Belfast Royal Academy - Prospectus Additional Information for Parents - 2019
INTRODUCTION & AIMS
BELFAST
ROYAL
ACADEMY
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
FOR PARENTS
2019/20
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2018 I 1
INTRODUCTION & AIMS
2 I BRA PROSPECTUS
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION & AIMS
GENERAL INFORMATION
UNIFORM
EATING IN SCHOOL
CURRICULUM
CAREERS EDUCATION
PUBLIC EXAM RESULTS
UNIVERSITY PLACINGS
UNIVERSITY COURSES
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
PUPIL PROGRESS
CONTACT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
15
17
19
19
20
INTRODUCTION & AIMS
PRINCIPAL:
WARDEN (CHAIR) OF
THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS:
MRS H WOODS
MR K KNOX
The BELFAST ROYAL ACADEMY was founded in 1785
and is the oldest school in the city. Originally situated
near St. Anne’s Cathedral in what is now Academy
Street, it was transferred to the Cliftonville Road in 1880
when the present building was erected. For more than a
century the school was named Belfast Academy. In 1888
Queen Victoria granted permission for the school to style
itself the BELFAST ROYAL ACADEMY.
It is a voluntary grammar school and its management is
vested in a Board of Governors on which parents and
teachers are represented, along with Governors elected
by Members of the Academy and nominees of the
Minister of Education.
AIMS
BELFAST ROYAL ACADEMY exists to serve the
interests of its pupils. It seeks to ensure that:-
• PUPILS ARE WELL-TAUGHT AND DEVELOP
THROUGH THEIR WORK AND SELF-DISCIPLINE,
SELF-CONFIDENCE AND A RESPECT FOR
KNOWLEDGE: THEY ARE WELL-PREPARED FOR
THE REQUIREMENTS OF TERTIARY EDUCATION
AND EMPLOYMENT.
• PUPILS ARE AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY,
THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN A WIDE RANGE
OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, TO
ESTABLISH THEIR INDIVIDUALITY, DEVELOP
SKILLS AND INTERESTS AND ENJOY WORKING
SUCCESSFULLY WITH OTHERS.
• PUPILS ARE TAUGHT (OR CONFIRMED IN)
DECENT STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR: THEY
SHOULD HAVE RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND BE
WILLING TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY BOTH IN
SCHOOL AND IN THE COMMUNITY.
1 I BRA PROSPECTUS
GENERAL INFORMATION
ADMISSIONS
For September 2020 entry the number of places for
Form I is 200.
Admissions information is renewed each year by the
Education Committee of the Board of Governors.
Details of admission arrangements for September 2020
are published in the Education Authority NI Post Primary
Enrolment 2020 Guide for Parents. Alternatively, please
visit the school website at www.belfastroyalacademy.com
or contact the Principal’s Secretary.
ATTENDANCE
Period:
01/08/2018 to 30/06/2019
WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE :
95.5%
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2018 I 2
UNIFORM
1. Pupils should not wear clothes which are not approved.
2. Where there is uncertainty, the Head of Year should
be consulted before new items of clothing are
purchased.
3. All clothing should be clearly named: this is especially
important with training shoes or other items of P.E.
equipment.
4. No jewellery should be worn (this includes all studs,
sleepers etc).
5. If clothing is damaged and it is necessary to wear
non-regulation uniform for a short period, this should
be reported to the Head of Year who will supply a
covering note.
6. There are no prescribed uniform top-coats, but they
should be plain and black or navy-blue in colour.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT PUPILS WILL
WEAR SHIRTS TUCKED IN, TOP BUTTON
IN AND TIES UP AT ALL TIMES.
The Official Outfitters are;
WARNOCKS LTD., 791-793 Lisburn Road (100m from
Balmoral Traffic lights);
SCHOOL DAYS LTD, 432 – 434 Newtownards Road,
Belfast;
R. GORDON AND SON, 10A Green Street,
Carrickfergus;
THE SPORTS COMPANY, Cityside (Yorkgate);
THE JEANERY AND THE SCHOOL ROOM, 2 Goland
Buildings, Glencairn Park, Glengormley;
PODIUM 4 SPORT, 40 Montgomery Road, Belfast;
Gilmores, 395 Antrim Road, Belfast.
3 I BRA PROSPECTUS
EATING IN SCHOOL
The Canteen operates a cashless system. Pupils record
payment using digital imaging (a fingerprint) at the till
point. Pupils may use cash to “top-up” their account at
one of the two revaluation units in school. These units
accept 20p, 50p, £1, £2 coins, and also £5 and £10 notes.
