics. She attended an awards ceremony in the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn on Tuesday 5 March.

In the most recent session, Sophie Stewart came second in CCEA GCSE Biology which brings great pride to the Department. Lab work

46 Astronomy search for the stars and other bodies which we were assigned to locate, for Although there was no opportunity example Ursa Major and Minor. We to offer GCSE Astronomy as an used the App GoSkyWatch which could extra-curricular qualification in the past also link with Facebook to allow us year, the Physics Department with the to share our experiences. Due to the assistance of the ‘prime mover’ and time of year, we were lucky enough to stargazer-in-chief Dr Oliver initiated spot Jupiter’s moons and some satellites. two Astronomy events which proved fascinating and enjoyable for pupils and It was a great experience and something teachers alike. Laura, an experienced I would happily do again (even though amateur astronomer who benefits from the ‘dark forest’ beside the pitch freaked clear skies in the countryside, writes out everybody there!). for us: Laura Devine Year 11 In 2012-13, Mr Donaghy and Dr Editor’s note: this was a thrilling experience Oliver offered pupils in Years 8 to 12 which opened up a new world for me also. I the opportunity to ‘star-gaze’ on the had the best ever view of the moon’s surface hockey pitches – Northern Ireland and became more aware of the continuous weather conditions permitting. Our Stargazers Anonymous need to adjust the telescope for the movement of heavenly bodies. I was also very aware of evening began with dressing in warmer my freezing feet and very glad of the Physics clothes, as a clear night meant a drop us after school, which took considerable Department’s hot chocolate mid-way through in temperatures. The teachers brought time and effort. On the pitches we were the evening. Thank you to all involved. their own telescopes and set them up for also able to use the school’s iPads to Here’s to more ‘clear skies’!

Technology & Design This year, Victoria College and Royal Belfast Academical Institution worked It has been a successful year for the in partnership to create a technology Technology & Design Department with workshop to support students from excellent pupil achievement both inside local primary schools in the transition and outside the classroom. from primary education to post-primary. Twelve girls from Blythefield, Donegall GCSE and A-level projects continue to Road Primary school and Fane Street impress with pupils demonstrating high Primary visited Victoria College over a standards of creativity and innovation period of three weeks. During this time in the design and manufacture of the students had the opportunity to use quality products. Pupils at Key Stage 3 Donegall Road Primary School enjoying Computer Aided Design software and have enjoyed designing and making a Technology Computer Aided Machinery and work number of projects each year including success outside of the classroom with with a variety of tools and equipment pull-along toys, mobile phone holders, the Rocketry Team qualifying for in the workshop. Students used their trinket boxes and animated coat hooks. the national finals of UKAYRoC and newly obtained technological skills to The standard of completed projects finishing seventh overall with their manufacture a mobile phone holder has been exceptional with every rocket reaching an altitude of 697 inspired by the Harland and Wolff pupil taking home well-finished and feet with subsequent safe recovery. cranes in Belfast. well-presented products. Projects at Twenty pupils took part in the Sentinus GCSE focused around the themes of Engineering Solutions programme over The Department would like to wish improving literacy and numeracy in an eight-week period with each pupil Mr Barrett well in the future as he young children as well as products receiving a CREST Silver award. The will be leaving us this year for a Head associated with entertainment and best team went forward to a celebration of Department role in St Patrick’s, promoting tourism. At A-level products day at Queen’s University to compete Lisburn. We thank him for the hard ranged from Giant’s Causeway-themed against other schools and won two work that he has put in this year in coffee tables to space-saving bookcases. awards on the day. You can read more teaching Technology. about both these ventures in Beyond the There has also been considerable Classroom. Mr D McCaw

World Education Games students of similar age and ability from World Maths Day anywhere in the world and compete Anna Stewart (Year 8) From 5-7 March 2013 pupils in in live challenges. Pupils earn points Teresa Chan (Year 9) Years 8 and 9 participated in the World for correct answers, with their own Education Games, an annual global personal tally growing as they complete World Literacy Day online challenge split over three days the challenges. The highest-ranked Amy McKillen (Year 8) and focusing on literacy, mathematics pupils in Years 8 and 9 for World Maths Yasmin Ullah (Year 9) and science. For each event pupils Day and World Literacy Day were: are matched in real time with other Dr P Oliver

47 The International Dimension

ELOS – International In a concerted effort to build the school’s capacity to achieve the ELOS Education Stretching goals we promote staff competence and development. Staff were delighted Borders to be invited to attend the Promoting Victoria College Belfast is proud to Professional Development and School be an active and dynamic member of Improvement through International the ELOS community. At the College, European and international orientations Links programme, during which our pulsate through the veins of the excellent practice in this field was shared curriculum and beyond. Students and with educationalists. Selected members staff are committed to developing and of staff were also selected to attend maintaining links, curriculum delivery funded study visits to New Orleans and and opportunities with educational and China. Such continuous professional development opportunities are supported professional institutions on a local, Victoria College - international school national and global level. and their contributions valued in with partners across Europe, through informing whole-school development Ongoing work has ensured that the sustained collaborative projects and strategic planning with both school has proudly retained its third furthering tolerance, mutual under- European and international flavours. prestigious International School Award standing and appreciation of other (ISA) and achieved a wealth of other cultures. During the course of this International links and co-operation whole-school accolades, including academic year, pupils communicated both in and outside the curriculum ELOS status, the Investors in People and shared project work with our continue to strengthen. During this Award and most recently the coveted partner schools from across Europe academic year we warmly welcomed Eco-Schools Green Flag and Best Kept by uploading their work onto a visitors from across the globe, offering School Award. collaborative communication platform. visiting teachers and pupils the Through their participation in the opportunity to observe and discuss European and international programme pupils have the opportunity cultural and educational trends. Once collaborative work permeates the to heighten their cultural awareness, again, visitor feedback reports a diverse, curriculum and extracurricular while developing and enhancing inclusive and supportive learning programmes at the College. A plethora many transferable skills, such as ICT, environment and there was much that of fruitful global partnerships is communication, independent learning, impressed our visitors. The College valued and promoted. Participation research and presentation. As a result of continues to support a wide range of in the European Studies Programme, their work and commitment many girls educational visits and recognises the a Global Schools Partnership, is have achieved their European Studies benefits such opportunities offer to the Connecting Classrooms Project and Certificates. pupils on a personal, academic also and Comenius continue to be strong professional level. vehicles for promoting the European International enthusiasts also participate and international dimensions in the in events such as the Tastes and Sounds Evidently, an international ethos is education and experiences offered at of Europe and Beyond, e-Twinning, embedded throughout the school and Victoria. Pupils continue to access a educational visits, exchanges, the celebrated across the curriculum. range of technologies to collaborate Juvenes Translatores project, EurVoice, Fostering a European and international with our partner schools, sharing, European Youth Parliament, Youth dimension in the curriculum is at the reflecting, comparing and learning from City Forums, and the Mock Council heart of the College, as we continue education systems across Europe and of the European Union, to name but to strive to embed the ELOS goals in further afield. a few. Such participation provides our school curriculum and policy to students with innovative opportunities ensure coherence and sustainability, European Studies is an ongoing to gain first-hand experience of so that young people gain the cultural programme delivered in the College other cultures and the cut and thrust understanding and skills they need to to an increasing number of pupils, of alternative politics, policies and live and work as European and global developing European competence, agendas. Our recognised development citizens. curiosity and a wide range of personal of ELOS activities across the College Miss M McMackin skills and capabilities. The programme has provided students with a range of links schools from Northern Ireland enriching opportunities.

48 Comenius Seminar Vienna

In August 2013 I was fortunate to join a group of 26 teachers of German made up of 18 different nationalities who met for two weeks in Vienna. We were there to take part in a language conference and our aim was to update our German language skills by participating in activities which allowed us to examine cultural, educational and economic developments in German- speaking Europe.

As the only German teacher from the UK, I worked alongside delegates from countries as diverse as Egypt, Albania, Poland, Russia, Georgia, Italy, Finland, China, Mongolia and the USA. It was refreshing to hear from them Hard at work in the intense heat that German is still taught, and indeed, legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire flourishing in schools and universities and then looked at the influence as far away as Mongolia and Siberia, of the current strong economies of even though it and other European neighbouring Germany and Austria languages seem to be suffering a slow on Hungary as it struggles to develop but steady decline in popularity in the a market economy in the post-Cold UK. War era. We had the opportunity to visit places of historical significance From 9.00 to 12.30 daily we had in the city as well as a bi-lingual lectures from prominent experts on secondary school. These schools are various topical themes relating to becoming popular in Hungary as the Austria and Europe. Then from 2.30 core curriculum is delivered in two to 6.00 in the afternoon, we took part European languages in order to equip in workshops where the emphasis was students with the necessary linguistic on promoting independent learning and Schoenbrunn Palace skills to work in a global environment. self-evaluation in the classroom. One I wonder what VCB pupils would of our assignments was to produce and think about doing all their GCSE record a short programme for Austrian examinations in French, German or radio based on interviews with local Spanish? authors and educationalists. This turned out to be an enjoyable and worthwhile It was a privilege to be a student again lesson in teamwork. and to have the opportunity to live and study in the centre of Europe. In such a Undoubtedly, a much greater challenge beautiful city in a central geographical than communicating constantly in location I could not help but feel German was working indoors in European and a true global citizen. very hot conditions as a result of an Making our radio programme Everyone I came in contact with, both extended heatwave which produced young and old, oozed enthusiasm for unprecedented temperatures in the learning languages and using them. It city. Our conference rooms and is this enthusiasm which I brought back accommodation were in a Christian from the conference. For a long time Retreat Centre which was heavily we in Northern Ireland have used our carpeted and had neither fans nor air geographical isolation on the periphery conditioning of any kind! In fact, on 8 of Europe as an excuse for linguistic August 2013 temperatures stayed above lethargy. However, I am now even more 40 degrees Celsius for the first time intent on convincing my pupils that ever, and therefore, I can testify that such an excuse is no longer valid in our I have experienced and survived the increasingly interconnected world of hottest day of all time in the city! the 21st century!

During the second week our highlight Latvians, Armenians, Siberians, Chinese Miss H Robinson was a visit to the slightly cooler and Northern Irish on a fact-finding Budapest! We examined the enduring mission in Budapest

49 European Union Youth Parliament EurVoice

On Monday 8 October, a group of Year 12 pupils participated in the first EurVoice forum to be organised in Northern Ireland by the European Youth Parliament. The event was held in the Great Hall of the City Hall and was hosted in partnership with the City Council. Appropriately enough, the first vote was on whether the voting age should be lowered. Perhaps not surprisingly, the motion was passed. There were opening speeches from the Lord Mayor Gavin Robinson and from Alastair Payne, Communications Advisor to the European Youth Parliament of the UK (EYPUK). A quiz followed, then opinions were sought on issues facing young people. Group workshops were formed on many topics such as alcohol and the legal age Mock Council of the European Union EYPUK Regional for drinking, mental health and youth unemployment. A distinguished and contributions to this group gained Forum diverse panel faced questions shaped them the inspirational opportunity of in these workshops. Most of those attending President Obama’s address at During March 2013, we were one of attending felt that they now had more the Waterfront Hall during his visit to six schools chosen to participate in the knowledge of the political process and a Belfast. Year 12 pupils also contributed European Youth Parliament Regional greater interest in political matters. to the online discussion forum ‘Your Forum in the Titanic Quarter. A Europe, Your Say’. group of nine Year 13 pupils prepared Following this dynamic event many Committee resolutions and debated pupils became involved in the Belfast Miss M McMackin current topics on the agenda across EU Youth City Forum and their valued member states and indeed globally.

International Links’ programme, during which our participate in study visits to China. Such excellent practice in this field was once continuous professional development Dimension – not just again shared with educationalists. opportunities are supported and their contributions valued in informing for pupils! In January 2013, Miss McMackin was whole-school development and During November 2012, Ms Slevin selected to attend a funded study visit strategic planning. and Miss McMackin were delighted to New Orleans as a participant in the to be invited to attend the ‘Promoting Aspiring Leaders Study Visit, facilitated Miss M McMackin Professional Development and School by the British Council. Ms Slevin Improvement through International and Mrs Woods were also invited to

European Studies full and thorough understanding of it. 12 you get the chance to receive the information from other people in European Studies is for Junior and There are three tasks that must be Europe and maybe eventually get to Senior pupils. In this club you get completed before a certain deadline. meet those people! the opportunity to communicate with Each task gets sent out to other students other schools across Europe. in Europe and therefore the tasks are I would definitely recommend this Club designed to show our lifestyle and also as I have thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Throughout this great experience you to reflect our personality. If all of the work and hope to continue to do this gain lots of skills, qualities and you tasks are completed before the deadline work in many more years to come. learn many interesting languages, you are awarded a certificate. cultures, traditions and fun facts Divya Puri Year 11 about Europe. I have been part of the Miss McMackin sends and receives European Studies Club since I first the information and Mr Winning came to Victoria College and have a co-ordinates the club. In Year 11 and

50 Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland

Global Village Accelerated Build, Beius Romania July 2013

Habitat for Humanity‘s mission: as their website states, Habitat for Humanity believes that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Habitat builds and repairs houses all over the world using volunteer labour and donations. Habitat In Beius Partner families purchase these houses through no-profit, no-interest mortgage loans or innovative financing methods.

In past years individuals have formed part of a Habitat Team and have made visits to Romania. However this year for the first time Victoria College formed its own ‘closed’ work party of 12 Year 13 students and three staff (Mrs Haugh, aka ‘Big Jules’ and Dr Brown aka ‘JoBro’, ably led by Miss Cassidy, aka ‘Wee Marcy’). There was no relaxation at the end of term for the Year 13s: they had only just finished Big Jules Site Foreman their AS-levels when it was time to pack up and head off on 1 July for a week of building in the hot Romanian sun. Our journey out took us through five countries in one day: Belfast to Dublin, Dublin to Dusseldorf in Germany, Dusseldorf to Budapest in Hungary, Budapest to Beius, a small town in Transylvania – yes, it is a real place, but we didn’t see Count Dracula.

We swapped our high heels for workboots with steel toe-caps, and Hard hats on our straighteners for hard hats, in preparation for five and a half days of tough physical labour on the building site just on the edge of town. As a Classics teacher, I was delighted to see that our road was called Trajan Street, as Trajan was the Roman emperor who brought Dacia (as the Romans called the country) into the Empire. Our mission was a so-called ‘accelerated build’, that is, the completion of the shell of a basic family home in just one week. Of course we were not The Ladies of the College building alone: we were joined by an ones. The proud recipients of the new neighbours. Habitat builds not just enthusiastic multi-lingual group of home, Dana and her husband Marian, individual dwellings but communities. the same age from the International also worked alongside us after their Their friendly presence was highly School of Stuttgart in Germany. We regular working hours, as part of the motivating, and it was indeed deeply were ably led by a very, very patient Habitat ‘deal’ involves the new owners moving to get to know the family team of skilled builders from the local of the home contributing 600 hours whose lives were to be transformed area, easily identifiable on site by their of ‘sweat-equity’ labour on their own by this new home. We all learned new yellow hats in contrast to our white home and those of their immediate skills such as measuring and precision

51 cutting, hammering and plastering, and many of us pushed ourselves to the limit to clamber onto scaffolding or shift substantial loads. Once the Stuttgart group departed, the ladies of the College plastered three sides of the house in one long morning. Perhaps the boys were a distraction? We certainly taught them some Ulster phrases and songs as we passed roof tile after roof tile along in a chain gang.

It was all worth it to see the fruits of our labours. No-one will ever forget the With Dana and Marian ceremony of dedication at the end of the week conducted by local Habitat staff, and we are proud to have left a plaque celebrating our collaboration. We all agreed that the experience fully justified the year of fund-raising and preparation and that we had been changed forever by the trip. Comfort zones were left far behind; teachers and students worked side by side on equal terms in a challenging environment; a little corner By the Danube in Budapest of Europe has a new home where a family can begin a new life. Our welcome from the locals was extremely At the presentation positive: we were interviewed on local television (as can be seen on YouTube and Facebook via Habitat Beius) and met a local supermarket security guard who spoke warmly of the difference that his Habitat home made to his life eight years ago. As First Aider, I was extremely relieved not to have to deal with anything worse than splinters and Rachael Stewart’s badly blistered Barbecue at Caminul Felix heels. Next time, break your boots in, Rachael! It must mean something that us all what a simple vision can achieve; I decided to bring my boots home with not only is there a large children’s Bear Caves me rather than donate them, as I did home with an excellent play area, but many of my working clothes. Maybe I a working farm and textile workshop Danube in spectacular Budapest, and could be talked into doing this again... which sells its beautiful products to our last meal was taken at the same raise funds. Everyone was up and place as our first – McDonald’s! Of course, it wasn’t all work. We were dancing at the Romanian folk music We are very grateful to all those who very comfortably accommodated in a evening – but we got our own back helped us raise funds for our venture. large house owned by a local family by teaching them a few steps of Irish All the girls worked very hard and and rented to Habitat, and we ate – all dancing. We took a refreshing trip displayed great imagination. Some too well - with the Stuttgart team at to the famous and quite astonishing packed bags at supermarkets; some La Principessa restaurant in town. We Bear Caves system in the hills, and baked buns or made healthy treats; can also recommend the pizza parlour, explored the beautiful countryside with there was an excellent Quiz Night although in Romania in general it its wooden Orthodox churches whose too. Special thanks to the staff who seems that you need to get used to zinc-topped roofs glint in the sun for supported the staff room Come Dine eating your meal when it arrives, and miles around. Good fortune brought With Me fundraising lunch at Easter not waiting for everyone at the table to us into a quaint but highly informative – particularly to the indomitable Mrs be served. Our local co-ordinators the museum of local agricultural work and Haugh who took the lion’s share of the ever-cheerful Emil Barna and Jeremy local tradition, a mini Cultra as it were, cooking. (who is from Bristol, but has made his which preserves a way of life which home in Beius to work for Habitat) also is fast disappearing. We were able to We can all wholeheartedly recommend enabled us to visit two inspirational pamper ourselves after our hard work the HFH experience. Why not visit their group homes and enjoy meals with the with a day’s shopping at a modern website and see what you can build in children and carers living there. Our mall in Oradea and a chance to ‘take the coming year? visit to Caminul Felix (the ‘Happy the waters’ at a thermal baths complex. Home’) was a real privilege and taught Our last afternoon was spent along the Dr J Brown

52 Reflections on our Global School Partnership visit to Victoria College Our visit to Victoria College, Belfast, was an insightful experience- both for me as well as for the three students from Himjyoti School, Dehradun, India. We entered a place full of warmth, sunshine and hope. The very first day we were introduced by Ms Slevin and Miss McMackin to the students and since then we felt as if we were a part of the school. The girls of the school were friendly and welcoming. Our cookery demo class with Mrs O’Neill- Skelly and Dr Meneely was fun and we enjoyed cooking Indian food. The girls from Victoria College took great interest and helped us in making it a success. The best part of our first At City Hall day was the visit to the Preparatory Art Cub and Senior Choir group - I am grateful to Mrs Welsh and Mrs Murray for this wonderful opportunity. I can still recall the sweet voice of the music teacher who sang for us. Our first day concluded with dinner at Miss Cassidy’s place, where we felt quite at home and greatly appreciated her efforts to prepare a special vegetarian At the Giant’s Causeway meal for us.

Our Himjyoti girls conducted assemblies in Preparatory, Junior and Senior sections and also a ‘show and tell’ presentation on Incredible India, which helped us share our country and culture with the students of the Victoria College. I am also thankful to Dr Mitchell-Barrett for her support and co-operation. In the evening, we had the good fortune of spending time Welcome to Northern Ireland! On the North Coast with Ms Slevin and Miss McMackin at the Ramada Plaza. The dinner at Mrs can never thank Mr Winning and Miss This note would be incomplete without Loane’s place was another reason that McMackin enough for the interest they expressing my love and extending made our day special. showed in taking us all to the beauty my prayers for Daragh Bannon and and serenity of the north coast of The India Society who strove hard to The next day, we visited the City Hall Ireland. arrange for the funds for Himjyoti. She for the event of the European Day of is a real gem of a girl. I also recollect Languages with Miss McMackin and I must thank God for giving me a spending great time with Apoorva, Miss Lynch. It was an enlightening chance to meet two wonderful people Asha and Carolina and can never forget experience for us since we realised with golden hearts - Ms Slevin and their thoughtful gestures in bringing the unity underlying the diversity in Miss McMackin. I get speechless home-made Indian delicacies and also languages. In the evening we enjoyed when I try to fathom the warmth, their initiative to go shopping with the Association of Parents and Teachers love and care that they showered on us and also accompanying us for the music programme held in school. We us. It is something that I will cherish Titanic visit. got a chance to interact with the parents throughout my life. I see the Creator’s of the students and were very impressed beautiful handiwork in them both. We were accepted by the staff and the by their interest in their wards’ students of Victoria College as if we performance. I am grateful to all in the Boarding were one among their people - this Department - Matron Marina and Mrs openly reveals the richness of their The visit to Ashfield Girls’ High school Burns, and even those whose names hearts and their inherent value systems. was another enriching experience. might have slipped my mind but whose I salute to you all and your country. There, the Himjyoti students got a goodness doubtless stays in my heart, chance to participate in Biology, Music, for making our stay comfortable. Rina Bakshi Value Education and English classes. I (Teacher from Himjyoti)

53 Senior Choir Toccata trip to Kenya

On Thursday 25 October 2012, I woke up only to start getting ready like the majority of the girls. Today was the day, All the rehearsals, all the concerts we had already performed in, all the work we had done to raise funds had paid off. As for today, we were going somewhere we had never dreamed of in our lives: Kenya.

We arrived at the airport, hauling bags stuffed to the brim with clothes and medication, each of us wearing a bottle green hoodie with the words ‘Kenya 2012’ emblazoned on the back. After a from the hotel, although the journey On Sunday we attended two church short flight from Belfast International turned into a slow, long drive. However, services at Mamlaka. What surprised to Heathrow, and then spending hours once we arrived at the park, we yanked me most was the amount of time the lumbering aimlessly around World out our cameras to capture the moment people spent singing and how much Duty Free stalls, we boarded what a gazelle bounded gracefully through they worshipped God - another stark was to be a seven-hour flight to our the savannah, or to try and spot the contrast between their country and wondrous destination. silhouette of a lion through the mass of ours. That night, we performed our African grass. Soon, it was time for us first concert, followed by a rousing Before we arrived, we were awoken to return to our accommodation. reception. For around 10 minutes after by a stunning sunrise that engulfed the the concert, the girls spent time with African sky. However, as we walked The next day was, in my opinion, the all the children from the orphanage, out of the astronomically large airport, most eye-opening of them all. This where the other girls and I allowed the our eyes were afflicted by the brilliant was the day we were going to visit the children to play about with our cameras. sunlight illuminating the buildings. orphans. Upon arrival at the slums, we It made me realise how we often take While driving through Nairobi, a city could only look on in sheer pity: litter basic technology for granted; these infamous for its poverty, our eyes fell plastered the streets, with the addition children were absolutely fascinated upon young children waving at us as of dust and dirt. Family homes only with these cameras, however we would though we were the Queen, to which consisted of pieces of corrugated iron look at them and only think of them we responded by waving back to them. piled together, and the people living as just cameras. It showed us that we Our hotel, however, was beautiful, but there gazed up in pure agony, almost should be extremely grateful for what it was our first reminder of how the pleading with us for help. As we we have, even if it isn’t the right CD, Kenyans’ lives contrast drastically with descended from the bus, I felt a small or the perfect top. Compared to what ours. At about lunchtime, after settling hand clutch mine. I looked down to we have, these children have nearly down into what would be our rooms find a little boy of around the age of nothing. Another little boy I met while for the next week, we headed off to four or five looking straight back up at in Kenya was called Ibraham, an eight- Mamlaka Hill Chapel, the chapel which me. This little boy’s name was Robelle, year-old who lived at the orphanage and accommodated us during our trip.The and despite his quiet nature, he really sang in the children’s choir. We formed parishioners of the chapel supplied us brightened my day. Every girl in the a great friendship while we were there, with a lovely lunch, which, much to our choir had one child to look after, their and every time he smiled when he saw pleasure, we would be receiving every ages ranging from three to roughly 18. me, every time he ran and threw his day of our stay. The children were immensely happy arms around me, it never failed to bring to see us, and despite the devastating a smile to my face. Later that week, the 17 members of conditions, these children thrive. Later the Choir along with Mrs Gillian, Miss that day, we headed to Mamlaka Hill On Monday, we attended another Faloona, and two parents set off for Chapel for lunch and to rehearse for a rehearsal at Mamlaka. After that, Nairobi National Park, a short distance concert the following night. we jumped on our buses and rattled

54 on to the giraffe orphanage, located After what was a six-hour journey, just outside Nairobi. As we ascended we finally arrived at the Amboseli the steps onto the balcony, graceful, Sopa Lodges, which were run by the lean necks rested on the balcony Maasai tribe who live nearby. It was with long, slender faces attached on absolutely stunning there: the resort top. We started feeding the giraffes resembled a maze, where people had their daily supply of grain pellets, to wander through in order to find one head nuzzling into our chests for their hut where they were staying. more. Following a brief lecture on Monkeys were perched on our the giraffes, we headed to the Black windowsills and porches, and the Mamba Park, not too far away from the occasional mongoose would waddle giraffe orphanage. We firstly came to across the path, grunting huffily. The the crocodile enclosure, where many rooms themselves were supplied with scaly faces grinned at us, baring a fence mosquito nets, as Amboseli is a place of razor-sharp teeth. One of the zoo- where the mosquitoes do carry malaria. keepers began prodding the dangerous However, the staff there were extremely predators with a bamboo cane, much kind and supplied us with all the correct to their displeasure, at which they equipment to accommodate us. We responded by snapping their fearsome could not stop and lie down on the jaws and slithering into the murky other hand, as we were heading off to water. We then moved on to a turtle, the Amboseli Game reserve, where we roughly aged 50 years. While we took spent the next two days on safari. turns holding the ancient reptile, a tiny, timid head came out of its shell, and It was amazing seeing all the animals in soon retracted back in. While walking their natural environment, rather than around the park, we were shown a in a cage at a zoo. We spotted a giant man-made lake structured in the shape herd of elephants spread out over the of Africa, one of the park’s main savannah, like giant pieces of cement. highlights. After a quick visit to the We gawked at hippopotami which ostrich sanctuary, and spending a hour could be seen snorkelling in and out at a curio shop bartering for the African of the water from time to time. Our ornaments we craved, we had to head jaws dropped when we discovered a back to the hotel, for we all knew what lioness bathing in the sun, with two was in store for us the next day. of her cubs playfully tackling each On that day, it was another early start other. This experience, for us, was for Toccata. As we waited outside completely out of this world, and the hotel, we were greeted by four the addition of Mount Kilimanjaro large army carriers. These would be painted in the background added to the our transport that would take us to African paradise. Antelope bounded Amboseli, a region at the foot of gracefully over the many roads Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. dotted throughout the game reserve.

