Mr Chairman, Dr Ferris, Mayor Alderman Henderson, Distinguished Guests, Governors, Colleagues, Principals of our local Schools, Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, it is my privilege to present my fifth Annual Report. 
I add my words of welcome to those of the Chairman in welcoming our guest of honour, Dr Caro-Lynne Ferris.  Mr Magowan will later outline Dr Ferris’s distinguished career but I take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of the pupils and indeed everyone present, for agreeing to distribute our prizes.  Caro-Lynne you are most welcome!

Last year, with great regret, the Board of Governors had to take the extremely difficult decision to make 4 teachers compulsory redundant due to the massive financial cuts being imposed across schools in Northern Ireland.  Mr Magowan has outlined the detail but it is fair to say that as a school we continue to make numerous representations to Senior Civil Servants, Assembly Members and Government Ministers to ensure that high performing and successful schools such as Grosvenor Grammar School receive sufficient funds to enable us to continue to provide the same high quality education for the pupils in our community.  Mrs Hunniford (who is now teaching in Glenlola Collegiate), Mr Meaklim (who is now teaching in Shimna Integrated School), Mr Platt (who is now teaching in Lagan College) and Mr Wilkinson (who is now teaching in St Mary’s High School) were fantastic servants to the pupils of Grosvenor Grammar School and it was such a shame that the school was unable to keep these high quality teachers, due to the decisions taken by Central Government.  We wish them well as they continue their careers and thank them for all of their unstinting efforts on behalf of our pupils. 

Mr Wylie also left the school to follow in the footsteps of a former Grosvenor Vice Principal, Mr Harry Morrow, to take up the reigns as Principal of Larne Grammar School.  Mr Wylie started his teaching career in Grosvenor when he was appointed to teach History in 1997 and it was obvious to everyone from the outset that he was an extremely talented and committed man who cared passionately about high quality education for all of our pupils.  He taught his pupils with considerable passion and flair and used his talents over the years to assist with many extra-curricular activities, most notably with numerous rugby and cricket teams.  I doubt if we will ever have another rugby team repeat the amazing feat that occurred when he was head coach of the U13/U14/Medallion Team when they were undefeated in 50 matches.  He occupied many different roles within the school over the past 15 years and most recently he excelled in his role as Vice Principal.  He was a fantastic servant to the pupils who passed through our doors and today I thank him publicly for his friendship, support, encouragement and leadership over the years.

Mr Farmer retired after 36 years of distinguished service in the Chemistry Department.  As a former Head of Chemistry and school Examinations Officer he consistently demonstrated his exceptional organisational ability.  His vast knowledge of his subject and most other topics will be greatly missed in the school. 
Mr Wilson retired after 36 years of distinguished service in the Mathematics Department during which time he had a 2 year secondment with the Belfast Education & Library Board.  Mr Wilson excelled in a number of roles in the school most notably as School Timetabler and as the teacher in charge of Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions and Ski Trips. 
I take this opportunity to thank Mr Farmer and Mr Wilson on behalf of Grosvenor Grammar School and many generations of pupils and parents for all of their hard work and dedication to the school and wish them both a long and happy retirement. 

This year Miss Campbell joined the Chemistry department and Mrs Sneddon returned to the Mathematics department both on a temporary basis.  I am particularly pleased to welcome our new Vice-Principal, Mr Wilson who joins us this year after spending two years as Principal of Rathfriland High School. 
I welcome them all to our staff and trust they enjoy working in our community.

As I have stated before I fundamentally believe that to ensure high quality outcomes leadership must be dispersed and distributed effectively across an organisation and a school is no exception.  Therefore a considerable number of internal promotions took place as the school continues to provide whole school leadership opportunities across the entire staff.   In a permanent capacity – Mrs Hunter-Burns (Examinations Officer); Mr Watts (School Timetabler); Ms Lynch (Assistant Examinations Officer); Mr Gartland (ICT Coordinator – Curricular) and in a temporary capacity Mr Cowan (Head of Year).  Mr Taggart is also currently participating in an exciting new initiative in the school - The Senior Leadership Training Programme. 

In addition, I congratulate a number of staff who successfully completed further study - Ms Gray completed her Masters in Educational Multimedia and Miss McDowell completed her Masters in Educational Management.  I also take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs McLaughlin on completing the Professional Qualification for Headship and congratulate Miss Foster, Mrs Caulfield, Mrs Rea and Mr Young on successfully completing the Regional Training Unit Emergent Leadership Training Programme. 

