Bangor Grammar School
Encyclopedia
Bangor Grammar School is an all-boys
, voluntary grammar school
situated in Bangor
, County Down
, Northern Ireland
. It was founded in 1856 by the Conservative politician
and Bangor man, Col The Hon.
Robert Ward
PC
MP(Eire)
who lived at Castle Ward
. The school, until June 2011, comprised two parts, Connor House, a preparatory school
for pupils aged 4–11 and a secondary school
for pupils aged 12–18. Connor House closed at the end of the 2010-11 academic year.
Traditionally, Bangor Grammar has a strong record of educating boys, and pupils perform well in academic examinations. In the 2009/2010 academic year, 96% of boys sitting GCSE examinations
gained seven passes at grade C or higher and 70% of boys sitting A2 examinations
achieved three passes at grade C or higher.
The Headmaster of the school is a member of The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference. Since 2000 the position has been filled by Mr Stephen Connolly, MA
The school has played a central part in the life of the town of Bangor
for many years due to its location and influence. Old boys of Bangor Grammar School are known as Grammarians.
and politician Col The Hon.
Robert Ward
PC
of Castle Ward
. The Hon. Ward was the fourth son of 1st Viscount Bangor
and grandson of Michael Ward
MP. The Hon. Ward bequeathed £1,000 to be, "…expended in building and endowing a School-house for the education of boys in Mathematics, Astronomy and Navigation…", in his family home town and parliamentary constituency.
Initially established as Bangor Endowed School, the school was originally situated on the site of the modern day Bank of Ireland
building on the corner of Main Street and Castle street. By the turn of the 20th century the school had changed its name to Bangor Grammar School and because of a growth in school population moved from site to site over a number of years. With the help of Mr W.K. Crosby, the school moved to a new site on College Avenue, in the northwest of Bangor in 1906. The present-day facade visible from College Avenue is a combination of two buildings: Crosby House (known as the Crosby Buildings), which dates back to 1905 and was named after the school's benefactor; and a later extension to the north, which was added as a Headmaster's residence around the time of the outbreak of The Great War
(1914–1918).
Despite Northern Ireland not being subject to conscription like the rest of the United Kingdom
, a significant number of Grammarians volunteered for the British Armed Forces
and fought in both World Wars, in particular the Second World War
(1939–1945). The school population was comparatively small at this time, reaching just 200 pupils in 1930 as opposed to 878 pupils in 2008.
Two commemorative plaques are erected in the school assembly hall listing the names off all ex-pupils that died whilst serving in the British Armed Forces during both World Wars. The school's Debating Society minutes present a record of motions brought to the house concerning key events of the times, including a motion concerning the Munich Agreement
and the veracity of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's
assertion that it would secure, "…peace for our time."
site on the Gransha Road. It is estimated that the new school will take at least five years to complete. Following an announcement from the school on Feb 5, 2010 the development has had to be put on hold due to the current economic climate which has resulted in a cut in the Department of Education's budget for the next financial year. It is hoped that construction will now begin during the spring of 2011, disappointing many who believed it would be built and running by the summer term 2010.
Bangor Grammar maintains close links with its sister single sex school
in Bangor
, Glenlola Collegiate
. The two schools regularly participate in joint activities, most notably the Combined Cadet Force
, which meets in an MoD
-funded, purpose-built site on The Grammar's campus; the two Scripture Union Societies
which hold joint meetings and activities; and the two drama departments, which collaborate on student productions.
Indicative of the close relationships between the two schools was the agreement between the two schools during the 1980s. According to this agreement, students wanting to study A-level subjects which were unavailable at Glenlola but offered at The Grammar were able to attend the boy's school for those classes . Together with Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor Grammar is a member of the Bangor Learning Partnership, which includes Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College
and St Columbanus' College .
on five occasions and has appeared in nine finals. The school is therefore ranked as seventh in terms of overall success in the competition. The late 1980s saw a particularly successful period for the school, appearing in four finals from 1985 to 1988 and winning three of them.
Members of the school's 1st XV capped at international level include Don Whittle, Mark McCall
, Jan Cunningham, Kieron Dawson
, Kenny Hooks, Dick Milliken (Ireland and British and Irish Lions
) and Roger Clegg. Players who have played at professional level include Bryn Cunningham
and Paul McKenzie.