55 Wildebeest would pummel each other with their dangerous horns, snorting so intensely that the very dust on the ground would spin violently in the air. Zebras whinnied occasionally, shaking their two-toned mane. An ostrich would ruffle its matted feathers in an attempt to cool itself down in the blistering heat. After spending the next morning for the last time on safari, we headed back to the lodges, where we were allowed the free time to detox beside the green pool. Later on, some of us decided to visit the village of the Maasai tribe. From a personal experience, I found the visit extremely interesting, as I learnt that these people could do so much without using modern technology. They could build a fire by using just two sticks of wood; they could make fabulous medicines just by using the bark of a tree; they could fit a family of four into a house the size of a small car. It was also another reminder of how we underestimate so much that we have. Finally, after the extraordinary visit, we headed back to the beloved Laico Regency. The next day included a rehearsal of all the songs we had practised, followed by a trip to the British High Commisioner’s house, which really caught our attention. We were offered tea, Devonshire cream scones and divine pieces of lemon drizzle cake in a beautiful mansion, whatever we have, no matter if it is a trip that had changed our lives. while not even two minutes down the mobile phone or even food, as these road, children were begging for food. children have nearly next to nothing. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime, It reminded us of the human rights We headed back to the auditorium and big thanks must go to Mrs Gillian here in Kenya; they are a huge point for one final rehearsal, followed by and Miss Faloona for giving up their of comparison to those back home. the chance to get ready and to say half-term break to accompany us to A concert followed the afternoon tea, goodbye to those who we had bonded Kenya, and Ms Slevin for allowing which left the audience dancing out of with during our time spent in Kenya. us all to travel there. Toccata are now their seats and begging for more. During our concert, we all began to get planning a trip next year, in which we emotional, as this would be the last time will hopefully take the children from The next day was the day we dreaded we would belt out The Circle of Life or the choir at the orphanage on a concert the most: our final day. As the choir harmonise with the soloists in Puff the tour of the UK and of the United States. split up, some decided to go to the Magic Dragon. We gave the audience If anyone is going, it will definitely be African market, while those interested our final encore ofDancing Queen, me. The experience has changed my in the medical profession visited the encouraging them to get out of their life and view on things completely, so I Kenyatta National Hospital. Some girls seats and dance with us to which they won’t want to let that opportunity go visited the ante-natal clinic, while I responded with happily. As the closing to waste! was one of the lucky girls who would chords sounded, I ran to gave the be visiting the paediatrics ward. The members of Toccata and little Ibraham conditions these children were being my last goodbye, before fleeing to the treated in were devastating; some bus and bursting into tears, as I felt I children were just left to lie on hospital couldn’t leave one of my best friends beds, covered in drips and needles. behind. Dirt and grime was seen oozing out of the walls. There were a few children, That was it. Our breath-taking trip however, who seemed extremely was finally over for good. After happy that we had come to visit them, spending hours on the plane to London probably because they never really Heathrow, we finally flew from London receive this attention before from their back to our hometown of Belfast, Helen Francis Year 11 parents. Yet again, this reminded us of where we returned to the safety of our how we really should be thankful for families, bursting to tell them about the

56 World Challenge The expedition mainly consisted of As well as making a noticeable jungle and mountain trekking and contribution to the local community, Borneo voluntary work, with a considerable other highlights of the trip included period of time at the beginning of the seeing orang-utans in the flesh and World Challenge offers educational trip being valuably spent acclimatising island-hopping off the shores of the experiences in the developing world to the 80% humidity of dense jungle main city Kuching. Not to mention which teach life skills and expand forests. A month away from the reaching the summit of the highest peak minds outside the classroom. Those comforts of home was definitely a in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu who make it through the selection steep learning curve for every pupil (4095m) in horrendous weather process have to raise a considerable on the trip, but undoubtedly made us conditions in a remarkably quick amount in sponsorship to pay for more independent and highlighted time. The views from the peak were their travels and make a donation to how difficult it is to maintain the self- definitely worth the two days of pain the community project undertaken in sufficient life that the native Borneans it took to reach the top, as the whole the country visited. lead. We spent a sizeable amount of our of the island lay beneath us and you expedition in the jungle, working in a definitely felt as if you were on top of In July of this summer a team of 18 community to help improve the village the world. girls and two teachers (the ever-intrepid drainage system and drinking water Mr Robinson and adventure-hungry supply, followed by a five-day trek All in all, our expedition was Miss Faloona) went with a leader from even deeper into the jungle. This part unforgettable. Not only were we lucky World Challenge on an expedition to of the trip was rigorous and hard work to experience the intricacies of the Borneo for a month. For many of us, but this made it all the more rewarding Bornean culture but also to discover this was the furthest we had ever been at the end when we saw the difference different aspects of ourselves that we away from home and I can assure you our efforts would impact on daily life previously had never known existed. that the culture and way of life could for the village and also could say that It truly was a trip of a lifetime. not have been any further from our we slept in hammocks for five nights reality. as well! Rachel Hanley Year 13 Beyond the Classroom

Bar National Mock Trial Competition

In the Belfast heats of the Bar National Mock Trial Competition on Saturday 24 November 2012 our girls took on the roles of barristers and witnesses and presented their case against teams from other schools. First they had to become familiar with the case. Then they had to battle it out in real courtrooms in the Royal Courts of Justice, in front of real judges. Although the girls didn’t make it through to the final round they did extremely well and were excellent ambassadors for the College. You can see our learned friends Petra Wells (left) and Emma Gilmartin (right). Our learned friends Petra Wells and Emma Gilmartin Classics Club Virtual Learning Environment for some Our Charities samples of our activities, and why not join us? Classics Club met in the cosy Our Charity Prefects have the surroundings of G5 on Thursdays at Dr Brown responsibility of guiding the school lunchtime. This club attracts a group body towards the charities of choice of Year 8 and 9 pupils who want to for the school year and devising ways explore the Greek and Roman world to raise money. After our assembly and make links with our own. It helps presentation in September, pupils when we can choose a soundtrack and chose their favourite two charities enjoy a Tangfastic too! (one local, one global) for the year from a list posted on the Virtual Film is always popular. We enjoy Learning Environment. This year, watching clips from the Roman after the magnificent efforts and Mysteries series and from the Percy achievements of Northern Ireland Jackson movies. While we may not be athletes in the Paralympic Games, we old enough to watch Hunger Games, chose Disability Sports NI who came we can certainly trace themes in the to school and delivered an excellent books to the myths of Theseus and presentation to us. Disability Sports the Minotaur in ancient Crete and to NI is Northern Ireland’s main disability the gladiatorial arena. sports organisation responsible or the development of sport and physical We also love marking special occasions recreation opportunities for people such as Christmas (or is that the with physical, sensory and learning Saturnalia?) and dies Sancti Valentini. disabilities in Northern Ireland. Here Anyone can give a Valentine’s card in Victoria we believe everyone should – but a Valentine’s scroll with sweet have access to these opportunities no nothings written in Latin and sealed matter what. As our international cause, with wax Roman-style has much more we chose Water Aid, appropriately panache. after our VCB Water initiative which raised funds for the India Society to pay This club is a relaxed and informal for a visit from our Himjyoti friends. space for learning, making, drawing, WaterAid is an international charity tasting, and watching. Look on the that works with local partners, decision-

58 makers and charities around the world, transforming lives by improving access to water, hygiene and sanitation. We felt that this was a very meaningful way to invest in the future of those less fortunate than ourselves.

In November we held our customary post-formal fashion show featuring the stunning gowns worn at the Year 14 Dinner and Dance in October as modelled by Year 14 – maybe without quite as much preparation in the hair and make-up department! The Junior School pupils love to see us in Richmond Assembly Hall during Festival period. We successfully raised around £400 from this event by charging £2 admission.

GCSE PE class help Disability Sports NI In December, we raised nearly £1000 from entry fees to the Christmas talent show on the last days of term and got a big boost from our share of the table hire fees from pupils at the Craft Fair. The Carol Service was also another great opportunity to raise money; people kindly gave donations in the hundreds of pounds, and all proceedings went to the school charities.

Our big events are not the only charitable involvement at VCB. Many individuals make substantial contributions to the community through work for charities which are not ‘on our list’. Once again, Mr McCracken raised money for charity from growing his beard during ‘Movember’, and this went towards research into men’s cancers which can sometimes be Fancy Hats overlooked. You can read about Mr Kavanagh’s fundraising for Marie Curie

Toilet twinned! Leah (l) and Laura Christmas Dinner on Fancy Hat Day (r) Hutchinson

59 Shoebox and Hamper Appeals

As is now traditional, VCB girls got behind the Blytheswood appeal for shoeboxes for needy children and elderly in the middle of the Autumn Term. It seems early in the year, but Blytheswood need to process and deliver these shoeboxes filled with toys, treats and even basic necessities all over Europe well before Christmas.

Not long before Christmas, the Voluntary Services group ably led by Mrs Thomson motivates the school to gather up seasonal goodies for local needy folk. The team uses acres of Laura Hutchinson raising funds for the Christmas wrapping paper to cover the Teenage Cancer Trust empty photocopying paper boxes which office staff have been saving all term, Cancer Care through Run-A-Muck and then fill them with the groceries below. Likewise you can see 11Brown’s and treats kindly donated by pupils and celebration of their twinned toilet! staff in their form groups. It is always Laura Hutchinson of Year 11 was so a sign of Christmas to see the van draw moved and impressed by an assembly up to be loaded with beautiful hampers. presentation from the Teenage Cancer Trust that she gave up a Saturday to sell cupcakes (which she had made herself) and stationery on their behalf at Homebase on the Boucher Road in Belfast.

Let’s all get involved and do our bit.

Lucy Crossan and Katie Martin Year 14

Victoria College in training for leadership led to my decision to apply for the 2013 programme. In the long term, I Rotary International and were selected to attend a Youth envision using these skills to improve Leadership Conference during the my community. Also during October, a select group summer months. of Year 12 pupils, Ellen Beattie, Cara What are the key things you have McCabe-O’Neill, Megan Halliday, Ellen and Megan reflected on their learned during ASLFL that you wish Emma Gilmartin, Olivia Anderson and experience in terms of their personal to share? Alexandra Doran interviewed for the development and how they would Rotary Youth Leadership programme seek to make an impact on their school Ellen and Emma Gilmartin progressed to community. I learnt how to communicate more represent the College at the regional effectively with other people, but finals. What motivated you to attend the this was a skill that was directly ASLFL programme? affected by how much my confidence developed. However the most Albert Schweitzer’s Ellen important thing I learnt was how to be a Leadership for Life Some girls I know who had attended more effective leader through applying the course previously highly the skills I had learnt and displaying the Youth Leadership recommended it to me. I also wanted correct traits a leader should. Conference to develop my skills further and I knew this course would assist me to do so. Megan In May 2013 four Key Stage 4 pupils, I learnt to fully appreciate the Laura Hutchinson, Ellen Beattie, Megan importance of teamwork in order to Megan Halliday and Chloe Haylett My desire to improve my leadership achieve a goal or succeed at the task submitted successful applications skills coupled with a love of people in hand. I discovered how to create an

60 effective balance between using others’ engaged in since the ASLFL On track to Bronze ideas and my own, and also the art programme? of listening by taking part in many Award: the Year 10 enjoyable team tasks. Ellen Debating Club, Senior Choir and experience How has ASLFL helped to develop Chamber Choir; in the community I your personal and leadership skills? have helped at ballet and volunteer in my local charity shop. I am involved Ellen in the Ulster Youth Choir and Youth I have improved my leadership skills Forum meetings. by improving my communication techniques and confidence through Megan completing the various tasks and also Although the opportunity has not by singing a solo at the culture talent yet arisen, I intend to put myself night. By working within our groups forward to be a school prefect. I am to complete tasks we had to use our a member of the Hockey, Tennis and leadership skills to ensure each task was Table-tennis Teams, and became a successfully completed and also during member of the Victorians Ladies 1st XI activities like the Novelty Olympic Team. I intend to complete my Duke of Games our leadership skills were Edinburgh Gold Award and maintain a challenged and improved. leadership role.

Megan What do you hope to do when you Time management – we had to finish school? Bronze Award may be begun once a ensure we were at workshops on pupil turns 14. In the school year 2012- time! I also became more confident as I Ellen 13, Mrs Hart realised her vision for gained awareness of my own strengths I hope to study Medicine at university Year 10 and encouraged a great number and weaknesses and improved my and go on to become a doctor which on their way to Bronze. There are four people skills. I learnt what is required would require me to use these skills sections to the award: Volunteering, to be a good leader and also became daily. Physical, Skills, and Expedition. Each better at motivating and engaging those of the first three sections requires at around me. I now fully understand that Megan least three months of activity. Some an assertive leader is best, not passive I’m undecided: I am considering girls offer their services to a charity, or aggressive. Classics or a career in the healthcare train in their favourite sport or dance in sector, such as Medicine. or outside school, and learn a new skill What leadership skills have you – Francesca Drumm even came to early morning Greek lessons! Mr Kavanagh The next challenge takes place on Under Mrs Hart’s inspirational Saturday 1 March 2014. There is talk leadership, and with the loyal support Runs Amuck! of bringing a VCB team down to raise of Head of Year Dr Thompson and his money for school charities. Let’s see team of form teachers, 97 Year 10s It had to happen… what we’re made of! (which was the great majority of the year group) participated in a training Runamuck is Ireland’s “original Dr J Brown walk in the Mourne Mountains in and most popular” (if you are that way late October, which proved to be a inclined) off-road fun and run challenge refreshing and bonding experience. for joggers and runners of all abilities. In the supposedly warmer spring In 2012 it took place in the grounds of weather, they completed an overnight Clonkeeran House near Johnstown expedition in the Mournes once more Bridge in County Kildare. It is a 5km as part of the Bronze Award. This cross country event over a course best was a great opportunity to explore the described as “wet and mucky” with countryside, visit locations unknown many man-made and natural obstacles to many and to learn how to survive like bale jumps, net scrambles, super with very little equipment. Day 1 was slides, Tarzan swings, bridges, ditches, an adventure through the mountains streams, tyres and tunnels. It’s a real up via Fofanny Dam with an overnight test of mental and physical strength, but stay at Meelmore campsite. Day 2 as Mr Kavanagh showed, all obstacles involved a journey through Tollymore are surpassable when you put 100% Forest Park across into Donard Park to into it. Mr Kavanagh achieved a very complete the expedition. commendable time of 49 minutes and 52 seconds, but more importantly he The whole experience was good and a friend raised £900 for Marie fun, and along the way friendships Curie Cancer Care. Mr Kavanagh Runs Amuck were enhanced and memories were

61 made. Sophie O’Neill came to the attention of staff for her determination, sense of comradeship and good cheer during the hike. She wrote something of her experiences for The Victorian.

“For me, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme was a good and enjoyable experience. The main aim was to work as a team and help to navigate around the Mourne Mountains. It was a lot of fun working in teams of six with your classmates and sharing a tent. The equipment was all very light and basic to carry in your rucksack. At points for everyone you felt like giving up, but the support and effort from your team helped you carry on. The teachers were very helpful and supportive helping us to finish. At the end we felt we had achieved a lot. Duke of Ed gave me a lot of independence Crossing the rapids and a good insight into living and camping outdoors. I would persuade more people to consider and take on the challenge. I would like to thank Mrs Hart and the other staff for giving us the opportunity to experience the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.”

Silver Award

Congratulations go to Ellen Beattie, Sarah Blaney and Megan Halliday who attended the Northern Ireland Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme Silver Presentation on 30 April 2013 at the Civic Centre, Craigavon.

This was the culmination of several years of effort and service. The Silver expedition took place at the end of Year 11 for the majority of the group, and the awardees have happy memories of three days and two nights under canvas in Tollymore Forest Park in the Mournes. Certainly the trip challenged Year 10 on the loose the group’s fitness but also brought the satisfaction of a goal achieved, closer bonding with their peers and staff, and the discipline of perseverance. Thanks to those who kept everyone’s spirits high with the singing! Special mention goes to Sophie Elliot, who will remember celebrating her birthday with a cake and of course a rendition of Happy Birthday!

Participants developed their physical skills through hockey, ballet and dance. However, non-physical skills such as piano and drama were also assessed, Staying cheerful! Time for lunch! as was the important Service element.

62 Gold Award

It is a matter of great pride to the College that six Sixth Form girls – Orlaith Sonner, Rebekah Milligan, Jody McKeown, Rachael Henderson, Lucy Crossan and Sophie Pollock - successfully completed their Gold Award and were received at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday 28 February 2013. This requires a whole year of activity in the sections completed for Bronze and Silver levels, whether this is developing previous skills or learning new ones. There is also a challenging Residential section, staying away from home for five days and four nights doing a shared activity with people from outside your circle of friends altogether. Megan, Sarah and Ellen Warm thanks go to Mrs Hart, Miss Most volunteered in community Bothwell, Miss Sheridan and Mr The Expedition section is much more activities, for example by helping out at Robinson for all their help in reaching demanding than Bronze or Silver – four tennis clubs coaching younger children, this goal. Now forwards to Gold! days and three nights away in ‘wild or by working in a charity shop. country’. This time, the expeditions Megan Halliday Year 12 took place in the undoubtedly wild if not exotic country of the Mourne Mourne Mountain Mountains at the end of June, with the help of Mrs Hart of course, and also Adventure Mr Robinson, Mrs O’Riordan (Miss On 27-28 April of this year, with Bothwell), Miss Sheridan and Mrs the support of OFMDFM and the Morrow. kind permission of the Mourne Mountain Trustees, Newry and Mourne Council held the second Mourne Eco Matters Mountain Adventure as part of their Olympics Legacy Initiative. This was BEEs Competition aimed at those aged between 13 and 18, and over 500 young people from across Success the Province took part, so there was a strong cross-community element to Mourne Mountain Adventure Six schools reached the final of the programme. The PSNI, NI Fire and the BEEs competition (Belfast Rescue Service, Ministry of Defence Tollymore Forest Park and Kilbroney Environmentally Efficient Schools). and other public bodies were a major Forest Park respectively. The teams Through the BEEs competition, part of the programme which was also had to find their way without assistance supported by Belfast City Council and designed to strengthen the ties between along a prescribed route through the the Department of the Environment’s young people, the community and our forest parks and complete challenging Rethink Waste Initiative, pupils natural environmental heritage. tasks. Whether they were on the were encouraged to collaborate and Adventure track or the Expedition communicate an imaginative and This year the Expedition phase of track, all teams finished at Dundrum innovative environmental development the Mourne Mountain Challenge Bay for their RIB crossing to plan for their school. started in Kilbroney Park. The full Ballykinler Beach and the final phase, a programme featured a hike in the series of team tasks which proved both Eco-Committee pupils from St Mary’s Mourne Mountains, Dundrum Bay RIB physically and mentally challenging, Star of the Sea PS, Holy Cross Boys’ (Rigid Inflatable Boats) crossing and culminating in an attempt at the School, St Joseph’s PS, St Louise’s a ferocious challenge at Ballykinler assault course! Comprehensive College, the Belfast Training Centre as well as overnight Model School for Girls and Victoria camping in Kilbroney Forest Park and Emma Blair Aya Helmy, Katie College competed in the finals of Tollymore Forest Park. It’s a good thing McComb, Jenny Salmon, Sophie the BEEs competition by delivering then that Specialist Rescue Teams were Thompson, and Head Girl elect Azka a presentation on an environmental on hand in case of need. Yousaf represented Victoria College development project plan for their - and survived to tell the tale. school. St Joseph’s won first place The first phase of the Adventure prize in the primary section of the and Expedition levels departed from Mrs C Hart competition and Victoria College

63 Translink Eco-Schools more environmentally sustainable by reducing carbon emissions caused by Travel Challenge car traffic and we used the challenge as a means to achieving the prestigious This year the College participated Eco-Schools Green Flag award. It was in the Translink Eco-Schools Travel also a positive step towards reducing Challenge run in partnership by TIDY any car congestion near our College. Northern Ireland and Translink. Pupils were asked to take part in this challenge Joining the Eco-Schools Translink over a four-week period. We explored Challenge was free for the school and BEES competition - VCB are champions what transport pupils currently used to there was a special awards ceremony in get to and from school and encouraged Belfast Central Station to present prizes won the post-primary section with them to try and make sustainable to the top participants from across each school winning more than £3,000 improvements during this period and Northern Ireland. We were delighted worth of specialist consultancy from beyond. For example: taking the bus, that Rebecca Furphy from Year 12 leading environmental firm, Mabbett. train, walking or cycling – even once was one of the major prizewinners and a week can make a big difference. We can now take her family anywhere in The winning pupils were also rewarded asked them to consider car sharing, Northern Ireland for a day out courtesy with a £150 eco-voucher to develop their where possible. of Translink. Elizabeth Lawther also Eco-Schools Programme and a class collected a prize awarded to the College trip to visit W5, a Belfast City Council This was a fantastic opportunity for for the best use of sustainable transport. recycling plant, and a wind turbine. the College to work towards becoming Eco-Schools Green Flag Victoria College has been awarded a prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag by the environmental charity TIDY Northern Ireland. The Eco-Schools Programme is the world’s largest environmental education programme and aims to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of a school. In Northern Ireland Eco-Schools is sponsored by Airtricity and its participatory approach and combination of learning and action makes it an ideal way for schools to begin improving the environments of schools and their local communities. Eco-Schools work through a simple seven-step approach Translink Eco Schools resulting in the programme becoming central to the school’s ethos. Schools can choose from ten eco-topics ranging from litter and waste to energy, biodiversity and transport to name a few. Eco-Schools work towards achieving awards - bronze, silver and the prestigious green flag.

The internationally recognised Green Flag is this highest award given to Eco-Schools and symbolises excellence in the field of environmental activity. Work covered the ten eco-topics but focused on recycling, energy and school grounds. The Eco-Committee worked very hard throughout the year to ensure all the criteria was met and were delighted with their Green Flag success.

Mr M Winning Celebrating our Green Flag

64 Eco-Schools Airtricity Ireland Eco-Schools Co-ordinator Change Summit at Stormont, which Carmel Fyfe. This address supplied played a major part in the College being Global Wind Award us with further knowledge of the awarded the Green Flag. Eco-Schools and Green Flag process. Victoria College are winners of the Eco Schools Airtricity Global Wind We then heard two informative Award. We were successful in the speeches from one primary and one category of ‘Best Eco-Committee of secondary school about the targets the Year’ award. and problems addressed within their school community. Later in the day, The awards ceremony was held in the the Mayor of Derry City Council gave Everglades Hotel, Londonderry and a presentation to the winners of each was presented by U105 host Frank category. We were selected as earlier Mitchell. The day commenced with a in the school year we had participated speech proposed by TIDY Northern in the BEEs project and the Climate Climate Change Summit at Stormont And in conclusion - benefit of the public, the protection, grounds. Very important also is preservation and improvement of the evidence of whole-school engagement, Victoria College is physical environment in Northern and in their visit in May, the judges Ireland. Professor Arthur Muskett took note of our recycling initiatives Belfast’s Best Kept pioneered the ‘Best Kept’ initiatives and commitment to reducing waste and School – again! in the 1950s, and his ideas have been emissions in travelling to school. taken up across the United Kingdom. It’s becoming something of a habit Today, Miss Doreen Muskett MBE, As well as a cash prize which will for us, and when you have read the an Old Girl of Victoria College, is be spent to the benefit of the school reports above, is there any wonder? President of the NIAC Board. environment, the school receives a Eco-hero Mr Winning and his dedicated unique plaque and a perpetual crystal team played a substantial role in In the Schools category, the judges trophy. Congratulations to Mr Winning securing first place in the prestigious visit the campus to assess it for the and his team – but the third time’s the Belfast Education and Library Board absence of litter and general tidiness charm, so here’s to victory in 2014. area final of the Supervalu-sponsored and cleanliness. They also look for competition organised by the Northern environmental enhancement, and Dr J Brown Ireland Amenity Council. The NIAC Victoria impressed with its flowerbeds, was established to promote, for the bird feeders, wetland and beautiful Experiencing Cambridge

In July 2013 Aska Yousaf, Aya Helmy, Wiktoria Slomkowska and Miss Robinson ventured over the sea to Cambridge to take part in the Corpus Christi Summer School. This involved three days of working with pupils from other schools in Northern Ireland and also current students at the University.

There were several subject sessions to participate in: Biology, Physics, Medicine or Law. As we arrived early, we decided to walk around the town and see the different Colleges. At our College, Corpus Christi, we had the opportunity to spend three days in the College’s accommodation and act as though we were actual students at the University. This meant we were able to enjoy their food and relax in the common rooms in the evening. In the evening of the first day, the current students of the college organised a quiz, which was In Old Court outside Christopher Marlowe’s room

65 a great ice-breaker for the students coming from different schools.

The Medicine session, which Azka took part in, was based around neuroscience with a particular focus on Parkinson’s Disease. This was very informative as she learned about the cause, symptoms, and potential treatments of the disease. She had to use the College Library to research a certain aspect of the disease and possible surgical treatments. This highlighted the importance that the University places on independent work.

Aya, on the other hand, participated in the Physics subject session, which was challenging yet very intriguing. The subject session was on Special Relativity, with topics including time dilation, length contraction and Galilean relativity. The tutorials were presented by a current PhD student at Cambridge and were an intensified version of one of the modules studied in first-year Physics at the University.

On the final day, each subject’s participants had to prepare a presentation which would be shown to their fellow students and the Directors of Studies of the College. After all this intense work, a good A Punt on the Cam way to end the trip was by punting down the River Cam, which is definitely easier said than done. In fact, we never progressed more than 100 metres down the river, during which distance Miss Robinson’s face was in a permanent state of fear, in spite of having filled out all the necessary risk assessments beforehand!

All in all we highly recommend the three-day Summer School for offering a unique insight into the authentic Cambridge University experience. By the end of the three days it is clear from the excellent teaching why places at this prestigious education establishment are so sought after by students from all over the world.