Once again this year’s results in August reflected the tremendous hard work of pupils, staff and parents. 
At GCSE level 94.9% of pupils obtained at least 7 grade C passes including English and Mathematics.  Katie Dougan and Ross Neill both achieved 10A* and one A grade.  24 pupils gained a phenomenal 10 A*-A grades or better and 44 pupils, almost a third of the year group, achieved 8 A*-A grades or better.
At ‘AS’ level the number of pupils gaining at least 3 subjects at A-C was 78.8% with 24 pupils obtaining at least 3 A grades.

At A Level an outstanding 84.5% of pupils attained 3 A*-C grades or better and 20 pupils achieved 3 grades A*-A or better.  The A Level and GCSE results demonstrate that the school continues to be recognised as one of the highest achieving schools in the country with excellent value added scores when compared to UK schools with similar ability pupils.  The success, I feel, is a credit to the hard work and determination of the pupils and parents as well as the commitment and professionalism of all the teaching and non-teaching staff.  In addition Head Boy Richard Anderson and Deputy Head Boy Robby Rankin both achieved an impressive 4 A* grades.  Richard therefore successfully secured his place to study Medicine at Jesus College, Cambridge. 
Robby Rankin finished joint 2nd in Northern Ireland in A Level Mathematics with the help of his Mathematics teachers Mrs Erwin, Mrs Rankin and Mr Moore.  Jack Walker finished 1st in Northern Ireland in GCSE German with the help of his German teacher Mrs Dorman.  Ross Neill finished 2nd in Northern Ireland in GCSE English Language with the help of his English teacher Mrs Sweeney.  Rachel Cullen finished 3rd in Northern Ireland in GCSE English Literature with the help of her English teacher Mrs Young. 

We are justifiably proud of all of these achievements and I congratulate not only the pupils but also their parents and teachers. 

The extra and co-curricular life of the school continues to thrive and the vast array of clubs and societies available means that all of our pupils have the opportunity to develop essential lifelong skills as they participate in fun activities.  I take this opportunity to acknowledge the talents and many achievements of our pupils, and the expertise and extraordinary dedication of the staff without whom our rich extra-curricular programme could not flourish.

Grosvenor has always encouraged pupils to broaden their horizons through travel, and this year was no exception. Pupils availed of the opportunity to venture abroad on ski trips to Italy and Austria, the annual German exchange to Lippstadt, a French trip to Paris, the History trip to Washington DC and a month-long World Challenge trip to Laos and Vietnam. Furthermore, pupils were awarded bursaries to travel to America, South Africa and China, either during the summer holiday or as part of their gap year. These experiences are invaluable and provide pupils with the opportunity not only to learn about the wider world but also to create some precious memories that will linger for years to come.

There have been a number of outstanding achievements in the extra-curricular arena this year. In music, Form 5 flautist Andrew Douglas won the prestigious Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year competition at Queen’s University. This is an extremely difficult competition with an incredibly high standard of musicians participating and Andrew’s achievement is fantastic; congratulations Andrew. Andrew was joined by fellow pupil Natasha Coey in performing at the James Galway concert featuring the Ulster Orchestra, and we were able to enjoy listening to Andrew and our other talented musicians at the annual Musical Evening in March. It was at that concert that we were also delighted to welcome the Traditional Group from Our Lady and St. Patrick’s College. We have worked closely with Our Lady and St. Patrick’s College for many years and it was a pleasure to listen to the jigs and reels and watch the Irish Dancers, and to strengthen the links between our schools in another area of school life.
In addition to practising for the Musical Evening, pupils from the Music Department were busy throughout the year recording the Senior Choir’s entry for the BBC’s Songs of Praise Choir of the Year competition, playing in the City of Belfast School of Music Showcase Event and playing in the Youth Concert Band, performing at the Annual Carol Service and singing for our enjoyment here today. Miss Foster and Mr Arnold provide invaluable commitment, enthusiasm and support for pupils, and I thank them for their immeasurable dedication.
Pupils also had an opportunity to display their musical talents, and their acting abilities, in the Junior and Senior productions during the year. The Senior School performed the hit musical ‘Fame’. Under the leadership of director Miss McDowell and musical director Mr Arnold over seventy pupils worked together to produce an outstanding show. Dazzling performances from Hannah Cash, Amy Chambers, Adam Darcy, Aaron Godfrey, Caitlin Jamison and Ross White, ably supported by a large cast, entertained audiences in early November.