Alternatively, parents may wish to credit the account by
a payment through the Bursar’s Office or by making an
electronic payment (cheques should be made payable to
Compass).
SCHOOL LUNCH
School lunch is provided in our Dining Hall; the cost is at
present £2.70 per day. The cost to pupils of this meal is
subsidised by the Government and represents good value
for money.
Some children are entitled to free meals, and parents
are urged to consider their rights in this matter, with the
assurance that arrangements are entirely confidential
between the parents concerned, the Education Authority
NI and the School Bursar. Full information about who
is entitled to free meals may be obtained from the
Education Authority NI. The appropriate amount will be
credited as a subsidy on a fingerprint system each day to
pay for lunch only.
Instead of taking a school lunch, a significant number of
our pupils make use of our extensive cafeteria facilities.
PACKED LUNCH
Pupils may exercise the option of bringing packed lunches
to school, but those who do so must eat them at the
time and in the place arranged by their Heads of Year.
HOME
Pupils who live near to School may go home for lunch
at the written request of their parents. Such application
should be made annually, within the first week of term.
Please note that -
Permission will not be given for pupils to have lunch in a
cafe or in another pupil’s home.
Transport arrangements must be such that he/she may
be back in School no later than 1.05 p.m.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2018 I 4
CURRICULUM
KS3 SUBJECT
NO. OF PERIODS (PER FORNIGHT)
YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
ART 3 1 2
BIOLOGY 2 2 2
BUSINESS STUDIES - - 3*
CAREERS - - 1
CHEMISTRY 2 2 2
COMPUTER SCIENCE - - 3*
DRAMA - 1 3*
ENGLISH 5 5 5
FRENCH 5 3 3
GEOGRAPHY 3 3 3
GERMAN - 1 3*
HISTORY 3 3 3
HOME ECONOMICS 1 1 3*
IT 1 1 -
LATIN 2 2 3*
LLW 2 2 3*
MATHEMATICS 5 5 6
MUSIC 2 2 2
PE 2 2 2
PHYSICS 2 2 2
RE 2 2 2
SPANISH - 1 3*
TECHNOLOGY 2 3 3*
TOTAL 44 44 44
All pupils have 4 periods of games per fortnight and a
tutorial period once a week.
*Option subject, 3 periods per fortnight.
For a full list of Key Stage 4 and Sixth form curriculum and
awarding bodies please see pg. 19-20 of prospectus.
5 I BRA PROSPECTUS
CAREERS EDUCATION -
CEIAG
CEIAG refers to the range of careers education,
information, advice and guidance provided by the School’s
Careers Department, subject specialists and other
external agencies. They aim to develop the necessary
career management and employability skills which pupils
will need to make them employable, and allow them to
make informed choices and decisions which will affect
their future education, training and employment.
All aspects of CEIAG are considered very important
for each pupil’s school experience. The provision
reflects the school ethos which encourages each pupil
to have high aspirations and achieve their full potential.
High importance is placed on individual guidance and
provision of experiences of a variety of workplaces and
professions.
The Careers Department structure involves an
experienced team who link up with the subject
departments and Heads of Year with the aim to:-
• make pupils and parents aware of as wide a spectrum
of careers as possible
• develop realistic self-assessment
• help pupils and parents in times of doubt and difficulty
about future plans.
In Form I, pupils will
• receive one 1-hour period of Employability (LLW) for 9
weeks, when pupils have the opportunity to examine:
• their own skills and qualities
• aspects of the global economy and changing
world of work
• concepts of enterprise and entrepreneurship.
• maintain a Pupil Digital Profile. Pupils will carry out
a self-review and evaluation and set future targets.