Aska Yousaf, Aya Helmy, Wiktoria Slomkowska Year 13

Touring the Colleges

66 Our ‘Search for a Year 9 gymnast India Atkinson was pupil at school but she has a positive named the winner of Vision Express’s attitude to life, contributing to her Star Pupil’ is over! ‘Search for a Star Pupil’ competition. local community and following her Vision Express and charity partner dreams of becoming a gymnast. She’s Childhood Eye Cancer Trust aimed to a very worthy winner,” commented raise awareness of the importance of Mr Lawson, CEO of Vision Express. child eye tests. India’s prize includes a family trip to Disneyland Paris and a pair of Across the UK, 400 children were designer glasses. She said, “When I auditioned in Vision Express stores to found out I had won, I couldn’t believe find a student with ‘an eye for style’. it as I haven’t really won anything India had to demonstrate her love for before. Everyone else I saw who were eyewear and strike a pose wearing a competing were amazing and I’m just pair of frames. honoured that I was chosen.”

The judges said “India is a shining The image of India is taken from www. India Atkinson example of what this initiative stands optometry.co.uk from 5 February 2013. for; not only is she an exemplary Maria Doran, Young new hair product, sell items at a music festival, and create a new sports brand. Apprentice finalist! She saw the inside of the dreaded boardroom more than once – but held Our congratulations go to Maria her own each time. Doran of Year 14, who made it all the way to the prime-time final of the BBC Maria is now a Young Ambassador for series Young Apprentice and into the Enterprise NI and describes herself as national press. All this took place in the passionate about all things business. highest secrecy (well, except for one She has featured in the Best Dressed list or two favoured members of staff) in for the Belfast Times and is continuing the summer after a year spent studying to appear in local theatre. Maria has put for A-levels in Business Studies (of her high profile and burgeoning list of course), Drama and Government & contacts to good use in serving many Politics. Maria’s stage experience was charitable causes locally – all while she put to very good use when she needed is studying Law at Queen’s University. to summon up all her courage to voice Yes, our very own self-styled ‘legally her ideas and defend her approach to blonde’ Young Apprentice also excelled Lord Sugar in front of the cameras academically with an A*, A and B in the tough environment of the grades. No doubt we will be hearing competition. “The biggest mistake you more of her! We are proud of her and Maria Doran Young Apprentice could make is to underestimate me,” send our very best wishes for her future. said Maria the “lioness” in advance clothing, design and pitch a cookery of the show. There was no chance of book, purchase props for the Coliseum Dr J Brown that! Alternating at Lord Sugar’s whim Theatre in London’s West End, run between Team Platinum and Team an afternoon tea business, create a Odyssey, Maria had to sell second-hand children’s club, devise and market a Scripture Union

Scripture Union meets weekly, with a separate programme for Juniors on Richmond and Seniors on Cranmore campus. Mrs Elwood leads the latter group, and the Juniors are led by an able and devoted band of Year 14 students. One of these leaders Evie Crockard has written for us.

I have really enjoyed being a leader of Senior Scripture Union this past year and last year a leader of Junior Scripture Union. SU is a place of fellowship together where we join in fun games and quizzes while focusing At the weekend

67 on a message given by one of the leaders. We also have times of worship and prayer where the girls get to praise God and become closer to him through prayer. It has been a great experience getting to know the younger girls and their faith and teaching them about God’s Word. I have loved watching them grow over the year and the highlight of this was at our annual SU weekend that was held in Castlewellan Last Junior SU of the year other leaders I would like to thank the Castle in November. The girls really schools to join us in a night of worship teachers for their support and dedication enjoyed what we had planned for them where we had the Word of God brought to SU this year. I wish everyone and we all had great fun along with our to us by our speaker Moore who we involved will carry on in their walk speaker, Moore Holmes a student from invited back after the weekend. with God in the future and to the girls Belfast Bible College. coming up to be leaders in the next few This year has been a great success with years, I wish great success. We also held an inter-schools event the help of the teachers involved and called Shine where we invited other our team of leaders and on behalf of the Evie Crockard Year 14 Sentinus Engineering or five, an eight-week programme based on the theme of ‘futuristic Solutions Programme technologies’. The girls planned, designed, prepared and presented A group of 20 students from Key their own unique idea for a futuristic Stage 3 took part in the Sentinus engineering solution. Ideas ranged Engineering Solutions Programme from solar glazing to smart fridges and sponsored by the Royal Academy of shower doors. Each team had to think Engineering. The girls worked with two carefully about how their design would PhD students from Queen’s University, be manufactured and how it would Belfast to complete, in groups of four work before finally presenting their idea In the Castle Cafe in our onesies!

Castlewellan Castle Sentinus Award winners Emma, Erin, Anna and Eva

68 to a panel of judges within school. On the celebration day in the Whitla Hall, received a Sentinus certificate and a one of the weeks the girls listened to QUB on 6 June, which was a very CREST Silver Award in recognition a presentation by the current Director enjoyable experience. The girls won of their work. Special thanks must of the Northern Ireland Technology two out of the five awards available be given to our link engineers, PhD Centre, Tom Edgar, who spoke about on the day. Their design was awarded students Rebecca Lutton and Ciara his career and the kind of work he ‘Most Creative Engineering Solution’ Tighe (Queen’s University) for was involved in. He also provided and received an award for ‘Commercial their hard work, enthusiasm and valuable suggestions and support to Potential’. The winning team members encouragement that was vital to the each of the teams as they worked on were Anna Darling, Eva Davis, Erin success of the girls in this programme. developing their project ideas. The Devlin and Emma Salmon. All the best team represented their school at pupils who took part in the programme Mr D McCaw UKAYRoC National proved to be a tremendous success for the first time. over recent years and this year has Finals 2013 been no exception. The College is The VCB Rocketry Club is greatly extremely proud of the achievements indebted to New Breed Logistics for Aiming to improve on last year’s of Asha Pandey, Amy McCartney, their support again this year. impressive performance at the National Hannah Ware, Meredith Telford Finals of the UK Aerospace Youth and Laura Doran and acknowledges More information about the challenge Rocketry Challenge (UKAYRoC), the the impeccable way in which they (including those all-important 2013 team travelled to Queen’s Parade, represented their school at Farnborough flight statistics) can be found on the Farnborough to take part on Tuesday in May 2013. It is our aim to be back in UKAYRoC website at 7 May in what has now become one the competition next year with an even www.ukayroc.co.uk. of engineering’s most prestigious better design and greater ambition to educational competitions. The aim of climb further up the ranking to Number Mr D McCaw the competition is “to encourage school One spot and becoming UK champions children to enter the world of aerospace and science”.

A total of 69 teams from all over the UK had battled for a place within the top 20 who would travel to the national event. The VCB team had not disappointed in the regional finals at Langford Lodge, Crumlin, as their performance saw them progress easily into the next round to represent their school and country.

Their task was to design and build a rocket that would fly safely to an altitude of 750 feet with a flight duration of between 48 and 50 seconds. The rocket design was also to allow the transportation of a fragile payload (in this case one raw medium-sized Asha, Amy and Hannah hen’s egg) and see it return to earth in an undamaged state. The payload had to travel perpendicular to the direction of travel and have a safe return to earth using a 15-inch parachute. Furthermore, gross lift-off weight had to be no more than 650 grammes. In tricky weather conditions the team reached an altitude of 697 feet with an unbroken egg and flight duration of 44 seconds. This ranked the girls in seventh place, an improvement on last year’s performance. For the second year in a row the girls were awarded a prize for the best static display, which was presented by former Concorde pilot Christopher Orlebar. Farnborough, we have lift-off! Participation in UKAYRoC has

69 Creative Expression

Rachael Andrews A-Level AS-Level A-Level and GCSE Art

Hazel Wong A-Level

Bethan Maguire A-Level

Shannon Neale A-Level

Kirsty Higginson A-Level Jemma Hool A-Level

70 Victoria McFarland AS-Level Sarah Dickey AS-Level

Rachel Carson AS-Level

Nicole Gilmour AS-Level

Stephanie Gibson AS-Level Julia Kennedy AS-Level

71 Sophie Elliott GCSE Sarah Livingstone GCSE

Emma Johnston GCSE

Claire Windrum GCSE

Anne Henderson GCSE Anna Henderson GCSE Emma Johnston GCSE

72 Shakespeare’s as a guest of honour our very own mortality through the eyes of a temporary member of the Drama forensic pathologist. These pupils Sisters Department, Miss Louise Doherty, are an example and inspiration to me author of The Hidden, a powerful also to get back to the keyboard and Our sisterhood continues to expand tale of the rediscovery of identity practise what I preach! and flourish. We meet at lunchtime set in contemporary Belfast. She every Wednesday (more or less) until discussed the creative process and Mention must be made of two we lose the Year 12s, 13s and 14s to took questions from a very discerning notable founder-members, Naomi study leave. Over a working lunch, audience. Skilling and Sarah Murray. Naomi we discuss our work, experiment It is so encouraging that pupils offer has maintained her contributions with new techniques and argue up their own work in an atmosphere to fan fiction online throughout her intensely about the relative merits of of mutual support and healthy A-levels, and Sarah, whose dream fictional worlds. criticism. Christine McCullough took is a career in writing for the media, us through the Snowflake method has tasted her first success with an We tend more to prose than to poetry of composition, and you can gain an Exhibition at the commencement of (despite Dr Brown’s best efforts to insight into her creative process from her Journalism course in Wales. Keep encourage experimentation with the excerpt from her ongoing project writing ladies! metre) and to fiction rather than fact. Firebirds printed in this section. This year we were thrilled to have Bethany Fisher’s poem M.E. explores Dr J Brown

Who cut her throat? “Was she an emo, still finding her M.E. Who slipped her the pill? way? These are the boxes you ask me to Was she a peddler, just taking day by I walk in the room, fill. day? A slap on my back. Was she so drunk she didn’t even see “Another,” you say, “Who was she?” you ask, The man with the gun asking to “Can you get me a match?” A tear in your eye. meet?” “What were her dreams, her means? The body is cold, Had she found love, or was she just The girl is long dead, her body stone yet not as cold as the air. playing the scene? cold. “Liver temp’s in the thirties,” Was she a good girl, a bad girl, a Who knows what for? “She has been dead since real early.” hussy? That’s you floor. Or was she just doing it all for the But you always ask me for more. Who shot her dead? money?” Who smashed the bottle all over her head? Bethany Fisher Year 12

of familiar and exotic locations in their first year of education in Firebirds: including Montenegro where the espionage and as such, they are a work in progress hard-drive is retrieved, and the novices. The Firebirds are led National Gallery. The Firebirds are by their youngest team member There gardens surround a palace all first introduced on a play-through (Elizabeth Wayles) who is of glass; mission in Scotland. They are sent inexperienced but wants to prove her There Firebirds sing by night to a trap in New York where they worth. Following a hundred days of And peck at golden fruit. are attacked after learning they had training which ends with a combat been set up; upon defeating their exercise in Scotland, the team A Winter’s Journey, Yakov Polonsky attacker they learn from his case that are called to the office of Knight (1844) his next directive was to go to the Commander Wayles who assigns to Reichenbach Falls Hotel and Casino. them their first mission to retrieve a Pitching Sentence: There they bug the thieves’ rooms. stolen hard-drive. The night before The first mission of the exclusive The Firebirds succeed in retrieving they are due to fly out, Alexander group of child spies in which they the hard-drive and return to London angrily confronts Elizabeth outside must recover a stolen hard-drive to the National Gallery where they The Old Rectory after failing to containing identities of undercover are instructed to complete a drop- gain entry to the Seymour common operatives and information that their off after hours. The drop-off goes room, to entreat her to withdraw their agency does not want to get out. wrong and the hard-drive is stolen by acceptance, which she declines. the original thieves working on the Pitching Paragraph: orders of an adversary... To be continued – watch this space! A third-person narrative that takes the reader through the events of Expansion Paragraph One: Christine McCullough Year 13 the Firebirds’ first ever mission. The Firebirds’ first ever mission The novel takes place in a variety (“Operation Hermes”) takes place

73 The young man hands me a bundle The Muriel McGregor In the immaculate white room, Poetry Prize 2013 A silver-cross pram parked in the corner. Somehow in seconds I have gained years of wisdom and Muriel McGregor was a student at Victoria College. refinement. She loved the College dearly, and when she passed The baby’s shrill cries carry me into a world of sapphire. away on 19 April 2006 she left a large sum of money I meet creatures of black and yellow, my lengthy tail to encourage her passions of drama and poetry in the fluttering behind. students of today. Each year her son Mr John Paynter With a soft word everything fades receives our winning poems in the knowledge that his But through hours of scribbling, screaming and skipping, mother’s wishes are being fulfilled. My little dreams grow, mature and flourish, Eager to take me to my next nightly adventure.

Elementary Sarah Bell Year 13 Runner-up, Senior School What things make creatures such as we If we are the fabric of dreams? Those fickle glittering beacons Crying Wolf To which we flit like lacy moths Between stars, a blurred mirage Simple thoughts – I think not – formed in sinking sleep Which crumbles at our earthly touch? Yet in my head it resolutely keeps submerged What makes Man Like the sinful sunshine bleeding out behind Man? The covering clouds at the back of my mind. Was he drawn up steaming, reddened Swallowing the shallow depths, yet still too deep; From the deepest chasms of the Earth Plenty to forcibly maintain myself to Or pulled down from the angels’ beds? Myself and myself buried deep, Are we here fallen with a bump, Destined only to be doubting duals in distant sleep. Our wings plucked by Hands as petals Smothered under Lucifer’s layers of white, From the daisies we will push up? Silent screaming against the vacant night Were we belched up from the sulphurous Whose single short noiseless echo Hollows, left worn and warped, unclean Is still and silent. My head now just empty enough Still smouldering in our savagery? To be safe. And still my heart unsettled Are we as aimless, worthless The real night seems to sound in snarls. As any lost lover’s whispered Wish? Just as starved as lips of a kiss? Alex Cooper Year 13 Are we simply a casket Runner-up, Senior School Of fizzing irons, rough elements Christened with our intellect? Those clunking, clinical names or The Unspoken School Are we more than we can know Fathom There’s a girl in a village a thousand miles from here Label With a voice so small you can hardly hear. Explain? She has seen such horrors I can never understand Are we to carry on here And endured these hardships in a dry and barren land. Where we are what we see, nought more? Where man is Man, nothing better, My dreams carry hope and a promise so clear Nothing worse Her dreams are heavy with sadness and fear. And a dream is but a dream? The future is shrouded, her destiny unclear As she marks in the sand the passing of the year. Sophie Thompson Year 13 Winner, Senior School I have freedom to dream of red bricked spires And sweet daily singing in lunch time choirs. She gathers wood for a clay-bricked fire Once Upon A Dream Dreaming of a day without barbed wire.

I crawl into comfort If she had the freedom to dream like me Submerged by darkness and warmth What would she choose – Books? ABC? Surrounded by friends A future for girls: the message clear. Lost in freedom, joy, achievement. One day – perhaps – her voice we will hear. Twirling, twirling, twirling 123 123 123 Francesca Drumm Year 10 My vision is obscured by the light’s glitter Winner, Middle School Endless supplies of cosmetics and embraces. Now, buoyed upon embellished furnishings I wear streams Of Indian tapestries. My skin like a Da Vinci sketch.

74 Dreams The beast opens its enormous mouth: Dreaming of Summer The victim is gone. I look down over my perfect No mortal sword can kill it. Dreaming of my birthday kingdom Only one can; forged Its almost here. Peaceful and quiet. In a dragon’s breath Come and join the party. Nothing disturbed Destroyed by the immortal beast. Give a little cheer. I begin towards the centre, towards a crowd. Georgina Lobo Prep 6 Into the car and off down the road Sounds grow and liven up. Winner, Key Stage 2 Straight to the holiday house Colours brighten and grow. And un-pack our load. Hustle and bustle starts Things whirring past. Caught in the The Dark Night Down to the seashore chaos The sand is so hot. Strong and vibrant and clear The deserted house, Ice cold water And fragile as blown glass. Circled by crows. The scene has changed a lot. Smashed windows; shattered glass. Eerily perfect, like the water’s Creaking floorboards; mouldy, damp Hear the seagulls squawking, surface, Hallway. Gloomy wallpaper pulled Explore the secret paths. A sudden ripple begins to fade off. Eat tons of ice-cream And disappear before my eyes. Like someone clinging for dear life And have salty sea-water baths. Reality sets in harsh and cold. Bloody prints smeared on the walls. The only comfort is knowledge. Rain beats down splashless. Right now it’s bedtime – My perfect kingdom Silent screams echo. Begin the midnight feast. Rebuilding bit by bit Opening the door I see. Chewing on sweet loveliness Waiting to be enjoyed again. I couldn’t be sad in the least. Shannon Frazer Prep 6 Caitlin McCormack Year 10 Runner-up, Key Stage 2 Waking in the morning I realise Runner-up, Middle School That I needn’t be upset. Another summer approaches Mars Dream After one I’ll not forget. Dreams Zooming in my rocket Anna McPherson Prep 4 Little drifting clouds in your head; No control, going to crash Runner-up, Key Stage 1 Never knowing what one could hold. Speeding past shooting stars Castles, tall, powerful; A meteorite collides with a Forests beholding mythical creatures resounding thump. Winter Dreams Swooping, soaring in the sky The red and dusty planet is in sight. High. Dreams. The scorching heat is overwhelming. Hard white grit; Fantasy Masterpieces. Blinded by the blazing sun Hot chocolate steaming; Bracing myself for the crash Snow as cold as ice cream. Imagination dancing. Death is imminent. Warm hotdogs with ketchup; Little magic movies in your head; Utterly terrified I awake. Fluffy onesies and Anything can happen. Icicles on the steps. Ellie Ruddell Prep 6 Hot soup and stew. Sleep little one. Runner-up, Key Stage 2 Dream. Charlotte Roberts Prep 3 Runner-up, Key Stage 1 Georgia Heatherley Year 8 For Children Winner, Junior School Food for every child Healthy and fresh; The Beast Clean water Cold and clear; Waiting on Neptune School for every child; The beast is there… A kind teacher; Controlling meteorites, A house Knocking out its prey; Warm and cosy; Living in volcanoes A warm bed Hardly there Clean and snug. Always hunting Never stopping Olivia Shaw Prep 3 It hides in craters, Winner, Key Stage 1 Breathing out sulphuric acid.

75 In Performance

A2 Drama in performance On Monday 17 December 2012, the Assembly Hall on the Cranmore campus was transformed by two electric pieces of theatre as the A2 class brought us their Devised Performances. Incredibly, these two dramas are the work of the students themselves based on ideas generated and sources studied in class, and they represented enormous commitment, creativity and effort.

Judgement was a searing study of one of our most pressing contemporary issues. Its authors write: It is a play about society’s views of the vulnerable. Women of the night are respected in some cultures and in others, isolated. In this play we address this issue wanting to leave you with the question: Are these women sluts, or slaves? Maria Doran was Fantine, Taylor Hamill Sayuri, Maurice and Jasmine, Oonagh Drama A2 Judgement. Lavery Phillipé and Zoey, and Olivia McMullen Mameha. secrets in his quest to discover who Parker, and Madeline McCavana murdered Emily Shepherd. The play Stephanie Allen. Anonymous was a tense thriller in was an excellent exploration of the the noir style. The authors write: The themes of truth, reality, dependency and Whilst this was an evening to enjoy, it murder of an Alcoholics Anonymous secrecy, and kept us guessing until the was also bittersweet to say farewell to counsellor has occurred and Detective last moments. Kirsty Bingham played some stellar actresses who have learned Christopher Benson is determined to Dorothy Briggs; Rose Griffiths was their craft over seven years of study and solve the case. Going undercover with Hayley Grimshaw, Rebecca Mercer performance at Victoria College, and his partner Richard Parker, Detective was the Detective, Sarah Murray Nicole we hope that they have many future Benson exposes the suspects’ sordid MacAvoy, Naomi Sharratt Richard opportunities to perform. Alexandra takes AS Drama in Everyone’s hard work paid off as all the pieces went as planned, if not better, to the stage performance and everyone pulled out all the stops to give their best performances to date. Year 10 student Alexandra Dick On 10 May this year the AS Drama The audience – made up of parents, recently performed in the centre-stage class had our scripted performances, teachers, friends and the examiner cast in a 25th anniversary production of consisting of four plays: My Mother of course – were fantastic and really Cats with Stagecoach Theatre Arts by Said I Never Should, Teechers, More made a difference to the delivery of the arrangement with Lord Lloyd Webber’s Light and Twelfth Night. We were all plays, giving the performances the final The Really Useful Group Ltd at the very nervous for the performances burst of energy needed to really make National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, but eager to showcase our efforts them special. Just before the examiner showcasing young talent from ten after a year’s hard work. The rehearsal arrived we all gathered in the canteen; countries around the world. Alexandra process was demanding but the whole this was when the nerves really set in. was selected by St Agnes’ Music class were dedicated to their work, Yet the nerves actually brought us back Society to play the role of Liesl in The especially the three boys who joined together as a class, as in rehearsals we Sound of Music at the Grand Opera us from RBAI who had to travel up had been divided into our groups and House, Belfast in April. to class each time. practised separately. Pre-show jitters

76 united us as we gave each other the brooding performance from Alanah confidence needed to put on a good Gorman as the grieving Valerie in show. Conor McPherson’s The Weir. Willy Russell provided the next two scenes. All in all I feel the performances went Blood Brothers is always popular, and well and that the finished product Leah Cunningham and Ryan Walker was a true reflection of our constant made an excellent mother-and-son duo hard work throughout the year. The Linda and Mickey Johnstone. Next but performances were challenging because in a more upbeat mood, Amy Dawson we pushed ourselves as performers owned the stage as Shirley Valentine. but they were also a labour of love. We had great fun exploring the plays Holly Cairns skilfully played grieving themselves, our own capabilities as but conflicted Penny inBecause of actors and the joy to be had from Beth by Elana Gartner. The next choice working with old friends and finding went back to the very beginnings new ones. of drama, with an ambitious and powerful scene between sisters at Sarah Patterson Year 13 Drama AS Lady Bracknell war Ismene (Aine Gordon) and the eponymous Antigone (Rachael Stewart) My Mother Said I Never Should by M’Lynn and Rosa O’Farrell as Shelby in Sophocles’ tragedy. In a complete Charlotte Keatley is an exploration in a moving scene. In Split Down the change of pace, Charis McRoberts of the relationships between mothers Middle by David Compton, Madeline brought LM Montgomery’s Anne of and daughters. The play spans four Magee played Josie and Rebecca Green Gables to perfect life – even the generations over a period of time from Miskelly was Fran in a cautionary tale hair colour was right! Classic drama 1942 to 1987 but also shows all the about confessing your misdeeds to a continued with Maccah Thompson as generations meeting and playing as friend. Sarah Patterson was a powerful Louka and Gavin Murphy as Sergius children. figure as the abandoned Rosaline in George Bernhard Shaw’s Arms and Capulet in Sharman McDonald’s After the Man. We returned for one final Teechers by John Godber is a comic Juliet, a reworking of Shakespeare’s performance to Oscar Wilde, with exploration of the profound effect of tragedy. Enter a gentleman from RBAI, Caitlin Mellon as Cecily Cardew and school life as seen through the eyes of Rory Douglas-Smith as Ernest Emma Russell as Gwendolen Fairfax. a drama class. Worthing, and Hannah Gibson as Lady Bracknell in a deliciously comic Once again the Drama Department More Light by Bryony Lavery tells scene from Oscar Wilde’s The expresses its appreciation to everyone the story of four concubines of the Importance of Being Ernest. The who made the showcase possible. mighty Chinese emperor mewed up mood darkened considerably with a in his tomb, who refuse to remain confined and make surprising discoveries about the nature of freedom.

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare explores the crises caused by falling in love with the wrong person at the wrong time in a romping comedy. This one featured a Madame Tori Belch, memorably played to the hilt by Caitlin Mellon! AS Drama Monologues & Duologues

In March 2013, the AS Drama class showcased their monologues and duologues in the Maxwell Drama Studio to a select but appreciative audience, ensuring that this compact space was well filled.

Aoife McDonnell was a memorably eccentric and florid Madame Arcati in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit. There was a reprise of Steel Magnolias by Drama AS Antigone Robert Harling, with Angela Gibb as

77 Calamity Jane For three days in November 2012, Cranmore Hall was filled to capacity for a pistol-packing, whip-cracking performance of Calamity Jane, our joint performance with RBAI.

Ms Slevin’s foreword to the souvenir programme promised the audience that they would go home humming all the familiar tunes from the show – The Deadwood Stage, Windy City, and Secret Love. Calamity, she explained, is a tomboy who is certainly capable of embellishing stories of her heroic exploits and lands herself in some trouble when she brings Katie the maid, and not the top star she boasted of, back to Deadwood. Katie falls for Danny, for whom Calamity has a soft spot herself, but in true romantic style all ends Calamity Jane! happily when Calamity herself declares her Secret Love for Wild Bill Hickock. appeared in a variety of productions. Baird captured the always-amusing She would like to continue her passion role of the song-and-dance man and Rehearsals and preparations took for drama after leaving VCB and reluctant female inpersonator Francis several months, beginning in the wishes to study performance at drama Fryer - or should that be Frances? Amy Summer Term of the previous academic school. Her professionalism, energy and Dawson put years of experience to use year. The RBAI boys joined the VCB ability to motivate the rest of the cast as a very memorable Adelaide Adams, girls for rehearsals after school and were much in evidence throughout the the vaudeville show pony. Rattlesnake at weekends, and the energy and months leading up to the show. Charis the bewhiskered old fossil (so say the commitment of the entire cast and bounced around the stage and drew all notes) was delivered with gusto by the staff involved was infectious. eyes to her with her spirited interaction Jack Leckey; the rather overworked Ms Slevin expressed her gratitude with Wild Bill. Matthew Blaney proved Deadwood doctor-cum-undertaker to Miss Williamson and the staff for the perfect foil, with his superficial Doc Pierce was Adam McDonald, Joe their support, in particular to Mr David daredevil swagger and genuine love the bartender was Tom Meharg, Hank Newell whose musical assistance was for our heroine. The eventual happy was Shaun Morris and Pete was Luke much appreciated. Mr Newell is well ending was utterly persuasive and had Murray. Filling the stage with life and known and greatly missed in Victoria the audience misty-eyed. Matthew has colour were the saucy Saloon Girls, the College, where he taught German acted in several performances in RBAI feisty Cowgirls and Cowboys, and the for a short period before moving to a also appears with the Belvoir Players Chorus who gave us a beautiful candle- permanent position in RBAI. We will and Youth Lyric. He aims to enter the lit processional version of Black Hills forgive him because of his contribution business on leaving school but has other of Dakota, a favourite of the reviewer. to the show! interests, such as choreography and music. This was his last opportunity to We have already thanked some of the As Ms Slevin noted, we were indebted appear with VCB and we wish him the team who did not appear on stage, to Mrs Murray who worked tirelessly very best for his future. but the list is considerably longer. to direct, choreograph and produce Mr Winning as stage manager was the show. Mrs Woods ensured that Ryan Gillian has also appeared in assisted by Holly Cox. A superb set was everything was organised through her joint productions of Guys and Dolls contructed by Mr Barrett, Mrs Clarke, constant liaison with the backstage and Hello Dolly! with VCB and has Mr McCaw, Mr Gareth Turkington and front-of-house teams. Mrs Gillian performed with Fusion Theatre. With and Mr Rory Slevin. VCB students our musical director and Mr Winning the surname Gillian, it is no surprise Carolyn Chan, Laura Doran, Sophie our stage manager were simply that he proved a very talented musical Gordon, Rose Griffith, Cushla Little, indispensable. Putting on a show is a performer. He was a lovable Danny, Kelly Maxwell, Niamh Nixon, Bethan real team effort, and the team can an excellent partner to Maccah O’Donnell, Basma Salem and Aska be assured that all their efforts were Thompson’s Katie. Anyone watching Yousaf were indispensable in support. worth it. the poised comedy of Maccah would Miss Faloona and Miss Cassidy were have been very surprised to learn that challenged as wardrobe mistresses but Our own Charis McRoberts was a this was her debut performance, but she rose, of course, to the task. Make- magnificently convincing Calamity, is a student of Drama at A-level and her up and hair were the domain of Mrs a hard-bitten, gun-totin’ heroine excellent training showed itself. Jordan Loane and Miss Lynch. Photographer according to her brief. A seasoned Muxlow gave us a suitably nervous and Mr Austin reigned supreme in Sound performer and singer, Charis is a erratic Henry Miller; Petra Wells was and Lighting with the team of Anna member of Youth Lyric and has a flirtatious and winsome Susan; Jacob Bennett, Roisin Crossen, Ruth Finlay,

78 Calamity Jane Black Hills of Dakota Charlotte Hillan, Rebecca Mercer of selling tickets, and as ever Miss Here’s to the next show at RBAI – and Perrie McMahon-McKeever. Baine led the catering team. Thanks Little Shop of Horrors! Dr Thompson and Mr Barrett were also to our caretakers Mr Beattie and props managers. Miss Scott performed Mr Lorimer who had some very late Dr J Brown the unseen but very necessary role evenings.