In March it was the turn of the Junior School, who performed an equally impressive and enjoyable show, this time with Mrs Young and Mr Arnold at the helm. Georgia Galway was a lively Peter Pan and Matthew Hedley a menacing Captain Hook. Amanda-Jane Godfrey and Nathan Kirk played the roles of Timkerbell and John with aplomb, and once again they were supported by a large, talented cast.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the unstinting support of Mrs Salt, Ms Gray, Miss Harte and Mr Platt and their backstage, sound and lighting crews, the musicians, and the producers, without whom no performances would be possible. Thank you to all those involved in our Junior and Senior productions.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has always been popular in Grosvenor and this year we were delighted when twenty seven Lower 6th pupils received their silver award. Mr Wilson and his team of dedicated teachers have spent many hours in the Mournes, in all weathers, in order to ensure that pupils have the opportunity to complete their expeditions.

Public Speaking continues to flourish under the guidance of Ms Lynch. Lower 6th pupil and now Head Girl Anna Cullen won the Belfast Regional Heat of the Soroptimist International Public Speaking Competition with her speech ‘Equality for Women is not just a Human Right, it is a Social and Economic Imperative’, and Sophie McCormick and Rachel Boyd, Form 5, were victorious in the Changing Minds Public Speaking Competition at Stranmillis. Meanwhile the junior public speaking team comprising Susannah Ashfield, Sophie Coffey and Jordan Brown won the esteemed Queen’s University Women’s Graduates Competition.

Trophies were also being collected by the Technology and Design Department. Eve McLelland represented Northern Ireland at the UK Big Bang Young Scientist and Engineers Fair in Birmingham, where she emerged as runner-up in the Junior Engineering category and she won the CREST Creativity award. Her design of a Fire Sprinkler system that aids emergency evacuation from a large building won high praise from the judges. At the Sentinus Young Innovators Awards in Belfast Form 2 pupils Hannah Blair, Lauren McAskie, Joshua Kittle, Rebecca Morrow and Andrew Proctor were declared winners of the Best Post-Primary STEM Club NI category, while Form 3 pupil Gareth Reid was selected to represent Northern Ireland at next year’s UK Big Bang Fair in London, as winner of the Software4Schools Award and runner up in the Young Engineer for Britain Award. For his Write to Read project Gareth designed an iphone app capable of photographing written text and presenting it on screen in a font, created by Gareth, which has been proven to be more easily processed by dyslexic readers.

Success was also garnered further afield, when Mr Taggart travelled to Houston, Texas with former pupil Graeme Browne who was selected to represent Northern Ireland at the I-SWEEEP Olympiad. One thousand young scientists from seventy countries compete in this event and Graeme’s design, the Brightwater Project, a water disinfection service, won one of only ten gold medals in his category. It is the second year in a row that this remarkable achievement has been accomplished by a Grosvenor student; a reflection on the superb work being carried out in the department by Mr Taggart, Miss Semple and Mr Platt.

As usual, the PE department had a busy and an extremely successful year.  Girls’ hockey were celebrating in March, when the U12 A Hockey squad won both the Carrickfergus Hockey Tournament and Raphoe Tournament, and congratulations must go not only to the girls but also to their coach, Mrs Hunter. Meanwhile, in senior girls’ hockey, Lower 6th pupils Anna Lockhart and Claire Caruth played for the Belfast Area Team which once again won the Northern Ireland Tournament. Further congratulations must go to the Senior Girls’ Rugby Team for their tremendous victory in the Schools’ Cup at Ravenhill.

Not to be outdone, the boys also had many reasons to celebrate during the course of the year. The 1st XV’s season began with their successful tour to South Africa, and drew to a close with victory in the Silcoates Rugby Tournament in Yorkshire. Upper 6th pupil Matthew Cahoon was selected to play for the Ulster U19 A squad, while his fellow Upper 6th colleagues Stuart Smyth and Nick Jones were selected to play for the U19 B squad.
Furthermore, Steven Marshall and Sam Purdon were selected to participate in the Ulster U18 Development Squad. In the Junior School, the U14 Rugby team also celebrated success, winning the O’Kane Memorial Plate competition at Ballymena.

In soccer, Daniel Larmour and Conor Kernohan, both Form 2, were selected for the U14 Belfast Schools’ Football Team, and Form 3 pupils Andrew Foster and Callum Byers were selected to attend an International Training Camp as members of the Under 15 National Squad.
The Ulster Schools Athletics Championships heralded much success for the athletes in Grosvenor. The Form 2 Boys athletics team were winners of the Year 9 Ulster Schools Team Trophy. The Senior Girls 4x100m relay team, comprising Holly Dornan, Naomi Campbell, Nicola Muirhead and Anna Lockhart were crowned Ulster Schools Champions, while F1 pupils Anna Stanfield and Nathan Chan won gold medals in their respective mini long jump event. Robby Rankin added to his many cross country successes with first place in the Senior Boys 1500m steeplechase. Our thanks go to their extremely dedicated coaches Mrs Kirk and Mr Gibson.