Bangor Grammar have won Ulster (Burney Cup
and McCullough Cup
) and All Ireland schools
titles in hockey. The most notable hockey
player from the school include Olympic
Gold medalist (Seoul 1988) and bronze medalist (1984 Los Angeles) Stephen Martin.
In 2005, a badminton double was achieved in the Ulster Finals of the Minors Division 2 and the Seniors Ulster Cup. The Minors beat RBAI
in the League Final 4-2 and the Seniors won 4-2. The Seniors were also in the Division 2 final but were beaten by Belfast Royal Academy
, a Division 1 team.
Former Northern Ireland International football player Keith Gillespie
attended Bangor Grammar.
, won Schools Cup
in 2004, the Best Speaker's Shield in 2006, and has been a finalist seven times.
The Senior Debating Society is currently run by Mr. S. J. Wolfenden. The Junior Debating society is presided over by Mr M Dickson.
The school has a long musical history with its concert band playing at many events throughout the year including Speech Day, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and the Spring Concert. The concert band also plays annually at Bloomfields shopping centre in Bangor, raising money for charitable causes. Past charities include MacMillan Cancer Care
and Abaana
.
A recording entitled 'Christmas Music from Bangor Grammar School' featured the Gryphon Consort, the school orchestra, and the brass ensemble performing various congregational carols was made in 1990 under the direction of Mr. Hunter.
The department has recorded and produced two CDs: A String of Pearls (2004) and The Christmas Album (2005), both under the musical direction of Mr. Rea.
During the 2006/2007 academic year, the school celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary (150th) with a gala concert held in Belfast's Waterfront Hall
on 14 October 2006.
school song. It was written in 1950 by Miss Elsie Patton and set to music by Dr Emery, the school's music teacher. It is sung on major school occasions, competitive events and Scripture Union weekends. It has also become customary for it to be sung at the conclusion of Senior Debating Society meetings.
Single-sex education
Single-sex education, also known as single-gender education, is the practice of conducting education where male and female students attend separate classes or in separate buildings or schools. The practice was predominant before the mid-twentieth century, particularly in secondary education and...
, voluntary grammar school
Grammar school
A grammar school is one of several different types of school in the history of education in the United Kingdom and some other English-speaking countries, originally a school teaching classical languages but more recently an academically-oriented secondary school.The original purpose of mediaeval...
situated in Bangor
Bangor, County Down
Bangor is a large town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is a seaside resort on the southern side of Belfast Lough and within the Belfast Metropolitan Area. Bangor Marina is one of the largest in Ireland, and holds Blue Flag status...
, County Down
County Down
-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
. It was founded in 1856 by the Conservative politician
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
and Bangor man, Col The Hon.
The Honourable
The prefix The Honourable or The Honorable is a style used before the names of certain classes of persons. It is considered an honorific styling.-International diplomacy:...
Robert Ward
Robert Ward (1754–1831)
Robert Ward PC , styled The Honourable from 1770, was an Irish politician.-Background:He was the fourth son of Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor and his wife Lady Ann Bligh, daughter of John Bligh, 1st Earl of Darnley and his wife Theodosia Bligh, 10th Baroness Clifton. His older brothers were...
PC
Privy Council of Ireland
The Privy Council of Ireland was an institution of the Kingdom of Ireland until 31 December 1800 and of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 1801-1922...
MP(Eire)
Irish House of Commons
The Irish House of Commons was the lower house of the Parliament of Ireland, that existed from 1297 until 1800. The upper house was the House of Lords...
who lived at Castle Ward
Castle Ward
Castle Ward is an 18th century National Trust property located near the village of Strangford, in County Down, Northern Ireland. It overlooks Strangford Lough and is 7 miles from Downpatrick and 1.5 miles from Strangford....
. The school, until June 2011, comprised two parts, Connor House, a preparatory school
Preparatory school (UK)
In English language usage in the former British Empire, the present-day Commonwealth, a preparatory school is an independent school preparing children up to the age of eleven or thirteen for entry into fee-paying, secondary independent schools, some of which are known as public schools...
for pupils aged 4–11 and a secondary school
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
for pupils aged 12–18. Connor House closed at the end of the 2010-11 academic year.