GCSE Drama was well portrayed by Amba Taylor, delivered the roles of Vera and Mickey and Saskia Colgan as Chris and Jenna respectively. Connie Dalton as Olive Showcase Thompson as Maggie completed this and Sinead Leyden as Florence were ensemble of many moods. In The the eponymous couple, and Sinead in This is always a very enjoyable Exam, Shannan Kincaid’s experience particular displayed great vocal range. opportunity for the GCSE Drama class in multi-roling was obvious in her Bringing the evening to a conclusion, to perform their work to a receptive performance as the Dad in The Teacher the satirical Government Inspector audience of parents, staff and friends. and the Ghost; Emely Björkman- was given an up-to-date topical This year Cranmore Assembly Hall Loney played Andrew, Niamh Dougal adaptation. This slick performance was hosted the performance on 21 March Miss Baxendale, the ‘ex’ and Mrs B; full of energy and made brilliant use 2013. Rebecca Furphy was Bea, and Aimee of music and props. Every performer Putt was an amusingly convincing had real stage presence: Grace Elwood First up was Steel Magnolias, a Chas. There was good interplay as a Councillor, Jane Matthews as the favourite for the chance to show off between all the characters. Heidi Mayor, Connie Nicholl as a Councillor accents from the Southern States of Robinson attracted many laughs for and Meredith Telford as a Councillor America, excellent use of freeze- her portrayal of a naughty Grandma and Con Man – two distinct roles, we frame and strong female roles. Even Alma in Here Comes the Bride. Sarah hasten to add. in a heavily edited script, distinct Craig as Emily likewise proved a personalities emerged clearly: Caitlin big presence, but Rebekah Gillian as Mrs Burn was presented with a bouquet Diver as Clairee, Alicia Haydock Millie, Julie Murray as Georgia and at the conclusion of the performances. as Annelle, Ciara Parkhill as Truvy, Kelly Wilson as Carolyn were very Meghan Hoey as M’Lynn, Yemaya supportive in their roles. The Odd On behalf of the Drama Department Moffett as Ouiser, and Petra Wells as Couple has proved a very popular and students, Mrs Burn and Mrs the central character the brave and showcase piece in the past, and this Donnan would like to take the tragic Shelby. Dancing At Lughnasa performance used Spanish language opportunity to thank everyone who followed, and particular credit goes to to great comic effect with Agueda helped and gave their support, Rose Kane for multi-roling as Rose Sanchez as Manolo and Rowanne Al- especially Mr Austin who recorded and Gerry. Kate’s suffering and despair Halabi as Jesús; these actresses also the performances.

79 Shakespeare Bard’s famous love stories, this one is up first. A break for lunch and a little twisted and very, very confusing. relaxation time meant that we were in Schools back and ready to go by six. Victoria The journey has been long for the College provided a little pre-show “All the world’s a stage, and all the budding young actresses who have entertainment, dancing to the tracks men and women are merely players.” been rehearsing since May to produce from the performance like Rihanna’s This, the most famous line from the wonderful show, but the results We Found Love and Combine William Shakespeare’s As You Like were clearly worth it. Before they even Harvester by The Wurzels. Even the It, formed the motif for the 2012 began acting they had to familiarise other schools got involved and with a Victoria production of the play. The themselves with the language of little help from the organisers everyone girls’ performance was part of the Shakespeare which can be baffling at was excited and ready to go. Shakespeare in Schools Festival and the best of times, let alone when you’re they joined over 700 primary and trying to perform with it. As the girls As we took our places, last-minute secondary schools and thousands of worked with tutors and members of the nerves were setting in but this was young people as part of the festival. English Department their understanding the kind of pressure that was about to This was a chance for them to perform of their lines grew and so did their produce theatrical gold. The actresses in front of a big audience in the MAC confidence. It was amazing to see the fought off the butterflies and performed Theatre, one of Northern Ireland’s most transformation from nervous students spectacularly the piece which Mrs Burn prestigious venues. struggling with their lines to dukes, had created. There were moments of nobles, farmers and wrestlers strutting pure hilarity supported by the skilful The plot centres around a young girl across the stage. A trip to the Black Box use of accents which the girls used to named Rosalind and her best friend to work with a professional director liven up the entire show. There was Celia who are outcast by the new, evil also helped the cast to get a real insight also variety in the performance which duke who has already exiled Rosalind’s into the world of theatre and was a used dynamic effects to create powerful father. The two set off into the forest, particular treat. and dramatic scenes to compliment the accompanied by Touchstone the jester, comedic ones. The performance went in disguise. Celia becomes the poor On the day of the performance, smoothly with the perfect balance of Aliena and Rosalind pretends to be the entire cast and a few Year 14 realism and fairy tale to showcase every a young man to protect them from technicians arrived at the MAC to aspect of the actresses’ talents. They thieves. On their journey they encounter warm up and run through a couple of truly started the show with a bang and some unlikely allies such as the love- rehearsals. Already, it was looking good it was yet another amazing production sick farmer Silvius, a grumpy official and the organisers there really enjoyed directed by Mrs Burn. Everyone called Jaques and Rosalind’s own their performance. They provided some involved had an amazing experience father. Rosalind even falls in love with last-minute feedback and noted that and will never forget the Shakespeare in a brave young man named Orlando and our opening scene was the best of the Schools Festival. Here’s to many more! tricks him into loving her, despite being day. So out of the three schools who disguised as a boy. Much like all of the were performing that night, we were Jade Sheppard Year 14 Carol Service

Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, beautifully decorated for Christmas, hosted the traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday 16 December. Staff, parents, pupils and guests filled this lovely building. Once again Mr McCaw provided an inspiring cover to the Order of Service with his pen-and-ink drawing of Drumglass House in the snow, which you can see here.

After a new arrangement of Ding Dong Merrily on High, Alex Cooper as soloist led the processional carol of Once In Royal David’s City. The service followed the traditional pattern of nine lessons and carols. The readers Drumglass House by Mr McCaw eagerly anticipated contributions to were Abby Palmer (Prep 7), Emily the Carol Service, and they performed Thompson (Year 8), Melanie Wilson 14) and Dr Callendar of the Board of Sleep, Little Child with Cara Morwood (Year 9), Kristina Bell (Year 10), Emma Governors. and Abby Palmer on flutes, and a Henderson (Year 11), Ellen Beattie delightful Calypso Carol. (Year 12), Alex Cooper (Year 13), The Preparatory Department Choir has Rebekah Milligan (Head Girl, Year established itself as one of the most The Junior Choir performed Tonight

80 in Bethlehem by Ellen Beattie, whose Sweet Little Jesus Child (soloists WaterAid and Disability Sports NI. sister Hannah performed the solo, Ellen Beattie, Petra Wells and Maccah and Rutter’s Star Carol. The Junior Thompson) arranged by Neaum and the Many people worked hard to create this Chamber Choir performed Emma traditional French carol Sing We Now very special service. Our thanks to the Gilmartin’s composition Sing Lullaby of Christmas. piano accompanists Emma Gilmartin, and another beloved Rutter item, the Jenny Chiu and Mrs Guthrie, to the Shepherd’s Pipe Carol. Amy Dawson The College Orchestra concluded Fisherwick Presbyterian Church Mrs V took the lead in the stunning Senior the service after the prayers and Ireland, and of course to our conductors Choir rendition of the challenging benedictions with a seasonal medley Mrs Murray, Mrs Gillian, and Mrs and stirring Hodie by Gardner which of Holiday Greetings arranged by Guthrie. A special word of thanks and the Choir had taken to the All-Island Swearingen. At the end of the service encouragement to our Year 12 GCSE Choral Competition Finals, and another there was a retiring collection, the Music students whose carols were of his pieces, The Holly and the Ivy. proceeds of which were donated to performed this evening. The Chamber Choir sang the spiritual our two school charities for the year, Choral singing in through to the final round which Ballymena on Monday 15 October. was hosted in Londonderry and we Victoria College Choir sang Hodie by Victoria College came in second place, as we reported John Leavitt and Gwyn Arch’s acapella in last year’s magazine. This was a arrangement of Down by the Sally The Junior and Senior Choirs consist great opportunity for Victoria girls to Gardens. The other competitors were of girls from Year 8 to 14 and are a represent not only the Choir but the Methodist College Belfast, Ballyclare great opportunity for young girls who school itself. High School, St Michael’s, Lurgan and love to sing to take part in Choir and St Mary’s Londonderry. It was a very Chamber Choir competitions. During This year the Choir entered the exciting competition and while we were the last two years the choirs have competition for the third time. We disappointed not to go through to the entered a number of competitions were selected to compete in one of All-Island final, we learned a great deal including the All-Island Choral four all-island regional finals of the from the experience. Competition which is hosted by Competition which is run by Co- RTE. During the second year of the operation Ireland. The competition Rebekah Gillian Year 12 competition the Senior Choir got was held in the Braid Arts Centre, Show Stoppers original and Adele’s cover version. antiphonal ‘Cuckoos’. Caitlin Diver Emma Gilmartin took to the piano to created a warm, expressive sound in a and more play Sibelius’s Romance with passion. setting for trumpet of Gabriel’s Oboe She was joined by Rebecca Guirov, by Morricone. The Senior Choir gave The Music Department put on its Lucy Hellawell and Petra to perform us May It Be by Ryan and a very well annual and eagerly anticipated Spring a very strong setting of Ubi Caritas received setting of Coldplay’s Fix You Term concert entitle Show Stoppers and by Gjelo with demanding timing and both of which showed off their warm, More on Tuesday 12 March in a well- harmonies which gave the plainsong beautiful tones in the lower voice range. filled Cranmore Assembly Hall. real warmth. The Junior Choir brought One of the highlights of the evening the first part of the evening to a rousing was Lucy Hellawell’s cello solo, The Junior Chamber Choir can always conclusion with a delightful Disney Faure’s Élégie. She was heard with rapt be relied on to open a show in style, medley which had the young and not so attention and granted warm applause and the dreamy harmonies of the young tapping their feet and humming for her centred, moving performance. classic Somewhere Over The Rainbow along – or perhaps that was just the The Junior Choir were our closing was just the ticket. The choir showed Editor, who has a soft spot for Aladdin, act, and delighted us with a medley excellent discipline, breath control and The Little Mermaid and Beauty and from Sister Act, featuring ‘Sister’ diction. Led by Emma Gilmartin, the the Beast. Shamia Quinn distinguished Amy Dawson, clear as a bell and with College Orchestra followed with the herself in her crystal-clear solo. suitable tongue-in-cheek solemnity. jaunty Cartoon Capers underpinned Accompanying were Jenny Chiu, Beth by a solid percussion section, and the Everyone enjoyed refreshments in Garrett and Emma Gilmartin, with very popular Can You Feel The Love the canteen provided by Miss Baine Declan Rice and Corey-Jayde Scott on Tonight? with a sweet brass sound and her team. Then the Junior Chamber percussion. What an enjoyable evening from Rebecca Johnson. We returned Choir opened the second half of the it was. Congratulations to Mrs Gillian to vocal performance with Petra concert with The Hills Are Alive and and Mrs Murray. Wells’ confident and believable O Mio Singing In The Rain. The beautifully Babbio Caro by Puccini which suited pitched key changes put a smile on all Thanks from the Music Department her admirably. Kirsty Carruthers, Emily our faces. Ellen Beattie sang Mozart’s go as always to the music tutors and Coyle and Jennifer Salmon showed Voi Che Sapete with assurance, and to those who provided technical and perfect synchronisation in Handel’s La Jenny Chiu’s Polonaise in C# Minor practical assistance, notably Mr Barrett, Rejouissance. A well balanced Senior by Chopin was full of feeling. Unity Mr Austin, Miss Baine and Corey- Choir gave us Adiemus and a strikingly of tone marked the Senior Chamber Jayde Scott. syncopated Make You Feel My Love, Choir’s lyrical, enigmatic I Am Not with lush blues chords creating Yours (Childs) and When Daisies Dr J Brown harmonies very different from Dylan’s Pied (Rutter), and we all enjoyed the

81 Sport

Cross Country

This year was the coldest on record for our hardy cross country runners. The club began in October and the girls competed in the District, Ulster and Irish finals for the fifth year in succession. There were also competitions run by Belfast City Council for Years 8, 9, 10 and Prep. The GCSE PE class officiated and received certificates and thanks at the City Hall reception with the Lord Mayor.

The District Championships were held at Ormeau Park in February. Team results were outstanding. The Prep Team, Minis (Year 8), Intermediates and Seniors all took first place. The Minors and Juniors took second Cross Country Team place. Individual results were also highly gratifying. Maeve Hoyt took first place in the Minor Girls, Georgia Dick third and Harriet Gilmore fourth in the Intermediate Girls, and Rebecca Harvey second and Rebecca Getty third in the Senior Girls.

As usual the Ulster Finals were held at Mallusk and as usual it was cold and “muck to the eyeballs”. There is a wonderful photograph of an exhausted Harriet Gilmore lying in the mud after her race, but I promised her I wouldn’t put it in the school magazine! It’s a pity, as it summed up the day - our girls gave their all, and did us proud in horrible conditions. Results were as follows. The Minis took 12th place and the Minors seventh, with the best placed Victoria College pupil Rebecca Warnock who finished 27 out of 115 competitors. Cross Country Intermediates are Ulster Champions again! The Juniors took second place, and impressively Caitlyn Harvey was Seniors won third place, with Rebecca but the race itself must have been the second in a race with 100 competitors. Harvey 11th, and Rebecca Getty longest, most arduous the girls had ever Amy Edwards was 26th, and also coming in 22nd. Well done to all our experienced. on the team were Robyn Chambers, competitors. All of Victoria College’s Natasha Patterson and Lauren Coulter. teams qualified for the Irish Finals. There was sleet and a biting wind with The Intermediates were Ulster This year, thankfully, the competition a wind chill factor of minus 3. Miss Champions once again! Georgia Dick was held at the University of Ulster Stewart was at Jordanstown all day. At was fifth, Harriet Gilmore 11th, Esmee at Jordanstown. This meant we didn’t 9 am she had umpired the 2Bs hockey Hall 13th, and Ella Davis 16th. The have a long journey to get to the event match and then stayed on for the cross-

82 country in the afternoon. Even though she was wrapped up, she declared it was the coldest day of her teaching career! She had such sympathy for the runners in their vests and shorts. Poor Harriet Gilmore stepped off the course during the run, as although Harriet is an experienced runner, she couldn’t stick the cold. Rebecca Harvey’s grimace on her face as she ploughed through the mud will be ever remembered.

How fantastically well the girls did that day. The standard in Ireland is high. The Intermediate Team was the highest placed Ulster school in Ireland and was placed fifth. The Senior Team was eighth, the Juniors sixth and Maeve Hoyt was the highest placed Minor in 32nd place. Ella Davis Rebecca Harvey Athletics Club held at the Antrim Forum on 20 May 2013. Unfortunately the weather was A large number of girls come to horrendous with torrential rain all Athletics Club throughout the Summer day. By 6 pm Miss Stewart had run Term. The jumpers, throwers and out of dry clothes having changed runners work hard to improve their three times during the day. Having techniques and times. wrung out her third pair of socks she ended up barefoot. How the athletes District Finals even competed was unbelievable. It was declared the worst ever The District Athletics Team was conditions for the competition. selected after trials and they attended the Antrim Forum on Friday 17 However the results held plenty of and Saturday 18 May. Twenty-two sunshine for Victoria College, notably schools competed in the District B for Ella Davis the Ulster Intermediate Championships. Rachael Henderson Girls’ Champion in the 800m, Amy took the victor’s palm in the Senior Edwards the Ulster Junior Girls’ Girls’ 200m, and Rebecca Harvey Champion in javelin, and Emma won the 1500m and took second Henderson, Silver Medallist in the place in the 3000m, a testament to Intermediate Girls’ discus. Emma her fitness. Emma McAllister won McAllister was sixth in the Intermediate the Intermediate 200m, with Bronagh Girls’ 200m and eighth in the 300m, McCann taking sixth place in the same and Jane Matthews fifth in the 300m. race. Jane Matthews and Emma took Sarah Lemon was third in the high first and second in the Intermediate jump. Harriet Gilmore was seventh in 300m, and Ella Davis crossed the the Intermediate 800m, and Zoe Jane line first in the 800m with teammate Emma Henderson at the Irish Dickson claimed sixth place in the Harriet Gilmore in third. Esmée Hall Championships Intermediate long jump with 4.81m. showed her endurance taking sixth There were excellent performances in the Intermediate 1500m. Kelly in 75m hurdles, and the Relay Team from Rebecca Harvey, fourth in Senior Maxwell took fourth place in the 300m took the third spot overall. Lauren Rea 1500m and fifth in 3000m, and from hurdles, and the Intermediate Relay came fourth in shot, and Amy Edwards Rachael Henderson, fifth in the Senior Team came third overall. Zoe Jane fifth in discus and second in javelin. 200m. The Junior and Intermediate Dickson came third in the long jump, Representing our youngest athletes, Relay Teams were placed sixth and and Bronagh McCann fourth in shot. Rebecca Warnock ran sixth in the joint sixth overall respectively. Emma Henderson threw best in discus, Minor 800m, and Natasha Donnelly and Kelly Maxwell came fourth in took fifth in Minor shot, with the Minor Irish Championships javelin. It is good to see younger talent Relay Team coming fourth overall. coming through with some promising The Aviva Irish Schools’ Track and performances in the Junior section. Ulster Championships Fields Championships were held on 1 Robyn Chambers took fifth place June in Tullamore Harriers Stadium, Co in Junior 800m. Maeve Hoyt came All of these girls qualified for the Offaly, and the top two Track and top second in 1500m, Sophie Gormley fifth Ulster final which was, as usual, three Field qualified for this event. Amy

83 Edwards placed seventh in the Junior was Laura McLaughlin. Year 8 javelin with a throw of 22.96m. Ella champion over 800m was Rebecca Davis came sixth in the Intermediate Warnock, with Maeve Hoyt taking 800m. Emma Henderson came seventh first place in Year 9 and Caitlyn in Intermediate discus with a throw Harvey in Year 10. No surprise that of 23.23m. Well done to those who these ladies also appear in the list of represented our school so creditably. successful cross country runners. The Year 8 Form Relay Race was won by Sports Day 8Elwood; in Year 9 9Murray won, and in Year 10 10Thompson reigned Sports Day was held on Friday 19 supreme. April and once again it was well supported by our pupils who were On the field, Amy Harvey was the not faced with external examinations. Year 8 winner of the long jump. In Indeed in total 136 girls participated. Year 9, Sarah Montgomery narrowly Competitions were held in 100m, pipped Ella Flanaghan to first place, 200m, 800m, Relay (always hotly and in Year 10 Amy Edwards and contested), shot put, long jump, and Natasha Patterson could not be high jump. Again the GCSE pupils separated. There were similar stories were excellent officials after their in other field events. Saffron Kargbo training course. and Georgia Heatherley of Year 8 tied for first place in shot put; Lucy Hamilton took first place in Year Badminton: Kelly Maxwell at the Ulster Schools 9 and Lauren Rea was undisputed Championships champion in Year 10. Three winners Rebecca Getty Results were as follows: cleared the same height in Year 8 high jump: Amy Harvey, Catherine Rebecca Getty of Year 11 achieved McCreesh and Georgia Ross. Erin her first cap for the Ulster Senior The 100m Year 8 winner was Aimee Crawford, with Charlotte Blundell won in Year 9, and Sarah Badminton Team on 13 April in the Lemon took first prize in Year 10. English County Championships in Hill winning in Year 9 and Natasha Patterson in Year 10. Year 10 alone Cambridge against the home county. With thanks to Chloe Ashe Ulster won both matches played at competed at 200m, and the winner 12-3 and 14-1, becoming Division champions. This means that they will be promoted! Rebecca, whose Dance Diamond Dance playing has recently been described as “brilliant”, won her singles Teenage kicks at Diamond Dance is a dance group matches and enjoyed the whole held in Stranmillis Primary School hall experience. Our congratulations to the Ulster Hall by Paula. We have our dance classes on Rebecca on what we hope is the first a Friday night. The group is privately of very many caps for the Province! Teenage Kicks is a dance mentoring run but involves many pupils from programme bringing schools and Victoria College. We do a mixture of community groups together from aerobic exercise and contemporary across Belfast. With high-impact dances. There are different age groups, dance routines led by Energy Fitness and I am in the Juniors which is for guru Freddy Kinnersley aka “Fitness Years 8 to 10. We practise lots during Freddy”, the young people take the year and at the end of it all we do part in six weeks of tuition with the a show in May in a local theatre. We teenagers becoming the mentors usually use the Stranmillis College and leading the younger children theatre, but this year we held it in the through their dance moves. Victoria Lisburn Island Arts Theatre as the College performed in two dance College theatre wasn’t big enough! routines which involved 25 pupils, During the year we also participate in 12 from Year 8 and 13 from Year a competition called NICMAC. We are 10. This roof-raising finale gave the always trying to impress Paula as she children the opportunity to show off picks the team for NICMAC. If you their moves and demonstrate their are good enough to get into the team, increased confidence, self-esteem and then you have to go to practices on self-belief. Thursday as well as Friday. I enjoy it so much as it is a good place to catch up with friends, get exercise and meet new people.

Rebecca Getty Grace Bannon Year 8

84 Equestrian Team and Abi achieved the same result at to Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire 90cm on Grace after achieving 85cm for the prestigious National Pony Congratulations to Abi Carlisle and and fifth place in her class in the Two Club Championships as part of Morgan Hirst, both of Killultagh Pony Phase event at Tyrella in March. At the Intermediate Dressage Team. Club, who continue to enjoy success the Home Championships in August, Although at 14 she was one of the in showjumping on Keltroy and in Morgan and her horse Gay Gordon youngest in her group, she took Intermediate Dressage. In February were part of the Killultagh Diamonds second place in Arena C on Tanino 2013 at the Meadows Equestrian team which came in second place in de Permanca. Centre, Morgan jumped a double their class. After taking part in the clear round at 80cm on Heaven Sent, area finals, Abi travelled in August Mrs J Haugh Camogie

Year 8

The Year 8 girls trained diligently every week throughout the academic year. Many of the players were new to camogie and had to learn the basic skills and even the rules of the game. And so in late November we made our way to our first competitive outing at a freezing cold Woodlands more in hope than expectation. There was no room for sentiment, however, as our first fixture saw us come up against one of the strongest teams Belfast has to offer – St Genevieve’s. The game Under 12 Camogie Squad narrowly lost their first match 4-5 exploded into raw physicality as the despite scores from Rachael VCB girls simply pulled up their socks McCormack (two), Kirsten Matthews and tore into the opposition. Cate and Charlotte Little. Goals from Cate Blaney and Rachael McCormack were Blaney and Darcey Smyth for our Blue immense in midfield, as hungry as if team were sufficient to earn them a 2-1 they hadn’t been fed for two weeks. win in their initial outing. The Maroon There was a telling moment in the team drew their second match 2-2 with first half that summed them up. Cate scores from Rachael McCormack and Blaney had the ball in midfield and Charlotte Little while the Blue team she glanced up to see where she might also drew their second match by the deliver it. She noticed, not for the first same scoreline. The final match of the time, that there were no options open day saw us put out our best combined to her. So she opted to pull hard and team against St Dominic’s best. Megan the sliothar sailed between the posts. Rea and Natasha Donnelly defended St Genevieve’s equalised. Kirsten bravely but despite excellent goals Matthews worked very hard in the from Hannah MacLaren and a brace half-forward lines and was a sprite- from Kirsten Matthews, we lost 3-5. like presence everywhere. Goalkeeper Charlotte Little was chosen as player Nicole Savage pulled off some great of the day! saves and Megan Rea proved to be a very effective centre half-back. This In May the Year 8 girls put on a great game could have swung either way; performance over on the Ravenhill it was always going to be decided by Road against Aquinas, one of the top a piece of opportunism. As the match Year 8 Emma and Cate stretch for the camogie schools in Belfast, if not drew to a close the pressure increased Sliothar further afield. Áine Ni Nia-Meggitt like a machine rattling, with every rivet, did a fine job in goal, behind a very bolt, clasp and staple popping, and great well-deserved victory 2-0. Our final strong defence admirably led by gasps of steam issuing forth. There was fixture saw us defeat Slemish College Hannah MacLaren and Georgia indeed one great opportunist strike but by the same scoreline, with the scores Heatherley. In midfield Georgia Ross it went in favour of the opposition. Our coming from Rachael McCormack proved to be outstanding on her debut, second fixture saw us play Fortwilliam, and Kirsten Matthews. An excellent laying down a firm marker for a place a chance to regroup. Miss Faloona’s day for the squad! on the school team. Alongside her enthusiastic encouragement from the Rachael McCormack caused all sorts sideline coaxed a bravura performance In December we entered two Year of problems for the opposition while up from the girls. Goals from Cate Blaney 8 teams in an Under-12 indoor front Harriet Bedi and Rebecca Bunn and Rachael McCormack secured a development blitz. The Maroon team constantly threatened their opponents’

85 goal. Well-taken scores from Cate Year 9 to-face with local rivals, St Dominic’s Blaney (1-1), Alexandra Luke (1-0) and from the Falls. This proved to be a hard Charlotte Little (1-0) meant we were in The Year 9 camogie squad trained fought and physical encounter. VCB a strong position to win the match and tenaciously throughout the Autumn ruthlessly punished their opponents’ in the dying seconds we almost did so Term in an effort to prepare themselves shortcomings and as they picked up the but the ball went agonisingly wide by adequately to compete against some rhythm their performance soared. Every a few centimetres. Nevertheless this of the best schools in the county. Our player on the pitch had to fight their was a very impressive performance by first match saw us draw with Slemish own personal battle in order for us to a talented group of camόgs. Their final College thanks to a splendid goal retain possession. Like orchard workers outing of the year involved a trip to from Captain Emma Cruikshank. In in the autumn, Catherine Lavery and Woodlands to participate in the annual our second fixture a brace of scores Emma Cruikshank plucked down as summer Blitz. Kirsten Matthews scored from midfielder Catherine Lavery and much as they could grab and tossed it all three goals as we beat St Dominic’s defender Ella Flanagan was enough to back up to the forwards, who were now 3-0 in the first encounter. Our second secure victory against Fortwilliam. Our displaying a feral hunger. Goals from match saw us win 2-0 thanks to a brace third fixture was our toughest challenge Emma O’Prey, Catherine Lavery and of goals from Hannah Sproule. In our to date, against St Patrick’s, Ballymena, an own goal proved sufficient to gain a final match, goals from Charlotte Little a veritable hotbed of skilled camόgs. St deserved if unlikely 3-1 victory. These and Hannah MacLaren were enough Pat’s clattered into their opponents spring-heeled players have made to secure a 2-1 win over Fortwilliam. from the start to give notice that tremendous progress, none more so Georgia Ross in midfield and Hannah nothing would be easily won. Despite than centre half-back Megan Horner Sproule up front were outstanding Catherine Lavery scoring the goal of who played a sweeping role in most while Mia Magee made an impressive the match with a superb individual matches, effectively shutting down debut. We were the only school to enter effort, we lost to the better team on the any attacks. Well done to all the squad a B team and they also competed very day. Our final fixture saw us come face- members. well, Anna Brennan and Jill Cardwell catching the eye in particular. This proved to be a very successful day and a great way to finish the season.