Pupils are encouraged to consider future careers when
setting targets.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2018 I 6
PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS
Number of pupils in Year 12
Percentage entered for 7 or more subjects
Percentage achieving 7 or more passes A*-C
Percentage achieving 7 or more passes A*-C
including English and Mathematics
ENTERED A* (%) A (%) B (%) C*
ART 30 16.7 26.7 23.3 1
BIOLOGY 128 13.3 39.8 27.3
BUSINESS STUDIES 56 12.5 19.6 19.6 2
CHEMISTRY 134 18.7 37.3 15.7 1
COMPUTER SCIENCE 38 2.63 28.9 21.1 2
TECHNOLOGY 50 12 16 38
ECONOMICS 9 11.1 44.4 0 3
ENGLISH 201 7.46 36.8 40.8
ENGLISH LITERATURE 183 7.65 33.9 35 1
FRENCH 124 8.06 22.6 14.5 2
GEOGRAPHY 56 5.36 28.6 30.4
GERMAN 16 0 50 18.8
HISTORY 79 15.2 40.5 22.8 1
HOME ECONOMICS 12 8.33 8.33 16.7 3
ICT 10 0 40 30
BCS 11 0 36.4 18.2 1
LATIN 6 16.7 66.7 0
MATHEMATICS 201 11.4 57.2 26.4 3
FURTHER MATHEMATICS 71 19.7 49.3 21.1 5
MUSIC 21 9.52 47.6 23.8 1
DRAMA 16 18.8 43.8 25 6
PHYSICS 103 15.5 38.8 22.3 1
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 199 7.04 31.2 26.1
SINGLE AWARD SCIENCE 10 0 0 50
SPANISH 46 19.6 30.4 15.2 1
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 23 17.4 43.5 13
TOTALS 1834 11.1 36.5 26 1
CUMULATIVE % 11.1 47.6 73.6 8
7 I BRA PROSPECTUS
GCSE JUNE 2019
Number of those with a Statement of Special
Educational Needs
Percentage achieving 5 or more passes A*-C
Percentage achieving 5 or more passes A*-C
including English and Mathematics
(%) C* (%) C (%) D (%) E (%) F (%) G (%)
3.3 16.7 13.3 3.33 0 0 0
7.3 11.7 6.25 0.78 0.78 0 0
.6 23.2 14.3 8.93 0 1.79 0
.7 12.7 6.72 8.21 0.75 0 0
1.1 23.7 13.2 7.89 2.63 0 0
8 14 12 6 2 0 0
0 33.3 11.1 0 0 0 0
0.8 11.9 2.99 0 0 0 0
5 16.9 4.92 1.09 0 0.55 0
.5 20.2 11.3 17.7 4.03 1.61 0
.4 19.6 7.14 5.36 3.57 0 0
.8 0 0 18.8 12.5 0 0
2.8 13.9 5.06 1.27 1.27 0 0
.7 33.3 8.33 25 0 0 0
0 0 30 0 0 0 0
.2 18.2 18.2 0 9.09 0 0
0 0 0 0 16.7 0 0
6.4 3.48 1 0.5 0 0 0
1.1 5.63 2.82 1.41 0 0 0
3.8 14.3 4.76 0 0 0 0
5 6.25 6.25 0 0 0 0
2.3 16.5 4.85 0.97 0 0.97 0
6.1 15.1 12.1 7.04 0.5 1.01 0
0 40 0 10 0 0 0
.2 15.2 10.9 6.52 2.17 0 0
13 13 8.7 4.35 0 0 0
6 13.8 6.87 4.36 0.98 0.38 0
3.6 87.4 94.3 98.6 99.6 100 100
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2018 I 8
BELFAST ROYAL
ACADEMY SEEKS
TO GIVE ITS
PUPILS A BROAD,
BALANCED
AND RELEVANT
EDUCATION.
WE ARE A SCHOOL
WHERE PUPILS
FEEL VALUED AND
RESPECTED FOR
WHO THEY ARE AND,
THEREFORE, OUR
PUPILS ARE OPEN
TO THE LEARNING
EXPERIENCES
AND ADVANCES
AVAILABLE TO THEM.
PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS
Number of pupils in Year 14
Percentage achieving 3 or more passes A*-C
ENTERED A* (%) A
ART AND DESIGN 11 0
BIOLOGY 55 12.7
BUSINESS STUDIES 52 3.85
CHEMISTRY 49 10.2
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 16 0
ECONOMICS 20 5
ENGLISH 12 0
ENGLISH LITERATURE 25 8
FOOD AND NUTRITION SCIENCE 3 0
FRENCH 12 25
FURTHER MATHEMATICS 7 71.4
GEOGRAPHY 17 0
GERMAN 3 33.3
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 23 4.3
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 18 0
HISTORY 17 5.88
LATIN 2 50
MATHEMATICS 63 14.3 3
MOVING IMAGE ARTS 3 0
MUSIC 4 25
PHYSICS 31 9.68
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 13 0
SOCIOLOGY 26 38.5
SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
DEVELOPMENT
18 0
SPANISH 11 9.09
SPORTS STUDIES 9 11.1
TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN 12 8.33
THEATRE STUDIES 10 10
TOTALS 520 10.6
CUMULATIVE % 10.6
11 I BRA PROSPECTUS
A LEVEL JUNE 2019
Number of those with a Statement of SEN
Percentage achieving 2 or more passes A*-E
A (%) B (%) C (%) D (%) E (%)
36.4 18.2 27.3 18.2 0
20 30.9 23.6 9.09 3.64
23.1 50 15.4 7.69 0
24.5 18.4 20.4 20.4 6.12
6.3 25 31.3 12.5 18.8
50 30 15 0 0
0 41.7 50 8.33 0
24 40 24 4 0
33.3 33.3 33.3 0 0
41.7 16.7 8.33 8.33 0
0 28.6 0 0 0
23.5 52.9 11.8 11.8 0
0 0 66.7 0 0
26.1 47.8 21.7 0 0
5.56 77.8 16.7 0 0
23.5 47.1 17.6 0 0
0 50 0 0 0
30.2 25.4 25.4 4.76 0
0 100 0 0 0
0 50 0 25 0
12.9 29 25.8 12.9 6.45
15.4 30.8 38.5 15.4 0
26.9 30.8 3.85 0 0
11.1 27.8 27.8 22.2 11.1
27.3 36.4 27.3 0 0
88.9 0 0 0 0
25 25 33.3 8.33 0
20 50 10 10 0
23.5 34 21.3 8.27 1.92
34 68.1 89.4 97.7 99.6
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2018 I 12
PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS
Years 12, 13 & 14
GCSE 2013 2014 2
PERCENTAGE OF YEAR 12 PUPILS
GAINING 5 OR MORE GCSES AT
GRADES A*- C
NORTHERN IRELAND GRAMMAR
SCHOOL AVERAGE FOR 5 OR MORE
GCSES AT GRADES A*- C
PERCENTAGE OF YEAR 12 PUPILS
GAINING 7 OR MORE GCSES AT
GRADES A*- C
NORTHERN IRELAND GRAMMAR
SCHOOL AVERAGE FOR 7 OR MORE
GCSES AT GRADES A*- C
95 98
97 97
88 93
94 93
A-LEVEL 2013 2014 2
PERCENTAGE OF YEAR 14 PUPILS
GAINING 3 OR MORE A-LEVELS AT
GRADES A*-C
NORTHERN IRELAND GRAMMAR
SCHOOL AVERAGE FOR 3 OR MORE A
LEVELS AT GRADES A*- C
PERCENTAGE OF YEAR 14 PUPILS
GAINING 2 OR MORE A LEVELS AT
GRADES A*- E
NORTHERN IRELAND GRAMMAR
SCHOOL AVERAGE FOR 2 OR MORE A
LEVELS AT GRADES A*- E
78 70
77 76
99 98
100 100 1
13 I BRA PROSPECTUS
RESULTS 2013 - 2019
4 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
97 98 100 100 97
97 97 97 97 Not known
91 95 94 93 93
94 93 Not known 93 Not known
4 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
73 71 73 74 74
76 75 79.6 78.1 Not known
99 99 98 100 100
100 100 100 100 Not known
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2018 I 14
UNIVERSITY PLACINGS
UNIVERSITY PLACINGS
NO. OF PUPILS
Belfast Metropolitan College 5
Bradford University 1
Cardiff University 1
Durham University 2
Edge Hill University 1
Edinburgh Napier University 1
Harper Adams University Newport 1
Keele University 1
Lancaster University 4
Leeds University 1
Liverpool Hope University 1
Liverpool John Moores University 4
London Metropolitan University 1
Loughborough University 1
Manchester Metropolitan University 1
Newcastle University 4
Northumbria University 2
Nottingham Trent University 1
Queen's University, Belfast 53
Royal Halloway, University of London 1
St Andrews University 3
St Mary's University College, Belfast 1
Staffordshire University 1
15 I BRA PROSPECTUS
2019
UNIVERSITY PLACINGS
NO. OF PUPILS
The Northern School of Art 1
Trinity College, Dublin 2
Ulster University 19
University of Aberdeen 2
University of Birmingham 1
University of Brighton 1
University of Bristol 1
University of Cambridge 1
University of Dundee 5
University of Edinburgh 2
University of Exeter 1
University of Glasgow 2
University of Kent 1
University of London Institute in Paris 1
University of Manchester 2
University of Reading 1
University of Salford 1
University of South Wales 1
University of Strathclyde 1
Other:
Deloitte Bright Start Programme 1
Employment 1
Gap Year 36
PWC HLA 1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2018 I 16
UNIVERSITY COURSES
UNIVERSITY PLACINGS
NO. OF PUPILS
Accounting/Finance 4
Architecture 1
Arts (Art History/Costume