Traditionally, Bangor Grammar has a strong record of educating boys, and pupils perform well in academic examinations. In the 2009/2010 academic year, 96% of boys sitting GCSE examinations
General Certificate of Secondary Education
The General Certificate of Secondary Education is an academic qualification awarded in a specified subject, generally taken in a number of subjects by students aged 14–16 in secondary education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is equivalent to a Level 2 and Level 1 in Key Skills...
gained seven passes at grade C or higher and 70% of boys sitting A2 examinations
GCE Advanced Level
The Advanced Level General Certificate of Education, commonly referred to as an A-level, is a qualification offered by education institutions in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Cameroon, and the Cayman Islands...
achieved three passes at grade C or higher.
The Headmaster of the school is a member of The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference. Since 2000 the position has been filled by Mr Stephen Connolly, MA
The school has played a central part in the life of the town of Bangor
Bangor, County Down
Bangor is a large town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is a seaside resort on the southern side of Belfast Lough and within the Belfast Metropolitan Area. Bangor Marina is one of the largest in Ireland, and holds Blue Flag status...
for many years due to its location and influence. Old boys of Bangor Grammar School are known as Grammarians.
History
Endowment for the school came from the will of local gentlemanLanded gentry
Landed gentry is a traditional British social class, consisting of land owners who could live entirely off rental income. Often they worked only in an administrative capacity looking after the management of their own lands....
and politician Col The Hon.
The Honourable
The prefix The Honourable or The Honorable is a style used before the names of certain classes of persons. It is considered an honorific styling.-International diplomacy:...
Robert Ward
Robert Ward (1754–1831)
Robert Ward PC , styled The Honourable from 1770, was an Irish politician.-Background:He was the fourth son of Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor and his wife Lady Ann Bligh, daughter of John Bligh, 1st Earl of Darnley and his wife Theodosia Bligh, 10th Baroness Clifton. His older brothers were...
PC
Privy Council of Ireland
The Privy Council of Ireland was an institution of the Kingdom of Ireland until 31 December 1800 and of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 1801-1922...
of Castle Ward
Castle Ward
Castle Ward is an 18th century National Trust property located near the village of Strangford, in County Down, Northern Ireland. It overlooks Strangford Lough and is 7 miles from Downpatrick and 1.5 miles from Strangford....
. The Hon. Ward was the fourth son of 1st Viscount Bangor
Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor
Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor was an Irish politician and peer.-Background:He was the only surviving son of Michael Ward and his wife Anne Catharina Hamilton, daughter of James Hamilton.-Career:...
and grandson of Michael Ward
Michael Ward (Irish politician)
Michael Ward was an Irish politician and lawyer.He was the second son of Bernard Ward and his wife Mary Ward, daughter of Richard Ward. Ward entered the Irish House of Commons for Down in 1713. In 1715 and 1727, he stood also for Bangor, however chose to sit for Down both times...
MP. The Hon. Ward bequeathed £1,000 to be, "…expended in building and endowing a School-house for the education of boys in Mathematics, Astronomy and Navigation…", in his family home town and parliamentary constituency.
Initially established as Bangor Endowed School, the school was originally situated on the site of the modern day Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland
The Bank of Ireland is a commercial bank operation in Ireland, which is one of the 'Big Four' in both parts of the island.Historically the premier banking organisation in Ireland, the Bank occupies a unique position in Irish banking history...
building on the corner of Main Street and Castle street. By the turn of the 20th century the school had changed its name to Bangor Grammar School and because of a growth in school population moved from site to site over a number of years. With the help of Mr W.K. Crosby, the school moved to a new site on College Avenue, in the northwest of Bangor in 1906. The present-day facade visible from College Avenue is a combination of two buildings: Crosby House (known as the Crosby Buildings), which dates back to 1905 and was named after the school's benefactor; and a later extension to the north, which was added as a Headmaster's residence around the time of the outbreak of The Great War
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
(1914–1918).
Despite Northern Ireland not being subject to conscription like the rest of the United Kingdom
Conscription in the United Kingdom
Conscription in the United Kingdom has existed for two periods in modern times. The first was from 1916 to 1919, the second was from 1939 to 1960, with the last conscripted soldiers leaving the service in 1963...
, a significant number of Grammarians volunteered for the British Armed Forces
British Armed Forces
The British Armed Forces are the armed forces of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.Also known as Her Majesty's Armed Forces and sometimes legally the Armed Forces of the Crown, the British Armed Forces encompasses three professional uniformed services, the Royal Navy, the...
and fought in both World Wars, in particular the Second World War
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
(1939–1945). The school population was comparatively small at this time, reaching just 200 pupils in 1930 as opposed to 878 pupils in 2008.