Under 12 Camogie Squad: Rebecca Bunn Georgia Ross Harriet Bedi Georgia Heatherley Megan Rea Cate Blaney Darcey Smyth Charlotte Little Emilia Cutrona Anna Brennan Aimee Crawford Rachael McCormack Hannah MacLaren Kirsten Matthews Under-14 Camogie Squad Alice Kennedy Áine Ni Nia-Meggitt Nicole Savage Natasha Donnelly Andrea Reilly Sarah Hand Nina Fitzpatrick Lucia Rice Hannah Sproule Alexandra Luke Emma Antal Jill Cardwell Orlaith Mulholland Katy Kerr Olivia Duffy Aisha Mulholland Morales Eimear McGarvey Rebecca Warnock Ellie Hanley Under-14s in action against Aquinas

86 Gaelic Football Year 9 Squad: Gaelic Athletic Club Ellen Ritchie Year 8 Nicole Zheng Prizewinners 2013 Bethany Acton Camogie In June we sent a Year 8 squad of Georgia McMahon two teams to the annual Development Year 8 Takota Kirk Blitz at Cherryvale. Both teams Catherine Lavery Player of the Year: performed very well against very Tiarna Press Rachael McCormack tough opposition. The A team faced Aoife Mooney St Patrick’s, Keady, St Mark’s, Sian Mulligan Most Improved Player: Warrenpoint and St Mary’s, Emma Cruikshank Hannah MacLaren Magherafelt. The highlight of the day Megan Horner Blitz Most Valuable Player: was a hard-fought victory against Ara McCartan Hannah Sproule Assumption, Ballynahinch. Cate Emma O’Prey Blayney and Darcy Smyth were Eimear Maguire Blitz Most outstanding in midfield but the most Erin Donnelly Impressive Debutant: valuable contribution came from Ella Flanagan Mia Magee Hannah Sproule who was hugely Indoor Blitz valuable as a sweeper, keeping all Under-14s Most Valuable Player: opposition at bay and fielding with Charlotte Little great assurance. Catherine Minford and Molly Porter stood out for the B In May the Under-14 camόgs travelled Aquinas Match Player to play Aquinas Grammar School, one team in their matches against St Pius, of the Match: Magherafelt and Sacred Heart, Newry. of the top camogie schools not only Georgia Ross in Belfast but perhaps in the north of Ireland. Packed with experienced Year 9 Year 8 Development Squad: players from Bredagh GAC, Aquinas Player of the Year: proved to be formidable opposition and Megan Ingram our girls struggled to keep up in the Kirsten Matthews (Captain) opening third of the match. Mercifully, Year 10 Darcey Smyth as the sun broke through in the second Megan Rea Player of the Year: Cate Blayney third, we grew in confidence and began Lauren Henderson to move the sliothar around the beautiful Aine Ni Nia Meggitt 3G pitch with greater conviction. Andrea Reilly Lauren Henderson, Diana Walmsley Eimear McGarvey and Cate Blaney began to win more Gaelic Athletic Club Hannah Sproule of the midfield battles, thus ensuring Emma Antal more supply to the forward lines. Prizewinners 2013 Lucia Rice Caroline Hannon and Amy Edwards Gaelic Football Sarah Hand both registered fine scores. Excellent Anna O’Hara defending by Megan Ingram and some Year 8 Molly Porter superb goalkeeping from Sarah Hanley Hannah-Rose Glover Player of the Year: Heidi Russell kept the opposition at bay. The Year Kirsten Matthews 8 girls did themselves proud against Catherine Minford the bigger and older Aquinas players; Most Improved Player: this bodes well for the future. Darcey Smyth Under-14s Blitz Most Valuable Player Under-14 Squad: A Team: The Under-14 squad commenced the Caroline Hannon Cate Blayney new Ulster League season with a Diana Walmsley Blitz Most Valuable Player difficult fixture against St Colmcille’s, Gina Gilmartin B Team: Crossgar. Our defence laboured Lauren Henderson Catherine Minford diligently to contain the Crossgar Sarah Hanley forwards. Lauren Henderson and Year 9 Phoebe Hagan Sarah Hanley used their pace and Amy Edwards Player of the Year: strength to cause all sorts of problems Orla Flanagan Eimear Maguire for the opposition in the middle of the Megan Rea park. Diana Walmsley’s tackling and Year 10 Cate Blaney Gina Gilmartin’s physicality made an Darcey Smyth Player of the Year: effective impact also. But it was the Rachael McCormack Diana Walmsley younger girls, Cate Blaney and Year 8 Hannah MacLaren Player of the Year Kirsten Matthews, Megan Ingram Most Improved Player: who impressed most as they ran at Kirsten Matthews Sophie Robinson the opposition, winning every tackle

87 the Year and Captain Eimear Maguire was effective throughout, constantly harrying her marker. Megan Ingram’s rise continues apace at wing-back and there were eye-catching displays from Sian Mulligan in the half-forwards and Sarah Hanley in midfield. Sarah is now a little beyond the stage of youthful promise but her leadership and cool head was crucial in winning the midfield battle. With VCB dominating in the middle of the park, copious ball was supplied to the inside forwards around the square who duly obliged with plenty of accurate shooting. Emma Cruickshank and Catherine Lavery were afforded all the acres they needed and they took full advantage. Between them they were responsible for seven goals and three points. With further points from Sian Mulligan, Gina Gilmartin and Eimear Maguire, victory was assured. The Player of the Under-14 Gaelic Football Squad Match award went to Diana Walmsley; nobody worked harder than her to and soloing with confidence. They say spine of the defence in the first half. The achieve this win. The final score was St football is a game of two halves; we won upshot was that we coughed up four Mary’s, Downpatrick 4-5 (17), Victoria the first and Crossgar won the second goals and would have leaked a couple College Belfast 7-6 (27). due to their superior fitness. The final more were it not for Lauren Henderson score: VCB 3-1, St Colmcille’s 7-5. pulling off several fine saves. Whatever Our final league fixture was always changes, Lauren’s dependability going to be a tough challenge – away Our next fixture involved a tricky between the posts won’t. The accuracy to Assumption, Ballynahinch. Our away fixture in Downpatrick against of her kick-outs were reminiscent of a girls acquitted themselves admirably St Mary’s High School. St Brigid’s young Cluxton. In front of her, VCB and kicked some fine scores, including Day, heralding the arrival of spring, motored well and most pleasing of all three goals. Sophie Robinson and had barely passed but there was no sign was the fact that our youngest players Niamh Heaney-Creen were jointly of green shoots on a bitterly cold day were amongst our best performers. awarded the Player of the Match award in the lee of the Mournes. In a match Cate Blaney and Kirsten Matthews, for their tenacious displays but Emma where VCB were the more coherent both Year 8 girls, laboured tirelessly Cruickshank and Darcey Smyth also and effective side, we nevertheless and caused endless problems for the St caught the eye. Assumption won by conceded too much room through the Mary’s half-back line. Year 9 Player of 5-8 to 3-2.

Under-14 Squad: Eimear Maguire (Joint-Captain) Sarah Hanley (Joint-Captain) Niamh Heaney Creen Catherine Macallister Phoebe Hagan Caroline Hannon Laura McLaughlin Sophie Robinson Lauren Henderson Gina Gilmartin Maddie Robinson Sarah Rogers Tiva Mackin-Brown Diana Walmsley Abigail O’Sullivan-Duffy Orla Flanagan Ella Flanagan Emma Cruikshank Charlotte Mulholland Under-14 Gaelic Football St Genevieve’s Shield Finalists Megan Ingram

88

Aoife Mooney Tiarna Press Sian Mulligan Catherine Lavery Cate Blaney Kirsten Matthews Darcey Smyth Emma Antal Rachael McCormack

Under-14 Gaelic Football: St. Genevieve’s Shield

The Year 8 and 9 Gaelic Footballers participated again in this annual Shield competition, but this year we were without some of our best players who were on a school trip to Paris. Exceptional fielding and kicking from Hannah Sproule in the half-back line and solid defending from Teri Johnston Under-16 Gaelic Football Squad were not in a position to field our normal team. The many Under-14 girls compensated to some degree. We county player Maria McPolin, was worked hard and qualified from our who stepped up to the plate did very carried off after only 15 minutes and well but were outgunned by the greater group for the quarter-finals where we had to be taken to hospital. Maria had beat St Paul’s, Claudy from Co Derry experience and pace of the older girls. already scored 1-1 and looked set Nevertheless the performances of with something to spare. In the semi- to do serious damage. Deprived of final we convincingly beat St Louis’ Diana Walmsley in the half-forward her scoring potential, half-back and line, Sian Mulligan (St Brigid’s) and Grammar School, Ballymena. The final Captain Grace McEvoy (St Gall’s and itself was played on a much bigger Sarah Hanley in midfield were a cause Antrim) had to multi-task, sweeping for optimism for the future. pitch and the opposition, Our Lady’s at the back and raiding forward when Grammar School, Newry, exploited opportunities arose. Aided by the the wide-open spaces more effectively, player of the match, Ella Davis, she Under-16 Gaelic Football Squad: fully deserving their victory. Our girls managed to bag three goals. Eimear were nevertheless proud to come away Maguire was magnificent in midfield Grace McEvoy (Captain) with runners-up medals. Maybe next and Tanith Maclynn-Hill laboured year when our squad is not depleted Sophie Shenton solidly in defence in the second half. Alexandra Doran we might bring the Shield back, as we St Benedict’s eventually won by 7-5 did two years ago. Jessica McIntyre to 5-1. Meredith Telford Mr R O’Brien Maria McPolin Our final fixture saw us pitched against Ruth Aicken a very strong and fast team from St Under-16s Ella Davis Patrick’s, Banbridge. Due to ongoing Rebecca Patterson GCSE assessments and injuries, we The Under-16 girls kicked off their Rachel Armstrong 2012-13 Ulster League season with Anastasia Edwards a home fixture against St Patrick’s, Tanith Maclynn-Hill Lisburn. Our girls were slow out Niamh Monaghan of the blocks and found themselves Tess Lysk several points behind by half-time. Our Niamh Heaney-Creen second-half performance was much Lauren Henderson improved and despite an impressive Sarah Hanley player-of-the-match performance from Gina Gilmartin Eimear Maguire of St Gall’s (only Diana Walmsley Year 9), we missed too many glorious Maddie Robinson opportunities to put scores on the board Orla Flanagan and time eventually ran out for us. Sarah Rogers Our second fixture involved a long Sian Mulligan journey to Creggan Kickhams GAC Eimear Maguire on the shores of Lough Neagh where Catherine Lavery St Benedict’s, Randalstown provided the opposition on the 3G pitch. This was an very eventful match indeed. Grace McEvoy and Maria McPolin County Our star half-forward, St Gall’s and Antrim representatives Mr R O’Brien

89 Gymnastics Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, schoolwork and training in the online Northern Ireland, Scotland, Sweden publication Full Twist at http:// Sophie McCoo and Wales. Sophie was named to the fulltwist.net/10-minutes-with-sophie- delegation as the current Irish National mccoo/. Sophie trains at Abbey Gymnastics All Around Senior Champion. Club with her coach Alison McMullan In the course of the past year Sophie in Belfast. On 21 September 2012 With Sophie enjoying such success on was named Northern Ireland Artistic Gymnastics Ireland announced its the beam, it is no surprise that balance Gymnast of the Year, NI Outstanding Women’s Artistic Gymnastics is a very important part of her life. You Gymnast of the Year, Irish Outstanding Delegation for the Northern European can read an interview conducted in Gymnast, and Newtownabbey Sports Championships, a competition which September 2012 with Sophie in which Personality of the Year. Our warmest last year attracted gymnasts from 10 she discusses her disciplined routine of congratulations! nations: Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Golf pushed out carts to freedom, we were covered in mud from head to toe. Victoria College Ladies in Full Swing! Members of Junior School attended golf lessons at Belvoir Golf Club. 2012-2013 was a very successful They are stars of the future. year for the VCB Golf Team. In the Northern Ireland Schools Competition, Mrs J Haugh the Junior Team finished third and the Senior Team fourth. The teams consisted of Jemma Hool, Jessica Bamber, Eva McCartan, Tyne Magee, Susie Rankin and Ara McCartan. Well done, girls!

The ladies also enjoyed a residential golf and spa break. Concra Wood proved to be a formidable course and the wet conditions led to a difficult drive in our golf buggies. After having Ladies driving off at Concra Laura, Caitlin and Emily enjoying training

Hockey defeated Glenlola Collegiate, but Teams but by November she had unfortunately met their match in umpired or watched all 11 Hockey Banbridge Academy. Miss Du Toit Teams in school. Hockey is a tradition in Victoria that coached the Under-13s. Miss Stewart dates back many decades and if you couldn’t juggle the coaching of hockey The Under-12s worked hard and don’t play (why not?) you are missing with the coaching of all the Netball competed in the Schools’ Tournament out. The game has changed in many at Grosvenor. They did very well in the ways and those who watched it in the group section and were unfortunate not Olympics must have been impressed. to make it through to the semi-final. Of course it is not for the faint-hearted. All the teams practised hard and played Do you remember the GB captain many matches but this year belonged playing four days after a terrible to the 1st XI. After defeating Foyle & facial injury?

Our pupils began pre-season training in August. Mr Patrick Grimes resumed his duties in charge of the 1st XI, Mrs Loane took the 2As and Miss McMillan coached the 2Bs and 3rds. They honed their skills at Queen’s in all weathers and competed in three cups. The 2nd As defeated Carrickfergus College and Friends’ School, Lisburn, but lost to Lurgan College. The 2nd Bs won against Wellington but lost to Dromore High School and Sullivan Upper. Miss Lough inherited the Under-14s who went out of the Junior Cup after an Amy Edwards and Rebecca Lobo capped extra-time defeat by Larne Grammar for Ulster Under-16s, at the Inter- Rachael Henderson, capped for Ulster School. In the Junior Plate, they provincials in Cork, October Under-18 Team

90 1st XI with Ms Slevin Londonderry College and the Royal of Victorians Hockey Club. School, Dungannon, they defeated Regent House in the quarter-finals. By When the warm-up was finished, Miss this time, morale was high and reached Stewart went upstairs to watch the fever pitch when they put Ballyclare game. All the neutrals seemed to be High School out of the semi-finals backing Victoria and it was lovely to on penalty strokes, thanks to Azka’s hear so many positive comments about magnificent performance in goals. Not our girls, their support and the standard only did they reach the Senior Schools’ of hockey played by both Lurgan and Cup final but they played exceptionally Victoria. well and gave the whole school a great ‘feel-good factor’. Although Lurgan dominated long periods of play, Victoria defended It was marvellous to welcome back strongly and Azka Yousef pulled off the 1st XI players who competed for some fantastic saves in goal. Having Victoria College in the Cup finals in so much attack and not scoring seemed the 1970s. Their enthusiasm for the to frustrate Lurgan, and by half-time game has never waned and they were it was still nil all. It was only with just inspirational to our present team. eight minutes left that the only goal of With the newspaper and television the game was scored, when a break and coverage there was a real buzz about run from midfield resulted in a goal school for weeks. The final itself was for Lurgan. a wonderful experience for all involved. The scoresheet may not have declared Although disappointed to lose the Victoria the winner but the compliments game, the Victoria girls were delighted which were given to the girls on their to have equipped themselves so well in play, determination, conduct and the front of the largest crowd at a final. The support from our school, were not to Schools’ Hockey President presented be matched. the Victoria girls with their Shield and then both teams and their parents On the day of the final there was great were invited for refreshments and the excitement. In school the girls were cutting of the Cup Final cake. busy making very professional posters to support the team. Others brought Thank you to everyone who supported their musical instruments to make the girls this year and to their coach plenty of noise. There was a long queue Mr Paddy Grimes. The excitement for the face painting. Meanwhile the 1st generated about hockey this year has XI had some quiet time and a team talk had a wonderful impact in school and away from all the buzz. it is hoped the younger generation will be inspired. By lunchtime the team was despatched to Lisnagarvey Hockey Club and The 1st XI and their parents enjoyed an Ulsterbus descended on BT9 as the evening out, and a week after the Cup mass evacuation of pupils began. It final the 1st XI squad went on tour to was lovely to see so many people with Barcelona. Victoria connections at the ground - past pupils, parents, former teachers, Miss P Stewart past players including the previous With thanks to Daragh Bannon Year Senior Schools’ Cup final VCB Cup-winning team and members 12 for additional images of supporters

91 Hockey tour After their amazing season, the 1st XI deserved their tour to Barcelona from 16-19 March, which coincided with the school half-term. Mrs Loane, Ruth McMillan and our coach Paddy Grimes accompanied the team. Straight off the plane from Dublin and unused to the hot, sunny spring weather, we went to our first match, playing against a local girls’ team who were very skilled as hockey is very popular in Spain. We held them well and although they came at us with the first goal, we pushed on and at the end of the half it was 3-1. The next group of girls came on for the second half, a fresh set of legs, but we pushed the Spanish girls to only a 4-2 win, which was well fought on our behalf. After our first match we headed straight to the hotel in a small town called Santa Susanna just outside Barcelona, splitting off into rooms of two and three.

On the second day we went down for breakfast which was great, then went to take part in a Dragon Boating activity. We split into two different boats ready to race on the river, and some girls braved shorts despite the cold wind. Very soon we all went out onto the boats, with Jemma and Emma shouting from the front and hitting the drums. However, then a sudden wind came, which caught everyone off guard and shook both of the boats, not what the girls expected. So as it got worse and we continued to float downstream, the instructors brought us to the river bank, which is when Azka jumped out of the boat like she had never seen land before. After huddling in a small corner to protect us from the wind and several attempts at jumping over fences we finally got a key and went back to the boathouse. We ended up jumping into the pool for a swim. After the swim we all had our first hot meal. That was needed after an interesting packed lunch the night before. We went back to the hotel before going to our next hockey match. We ended up getting lost which was quite a regular occurrence with our bus driver. First the 2nd XI played their match against the Under-16 Team, and they ended up with a convincing win. Then the 1st XI went onto the pitch. They fought hard and ended up with a win of 4-3. After the match we headed back to the hotel for the night. Sadly we had to watch England defeating Ireland at rugby – and on St Patrick’s Day, too. Senior Schools’ Cup final On the third day we went for a walk

92 off to look around. After a successful day in Barcelona we headed back to the hotel for our final meal. After dinner we dressed up within the theme of a ‘T party’: we had everything from Tomato Ketchup and Tellytubbies to Tiger Woods.

The next morning was our last day of tour. It arrived a little quickly for the girls as we were having such a good time. Tour was a brilliant end to a great season for Victoria hockey. After reaching the Schools’ Cup final we Enjoying the match in Barcelona were in high spirits so the tour added to our year. The Year 14 girls especially looked forward to the tour all season as it was our last. It was a great way to end our past seven years of school hockey on a high.

Sophie Pollock Year 13 Battle of the Vic Chicks Straight to the match! On 6 March Victoria College reached the Schools’ Cup Hockey final for the first time in 40 years after a terrific match against Ballyclare High School in the semi-final. The hockey success had a cohesive effect on the school, and the atmosphere was electric with almost the entire school transported to Lisnagarvey Playing Fields to watch us and cheer us on. We were up against an army dressed in black and red. Tensions were running high as the supporters filed in. As the whistle sounded the battle began! Taking on the Barcelona Boys! around Santa Susanna, we walked from - possibly more as we lost count. That For Victoria, Azka Yousef had an the hotel to the beach and stopped off evening we headed back to the hotel amazing performance in goals and in some shops on the way. When we for dinner and went out around Santa earned the praise of many spectators. In were at the beach we ‘chilled’ for a little Susanna. defence, Sophie Pollock who received before heading back to a restaurant for the Player of the Match Award was at lunch. In the afternoon we had a master The next day, our last full day on the back with Kathryn Shane, Emily class with two coaches from a club tour, we got a train to the centre of Mills, Maddy McCavana and Megan outside Barcelona. It was a fun if very Barcelona. After getting on the wrong Halliday. Midfield was made up of demanding final training session held train initially, we switched and were Rachel Hanley, Olivia Blundell, Lizzie by a national coach now living in Spain, on our way to Barcelona. Once in Lawther, and Rachael Henderson. which focused on drills, with even Mrs Barcelona we went for lunch in the Ahead were the forwards Jemma Loane and Ruth McMillan joining in. Hard Rock Cafe then walked down Hool, Jessica Bamber, Kathryn Brown, Las Ramblas and the famous Gaudí Georgia Dick and Eva McCartan. Then we had a match against the men’s cathedral of Sagrada Familia. Some Lurgan came out fighting and we found team from the club. We knew it would girls started their initiations with Maddy our defence had to pull out all the stops. be a difficult match, and it was also an and Alex, both taking tantrums in the Unfortunately Lurgan scored in the unusual one to play for the Year 14s shopping centre and on the main bridge. final ten minutes and Victoria could Emily, Rachael, Maddy, Jemma, Sophie give no more. and Sophie. The opposition came at The group met up again and found us fast despite having a three-touch ourselves surrounding Cody Simpson The experience has encouraged us rule. It was a defensive game the whole even though not many of us know who to keep fighting and perhaps our time; not reaching our attacking circle he was. Unfortunately his ‘super fan’ determination will see us in the final once meant Jemma and Jessica spent Megan Halliday walked straight past this year. their time talking to the opposition’s him! We then took a cultural visit to a goalie. After one half the score was 7-0 church in the centre, and we then split Olivia Blundell Year 13

93 Inspiration from 1973 In March of this year, just a few days before the Schools’ Cup Final when the anticipation was already rising, the team had the privilege of meeting the ladies of the 1973 1st XI Hockey Team, winners of the Schools’ Cup.

We were able to hear about their many inspirational experiences, allowing us to prepare for the big day. As well as enjoying tea and coffee we thoroughly relished the motivational comments of the ladies and support they had shown to us by returning to the school to meet us that day. By the end of the afternoon, we were ready to play the match of our lives!

Georgia Dick Year 12 Hockey 1st XI Team of 1973 cheer us on 1st XI Biographies Jemma Hool Centre forward Sports interests/achievements: Malone Golf Club, school Golf Team, handicap of 9. Possible Career Path: Law Comments on reaching the final: So proud of our team. It is a dream to reach the final of the Schools Cup and in my final year we have done it!

Jessica Bamber Right forward Sports interests/achievements: school Golf Team and Tennis Team. Possible Career Path: finance and accountancy at Edinburgh University. Comments on reaching the final: Shocked, excited and ready to take on Lurgan. 1st XI Hockey Team Olivia Blundell Right mid-field Sports interests/achievements: represented Ulster, Under-16 As and Under-18 Bs; rowing; school Tennis. Comments on reaching the final: Shocked, excited and ecstatic.

Megan Halliday Right back Sports interests/achievements: school Tennis Team, Table-tennis Team (Irish champions); swimming, third in Irish long-course championships; Cross Country, second in Ireland with school Team. Comments on reaching the final: Over the moon!