Once again, there was a strong representation of Grosvenor pupils at the UK Games. Devan McMordie was selected to represent NI in wheelchair basketball, while Andrew Wright, Emma Ludlow, Daniel Mayhew, Gareth Reid, Jake Wylie and Samuel Gourley represented NI in cross country, table tennis, judo and fencing respectively. Meanwhile, Tom Purdon in Form 3 was selected for the Irish Sailing Association’s training squad and represented Northern Ireland in the Tri Nations Sailing Event.

In addition to their participation in the UK School Games, Grosvenor’s fencers enjoyed success in a range of other competitions, including the Irish National Fencing Championships and the British Youth Championships, where F1 pupil Jonathan Little won a prestigious Gold Medal; an outstanding achievement.
At the very end of June pupils, parents and the school were elated when the 1st XI cricket team triumphed in the Ulster Bank Schools’ Cup. This is the first time in the history of Grosvenor that the school has won the cricket Schools’ Cup, and we are immensely proud of the boys. We are also delighted that the captain Alistair Shields has been selected for Ulster Schools and for the Ireland U19 team to play in the U19 World Cup in Australia. These momentous achievements could not have occurred without the commitment of coaches Mr McCallan, Mr White and Mr Young.  I take this opportunity today to say congratulations to all the boys and staff in the school cricket club – an outstanding achievement!

There are, of course, many more aspects to school life, but unfortunately time precludes me from mentioning them all. However, they are extremely well documented in the latest edition of Grosvenor in View and I congratulate Ms Lynch and her team on her first publication of the school magazine.  Due to the large numbers who now view our website (over 3,500 visitors per month) we have taken the decision to no longer publish the Focus magazine during the year, instead I would encourage you to view the articles online, which are updated on a regular basis thanks to the hard work of Mr Lendrum.

What defines a School is the quality of relationships and the range of academic and extra-curricular successes I have outlined today confirm that there are effective relationships between pupils, teachers and parents in Grosvenor Grammar School.

The success realised is a team achievement and I begin with my colleagues, the teaching and non-teaching staff and thank them for their dedication and commitment to the pupils.  I feel very humble and proud to lead such a talented group of staff who are highly professional and care passionately about our pupils.  Their enthusiasm and devotion to our pupils is the reason why Grosvenor is such an excellent Grammar School.
Equally you, the parents, deserve a huge amount of credit for encouraging and supporting your children through the difficult years of adolescence and the maze of public examinations.  However I firmly believe that the pupils must take responsibility for their own learning and the success reported today confirms that they have seized the curricular and extra-curricular opportunities.  They are to be congratulated for demonstrating maturity in dealing with the significant pressures placed on young people in today’s modern world.

The pupils who left the school in June worked incredibly hard to fulfil their dreams; I hope and trust you have fond memories and please be assured your relationship with the school doesn’t end here.  You will always be part of the Grosvenor Community and we take pleasure in hearing of your future achievements.  I wish you well and please stay in touch with the School.

Finally I wish to thank the Board of Governors for their continuing support and encouragement.  In particular we were delighted when Mr Reg Magowan, our Chairman, received an MBE in the New Year’s honours list for services to Education.  He has given endless hours of commitment to the school over two decades and many weeks he is on ‘school duty’ for hours of unpaid work, giving up much of his free time in the evening to attend activities and meetings that are too numerous to mention. 

There is no doubt schools in Northern Ireland face an uncertain future, however, be assured whatever the future, Grosvenor will continue within a caring environment to provide a world class education for our pupils ensuring that they become confident young adults who are lifelong learners with the essential knowledge, skills and capabilities required for university and the world of work.

Leading any school is a privilege and it has been an absolute honour to share in the life of this wonderful school over the past year.  In conclusion I thank Miss Hyndman for all of her expert arrangements for Prize Day over the past couple of years and thank Mrs Lendrum for the fantastic job she has done in arranging her first Prize Day.  I now ask the pupils, with a round of applause, to thank their teachers and parents for all of their encouragement, support, advice and guidance – without your commitment the pupils would not be able to fulfil their dreams.

Thank you.
R S McLoughlin – Principal    October 2012