Two commemorative plaques are erected in the school assembly hall listing the names off all ex-pupils that died whilst serving in the British Armed Forces during both World Wars. The school's Debating Society minutes present a record of motions brought to the house concerning key events of the times, including a motion concerning the Munich Agreement
Munich Agreement
The Munich Pact was an agreement permitting the Nazi German annexation of Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland. The Sudetenland were areas along Czech borders, mainly inhabited by ethnic Germans. The agreement was negotiated at a conference held in Munich, Germany, among the major powers of Europe without...
and the veracity of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's
Neville Chamberlain
Arthur Neville Chamberlain FRS was a British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from May 1937 to May 1940. Chamberlain is best known for his appeasement foreign policy, and in particular for his signing of the Munich Agreement in 1938, conceding the...
assertion that it would secure, "…peace for our time."
Future Site Plans
A three year campaign to gain funding from the Department of Education for a new school building for Bangor Grammar School came to a successful end on March 1, 2006 when funding was granted. The new location of the school building will be outside the town centre, on the current Bangor AcademyBangor Academy and Sixth Form College
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College is a mixed secondary school located in Bangor, Northern Ireland...
site on the Gransha Road. It is estimated that the new school will take at least five years to complete. Following an announcement from the school on Feb 5, 2010 the development has had to be put on hold due to the current economic climate which has resulted in a cut in the Department of Education's budget for the next financial year. It is hoped that construction will now begin during the spring of 2011, disappointing many who believed it would be built and running by the summer term 2010.
Associations with other schools
As is the case for many single-sex schoolsSingle-sex education
Single-sex education, also known as single-gender education, is the practice of conducting education where male and female students attend separate classes or in separate buildings or schools. The practice was predominant before the mid-twentieth century, particularly in secondary education and...
Bangor Grammar maintains close links with its sister single sex school
Single-sex education
Single-sex education, also known as single-gender education, is the practice of conducting education where male and female students attend separate classes or in separate buildings or schools. The practice was predominant before the mid-twentieth century, particularly in secondary education and...
in Bangor
Bangor, County Down
Bangor is a large town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is a seaside resort on the southern side of Belfast Lough and within the Belfast Metropolitan Area. Bangor Marina is one of the largest in Ireland, and holds Blue Flag status...
, Glenlola Collegiate
Glenlola Collegiate School
Glenlola Collegiate School is an all-girls grammar school in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. The school was founded as a school for girls in approximately 1880. It has achieved some of the best exam and extracurricular results in the region....
. The two schools regularly participate in joint activities, most notably the Combined Cadet Force
Combined Cadet Force
The Combined Cadet Force is a Ministry of Defence sponsored youth organisation in the United Kingdom. Its aim is to "provide a disciplined organisation in a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self reliance,...
, which meets in an MoD
Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)
The Ministry of Defence is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces....
-funded, purpose-built site on The Grammar's campus; the two Scripture Union Societies
Christian Union (students)
Christian Unions are evangelical Christian student groups. They exist in many countries and are often affiliated with either International Fellowship of Evangelical Students or Campus Crusade for Christ. Many Christian Unions are one of the societies affiliated to their universities' students'...
which hold joint meetings and activities; and the two drama departments, which collaborate on student productions.
Indicative of the close relationships between the two schools was the agreement between the two schools during the 1980s. According to this agreement, students wanting to study A-level subjects which were unavailable at Glenlola but offered at The Grammar were able to attend the boy's school for those classes . Together with Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor Grammar is a member of the Bangor Learning Partnership, which includes Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College is a mixed secondary school located in Bangor, Northern Ireland...
and St Columbanus' College .
Sport
Bangor Grammar has won the rugby Ulster Schools CupUlster Schools Cup
The Ulster Schools' Challenge Cup is an annual competition involving schools affiliated to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union. The Schools' Cup has the distinction of being the world's second-oldest rugby competition, having been competed for every year since 1876...
on five occasions and has appeared in nine finals. The school is therefore ranked as seventh in terms of overall success in the competition. The late 1980s saw a particularly successful period for the school, appearing in four finals from 1985 to 1988 and winning three of them.