Rebecca Lobo Left mid-field Sports interests/achievements: Holland tour June 2012 Under-15 A Ulster squad; Belfast Harlequins Hockey Club. 2nd A Hockey Team

94 Possible Career Path: Medicine Sophie Pollock Sweeper Comments on reaching the final: Comments on reaching the final: Sports interests/achievements: Amazing, still has not sunk in. It is like a dream come true, it is the Netball Team, Belfast Under-17 hockey ultimate goal for any young hockey Possible Career Path: Accountancy Kathryn Brown Forward player in Northern Ireland. at Queen’s University Belfast. Sports interests/achievements: Lizzy Lawther Left mid-field/forward Comments on reaching the final: RDA netball, Belfast squad, golf and Sports interests/achievements: Exciting and unbelievable: it is Victorians playing for Ulster Under-15s and everyone’s dream to reach the final of Possible Career Path: Physiotherapy/ Belfast Harlequins 2nds. the Schools’ Cup! dentistry Comments on reaching the final: Comments on reaching the final: Over the moon! Rachel Hanley Centre mid-field An amazing achievement after Sports interests/achievements: second putting in so much hard work. Kathryn Shane Back year on 1st XI, Belfast Under-17s, Sports interests/achievements: netball Victorians Ladies Hockey 2nds. Georgia Dick Forward/winger and hockey for Belfast Under-17s. Possible Career Path: Engineering Sports interests/achievements: Comments on reaching the final: with French Northern Ireland Cross Country Team; Over the moon, best feeling ever. Comments on reaching the final: swimming lifesaving, 800m track I’m so excited to have reached the Possible Career Path: Business Azka Yousaf Goalkeeper final. I have dreamt of this day for Comments on reaching the final: So Sports interests/achievements: a very long time. We have been the excited to be playing for the school in hockey for Belfast Under-17, underdogs for the entire competition. the final for the first time in 40 years. badminton, table tennis and squash Possible Career Path: Medicine Eva McCartan Forward Rachael Henderson Centre mid-field Comments on reaching the final: It is Sports interests/achievements: Sports interests/achievements: Ulster an amazing achievement and it really Golf; Victorians Under-16s and Under-18s hockey; in reflects our commitment to the sport. Possible Career Path: Business athletics I have represented Northern Ireland at UK Schools Games Possible Career Path: Medicine Comments on reaching the final: I have played on the 1st XI for four seasons so making the final in my last year is very special. I have several good friends on the Lurgan team through Ulster Hockey. I believe with hard work we can rise to the occasion and do ourselves proud. I have played both Under-16 and Under-18 Ulster hockey but this is the highlight of my hockey career to date.

Emily Mills Left back Sports interests/achievements: Hockey, gymnastics (also at QUB), 2nd B Hockey Team netball and Victorians hockey. Possible Career Path: Physiotherapist Comments on reaching the final: Shocked!

Madeline (Maddy) McCavana, Centre back Sports interests/achievements: athletics, Ulster Cross Country Districts; represented Victoria College at international sailing championships Possible Career Path: Physiotherapy Comments on reaching the final:I am absolutely ecstatic that our team has come this far. Being in the Schools’ Cup final is something I have dreamed of my entire school career - now it is a reality. I am looking forward to a tough competition - everybody loves the underdogs. 3rd Hockey Team

95 Inter-House Wellington House to question their New this year was a six-a-side Camogie utter impartiality as referees. After a competition held in the fortnight competitions full afternoon of play in which some beginning 13 May on the Junior loyal House members turned out more campus. Each House strove to recruit The absence of Miss Du Toit for than once to make up places, Richmond as many players as possible from Years part of the year was keenly felt by all won with Howard taking the runners- 8 and 9 to have lots of much needed the sport lovers in the various Houses, up spot. It must be observed that these substitutes and to give everybody game but nevertheless a good programme were the full-strength teams where time. After a hard (some would say of competition took place. Once more each match started with fresh legs - viciously) fought final, Marlborough those Houses which fielded teams as Wellington, take note! were 2013 Inter-House champions, large as possible reaped the rewards thanks to Captain Megan Rea and in terms of points. The Netball competition which took team members Georgia McMahon, place in the Spring Term saw Crescent Nina Fitzpatrick, Beth Walker, Emma On a cool December afternoon, Dr victorious on the Junior campus, with Antal, Aisha Mulholland Morales, Oliver and Mr Donaghy oversaw Howard taking the victors’ palms on Harriet Bedi, Eimear McGarvey and the House Soccer competion; far the Cranmore campus. Megan Cochrane. be it from the Editor and Head of Netball

It was a difficult decision, but one that had to be made in May at the AGM. The cost of playing in the Belfast League for Victoria College not only involved the affiliation fee and the cost per team but also the cost per match. Having no ‘home’ matches is expensive as the League must be played in a Sports Hall. Transport costs and hire of halls were proving too expensive for the small number of pupils involved per match, so it was decided to forego the Junior League matches in favour of ‘friendlies’. More pupils could compete, a full busload could be taken to away matches, and no hall fee was needed. Only the Intermediate and Senior Teams were entered in the League.

The players practised hard throughout September and October. We were fortunate to go to Methodist College, Intermediate Netball Team Belfast for three weeks running and to Wellington College twice for practice matches. The League matches began in November. Both Intermediate and Senior Teams fared well but it became impossible to get fixtures for the younger pupils. Other schools were struggling to fit in friendlies with their League matches and other school events.

In November we received an email stating that the Australian Senior Netball coach would be in the Province and asking if any schools were interested in inviting her to lead a session. Victoria was successful at being first in the queue! Miss Stewart collected the coach and took her to Queen’s. We think she was frozen in Northern Ireland and was missing the Australian summer, as she never Junior Netball Team took her coat off throughout the whole

96 Senior Netball Team practice the Australian coach’s drills with a few of our ex-pupils.

Miss Stewart had recruited Lisa McCaffrey who is currently on the Northern Ireland Team to help coach while she was away umpiring the League matches. Thanks are offered to her for her expertise and enthusiasm. Unfortunately Miss Stewart’s consultant declared that her foot injury required six weeks in plaster and, unable to coach, her season with the Team finished prematurely. Thankfully she had already umpired all the matches and was delighted the Senior Team had reached the Division Two final.

In January the Senior squad met Minor Netball Team Sullivan in the Cup final at Lisburn get, it is a chance to compete with Racquets Club. There was a walk-on afternoon. I think we have a bit of more girls their age and also seniors. for all eight Senior and Intermediate catching up to do on our skills and Teams and they were congratulated it seems that not even our top club Miss Stewart went to Our Lady and St on reaching the various finals by the teams in Northern Ireland impressed Patrick’s College one evening to watch Schools’ committee. The Minor and her! Australia are the current World Belfast Ladies’ club and assess Kelly Junior A and B finals had already been Champions and I suppose she is not Maxwell for her GCSE examination. played earlier in the day. The Victoria used to lesser mortals! Nevertheless, the The players had swapped the netball girls were a bit nervous, but played well girls worked hard in training and on her for a medicine ball and were firing it considering their lack of practice and key component of fitness, agility. Miss up and down the hall at speed. When the recent examinations. Sullivan were Stewart attended two other coaching it reached the goal it was delivered out fast and strong and converted more sessions and was reassured that, apart for the shot to be taken with a netball chances than Victoria, so although the from a few new drills, nothing was and then swiftly replaced again. It was game demonstrated good skills from particularly new. fascinating. The speed and dexterity both sides, Sullivan edged ahead and of their ball handling skills would give eventually won 25-15. A presentation It is important that the girls who love Andrew Trimble and Tommy Bowe a of trophies ended an enjoyable day and netball get involved with the club scene. run for their money! Meanwhile back busy season. Apart from the extra practice they at Queen’s, graduates were putting into Miss P Stewart

97 Swimming 2012-2013 has been a very successful season for Victoria College swimmers at all age groups.

October saw the Ulster Secondary Schools Swimming Championships take place in Ballymena. The Inter- mediate Relay Team of Evie Dougan, Esmée Hall, Katie Hayes and Emma Henderson won gold in the 200m Freestyle Relay and silver in the 200m Medley Relay. Emma won silver in the 100m Breaststroke and Esmee Hall won bronze in the 200m Individual Medley.

The Ulster Minor Swimming Championships were held in Ballymena in January. A strong team of Catherine Minford, Darcey Smyth, Rachael McCormack, Maia Dougan, Eve Corry, Sarah Montgomery and Hannah Beattie had some excellent swims setting personal bests throughout the day. Intermediate Relay Team The Age Group 5 Relay Team of Maia, Eve, Sarah and Hannah won a bronze medal in both the Medley and Freestyle Relays. Hannah had great individual success by winning silver in the 50m Freestyle and was placed fourth in the 100m Individual Medley.

At the Ulster Grammar Schools Championships in the Junior section both Maia Dougan and Hannah Beattie had some excellent swims. The Intermediate Relay Team of Katie Hayes, Esmée Hall, Emma Henderson and Sophie Hunter won gold in both the Medley and Freestyle Relays. Individual success came to both Esmée Hall (winning gold in the Junior Relay Team (1) 100m Individual Medley and bronze in the 50m Butterfly) and Emma Henderson winning silver in the 100m Individual Medley and bronze in the 50m Freestyle. In the Senior section Rachael Henderson won silver in the 50m Breaststroke and was placed fifth in the 50m Freestyle. After a long hard day’ competition,Victoria College was crowned the overall Ulster Grammar Schools Champions 2012-2013, a huge achievement.

Special congratulations go to Emma Henderson who was selected on to the Ulster Swim Squad and also represented Ulster in the Inter- provincial Championships where Ulster were crowned Champions.

Mrs H Henderson Junior Relay Team (2)

98 Emma Henderson was a fabulous experience. I was also selected to represent Ulster 2012-2013 was a very busy but Schools in the Inter-provincial exciting and successful year for me Championships held in Dublin in representing Ulster, Great Britain May. Ulster were crowned Inter- and Northern Ireland in swimming, provincial Champions 2013 and I lifesaving and athletics respectively. was honoured to be a part of the winning team. At the Ulster Age- As a result of my success at the group Championships I gained my Ulster Schools Swimming Galas I Ulster squad time and took up my was selected onto the Ulster Schools place on the Ulster squad in March. Swim Team and travelled to Tenerife to follow a week-long intensive Lifesaving continues to keep me course training programme. This travelling as part of the Great Britain

Emma Henderson Team. I defended my British titles and records at the British Championships in Millfield in April and was selected to represent Great Britain in the European Championships in Italy in September 2013.

Winning gold in discus at both the District and Ulster Schools Senior Swimming Team Championships resulted in my selection to represent Northern Ireland Athletics in the Inter-provincial championships. These were held in Tullamore, Ireland in June and Ulster were placed second behind Leinster. I was also selected to represent Northern Ireland Athletics in the UK Schools Games to be held in Sheffield in September.

I look forward with anticipation to both the European Championships and the UK Schools Games and continue to train hard towards these.

Emma Henderson Year 11

Junior Swimming Team

99 European Lifesaving Championships

Following success at the British Pool Championships and British Surf Championships I was selected to represent Great Britain at the European Championships held in Sweden in September 2012.

Prior to the Championships I flew out to London to join the team for three days of intensive training and preparation. Teams from Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Czech Republic, Ireland, France, Netherlands and Great Britain all came together to compete over three days in the pool and also on the beach and lake. The opening ceremony was fascinating where we entertained by an Olympic Synchronised Swimming Team. I had Lifesaving Team, with Captain Rachael Henderson centre personal success making finals both in the pool and on the beach. I was narrowly touched out into fourth place in my two beach events; however, every point was vital in going towards overall placings. I was honoured when the Great Britain team won overall gold on the beach and bronze in the pool. 2012 was the first time Great Britain had hit medal placings in the overall results. The championships concluded with a gala dinner and a closing ceremony.

Sweden was a great experience for me, one which left me motivated, inspired and hungry for more international sporting opportunities. It was also good to further develop friendships I had made the previous year at the Commonwealth Championships in Australia.

Emma Henderson for the Ulster Schools Team at the Inter-provincials Rachael Henderson Year 14

100 Table-Tennis

It was always going to be a challenge to match, never mind top, last year’s triumph, when Victoria College took home the girls’ trophy in the All-Ireland Secondary Schools’ Championship. After a season’s practice in PE and outside the school day using the facilities in the Great Hall, our Under-19 Team won the Ulster Schools’ League. The two finalists were both from South Belfast, as Victoria took the prize over Malone College. This success is even more notable given that the League matches take place around the examination season when with the best will in the world, some Senior players such as our Captain Hazel Wong are unavailable to play and Table-tennis Team, Ulster Schools League winners less experienced players must raise their game. Despite this, Hazel’s specialist Mr Winning with (from left to right) celebrity of the table-tennis world. coaching in China paid dividends once Kristina Bell, Lauren Russell, Sophie again, as she mentored her squad of Hunter and Yasmin Abdelrahman at Congratulations to the girls on another Kristina Bell, Megan Halliday, Sophie Malone College. In the centre of the very successful year. Hunter, Emma and Lauren Russell photograph is Na Liu, who played for to their victory. The picture shows Team GB in the 2012 Olympics, a real Mr M Winning Tennis

I started playing for the Tennis Team when I joined Victoria College in Year 11. Although I may have joined Victoria College late it did not stop me from putting my heart into the school and especially tennis.

In my Year 12 (2011) we won the Ulster Schools’ Cup against our biggest rivals Sullivan Upper. It was a very close match which was played on a Saturday and was watched by many spectators included our principal Ms Slevin alongside the ever-present and fabulous PE and sporting staff like Miss Stewart and Miss McKnight. We won 4-2 in matches. I won my singles 6-3, 6-4 and doubles 6-2, 6-4.

I have captained our school’s Tennis A Team for the last two years and have Tennis Ulster Champions been fortunate enough to play with I’d like to thank all of the members of brilliant players which helped us come ever sporting achievements as it was staff at Victoria College who have made runners-up in the Ulster Schools’ Cup my last year in school. I could not my time at the school so enjoyable. in 2012 and win it in 2013. We played imagine a better way to round up my Belfast Royal Academy in the final school life at Victoria. Tennis in Victoria College has given me and won 5-1 in matches. Our Team memories I will never forget. I am so consisted of myself as Captain, sisters On top of this the Tennis Team has won grateful that I was given the privilege Emma and Lauren Russell and Hannah the Templeton Cup for Senior Tennis to represent Victoria - it was fantastic! McFerran. The support on the sidelines and the Natalie Moffett Cup for the I wish every success to the future was brilliant and really helped us most successful Senior Team at our Tennis Teams. through. Winning the Ulster Schools’ school prize-giving. Cup this year was one of my greatest Emma Dornan Year 14

101 Preparatory Department including Playgroup and Pre-School Playgroup

Playgroup began its 26th year in September 2012. The 16 new children settled quickly and soon became involved in many new experiences and learning new skills.

In December for the first time Playgroup joined with Pre-School to produce a fantastic Nativity play, My Gift, directed by Mrs Murray which the parents enjoyed at our Christmas celebration. The Christmas term ended with a special outing to W5 where the children participated in a Christmas workshop and train ride to see Santa.

During the Spring Term we enjoyed Friday music sessions with Mrs Murray and we finished the term with Playgroup at Streamvale Farm a Jumping Clay Easter workshop where children had the opportunity to make some chick magnets.

The Summer Term flew by with the children practising new races for the Pre-School and Playgroup Sports Day which was enjoyed by everyone. We concluded our year with a visit to Streamvale Farm and Maud’s ice cream shop which we all loved.

In conclusion I would like to thank Mrs Murray for all her help teaching Playgroup music. We have all had a great time. Finally grateful thanks go to Mrs Taylor and Mrs Khalili whose help has been invaluable.

We are sorry Mrs Khalili will not be with us at playgroup next year but we wish her happiness in the future. Mrs C Chambers Playgroup Leader

Playgroup at Maud’s Ice Cream Shop

102 Pre-School In September 2012, 21 girls began Pre-School and settled in well during the Autumn Term. During the first term the girls enjoyed exploring their new environment and getting to know one another as firm friendships were developed. At Christmas we joined with Playgroup to act out the story of the Nativity and each child dressed up as a character from the Christmas story. Pre-School also enjoyed going on a trip with Playgroup to W5, where the girls enjoyed some free play in Start, an exciting sensory environment, before going on the Magical Christmas Express. This was a festive train ride through the North Pole before departing to meet Santa Claus for a Christmas story and craft activity.

Spring Term was busy and packed with lots of fun-filled events. In February, we celebrated Chinese New Year by learning songs and participating in craft Pre-school enjoying the spring sunshine activities. The girls enjoyed a food tasting morning by bringing in Chinese food to share for a special break. For World Book Day, the girls loved dressing up as a character from their favourite story and shared their stories with Prep 1. Jump, Jiggle & Jive was a weekly favourite with the girls as they got to dance to lots of songs, whilst using a range of colourful props.

The final term in Pre-School held a number of exciting events. We had our Sports Day with Playgroup, with each girl participating in a jumping race and a spider race. We ended the Pre- School year with a special Celebration Assembly where the girls sang songs for their parents and watched a slide show of all the activities we had taken part in throughout the year. Each girl was also presented with a certificate as an acknowledgement of their effort throughout their time in Pre-School. Dressing up for Halloween We finished off the year with a trip to Drumglass Park, followed by an ice- cream as a reward for all our hard work.

Miss Hamilton, Mrs Scott & Miss Bari

Anna and Eleanor looking for numbers Sabrina and Chloe having fun baking Pre-school meeting Santa at W5

103 Prep 1

India enjoyed looking at the giraffes Measuring an elephant’s trunk using feet Wrapped up and enjoying a winter walk- I wonder what Sophia could see

We got to use the hose on our trip to Lisburn Road Fire Station

Prep 1 carried out an ice investigation and Florence enjoyed the pancakes we made explored different ways of making it melt

104 Prep 2

Sarah Armstrong having fun at the toy workshop

Prep 2 walked to the Post Office to post a letter to special family members

Jenna Houston designing and making a toy puppet

Anna and her mum milking Millie the cow at Streamvale Farm Sarah Armstrong Farm Fact File Jessica Byrne Farm Fact File

Prep 2 enjoying a trip to Little Wing on the Lisburn Road Prep 2 enjoyed a walk around the local area

105 Prep 3

Our trip to Exploris

The Prep 3 class had a brilliant time at Exploris. Some of the class held the sea urchin. I did not touch it because I thought it would prick me. I felt the dogfish. It felt a little prickly. I held the mermaid’s purse. I saw a funny string on the mermaid’s purse. I held the clam. I felt really bumpy inside me!

Beatrice Toogood

Dreams for Children

Food for every child Healthy and fresh. Clean water Cold and fresh. School for every child Prep 3 pupils taste a variety of foods A kind teacher. A nice house Warm and cosy. A warm bed Clean and snuggly.

Olivia Shaw Winner of the Key Stage 1 Muriel McGregor Prize for Poetry

My Perfect Dream

A big mansion With a swimming pool. Go to London And meet One Direction. Be a model on stage And have a shiny dress. A big limo With sparkles and glitter. Our popcorn was delicious! Engineers of the future - I hope their Louis from One Direction bridge holds up! My amazing husband. Caroline McMichael

Winter

Hard white grit Hot chocolate steaming Snow as cold as ice cream Warm hotdogs with ketchup Fluffy onesies Icicles on the steps Hot soup and stew. Charlotte Roberts

Prep 3 enjoyed practical maths - measuring in the school grounds

106 Prep 4

Prep 4 girls enjoy tasting crisps at Tayto Castle

On Thursday 23 May Prep 4 went to Tayto Castle. It was great fun meeting Mr Pat Tayto and tasting crisps! We got to taste Bikers and Onion Rings and they were delicious! We dressed up at the start in hairnets and plastic aprons and they looked really weird on us! Tayto Castle was awesome! We can’t wait to go again soon!

Tamzin McMullan and Beth Thompson

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum

On Tuesday 13 November, Prep 4 went to Cultra to see the houses from Mr Tayto poses for a photograph at Tayto Castle the past. First we were split into two groups. The blue group went to make soda bread and the red group went to Tea Lane to find out about houses from the past and then we swapped over. The soda bread tasted lovely! Last of all, we all went to the sweet shop and the gift shop. It was great fun.

Sophie Luke and Emma Harrison

Dreams of Summer

Excitement and cheer, Summer must be here, Joy and fun, I love the roasting sun. Hot powdery sand, Swimming in the sea, Ahh, it’s as cold as ice. But then I see the sun My holiday has come! Prep 4 find out about the country of France on European Day of Languages and enjoy Amy Fogarty a European break Dreaming of Summer Hear the seagulls squawking, The Blitz Explore the secret paths, Dreaming of my birthday, Eat tons of ice cream, Screaming sirens! It’s almost here, And have salty seawater baths. Run to the shelter! Come and join the party, A tasty snack Give a little cheer! Right now it’s bedtime, I am crying, Time for a midnight feast, The dog is barking. Into the car and off on the road, Yum, these sweets are lovely, I see explosions Straight to the holiday house, I’m not sad in the least! Stuff destroyed. To unpack our load. Big black bombs I wake up in the morning and realise, I am shaking. Down to the seashore, That I needn’t be upset, The Blitz The sand is so hot, Summer is almost here. The water is as cold as ice, Aoife Mallon It sure has changed a lot. Anna McPherson

107 Prep 4 Evacuees Travel to planting beans, packing suitcases, Prep 5 Castle Ward weighing out sweet rations and reading old newspapers. The girls really My Class On 14 February 2013, Prep 4 girls enjoyed their trip but were very happy dressed up as World War II evacuees to be returning home to their own Anna Caldwell laughing... Loudly and travelled to Castle Ward to families at the end of a busy day! Holly Campbell thinking... Silently experience life in a wartime situation. Molly writing... Quickly Mrs H Burnett Activities included singing songs, Samantha writing... Nicely Grace working... Quietly Anna McCoy reading... Carefully Billi checking... Happily Beth working... Quickly India smiling... Comically Natalie thinking... Slowly Amber standing... Cautiously Ella listening... Well Eliza drawing... Merrily Clara standing... Still Honor talking... Quickly Claudia working... Loudly Holly McCloy talking... Slowly Lucy singing... Beautifully Phoebe thinking... Quickly Elise talking... Proudly Ellie painting... Quietly! Prep 4 girls prepare to leave school for their journey to Castle Ward Lauren Patterson

Sports Day Diamond Poem

Sports Day Speedily, carefully Screaming, waving, yelling Prizes, medals, certificates, trophies Nervewracking, sweaty, joyful, sunny Victoria College Prep Belfast Jumping, throwing, smiling Carefully, steadily Sports Day

Beth Thompson, Aoife Mallon and Sophie Luke have fun dressing up in wartime uniforms Holly Campbell

Prep 5 took part in an Art workshop at the Ulster Museum Eight evacuees arrive at Castle Ward to escape the dangers of the city

108 Ella with Coco Billi with Shakira Holly with Rocky and George Amber with Randy

Lauren with Danny Eliza with Dora Ellie with Chloe Holly with Daisy

Bring Your Pet to School Week!

Everybody was very excited when they went into school on Monday 29 March... It was bring your pet to school week! Billi brought in her snake Shakira that day and also Ella brought in her rabbit Coco. Miss McQuillan said that you can only touch Shakira if you haven’t touched any other animal. Holly McCloy brought in her cousins’ pet goats, Rocky and George. George had a little accident on the floor but Miss McQuillan didn’t seem to mind! We all fed them and it was great fun and we went home telling our parents all about it. Anna with Wilbur Elise with Murphy Next day Amber brought in her aunt’s dog Randy! He is a golden Cavalier King Charles spaniel. He was so cute and also Lauren brought in her Shih Tzu Danny. He barked at the treat Lauren was about to give him because he didn’t know that it was for training. Eliza brought in her dog Dora. Eliza told her to roll over but she wouldn’t do it! On Wednesday Ellie brought in her Yorkie Chloe, and I brought in my dog Wilbur. Holly Campbell also brought in her chocolate Labrador Daisy. Chloe was very calm and content, she didn’t mind getting picked up. Wilbur was not similar! He pulled on the lead and I could hardly stand up without him dragging me along the floor. Nobody had a chance to stroke him! Daisy did loads of tricks for us and obviously, she was given Beth with Fred Samantha with Bella a treat. She was amazing! On Thursday Elise brought in her dog Murphy, Beth brought in her aunt’s dog Fred, Samantha brought in her black lab Bella, and Clara brought in Jimmy her Bichon Frise. Jimmy was so fluffy and Fred was really shy. Bella was very cute and Murphy was so happy. Fred stood with his tail between his legs and Bella sniffed around the room to see what it smelt of. Jimmy was really excited to see everybody - he didn’t mind what the classroom smelt like or nor did he feel shy either! On Friday Miss McQuillan wished us a happy Easter and we went out and enjoyed the snow! I bet Wilbur is now thinking, “When will I see those girls again?”

Clara with Jimmy Lucy with Maisie Anna Caldwell

109 When we went inside we couldn’t believe we got seated in the third and fourth rows on the ground floor from the front – we were so close to the stage! A while later, DJ Pete Snodden came on stage and talked to us to keep us entertained. After that someone started a Mexican wave and it continued right round the room! We had to sit for a very long time but eventually Hannah Nelson, a 16-year- old girl from Methody, came on stage, made a speech and introduced the First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama! She was very pretty and had a lovely pearl necklace on. Trip to the BBC Prep 5 with Victoria College Old Girl I loved her speech as she made a Tara Mills at the BBC joke about letting her husband travel On Tuesday 11 March 2013 Prep 5 Our trip finished with a visit upstairs to with her from time to time! Then, the went to the BBC. We went there to see Hugo Duncan in the Radio Ulster President Barack Obama came on learn about journalism because we were studio. He played a track for us and we stage and we all stood up, clapped going to record a news report about all danced to it in his studio. Finally and cheered! His speech was very Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web. We Carol gave us a quiz that Ellie and Elise interesting and inspiring and it was all walked excitedly to the Lisburn won. They were given a BBC torch hard to believe it was actually him we Road and waited for ages for a bus. each. Everyone in Prep 5 really enjoyed were listening to! He was taller than Eventually a pink double-decker the day. We had the best time ever! I thought he was from seeing him on arrived. Everyone jumped on board, TV. He shook hands with everyone on clambering up the stairs with great Anna McCoy stage and then waved goodbye to us haste, trying to get to the front seats. all. Finally, we got a taxi back to school The Day I’ll Never Forget! and Ms Slevin got us some treats to eat! When we arrived at the BBC we were met at reception by a lady called Carol On Monday 17 June 2013, I had the Holly McCloy who took us into the studio. Waiting most amazing day. It was the day I for us there was Tara Mills, one of the got to see the President of the United Stone Age Workshop journalists and TV presenters. Tara States of America, Barack Obama! told us about the cameras and how It all started when we had to meet Yesterday the whole class took part they work. She also told us about the at school at 7am to get a taxi to the in a Stone Age Workshop in the autocue and what it is for. Tara then Belfast Waterfront. There were three mobile. Firstly we all had to match explained to us about the green screen very lucky Prep girls who got to go - the pieces of flint to the description. that is used for the weather. Everyone myself, Kerry from Prep 6 and Trudie The pieces were things like arrow got to have a go in front of it pretending from Prep 7, and also some Senior heads, fish hooks and other weapons. that we were TV presenters! Carol then girls. Kerry and I got a taxi with Ms Next we were back into groups. In my took us up to the gallery where we saw Slevin and the others went with Mrs group there was Anna, Holly, Amber, all the news crew and the director - who Burn. When we all arrived, we queued Claudia and Natalie. The first activity is my daddy! The gallery was very dark up. It was a long wait but we were so we did was weaving. Thirdly we made except for the lights on all the machines excited! Before we went inside we a wattle wall by weaving thin sticks and lot and lots of TV screens. had to go through security. around larger ones. After that we had to try and make flour by grinding a large stone called a quern stone. It was hard work and you had to be very strong to do it. After break we had to make tombs out of stones. Anna Caldwell and I made a wedge tomb and a passage tomb before moving on to making a necklace. There were shells, feathers, clay berries and clay teeth. Then we went back to our tables with the pieces of flint and wrote about them. The last activity was rock rubbings. My favourite rubbing was the one I did of the deer antler. Then we all made pretend axes. I loved putting on the fake blood!