Interpretation/Dress Making/Fashion)
Biochemistry 2
Biomedical/Biological Sciences/
Clinical Science/Microbiology/
Biological Engineering/Biomedical
Engineering
Business Management/International
Business/Business Studies/Marketing/
Business Economics/Business with
Drama
Computer Science/Software
Engineering/Business Information
Systems
Economics 3
Education 4
Engineering (Chemical, Electronic,
Electrical, Mechanical and Structural)
English 5
Film Studies and Production 1
Forensic Science 2
Geography 3
Health & Social Care (HNC) 1
History 4
International Relations 1
Languages (French/Modern and
Medieval Languages)
Law/Criminology 8
Mathematics 7
4
12
11
12
10
2
17 I BRA PROSPECTUS
2019
UNIVERSITY PLACINGS
NO. OF PUPILS
Medical Practice (HNC) 1
Medicine 8
Midwifery 1
Music 2
Natural Sciences 1
Nursing 5
Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical
Biosciences
Physics 4
Physiotherapy 1
Politics 2
Psychology 8
Social Behaviour Science (HND) 1
Sports and Exercise Science/Sport
Business/Sports Studies/Rugby
Coaching and Performance/Applied
Golf Management
Veterinary Nursing 1
Other:
Deloitte Bright Start 1
Employment 1
Gap Year 36
PWC HLA 1
2
6
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2018 I 18
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
An important part of life at BELFAST ROYAL ACADEMY
is participation in school games and other clubs and
societies. Participation in the school games’ programme
is compulsory for everyone in Forms I-V. School games
enable pupils to have fun, keep fit and make friends.
In addition to taking part in the games programme, pupils
should aim to become involved in at least two other
extra-curricular activities. Everybody is different so pupils
are encouraged to try things which interest them – the
range is so wide that there should be something which
everyone will enjoy.
The full range of extra-curricular activities available to
pupils can be viewed on the school website.
SCHOOL POLICIES
Many of the school policies are available on the school
website and copies are available on request from the
Principal’s Secretary. The key policies that may be of
interest are:
• Safeguarding and Child Protection
• Anti-Bullying
• Anti-Cyber Bullying
• Special Educational Needs
• Charging Policy
If at any time a parent/guardian has concern for the
pastoral aspect of their child’s welfare in school they
should contact the school immediately to speak to the
Head of Year or Pastoral Vice Principal, Mr Wilson.
MONITORING OF PUPIL PROGRESS
The progress of a pupil is monitored in a variety of ways
by several members of staff:
• Through the homework diary parents and
subject teachers can communicate concerns or
praise;
• Parents can communicate with Heads of Year
and /or Senior Staff;
19 I BRA PROSPECTUS
PUPIL PROGRESS
• Twice yearly reports are sent out after
examinations;
• Parents and subject teachers can thoroughly
discuss progress during Parents’ Evenings;
• Progress will be monitored through the setting
and marking of homework, Topic Tests and
examinations;
• Each pupil fills in a progress file and sets their
own targets for the year ahead;
• Pupils are encouraged to set targets in all
subjects;
• Pupils are provided with help and information on
how to revise and prepare for examinations;
• Pupils are encouraged to join two extracurricular
activities to enable them to progress
outside the classroom.
If at any time a parent/guardian has concern for
the progress of their child they should contact the
appropriate Head of Year to discuss any issues.
CONTACT
If you require a paper version of any of the documents,
please contact the school by telephone, email, fax or
letter.
Contact details are set out below:
Email:
info@bfsra.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Tel: 028 90 740423
Fax: 028 90 750607
Address:
Website:
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
5-17 Cliftonville Road, Belfast, BT14 6JL
www.belfastroyalacademy.com
In line with legislative requirements, the School has a
policy, detailing information which is accessible to parents
on request. Copies of this policy may be obtained from
the Bursar’s Office.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2018 I 20
21 I BRA PROSPECTUS
BELFAST ROYAL ACADEMY
CLIFTONVILLE ROAD, BELFAST, BT14 6JL
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