Members of the school's 1st XV capped at international level include Don Whittle, Mark McCall
Mark McCall
Mark McCall is an Irish former rugby union player and former coach of Ulster. He played 13 times for the Ireland national rugby union team, making his debut against New Zealand on 30 May 1992 as a substitute...
, Jan Cunningham, Kieron Dawson
Kieron Dawson
Kieron Dawson is an Irish rugby union footballer who is flanker for Ulster and Ireland....
, Kenny Hooks, Dick Milliken (Ireland and British and Irish Lions
British and Irish Lions
The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
) and Roger Clegg. Players who have played at professional level include Bryn Cunningham
Bryn Cunningham
Bryn Cunningham is a retired Irish rugby union footballer.He is a former pupil of Bangor Grammar School in County Down and TCD, and currently plays as a full back for Ulster Rugby. In September 2010 he retired from rugby with imidiate effect.-External links:**...
and Paul McKenzie.
Bangor Grammar have won Ulster (Burney Cup
Burney Cup
The Burney Cup is an annual competition involving the strongest schools affiliated to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association...
and McCullough Cup
McCullough Cup
The McCullough Cup is a hockey competition. It is an annual tournament played for by schools affiliated to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association...
) and All Ireland schools
All Ireland Schools (Boys) Hockey Championship
The All Ireland Schools Hockey Championship is an annual competition involving the strongest schools affiliated to the Irish Hockey Association. The competition is held in the Autumn term of each school year...
titles in hockey. The most notable hockey
Field hockey
Field Hockey, or Hockey, is a team sport in which a team of players attempts to score goals by hitting, pushing or flicking a ball into an opposing team's goal using sticks...
player from the school include Olympic
1988 Summer Olympics
The 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were an all international multi-sport events celebrated from September 17 to October 2, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. They were the second summer Olympic Games to be held in Asia and the first since the 1964 Summer Olympics...
Gold medalist (Seoul 1988) and bronze medalist (1984 Los Angeles) Stephen Martin.
In 2005, a badminton double was achieved in the Ulster Finals of the Minors Division 2 and the Seniors Ulster Cup. The Minors beat RBAI
Royal Belfast Academical Institution
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution, is a Grammar School in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Locally referred to as Inst, the school educates boys from ages 11–18...
in the League Final 4-2 and the Seniors won 4-2. The Seniors were also in the Division 2 final but were beaten by Belfast Royal Academy
Belfast Royal Academy
The Belfast Royal Academy is the oldest school in the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is a co-educational, non-denominational voluntary grammar school situated in north Belfast. The Academy is one of eight Northern Irish schools whose Headmaster is a member of the Headmasters' and...
, a Division 1 team.
Former Northern Ireland International football player Keith Gillespie
Keith Gillespie
Keith Robert Gillespie is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays in midfield for Longford Town....
attended Bangor Grammar.
Debating
The Debating Society is Bangor Grammar's oldest society, having been established in 1927 by A.L. Hawtin. Providing an insight into past pupil's opinions are the minutes of the society, which have been maintained since its inception. The Senior Debating Team in 24 April 2009 defeated Our Lady's and St Patrick's of Knock in the final of the Northern Ireland Schools Debating CompetitionNorthern Ireland Schools Debating Competition
The Northern Ireland Schools Debating Competition is an annual competition involving schools from across Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1993 by Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle CBE during her time as Chairman of the Belfast Civic Trust. The final of the competition is held every year in the Senate...
, won Schools Cup
Northern Ireland Schools Debating Competition
The Northern Ireland Schools Debating Competition is an annual competition involving schools from across Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1993 by Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle CBE during her time as Chairman of the Belfast Civic Trust. The final of the competition is held every year in the Senate...
in 2004, the Best Speaker's Shield in 2006, and has been a finalist seven times.
The Senior Debating Society is currently run by Mr. S. J. Wolfenden. The Junior Debating society is presided over by Mr M Dickson.