Prep 5 on their Autumn walk Phoebe McFadden

110 Prep 6

Animal Allsorts Visit

On Thursday 2 May 2013, Catherine from Animal Allsorts came to show us some of the animals that live in the rainforests.

First, she brought out a Tegu lizard. He was enormous! He had beady skin and a forked tongue like a snake. He also had sharp claws to hunt for eggs. To find them, he has to stick out his tongue and play ‘hot and cold’, sensing his environment.

Then, out came a bearded dragon lizard. Emily’s eyes lit up! She loves bearded dragons. He had huge spikes for protection against other animals and a skin which feels like sandpaper. He eats locusts, crickets and worms. Yuck! Prep 6 Halla meets a rainforest lizard! After that, Catherine brought out a really cute tree frog. It was sleek and Rainforest black and very slimy. The frog was The crying of the baby, my favourite animal because of the Heavy rain trickles quickly, The hoot of the horn, suckers on its feet which help it to Pattering, The murmuring on the phone grip on to the branches of trees. In Pounding, As people start to moan. the wild they can spend all their lives Pelting, in trees. Sliding across the glossy leaves A stranger came this morning, below, He didn’t leave his name, When Catherine announced that she Vibrant flowers brighten the forest, Left us only silence, was bringing out a snake, everyone A harpy eagle soars through the air Life will never be the same. went wild! But, the one she brought elegantly, out first was tiny and quite cute. He Its evil eye observing closely, Rosie Fogarty was a hog-nosed snake called Jasper. Awaiting its afternoon meal, He was very fragile, so we had to The strong eagle grasps the monkey Snow touch his head very carefully. The tightly in sharp talons other snake was a large python. It And soars effortlessly through the air. Cheeks are frozen, looked scaly, but felt a lot like beaded It’s hot and humid among Noses blue, silk when I got to touch him. The amazing life cycle of the Hands in gloves, should be too! rainforest. Finger tips red, Next, was a tarantula, which is a Tingling thumbs, large spider with hairy legs. It was Anna Hill Toes really quite numb, a bit scary, but I felt one of its legs. Children playing, Tarantulas do not harm people but The Busy Town Having fun. they will eat small birds. Another Snow keeps falling, invertebrate was a scorpion and A stranger came this morning, What to do? because its sting is poisonous, it Dressed all in black and grey, Let’s make a snowman remained in its glass box, sitting on Put every sound into a bag That’s what we should do! a log. We discovered that the most And carried them away. It’s getting chilly, venomous scorpions are the small Let’s go inside, ones and they can kill a person. The screeching of brakes, Mum has made a really warm pie, The roaring of a car, The fire is burning, We were sad when the animals had to The pattering of rain Warming us up, leave. It was such an awesome day. Gurgling down the city drain. Now, for hot chocolate in a really big cup. Isabel Toogood The yapping of the dogs, The rustling of leaves, Katie Dick Tired people trudging with Shopping bags to heave.

111 My Amazing Viking Day soaked in water to make it easy to Prep 7 bend. We wove the branches between Wouldn’t you like to be a Viking for upright sticks. The Titanic Museum a day? Well we were. On Friday 12 October, when Prep 6 went into We had a good day and discovered On Wednesday 23 January, Prep 7 the hall, it was transformed into a what it was like to be a Viking. went to the Titanic Museum. Everyone Viking workshop. As we watched a was very excited and a bit concerned programme introducing the Vikings, Rachel Donnelly that we wouldn’t get to go because of a man came roaring in and we were all the weather, though luckily we all did. surprised. He was dressed as a Viking The bus eventually arrived at school warrior. We learnt that a Viking’s and we all piled out and onto the bus. weapons were a sword, axe and spear. We finally got there and we all strode He wore a chain mail shirt to protect off the bus and paraded into the centre him in battle and carried a shield. where we met our guide. He told us all about the centre and that it is actually During one activity we got to grind the same height as the Titanic was. wheat to make flour. To do this you turn a large stone called a quern stone We marched up the stairs and made our and it was hard work. We also dressed way into Gallery One. It had lots of up in Viking clothes. I dressed as a screens with fake shadows of people Viking woman and made bracelets from walking from 1912. There were lots of wool using a lucet which is a tool for interactive activities to do in this gallery braiding. Lastly, we made a wattle wall and they were very interesting. We from branches. The wood had been Viking fabric design by Rachel Lyster walked through a part of scaffolding, (though it was just a copy of the Titanic’s real scaffolding), yet it was about 20 feet high.

Following this we went up in a lift to the next floor which led us to the ride. It was so good that each group just had to go on it again! Next we watched a little clip that a diver had taken of the shipwreck of the Titanic and it was amazing what they found.

Afterwards we went downstairs and played on the interactive machines. Following this we went in to do a work shop about modes of communication from the Titanic. We tried using semaphore, the Morse code and Clay Face by Halla Dobbin Clay Face by Rachel Donnelly signalling flags. We looked out at the beautiful views from our room and there was our bus driver waiting. A great day was had by all.

Holly Brow

Prep 6 are Vikings for the day Chloe and Cara enjoying The Titanic Centre

112 Titanic Personification Poems

On 10th April 1912 The luxurious Titanic set sail She strode powerfully as a vessel Magnificent.

The silent, icy murderer loomed ahead Screeching her gleaming body Cries of chaos surround Her peaceful reign over.

Her disastrous fate had been decided The Titanic was sinking, fast To the damp, dark, depths She now rests Forever Kathryn Polson

Prep 7 Buddies The greatest ocean liner of its time Most luxurious boat ever seen Powerful, magnificent, gleaming through the sea Powerfully gliding along Her voice calling loudly as waves pass her by

A huge iceberg looms towards her A crash and a bang as it rips her skin Halted and sliced in half People shouting, crying and shrieking for help

The icy depths getting closer As the lifeboats lower themselves down Children crying, wailing for help The ship plummeting to the bottom Disappearing Lydia Spollen

An excerpt from The Monster Prep 7 visit Edinburgh Castle With fear and dread, I crept cautiously down the dark, damp tunnel. Suddenly an evil odour invaded my nostrils. There in the beam of my flashlight, I finally saw it...

It had ugly, dark, red eyes and had a distinctly rotten smell and I coughed as the odour went up my nostrils.

The monster growled and the sound echoed far away. I started to panic but then it realised that perhaps I could out smart it by playing dead. It approached me sluggishly and came nose to nose with me. I tried not to breathe but it was hard given the terrifying nature of the beast before me. What should I do now? Prep 7 and Year 8 enjoy a Shared Learning Science experience Trudie McCoosh

113 Memories of Prep

One of my favourite memories was making lots of new friends when I joined Prep in Prep 6. I also loved going to Edinburgh and visiting Camera Obscura. However my best memory was meeting Miss Wright in Prep 7.

Tegan Welch

I liked the Edinburgh trip because we got to share a room with a friend. I also liked doing our stop motion animation artwork with the class.

Attiyyah Rahman

My first memory of Prep was the very first day of Prep 4 and on World Book Day when I dressed up as a princess. I also enjoyed Mrs Coulter reading us stories like Kesnuke’s Kingdom, The Demon Headmaster Prep 7 visit Armagh Planetarium and Harry Potter. However my favourite memory of Prep was going My favourite memory I have had to Edinburgh with all my friends and in Victoria Prep was coming to the teachers and sharing a room with Holly Prep. I was very shy when I came but Brow. I had lots of friends to play with and talk to. The teachers are very kind Veena Sivakumar and helpful and everyone made me feel so welcome. My first favourite memories of Prep were the Prep 7 Edinburgh trip because Molly Colgan we had lots of fun at the places we went to and we got to share a room with a Prep 7 make ‘Moon landers’ In Prep 1 when I was going to the friend. My second favourite memory in toilet the floor was wet, so I slipped Prep was making fruit kebabs because and fell flat on my face like a starfish we got to cut all the fruit that the on the floor, and when Mrs Glover rainforests have. came out of the classroom and looked at me and said, “Is that Phoebe lying Kelly Tang down there?” and I started crying.

My first day in Prep 7 was great Phoebe Parker because everyone was so kind and welcoming. I also enjoyed My first favourite memory was the making new friends as they are all first day of school, because I found extraordinary people. my first friend as Talia came over and brought me over to play with the Jade Buckley Lego with her. My second favourite memory was Edinburgh and being a My favourite moments in Prep are server, because I got to spend time meeting new people, making great away with my friends and visit great new friendships, having a lovely tourist attractions and I love little trip to Edinburgh and having an ones and have been looking forward AMAZING teacher. to being a server since Prep 4.

Talisha Welch Lydia Spollen

I remember the first day I joined I remember being in playgroup when VCB in Prep 5. I also loved getting we were reading and then someone to go to Edinburgh and going to the bit me! Cookie Box in Prep 7. Molly and Tara enjoy our Outdoor Abby Palmer Tara Campbell Science Project

114 One of my favourite memories is in loved looking through some of my My favourite memory of Prep was in Prep 2 when we went to Streamvale old school work and my Prep 1 Prep 7 when we went to Edinburgh Farm and I got to hold a rabbit. Another information which said that I was and I shared a room with Cara but she one of my favourite memories is in afraid to go to the toilet. dropped her toothbrush down the toilet. Prep 7 when we made a stop motion animation about outer space. Holly Brow Shona Polly

Chloe Fitzpatrick My best memory from Prep 2 was the My best memories of Prep are on novel reading afternoon with Prep 3. the first day of Prep 1 when I played My most memorable moments of I also loved visiting Tayto Castle in Lego with Lydia. I also enjoyed Prep Prep include representing our school Prep 4, doing the pet project in Prep 5 when Shona and I laughed for 45 in the Showjumping Team, finally 5, the rainforest art in Prep 6 and the minutes straight without stopping. ending transfer with a special trip to wonderful trip to Edinburgh when My last, but definitely not least, best The Cookie Box and also first joining my mood ring got stuck on my finger memory of Prep was in Prep 7 when Prep on 14 September in 2012. and Miss Wright had to cut it off with we went to Edinburgh. I especially pliers! loved Camera Obscura. Trudie McCoosh Holly Irwin Cara Morwood In Prep 4 when Mrs Cupitt was retiring there was a giant fun event: there was a bouncy castle, a nail painting parlour and you could buy cupcakes. We also did the YMCA Dance! I also loved the teddy bears picnic in Prep 2 when Mrs Breene was retiring as we brought in our teddies and wrote special teddy bear poems. We all cried when Mrs Breene left.

Kathryn Polson

I loved the first day of school in Prep 3 when I played with the baby dolls with Cara. I also vividly remember having to miss Troy Story because I had fallen and had to go to hospital. I also loved Edinburgh when Talia put a lizard on me!

Bree Moffett Prep 7 European Day of Languages - Learning about China I loved all the Edinburgh experiences such as Edinburgh Castle, Deep Sea World and the cinema. I also loved being the Dancing Crow in The Button Box.

Anna Patterson

My favourite memory of VCB was when I was in playgroup and Kathryn and I used to ask to go the bathroom. We would have long conversations and pass food and toys between the gaps in the toilets.

Talia Anderson

My favourite memory of Prep was the Tayto Castle visit in Prep 4 when we got to meet Mr Tayto and got lots of free crisps. I also loved when Holly Irwin joined our class as we had the same name. I also Prep 7 enjoying a Christmas treat at The Cookie Box

115 Prep 1 - Prep 7 and Pre-School Art

My Favourite Christmas Present Lost Ice Cream by Molly Young Prep 2 by Anna Kennedy Prep 2 by Oliva Shaw Prep 3

Glass Window Autumn Forest Titanic Fashion by Chole Fitzpatrick Prep 7 by Sophie Johnston Prep 3 by Phoebe Parker Prep 7

Farmer Jack Acrostic Poem by Anna McCaldin Prep 2 Sand Paint by Lucia Anderson Prep 3

116 Duck Puppy Tangram Candle Tangram by Caroline McMichael Prep 3 by Amy McMurrough Prep 4 by Olivia Byrne Prep 4

Fireworks Snow Scene by Clara Wilson Prep 3 by Kate Donnelly Prep 3

Pastel with People Pastel by Evie McGale Prep 4 by Sarah Frazer Prep 4

117 Bamboo Mother’s Helper by Attiyyah Rahman Prep 7 by Holly Campbell Prep 5

Titanic Starry Night by Cara Morwood Prep 7 by Kelly Tang Prep 7

African Sunset Perspective Drawing by Molly McGuire Prep 5 by Ella Ross Prep 5

118 Tutankhamen Robot Fabric Person by Lucy McQuoid Prep 5 by Emilia Azuara-Lois Prep 5 by Chloe Murphy Prep 1

Flamingo Blossom Tree Flower Patterns by Hannah Cheevers Prep 1 by Eppie Hughes Prep 1 by Emily Wilson Pre-School

Peacock Blow Painting by Sarah Mellon Prep 1 by Anna Sempey Pre-School

119 Animal Prints Pre-School

Indian Mandala Patterns Poppies by Ana Garcia Kehoe Pre-School by Erin GlennPrep 2

Threadwork by Charlotte Houston Prep 6

Threadwork Aboriginal Painting Shapes by Lois Lyttle Prep 6 by Cate MacAllister Prep 6 by Jemma Houston Prep 2

Woman by Anna Hill Prep 6 Sailor by Anna Shearer Prep 6 Winter Scene by Tory Kikpatrick Prep 4

120 Aboriginal Painting by Annie Irvine Prep 2 Under the Sea by Aliza Tareen Prep 2

Eco Action the general waste bins from Team Report

Our Eco Action Team has had another very busy and successful year. On Friday 10 May we were awarded our Green Flag, an amazing achievement and we should all be very proud of each other. Like our motto says, “We all have to play our part. Come on and let’s make a new start!” This year our Eco Action Team chose to consolidate on issues begun in previous years, focusing primarily on transport, and reducing and recycling our waste.

After a successful Walk to School event last year we wanted to encourage more of our pupils to use sustainable methods of transport in their journeys to and from school.

The Eco Action Team developed four Eco Action Team with the Green Flag each classroom bin leaving only paper objectives: bins and compost bins for recycling. Prep 1 to 7 were involved in thinking Our aim in this was to encourage • to increase the number of pupils about their journeys to school. Local pupils to reduce their waste for a week walking, cycling or taking public speakers were invited into school to and then to think about how they could transport to school; help us deliver our sustainable transport continue to reduce waste in school in • to reduce congestion and traffic message. Each class participated in the future. danger around the school gates; a special activity about transport, • to increase pupil awareness of whether it was designing sustainable We have found that an increasing road safety and the environment; transportation for the future or looking number of pupils are bringing their • to increase pupil awareness of at pollution in our local area. The Eco snack in Tupperware containers rather travel choices and issues through Action Team also carried out some than being wrapped in cling film or foil. the curriculum. important research and using our We have continued with our recycling savings from the past three years the of paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, fruit To help us achieve our target we created team purchased a colourful minipod skins and textiles. a ‘WOW’ event - Walk Once a Week to which holds eight bikes and eight school. This ran throughout the summer scooters. Finally we were successful in our term with the support of staff and application for the Green Flag. We Friends of Prep representatives and was The Eco Action Team decided to received our award formally at the enjoyed by many pupils. Pupils were build upon our ‘no bin day’ by having Belfast City Hall. A great achievement able to learn about sustainable transport a ‘no bin week’ running from 19-23 for our school and certainly a day we and road safety during a weeklong November 2012 in school. The Eco can all be very proud of. transport-themed week. Pupils from Action Team representatives removed

121 Retirement of Mrs Coulter Mrs Lyn Coulter joined Richmond Lodge School in 1975 as a Geography teacher and in September 1979 she was promoted to Head of Department. After a career break, during which she raised her twin boys, she returned to Richmond Lodge in January 1986. Following the amalgamation of Richmond Lodge and Victoria College in 1987, she taught Prep 5 and 6, and in 2005 was appointed to Deputy Head of Young Enterprise Centre of Excellence the Preparatory Department. This year, Dr Mitchell-Barrett We were only one of three Belfast and Prep pupils accepted an award schools to receive this wonderful Mrs Coulter gained over thirty years recognising the Preparatory award. of teaching experience; her expertise Department as a centre of excellence. and knowledge were highly valued by all of the Preparatory Department staff. As Deputy Head, she helped to lead the school through many Friends of Prep educational changes, initiatives and We would like to thank Friends of like to welcome the new Chairperson challenges, always providing support Prep for all their hard work this year. Mrs Cheevers, the new Secretary Mrs to her colleagues. Her reputation as Several very successful fundraising Murray, and new members Mrs Meyer a highly skilled practitioner was well events were organised throughout and Mrs McGuire. established amongst pupils, parents and the year and over £7,000 was raised Any parents wishing to join Friends staff. Mrs Coulter taught many of the for Prep funds. Special thanks to Mrs of Prep should contact Mrs Cheevers current pupils’ mothers and aunts. Her Cosgrove who will be stepping down on 075 1574 6790. Please note that classroom was an oasis of calm and from her role as Chairperson/Secretary. membership of Friends of Prep is for her teaching style was encouraging and Thanks also to Mrs MacAllister, Mrs a period of three years. enabling. She established a positive Palmer and Mrs Byrne, founding relationship with all of her students, members of the Friends of Prep, for all Dr R Mitchell-Barrett and indeed their families. their vision and enthusiasm. We would The Preparatory Department are grateful to Mrs Coulter for her dedication and Ormeau Park Fun Day long, loyal service. The pupils, parents and staff will hold fond memories of On 28 September Prep 4 and 5 also gave us t-shirts to wear. First we Mrs Coulter and she will be greatly went to Ormeau Park. We went for had a look at the emergency vehicles missed by all. We wish her a very happy a sponsored walk to raise money for and we also had the opportunity to retirement, enjoying long walks along the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for play the African drums. We had a the seafront with her husband, travel Children. First of all, we went for a fantastic time and helped to raise lots abroad to visit her son and special long walk and then we had some fun of money. times with her family and granddaughter. at the amusements on the grass. The Happy retirement, Mrs Coulter! Cancer Fund provided a Freddo bar Anna McPherson, Prep 4 and a bottle of water for us. They Dr R Mitchell-Barrett

122 Preparatory Department Prize Winners 2013 Prep 1 Libby Nesbitt Award for Contribution to Choir Charlotte Roberts Anna McCoy, Beth Roberts Hannah Cheevers Olivia Shaw Award for Contribution to Orchestra Matilda Gibson Beatrice Toogood Anna Caldwell, Lucy McQuoid Claudia Green Clara Wilson Eppie Hughes-Jennett Award for Contribution to Hockey Aimee Jackson Muriel McGregor Prize Lauren Patterson Niamh Kelly for Poetry Key Stage One Ruby Lennon Olivia Shaw Award for Contribution Imogen Magee to Gymnastics Sarah Mallon Prep 4 Anna McCoy Raine Martin Isabella McDowell Alex Boal Award for Contribution to Athletics Erin McGuire Olivia Byrne Emilia Azuara-Lois Ella McKenna Amber Fisher Award for Contribution Stephanie McMichael Amy Fogarty to Swimming Sophia Mills Sarah Frazer Ella Ross, Clara Hamilton Connie Morrow Emma Harrison Chloe Murphy Mary-Kate Kennedy Award for Contribution to Drama Orla Murray Tory Kirkpatrick Billi Henry, Holly Campbell, Florence O’Brien Sophie Luke Ellie Ritchie Annabelle O’Flaherty Aoife Mallon Clara O’Kane Evie McGale Prep 6 Class Prizes Philippa O’Sullivan Amelia McGuigan Kerri Fry Sara Sierra Paniagua Lily McGuire Georgina Lobo India Steen Tamzin McMullan Rachel Lyster Ruby Young Amy McMurrough Molly Macallister Sophia Young Anna McPherson Ellie Ruddell Isabella O’Brien Anna Shearer Prep 2 Beth Thompson Lola Armstrong Miss Minnis Award for The Taggart Cup for English Persistent Effort & Progress Sarah Armstrong Anna McPherson Jessica Byrne Eva Wilson Sybil Corscadden Prep 5 Class Prizes The MacLaughlin Cup for English Ali Crawford-McCann Ellie Ruddell Isabella Doran Emilia Azuara-Lois Eleanor Fogarty Anna Caldwell The McCormick Cup for Erin Glenn Molly McGuire Mathematics Aimee Hilman Lucy McQuoid Ellie Ruddell, Anna Shearer Jenna Houston Lauren Patterson Paterson Trophy for Art Annabel Hunter Miss Minnis Award Rachel Donnelly, Halla Dobbin Annie Irvine for Persistent Effort Anna McCaldin Award for Progress in ICT Grace Corscadden Anna Kennedy Erin Cameron, Katie Dick, Maya Mullen Clare Dickson Rose Bowl for English Rosie Fogarty Aliza Tareen Anna Caldwell, Phoebe McFadden Award for Progress in French Molly Young Award for Mathematics Sophie Delap, Isabel Toogood Prep 3 Emilia Azuara-Lois Award for Contribution Award for Progress in ICT to World Around Us Lucia Anderson Cate MacAllister Emma Brow Honor McCullough, Holly McCloy, Rachel Cheevers India Meyer, Eliza Neville-Forrest Award for Contribution in Music Sophia Colgan Award for Progress in French Class Halla Dobbin, Katie Pallin Madelene Crawford-McCann Amber Young Award for Contribution to Choir Katherine Donnelly Emily Darling and Molly Macallister Katherine Irvine Award for Helpfulness Sophie Johnston and Consideration Award for Contribution Bridget Kennedy Elise Donnelly, Samantha McAlister, to Orchestra Olivia Little Natalie Medhurst, Claudia Murphy Rachel Donnelly, Isabel Toogood Emma McCloy Award for Contribution Award for Helpfulness Caroline McMichael in Music Class and Consideration Grace Murphy Molly McGuire, Lauren Patterson Shannon Frazer, Eva Spollen

123 Award for Contribution to Hockey Cup for French Jemma Hool Cup for Attendance Charlotte Houston Lydia Spollen Talia Anderson Award for Excellence in Hockey Bible Study Award Norah Watts Trophy for Anna Hill Kathryn Polson Helpfulness and Consideration Molly Colgan Award for Contribution Balmer Cup for Drama to Swimming Abby Palmer Johnston Cup for Pupil Voice Molly Macallister Anna Patterson Angela Scott Trophy for Art Award for Excellence in Swimming Attiyyah Rahman Head of Prep Cup Anna Hill and Lois Lyttle for Exceptional Progress Emma James Trophy Tara Campbell Award for Contribution for Art and Craft to Gymnastics Kelly Tang Preparatory Prize for Victoria Cosgrove Perseverance and Diligence Smith Cup for Music Lydia Spollen Award for Contribution to Athletics Abbey Palmer Sarah Cosgrove and Zahra Lowry Preparatory Prize for Currie Cup for Chorister Consistent Endeavour Award for Contribution to Drama of the Year Talisha Welch Emily Darling and Sophie Delap Kathryn Polson Amelia Rose Cup for Muriel McGregor Prize Kirsty Carruthers Cup Prep 7 Ambassador for Poetry Key Stage 2 for Contribution to Orchestra Shona Polly, Bree Moffett Georgina Lobo Chloe Fitzpatrick Ross Cup for Spirit of Prep Music Shield for Prep 7 Class Prizes Holly Irwin Contribution to Class Activities Talia Anderson Holly Brow and Cara Morwood Louise McGuigan Shield Holly Brow Claire Bell Cup for Hockey for All Round Prep 7 Girl Chloe Fitzpatrick Bree Moffett, Abby Palmer Cara Morwood Cara Morwood

The Louise McKibbin Cup for After calculation of the total points Miss Minnis Award Contribution to Prep 7 Hockey from the Prep Galas and Sports for Persistent Effort Talia Anderson, Holly Irwin Days, the overall House placings are: Chloe Fitzpatrick Alexander & Weir Cup for Cathy Dickson Award for English the Most Promising Athlete 1st Howard Cara Morwood Bree Moffett 2nd Marlborough 3rd Pakenham Corkin Cup for Mathematics The Victor Ludorum for most Cara Morwood points from the Gala and Sports Day Bree Moffett Hastings Trophy for ability and interest in English Talia Anderson Cara Lewis Mathematics Cup Tegan Welch Thornhill Cup for Science Phoebe Parker McAllister Perpetual Science Cup Veena Sivakumar Preparatory Shield for Excellence in ICT Holly Brow Preparatory Shield for Progress in ICT Trudie McCoosh Sturgeon Trophy for interest in History Shona Polly World Around Us Geography Shield Jade Buckley Isabel, Chloe, Katie, Abby, Kathryn, Phoebe and Cara won the Under-12 Flute The Preparatory Department Ensemble Class at Carrickfergus Festival

124 Swimming

Prep Swimming Team had a very busy and successful year with many girls competing in their first ever Ulster Schools Gala. At the Ulster Minor Championships, individual success came to Lauren Patterson who was placed fourth in 50m Backstroke, Lois Lyttle who won bronze in 50m Backstroke and Anna Hill who was placed fourth in 50m Breaststroke and fifth in 100m Individual Medley. The team of Lauren Patterson, Lois Lyttle, Anna Hill, Ella Ross, Molly Maguire, Lucy McQuoid, Sophie Delap, Emily Darling, Sarah Cosgrove, Victoria Cosgrove, Rosie Fogarty, Charlotte Houston and Molly Macallister swam very well throughout the day, with many girls setting personal bests. Well done to all. Prep Swimming Team Cross Country

Prep 6 and Prep 7 sent a very strong team under the captaincy of Cara Morwood to compete in the South Belfast Area heats at Musgrave Park. The girls were placed second overall and qualified for the Belfast finals to be held in March at Ormeau Park. Extra training was put in place and a well- prepared competitive team took on the challenge in the finals. As we walked around the course during our warm-up, several feet disappeared in very flooded underground conditions but despite this all shoelaces were tied tight and nothing was going to stop us. Anna Hill Belfast Cross Country Finals had an outstanding race to take silver along with Charlotte Houston, Sarah Cosgrove and Lois Lyttle who were placed in the top 12. All girls competed with great determination and Victoria College Prep won the overall Belfast cup for the first time ever. The team represented Belfast in the Northern Ireland final which was a huge achievement. Once again Anna Hill had an excellent individual race. Thanks go to the parents who gave great support and encouragement to all runners. Mrs H Henderson

Northern Ireland Cross Country final winners

125 annual Harvest Sale was great fun and We have enjoyed two non-uniform Charity Report we raised almost £400. All the girls, days this year for charitable causes. In Thanks to the continued generous especially Prep 1, enjoyed shopping November we raised almost £400 for support and enthusiastic participation and playing games. We were delighted the ever-popular Children in Need, of the children, we have been able to to welcome Alistair Bennett of the and in March a further £200 for contribute to a number of charities Stand by Me charity to assembly to Comic Relief. again this year, raising almost £2,000 collect a cheque. This will be used to for a wide range of good causes. resource a school in Bekoiji, Ethiopia. I’m sure you will agree we have had At harvest time, we also arranged a another most successful year and may We had a very busy Autumn Term collection of food and toiletries in I take this opportunity to thank all the which started with a sponsored walk aid of the local homeless charity, the children, parents, friends and staff for for Prep 4 and Prep 5 in the Ormeau Simon Community. The representatives their continued support and generosity. Park. These two classes raised an from the Simon Community were amazing sum for the Northern Ireland overwhelmed by the number of tins Mrs A Glover Cancer Fund for Children – over and packets collected by Prep – many £600! Well done to all involved! Our thanks to everyone who contributed.