Music
Bangor Grammar School employed Mr Ian Hunter, BA, CertEd, LTCL, LGSM as its first Director of Music in 1969. It was a post that he held for 32 years before retiring in 2001. Mr Hunter's replacement is the current Director of Music, Mr Jonathan Rea, MA (Cantab.) LTCL.The school has a long musical history with its concert band playing at many events throughout the year including Speech Day, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and the Spring Concert. The concert band also plays annually at Bloomfields shopping centre in Bangor, raising money for charitable causes. Past charities include MacMillan Cancer Care
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer....
and Abaana
Abaana
Abaana is Northern Ireland based charity raising money for children in Africa. Founded in January 1998, it works with children in countries such as Uganda, Zambia and Malawi. Projects include Building schools, Street children, child sponsorships, access to clean water, education and medical treatment...
.
A recording entitled 'Christmas Music from Bangor Grammar School' featured the Gryphon Consort, the school orchestra, and the brass ensemble performing various congregational carols was made in 1990 under the direction of Mr. Hunter.
The department has recorded and produced two CDs: A String of Pearls (2004) and The Christmas Album (2005), both under the musical direction of Mr. Rea.
During the 2006/2007 academic year, the school celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary (150th) with a gala concert held in Belfast's Waterfront Hall
Waterfront Hall
The Waterfront Hall is a multi-purpose facility, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, designed by local architects' firm Robinson McIlwaine. Practice partner Peter McGukin was the project architect....
on 14 October 2006.
Bridge
The school has a bridge club in recent years run by Mr Chris Harte, up until his retirement in 2009. It is now run by Mr Andrew Walker. The school bridge club has won numerous events in both Ulster and All Ireland competitions. Winning The All Ireland Teams competition in 1994, 2007, 2009 and 2011 in addition to winning the Pairs competition in 2010. The current 1st team consists of Philip McKeown (The second best Mathematician), Graham Dickson, Matthew Smyth and Adam Smyth.Notable past pupils
Politics
- Leslie CreeLeslie CreeAlderman Leslie Cree, MBE, MLA is a Unionist politician from Northern Ireland.He is an Ulster Unionist Party MLA for North Down....
- Ulster Unionist PartyUlster Unionist PartyThe Ulster Unionist Party – sometimes referred to as the Official Unionist Party or, in a historic sense, simply the Unionist Party – is the more moderate of the two main unionist political parties in Northern Ireland...
member of the Northern Ireland AssemblyNorthern Ireland AssemblyThe Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive... - David Trimble, Baron TrimbleDavid TrimbleWilliam David Trimble, Baron Trimble, PC , is a politician from Northern Ireland. He served as Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party , was the first First Minister of Northern Ireland , and was a Member of the British Parliament . He is currently a life peer for the Conservative Party...
- Leader of the Ulster Unionist PartyUlster Unionist PartyThe Ulster Unionist Party – sometimes referred to as the Official Unionist Party or, in a historic sense, simply the Unionist Party – is the more moderate of the two main unionist political parties in Northern Ireland...
(1995–2005), Northern Ireland's First Minister (1999–2000 and 2000–2002) and Nobel Peace PrizeNobel Peace PrizeThe Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.-Background:According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize shall be awarded to the person who...
winner in 1998. Attended the school from 1956 to 1963 - Peter WeirPeter Weir (politician)Peter Weir MLA is a Northern Ireland unionist politician.A past chairman of the Young Unionists , Weir is a barrister by profession. He attended Bangor Grammar School and graduated from the Queen's University of Belfast in Law and Accountancy. He was called to the Northern Ireland Bar in 1992 and...
- Democratic Unionist PartyDemocratic Unionist PartyThe Democratic Unionist Party is the larger of the two main unionist political parties in Northern Ireland. Founded by Ian Paisley and currently led by Peter Robinson, it is currently the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the fourth-largest party in the House of Commons of the...
member of the Northern Ireland AssemblyNorthern Ireland AssemblyThe Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive... - Brian Wilson - Green Party member of the Northern Ireland AssemblyNorthern Ireland AssemblyThe Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive...
Media and society
- Colin BatemanColin BatemanColin Bateman is a novelist, screenwriter and former journalist from Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland.Born in 1962, Bateman attended Bangor Grammar School leaving at 16 to join the County Down Spectator as a "cub" reporter, then columnist and deputy editor...
- Author and screenwriter, creator of Murphy's Law (TV series)Murphy's Law (TV series)Murphy's Law is a BBC television drama, produced by Tiger Aspect Productions for BBC Northern Ireland, starring James Nesbitt as an undercover police officer, Tommy Murphy. There were five series of the drama, shown on BBC One. The first two were composed of individual stories. Series three, four... - Jason BarlowJason BarlowJason Barlow is a motoring journalist and broadcaster from Northern Ireland.He began his television career in 1998, when he was approached to present Channel Four's new car programme Driven, with co-presenters Mike Brewer and James May...