Prep 1 angels

Caroline as Shepherd Little

Aliza as a Prep 2 centurion Three Wise Men - Libby, Emma and Maddie

126 Victoria College Prep School Council

The School Council has had another busy year fundraising and meeting together to discuss ideas and suggestions from pupils. We realised we needed to update our playground equipment as most of our toys were broken. As a team, we decided we were going to do a fundraiser. In May, we did ‘Pound a Job Week’. This is where you do chores at home for the family. All the pupils participated in this event. We Council girls in the Great Hall at Stormont Shona Polly reporting from Stormont raised nearly £500! Now all our toys are up to date and we all love them. Our highlight of the year as school councillors was our trip to Stormont in June. We are very thankful to Mr and Mrs O’Brien. They helped us make an amazing DVD of our tour in Stormont. We all have a different job in this DVD like cameraman or director. We all enjoyed our time on School Council and hope next year’s School Councillors have a great year like we did!

Shona Polly and Veena Sivakumar Prep 7 Councillors Council Question and Answer time during Lunch at Stormont was delicious! the tour at Stormont

School Nutrition fruit, juice and toast. After a trial provided great picnic food and our however, our club ceased to run as CAG girls composed a great celebration Advisory Group numbers using it were too small. song, especially for the occasion. Thank Undaunted however, the team planned you to everyone who helped us during Our very enthusiastic SNAG girls an end of year celebration picnic in the the year in Canteen, at Breakfast Club had a busy year. After doing their school grounds. By delegating various and at the picnic! research with questionnaires to jobs to other Action Groups, we were parents, we started up a Breakfast able to have a special celebration for Mrs R McLuckie Club offering a selection of cereals, Mrs Coulter’s retirement. Canteen

Thank you to Mrs Fallon and our Breakfast Club Supporters - I do miss the lovely warm toast

127 The Welcome Team Hi, I’m in the Welcome Team. The Welcome Team is an action group which helps new pupils to settle into our school. There have been lots of new people joining our school this year and I think the Welcome Team has really helped. This year our aim was to create a DVD within the Welcome Team and this goal was reached and completed on 20 June 2013. We hope this DVD will be a success and will help new pupils. In the DVD we included all the team and had lots of different scenes so we all got to be famous! We set the scenes all around the school and it was fun to learn the lines from the script and get to be in the excellent DVD. The DVD will be given to new pupils to watch and they will hopefully feel more welcome in our school after watching it. The Prep Welcome Team whole team was willing to practise for the DVD and we were all up for the challenge. We were all very hopeful The Button Box that the DVD would be finished before we broke up for the summer and we could chill, sit back and enjoy our DVD. We had a few attempts for it to be perfect but I think it was worth it.

The Welcome Team is only two years old and to be in the Welcome Team on its second year and also my last year was very pleasing. I would like to thank Miss McQuillan for helping us to make the DVD and to put it all together. I hope the DVD will be a hit for the school and I also hope the Welcome Team will continue to be a successful action group for the school. Holly Brow Prep 7 Talia and Abby as Grandad and Grandma Shona and Holly as Tom and Emily

Phoebe and Holly as Uncle Ted and Molly, Talisha, Tegan, Kelly and Veena as Anna as the Dancing Crow Aunt Wendy the Chinese story-tellers

128 Old Girls’ Association

Hannah Willis Amy Hogg Mabel Annie Burnip in memory of Dr Ethel Williams, suffragette. Up (née Irvine) We are delighted to report that in to two Scholarships are normally September 2012 Amy Hogg, former awarded each year to undergraduate Congratulations to former pupil pupil (class of 2012) and daughter of women students in Engineering by the Hannah Willis (née Irvine) who Mrs Hogg our Head of Chemistry, University Exhibitions and Engineering gained her 50th cap for Northern was awarded a QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship Committee on behalf of the Ireland when she captained the team Scholarship from the Institution of Senate, on the recommendation of the in the International Netball Series Civil Engineers through the company Head of an Engineering School. The played at the Antrim Forum in the Enterprise-Mouchel. She spent eight Scholarship is tenable for the whole of Autumn of 2013. Hannah played weeks on a summer placement with Amy’s undergraduate degree course. against St Lucia, Barbados and them in Penrith. Furthermore, at the end Botswana and the Northern Ireland of her first year of studies in Civil and team won all of its matches. Hannah Structural Engineering at Newcastle- upon-Tyne, she has been awarded one Lisa Barros D’Sa will compete in the Commonwealth of only two M A Burnip Scholarships. Lisa Barros D’Sa, Old Girl, is a Games next year. These Scholarships were established director and producer of independent with funds from the will of the late motion pictures. Lisa started her career in London after completing an MA in Screenwriting but returned to Northern Graduations, Ireland, starting out as a script reader Queen’s University Belfast 2012 and editor in feature film development. It was through writing and developing Congratulations to the following Old Girls. her own scripts that she progressed All degrees are at Honours level. to directing. Until this year she was BSc Archaeology, LLB Law & Politics perhaps known chiefly for her feature Palaeoecology & Geography Eve Wallace Cherrybomb (2009). However, in Laura Mallon the last year she has become known LLB Law internationally for co-directing with BSc Business Information Katie Major Glenn Leyburn the sensationally Technology received film Good Vibrations (2012). Ashleigh Hornsby MPharm Pharmacy Suzanne Campbell, Sophie Kidd This film, written by local writers BSc Business IT including Colin Carberry and Glenn Patterson, Professional Experience BSc Psychology chronicles the colourful and creative Ashleigh Magee, Laura Townsend Natasha Sloan life of Terri Hooley, owner of the Good Vibrations record store which was BSc Biomedical Science BSW Social Work Laura Allen a landmark in Great Victoria Street. Gillian Gillespie, Sarah McKeown Hooley was instrumental in developing BEng Computer Science Dip Educational Multimedia a troubled Belfast’s punk-rock scene including Professional Experience Natalie Chambers and bringing the Undertones to the Victoria Ismay, Clare Johnston BSc Economics & Management attention of John Peel and Radio Sara Wright One. The film was particularly well BA English & Modern History received at the British Film festival in Angela Gibney, Chantal Moore MB Medicine Australia, and described as uplifting; BA English Catherine O’Hare, Hannah Tumelty the soundtrack was released by Rachel Miller PhD Medicine Ace Records and chosen as Rough Kiera Dollin Trade’s compilation of the year. BSc Environmental Planning Glenn Leyburn, Lisa Barros D’Sa and Nadine Moody BA Politics David Holmes have formed their own BA Film Studies Alana Beattie production company, Canderblinks Wei Yun Chung Dip Politics Film & Music. As their website says, Deborah-Ann Lavery “We aim to create film projects with BA History & Social Anthropology international scope, fusing great stories Lynsey Stewart BSW Social Work with fantastic music and a distinctive Jenny Lilburn cinematic vision.”

129 Lucy Chambers Colours) and enjoyed attending the Gina Flannery Union debates and the ceilidh band. Lucy Chambers, former Head Girl of Overall it has been a really hectic, at Congratulations to graduand Gina Victoria College, graduated with First times stressful, but absolutely fantastic Flannery, Old Girl, who was named Class honours from Downing College, three years, and it has been wonderful by Strathclyde University as the best Cambridge in June 2013. She expresses to share it with so many like-minded student in International Business and her thanks for the support she received friends. Modern Languages for the academic during her time at VCB, without which, year 2012-13 and was presented with she says, she would not have been able Next year I will be going to Harvard the Professor Anthony Clunies Ross to succeed at Cambridge. University to study for a Masters in Quaich for her achievement. Gina Law, focusing on Law and Economics was also awarded a distinction in Lucy writes: and researching the interaction between spoken Spanish. It is hard for me to believe that my situational economics and contract three years at Downing College have law. I will be spending the year in come to an end, but I have thoroughly the USA as a Scholar of the US-UK enjoyed my time here and have taken Fulbright Commission, of which I full advantage of all the opportunities am truly proud. I am very excited to Cambridge has presented. Next week I be experiencing the US Law School will be graduating with a Double First teaching and research community, and in Law, having achieved First Class I hope to be able to publish some of my honours in all three years of the work during my year, and hopefully Tripos and received several Faculty bring a lot of the Law and Economics prizes including for contract law and scholarship back to the UK. constitutional law. In my optional papers, I have been focusing mainly on Following my year in the USA, I private law (commercial law, contract will be returning to the UK (but law and international commercial unfortunately not to Northern Ireland!) disputes) along with an international to take up my Training Contract comparative element (studying French with the commercial solicitors’ firm and German contract and tort law). Slaughter and May, in London. I hope The teaching and supervision system to qualify with the firm, and also have has been all I have ever wanted from the opportunity to work abroad with academic study, and much more. them, before perhaps moving back into Outside Law, I have played in our academic teaching. College jazz band, been a member of the Cambridge University Law Society Lucy takes with us our warmest committee, including mooting (legal congratulations and best wishes for her debating) on behalf of the University exciting future. represented the University on the archery team (earning University Gina Flannery

Molly Gilmartin

Past pupil and former Head Girl of the class of 2011 Molly Gilmartin was successful in the HSBC Student Bursary Competition to win £10,000. Molly endeavoured to “make her mark on the world” and won this fabulous bursary by creating a video to ‘Find the Cures for Cancer’ in association with the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre. You can watch her winning entry and find out more at http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=pxaKJBTmDOs. We wish Molly continued success in reading Medicine at Queen’s College, Oxford. We are delighted to see that she is enjoying life there and playing a full part in College life, including vocal giving recitals in Chapel for the Eglesfield Music Society. Molly Gilmartin’s winning entry on You Tube

130 in Economics Level 1. Sorcha is Sorcha Foster shown receiving her award from Dr Nicola Beirne Subhadip Chakrabarti of the Queen’s Sorcha Foster, a former pupil of University Management School at Warmest congratulations to Old Victoria College, has been awarded their Prize-Giving Ceremony on 2 Girl and stalwart of the Victorians the Queen’s University Foundation July 2013. Ladies’ Hockey Club, Nicola (Nicky) Scholarship for the best student Beirne, who has won two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Australia. Her fellow Victorians are very proud of her achievement. Nicky is also fondly remembered by many boarders as their lifeguard for Tuesday evening swimming sessions.

Sorcha Foster Nicola (Nicky) Beirne

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131 Victorians Ladies Hockey Club 2012-2013 Season www.pitchero.com/clubs/ victoriansladieshockeyclub/

Office Bearers: Honorary Life Member: Moira McKelvey

President: Ann Rosa

Vice Presidents: Jennifer Best Nicky du Toit Margaret Harvey Raymond Irvine June Kirk Danielle Hamilton (VCB Old Girls) and Daphne McNamee Sophie Pollock (VCB 1st XI) in action Achievements: Rosemary McWhinney Anne Molloy We congratulate Olivia Blundell on Ann Morrison her selection for the Ulster Under-18 B Crawford McCully team and Rebecca Lutton who reached Ruth Walker the final trials for the Ulster Juniors. Hon Secretaries: Veterans Ruth & Rachael McMillan It was great to see the Veterans Treasurer: playing four league matches during the Jennifer Best season with much success and doing so well in the tournament at Deramore in Match Secretary: May. Our thanks go to Caroline Fusco, Andy Edwards who, although still too young to play, Victorians 1st XI v Ballymoney organised the team very efficiently. Club Captain: Nicky Beirne 2nd XI The objective of this season was to Junior Hockey Junior Development: stay in Junior 1, which was achieved. Crawford McCully The Club would like to acknowledge They played 18 games, and won and thank Crawford McCully for all his five, drew four and lost nine. The drive and hard work with this Junior 1st XI beginning of the season was hard for section of the Club. Our thanks also go some not accustomed to this level of Victorians 1st XI v Ballymoney to Robert Johnston for an amazing job play. However a few wins and draws this season as he moves on next season. The season commenced with us increased confidence, knowing we His expert coaching is irreplaceable. losing some players and gaining some could achieve results. We survived Thanks also to those who helped out new ones. The first half did not go a tough league. It was a team with a on Tuesdays and Sundays coaching. as well as planned, but the effort at mixture of experienced and young There were 40 juniors registered this training and attendance of the 1st XI players. Many thanks to Coach Chris season and attendance has been good were fantastic and showed the players’ Bloor and team captain Nicky Beirne throughout. The Under-15s fought well enthusiasm to improve. The second half for another very encouraging season. at tournaments in Randalstown and of the season was much better and it came joint first. Twelve of these players seemed that matches were lost by just 3rd XI are now moving up to Senior hockey the odd goal. An improvement from and will be warmly welcomed, as we the previous season was seen due to A young team was fielded by the 3rd try to attract and encourage them next the increased number of points gained. XI in Junior 4 which they managed to season. The Under-13 squad this season Unfortunately the 1sts were not able to stay in this season. They played well has shown much talent and got into four hold their place in the Premier League and showed great promise for the of the finals in different tournaments. and the drive for next year will be to future. Kathy Campfield captained and Emma Conlin also made Under-16 compete for that place again. Thanks managed the team and many thanks go Ulster trials as well as playing for again to Club Coach Andy Edwards for to her for all her effort as she has been Belfast Under-15s. his tireless enthusiasm and dedication. fantastic with the younger girls.

132 Mini Hockey Boxing Day Jenny Evans Charity Fifty girls registered with Victorians Tournament Bike Ride Mini Hockey. With only two Prep 7 girls we used Prep 6s and a Prep 5 Every year after a Christmas day full Congratulations also to Jenny Evans, to play in the Under-11 fixtures. The of rest and lots of food the Victoria who survived the 324 miles on her girls played extremely well and won College Old Girls don the VCB bike from London to Amsterdam! many of their games and this will be checked shirts for the Annual Boxing Thank you everyone for your support. a great foundation for next year. We Day Tournament. It is held at Strathearn All the money raised is going towards welcomed David and Robert Cumins School and involves Victoria College building classrooms for street children as our two new coaches to coach with Old Girls, Strathearn Old Girls, VCB in Manila, Philippines. Rachael McMillan. They worked really 1st XI and Strathearn 1st XI. This year well and proved popular with the girls. the VCB Old Girls’ Team came away Charlotte Elliott Our thanks go to Anne Molloy for co- as winners after a really great morning’s ordinating the Mini Section of the Club. hockey. Coaches and Umpires The club would like to thank to Fundraising all who have given their time and commitment to coach our teams This year’s fundraising saw In March we also held a Western throughout the season. Thank you to numerous activities take place. A table Dance Night in Newforge Country Club Coach Andy Edwards, Chris quiz was organised by Nicky Beirne in Club which was great fun and a good Bloor, Kathy Campfield, Crawford November at Fortwilliam Golf Club. success. Thank you to Raymond and McCully, Robert Johnston, Billy This was a great success with some Helen Irvine for organising this event. Pollock, Nicky du Toit, Anne Molloy, tough questions and the competitive It certainly was a night to remember. Rachael McMillan, David Cumins edge came out in everyone. Some great Watch out Strictly Come Dancing! and Robert Cumins. Many thanks prizes were organised and altogether it also to our umpires Ruth Walker, Ian was a fun and enjoyable night. Farris Crawford McCully, Nicky du Toit, Andy Edwards, Billy Pollock and Jimmy Lutton. Without their support we could not play our games. Sadly for us this year Chris Bloor has decided to return to rugby coaching next season and we are really going to miss him. We all have benefited so much from his four years at the Club. He always joked that he is a rugby coach and not a hockey coach but he soon mastered the skills and tactics needed for our game. We wish him Helen Irvine showing us what steps to do Raymond Irvine calling out the steps every success in the future. Annual Awards Dinner The Annual Awards Dinner, organised by Chris Bloor, was held in Newforge Country Club on 26 April 2012. It was another successful occasion and a table of former players who are now playing for the Veterans team were made very welcome. The main awards went to:

1st XI Player of the Year: Ashleigh Irvine 2nd XI Player of the Year: Kelsey O’Donnell 3rd XI Player of the Year: Chloe Marks Club Player of the Year: Nicky Beirne Nicky Beirne receiving her award from Ashleigh Irvine, 1st XI player of the year Vice-President June Kirk

133 The Victoria Miss Amy Greene BSc The organisation is dependent on its Miss Heather Manley committee and we are fortunate to have College Old Girls’ Miss Judi Manley so many enthusiastic and reliable members who willingly give of their Association Ex Officio Member time to help deliver copies of the Aims of the Association Ms Patricia Slevin BA, MEd, PGCE, PQH magazine and provide delicious suppers. I would like to extend a To unite Victorians in a common Secretary’s Report special word of thanks to Mrs Patricia bond, to keep them in touch with Hagan, Miss Heather Montgomery and their Alma Mater, and to provide The Autumn Reunion was held Mrs Ashleigh Keatings-Hunter for all opportunities for social intercourse. on Thursday 4 October 2012. Top the extra tasks they so freely undertake, nutritionist Jayne McClenaghan to Mrs Dorothy Walsh for her Life Membership £100 talked to us on Vital Nutrition for invaluable assistance and to Mrs £50 for girls who join during the first Optimum Health. Barbara Farris for the superb control year after leaving school of the finances. Finally we must The Annual General Meeting, on acknowledge the tremendous support Annual membership £20 Wednesday 10 October 2012, was of our president Mrs Margaret Andrews, held in Drumglass House and chaired whose help and encouragement is so Office Bearers for 2012-13 by our then Vice President, Mrs greatly valued. Florence Allen. Once again, a lovely President supper was provided by the staff of Please continue to send all your Mrs Margaret Andrews OBE, BSc, Drumglass. news and any changes of address to PGDICE the Honorary Secretary, or, if you The Annual Dinner was held on prefer email any items of interest Vice-Presidents Thursday 2 May 2013 and was and changes of address to juliekerr@ Mrs Jennifer Breene TD (Stranmillis) attended by over fifty members. blueyonder.co.uk. If you would like Dr Barbara Callender MB, MRCGP Our guests were Mrs Patricia Shane your email address to be added to the Mrs Jennifer Mussen MA, Dip Ed. and Mrs Mary Lee Jackson of the Association’s database, please email Arellians, and the Head Girl and this to [email protected]. Honorary Secretary two Deputy Head Girls of Victoria Mrs Betty Kerr BA College. Randals catered for the Betty Kerr (Hon Secretary) 1 Malone View Park, Belfast BT9 5PN occasion and as usual provided a Tel: 028 9061 4637 wonderful meal. Births Email: [email protected] Sadly we have several deaths BAMPTON (20 November 2012) to Honorary Assistant Secretary to report this year. We send our Claire (Callender) and Ed Bampton, Mrs Dorothy Walsh BA deepest sympathy to the families a daughter 115 Osborne Park, Belfast BT9 6JQ of our former members, Miss Mary BROWN (March 2013) to Susie Tel: 028 9066 8584 Boucher, Mrs Bannie Bamford (Carson) and Patrick Brown, a son (Scarlett), Lady Silvia McConnell FOLEY (9 April 2013) to Heather Honorary Treasurer (Agnew), Mrs Margaret Stewart (Wilson) and Mr Foley, twins (son Mrs Barbara Farris BSc, DipDomSc (McCready), Mrs H Burrows (Joan and daughter) Bracken Bank, 10 Greenvale, Cooper), Mrs Betty Magowan KEATINGS-HUNTER (23 August Drumbeg, Belfast BT17 9LR (Sherrie), Mrs Barbara Spence 2013) to Ashleigh and Mark, a boy. Tel: 028 9060 5388 (McKibben). Marriages Honorary School Publicity Officer We are most grateful to so many of Miss Heather Montgomery BSc, PGCE the staff in Victoria College for their LAMING-McCAUSLAND (2 June help and support during the year and 2012) Clare Diana McCausland to Honorary Magazine Secretary for would like to thank in particular Ms Mr Sten Richard Laming Delivery Patricia Slevin, Mrs Hilary Woods, Mrs Patricia Hagan Mrs Linda Diffin and Mrs Deirdre Deaths Turkington. The office staff are so Honorary Recorder obliging and we are indebted to BAMFORD (22 January 2013) Mrs Miss Ashleigh Keatings BSc Mrs Ann Kirkpatrick, Miss Nicola Bannie Bamford (Scarlett), widow Mawhinney, Mrs Linda Dickson and of Mr Francis Bamford, The Leaves, General Committee Mrs Jennifer McCune. Miss Debi 107 Tullygard Road, Drumbo Mrs Linda Diffin MA, PGCE, Bain in the canteen is a tremendous BOUCHER (12 May 2013) Miss MAdCertEd, PQH help to us at reunions and the staff at Mary Boucher, former Vice Principal Mrs Dorothy Smyth SRN Drumglass always extends a warm of Victoria College Miss Kerry Burns welcome. We are very grateful to Mr BURROWS (2011) Mrs H Burrows Mrs Carolyn Lewis ACII, ADE, CFE Richard Beattie and Mr John Lorimer (Joan Cooper), 1a Baylands, First Mrs Sharon Henderson ACA, MCLIP for their help with security and with Avenue, Bangor Miss Tori Watson so much more, and to our ‘sound FOELLMER (18 December 2013) Mrs Florence Allen man’, Mr Ivor Austin. Mrs Thelma (Beacom) in Vancouver,

134 wife of Horst Foellmer Helen Davis (Emerson) is working the AELTC Championships. She is LAW (28 December 2013) Mrs Joan part time as a civil engineer for a large getting married in Wales next July. (Hunniford), 27 Prentonfarm Road, multi-disciplinary consultancy. She Preston, Birkenhead CH43 3BN specialises in the design and project Vilma Patterson has been appointed McCONNELL (January 2013) Lady management of river flood defence by the Minister of Justice to be Silvia McConnell (Agnew) schemes. Chairman of the Probation Board McKITTRICK (2013) Miss Stella, for Northern Ireland. She is the first Seagoe, Portadown aged 100 years Nicola Kinnaird, who founded SPACE female chair of that organisation. MAGOWAN (date not given) Mrs NK in Covent Garden almost twenty Betty Magowan (Sherrie), 19 Abbey years ago, has turned this into a national Graduations: Heriot-Watt University Road, Knock chain with sixty outlets. She has now SPENCE (3 January 2013) Mrs expanded the business into the USA. Caroline Bannon has graduated MA Barbara Spence (McKibben) in Management with Marketing. STEWART (27 April 2013) Mrs Claire Laming (McCausland) received Margaret Stewart (McCready), 9 a MSc in Strategic Public Relations Kimberley Fryers has graduated Newforge Lane, Belfast and Communication Management MA in Accountancy & Business Law. form the University of Stirling. She is News of Old Girls currently living in Portugal but will Natalie Hunter has graduated with return to Paris in the New Year. a BSc in Mathematical, Statistical & Dot Adams (Greer) received a Master Actuarial Science. of Law for the University of Leicester Heather Lloyd (Anderson) has on 12 July 2013. She is currently translated two novels by the French Lucinda Macmillan has graduated continuing her studies at Queen’s writer Françoise Sagen, Bonjour with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Modern University to read for a Masters of Tristesse and A Certain Smile for the Languages & European Studies Social Sciences in Criminology. series Penguin Modern Classics 2013. (French and Spanish) from the University of Bath. Claire Bain is still working in Romania. Emma Morton has lived in London This summer she ran five-day Bible since graduating from Lancaster clubs in 79 locations attended by University in 2008 and now works over 3,800 children. for the Commercial Department at

Discounts Opening Hours Monday - Saturday available 9am - 5:30pm during June, July and August

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135 Victoria College Old Girl’s Association

Statement of Accounts for Year Ending 30 June 2013

Receipts £ Balance in Bank as at 30 June 2012 5566.55 Subscriptions 350.00 Spring Reunion (including ballot) 453.60 Autumn Reunion 924.00 Transfer from Dr McLernon Fund 100.00 Magazine Fund 430.00 Donation 67.23

£7939.38

Payments £ Postage - - Autumn Postage 354.98 - Spring Reunion 342.93 - School Magazine 97.26 Dr McLernon Prize 100.00 Bank Fees 35.13 Balance in Bank as at 30 June 2013 7,939.38

£9623.83

Deposit Account (Ulster Bank) (1) £ Opening Balance as at 30 June 2012 1.27

Closing Balance as at 30 June 2013 1.27

Investment Account (National Savings Bank) (2) £ Opening balance as at 30 June 2012 2,148.25 Interest 11.56

Closing Balance as at 30 June 2013 2,159.81

Dr McLernon’s Memorial Fund (National Savings Bank) (3) £ Opening balance as at 30 June 2012 753.22 Withdrawal 100.00 653.22

Interest 3.91

Closing Balance as at 30 June 2013 657.13

I certify that proper books of account have been kept and the above statement is a true and accurate presentation of the Association’s financial transactions for the year ended 30 June 2013

Dated: 15th Sept 2013 Signed: Robert Kerr

136