- TV presenter - Dr. Mark Hamilton - BBC and RTE TV and radio doctor
- Adam BestAdam BestAdam Best is an Northern Irish actor who trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama for 3 years. He attended Donaghadee Primary School and Bangor Grammar School and gained experience with the Ulster Youth Theatre and Drama School.He is probably most famous for his role as Matt Parker on...
- Television actor, most well-known role being Matt Parker in the BBCBBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
TV drama Holby CityHolby CityHolby City, stylised as Holby Ci+y, is a British medical drama television series that airs weekly on BBC One.The series was created by Tony McHale and Mal Young as a spin-off from the established BBC medical drama Casualty, and premiered on 12 January 1999... - Chris Buckler - BBC reporter
Music
- Iain ArcherIain ArcherIain Denis Archer is a singer–songwriter from Bangor, Northern Ireland, who was once a secondary lyricist for the indie band Snow Patrol. Archer comes from a musical background and released several solo albums in the mid 90s on the small Scottish independent label Sticky Music...
- Singer/songwriter and winner of an Ivor Novello Award - Alex Trimble, Kevin Baird and Sam Halliday - of alternative Electropop band Two Door Cinema ClubTwo Door Cinema ClubTwo Door Cinema Club are an indie rock band from Bangor and Donaghadee, County Down, Northern Ireland. Formed in 2007, the band is composed of band members: Sam Halliday , Alex Trimble and Kevin Baird...
Sport
- Keith GillespieKeith GillespieKeith Robert Gillespie is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays in midfield for Longford Town....
- Northern Ireland football teamNorthern Ireland national football teamThe Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...
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member (13 caps during the 1990s) - David FehertyDavid FehertyDavid Feherty is a former professional golfer on the European Tour and PGA Tour. He now works as a writer and broadcaster with CBS Sports and Golf Channel.Feherty was born in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland...
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fullback - Paul McKenzie - Ulster rugby teamUlster RugbyUlster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
winger - David Morrow - Ireland rugby teamIreland national rugby union teamThe Ireland national rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in rugby union. The team competes annually in the Six Nations Championship and every four years in the Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-final stage in all but two competitions The Ireland national rugby union...
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Computing
- Sir Kris Jones - Inventor of the Turing Machine, Palindrome Checker and ice Skating Score Checker
The school song
Bangor Grammar School has a LatinLatin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
school song. It was written in 1950 by Miss Elsie Patton and set to music by Dr Emery, the school's music teacher. It is sung on major school occasions, competitive events and Scripture Union weekends. It has also become customary for it to be sung at the conclusion of Senior Debating Society meetings.
- Latin Version
- Comgall noster, Columbanus,
- Sanctus noster, Gall, Britannos
- Effecere Christianos.
- Floreat Bangoria,
- Deo laus et gloria.
- Sana mens in corpore sanoMens sana in corpore sanoMens sana in corpore sano is a famous Latin quotation, often translated as "A sound mind in a sound body." There is also a sports equipment company with a name based on a twist of this quotation...
- Hic quaeratur et humano,
- Quisque sit discipulus animo
- Ne pavidus exeat.
- Laboraturus inter pares,
- Oratorus, oratorus,
- Fidem quolibet lauturus.
- English Translation
- Our own Comgall and ColumbanusColumbanusColumbanus was an Irish missionary notable for founding a number of monasteries on the European continent from around 590 in the Frankish and Lombard kingdoms, most notably Luxeuil and Bobbio , and stands as an exemplar of Irish missionary activity in early medieval Europe.He spread among the...
, - Our very own Saint GallSaint GallSaint Gall, Gallen, or Gallus was an Irish disciple and one of the traditionally twelve companions of Saint Columbanus on his mission from Ireland to the continent. Saint Deicolus is called an older brother of Gall.-Biography:...
- Made the Britons Christian.
- May Bangor flourish
- To God be the praise and glory.
- Let a sound mind and a sound body
- Be sought here in this place;
- Let every pupil of a civil spirit.
- Let him go out without fear,
- To work among his fellows,
- To pray
- And to carry his faith with him everywhere.