Navigation Acts and Methodist College Belfast: Difference between pages

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The [[England|English]] '''Navigation Acts''' were a series of [[law]]s which restricted the use of foreign [[shipping]] and trade between England's colonies and the French West Indies. The Navigation Acts caused resentment in the colonies against England, a resentment that fueled the flames of the [[Anglo-Dutch Wars]] and the [[American Revolutionary War]].
''[[Image:MCB Logo Final 2008.jpg|250px]]''
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| bgcolor="#efefef" align="center" colspan="2" |
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Address
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | 1 [[Malone Road]]<Br />Belfast<Br />BT9 6BY<Br />
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Phone
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | (+ 44 28) 90 20 52 05
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Email
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | development@methody.org
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Location
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | [[Belfast]], [[Northern Ireland]], [[UK]]
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Head Teacher || bgcolor="#dfefff" | Mr Scott Naismith 2007-
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | School type
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | Voluntary Grammar (represented on the Independent Schools Council)
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Colours
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | Navy, White.
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Facilities
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | Pirrie Park
Deramore Park
<br />MCB Boat House
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | School Board || bgcolor="#dfefff" | BELB
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Enrollment || bgcolor="#dfefff" | 1850 students
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | School colours
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | Navy, White.
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Founded
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | 1865
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Motto
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | ''Deus Nobiscum'' "''God With Us''"
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| bgcolor="#efefef" | Affiliation
| bgcolor="#dfefff" | [[Belfast Harlequins]]
|}


'''Methodist College Belfast''', styled locally as '''Methody''', is a voluntary [[grammar school]] in [[Belfast]], [[Northern Ireland]] and one of the eight Northern Irish schools represented on the [[Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference]] and is a member of the [[Independent Schools Council]]. At present the school has 1,850&nbsp;pupils, aged 11&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;19, making it one of the largest schools in Belfast and the biggest Grammar school in Europe. Located at the foot of [[Malone Road]], in South Belfast, it possesses two preparatory departments (Downey House and Fullerton House), each with 280&nbsp;pupils, aged 5&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;11. The College also has the largest Boarding Department in Northern Ireland with 142&nbsp;boarders, in two boarding departments &mdash; School House (110&nbsp;boys) and McArthur Hall (70&nbsp;girls), though these boarding departments are to be closed in the end of summer term of 2010.<ref>Letter to parents from Mr Naismith (headmaster) on behalf of the Board of Governors, 23rd of June, 2008.</ref> The College employs 155&nbsp;teachers and 99&nbsp;educational support staff. Although originally founded by the [[Methodist Church]], the school is non-denominational and features one of the broadest mixes of pupils from different communities in Northern Ireland. While the majority of the school's pupils are from a [[Protestant]] background, it also includes substantial numbers from a [[Roman Catholic]] background.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Additionally there are pupils of [[Jewish]] and [[Islamic]] backgrounds and overseas students from such places as [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[China]], [[Hong Kong]] and [[South Korea]].
==Early legislation==
Statutes had periodically been passed concerning shipping since 1381,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://concise.britannica.com/ebc/article-9055084/Navigation-Act|title=Navigation Acts, Britannica Concise|accessdate=2007-09-04}}</ref> but little in the way of penalties was provided to enforce the principle that English merchants should use English ships until 1651.
{{Expand-section|date=June 2008}}
==Navigation Ordinance 1651==
''For further detail of the background see'' [[First Anglo–Dutch War]].
The Navigation Act bill was passed in October 1651 by the Parliament of the [[Commonwealth of England]] led by [[Oliver Cromwell]], reinforcing a longstanding principle of government policy that English trade should be carried in English vessels. It was reaction to the failure of an English diplomatic mission to [[The Hague]] seeking a joining of the Commonwealth by the [[Republic of the Seven United Netherlands]], after the [[States of Holland]] had made some cautious overtures to Cromwell to counter the monarchal aspirations of [[stadtholder]] [[William II of Orange]]. The stadtholder had suddenly died however and the States were now embarrassed by Cromwell taking the idea quite too seriously. The English proposed the joint conquest of all remaining Spanish and Portuguese possessions. England would take America and the Dutch Africa and Asia. As the Dutch, however, had already taken over most Portuguese colonies in Asia, they saw little advantage in this grandiose scheme and proposed a free trade agreement as an alternative to a full political union. This again was unacceptable to the British, who would be unable to compete, and was seen by them as a deliberate affront.
The 1651 Act banned foreign ships from transporting goods from outside [[Europe]] to England or its colonies and banned third party countries' ships from transporting goods from a country elsewhere in Europe to England. These rules specifically targeted the [[Dutch Republic|Dutch]] who controlled a large section of Europe's international trade and even much of England's coastal shipping. It excluded the Dutch from essentially all trade with England, since the Netherlands produced very few goods itself. This trade, however, constituted only a small fraction of total Dutch transportation. It is common to mention the Act as a major cause of the [[First Anglo-Dutch War]], though it was only part of a larger British policy to engage in war after the negotiations had failed. The English naval victories in 1653 (the [[Battle of Portland]], the [[Battle of the Gabbard]] and the [[Battle of Scheveningen]]) forced the Dutch to acknowledge the Act in the [[Treaty of Westminster (1654)]]. The Act seems to have had very little influence on actual Dutch trade practices.


The school is generally regarded for its high academic standards (regularly sending students to [[Oxford University|Oxford]] and [[Cambridge University|Cambridge]] Universities).{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Past pupils of the school are known as Collegians, the school has an extensive Past Pupil organisation in the form of 'The MCB Former Pupil Association', which has several branches across the world, meeting as far as [[Hong Kong]] and [[Canada]] as well as regular alumni reunions in [[London]] and at [[Deramore]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://methody.biznetservers.com/dsp_gallery.cfm/gallery_cat_key/12|title=Photo Gallery of Reunions, Methodist College Belfast|accessdate=2007-11-28}}</ref> The college also has a past pupil sporting organisation in [[Belfast Harlequins]] formerly [[Collegians (Belfast)|Collegians]].
The 1651 Act (like other legislation of the Commonwealth period) was declared void on [[The Restoration]] of [[Charles II of England|Charles II]], having been passed by 'usurping powers'. Parliament therefore passed new legislation. This is generally referred to as the "Navigation Acts", and (with some amendments) remained in force for nearly two centuries.


==History==
==The Navigation Acts==
The school was founded in 1865 by the [[Methodist Church]] in [[Ireland]] for the education of children of Methodist ministers, and opened three years later.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Just three months after it opened, the college admitted "young ladies" to be educated on equal terms with boys, and the college has been [[co-educational]] ever since.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} As a grammar school it admits pupils based on academic selection. The [[Latin]] motto of the school is "Deus Nobiscum" ([[God]] is with us).
The Navigation Act 1660 added a twist to Oliver Cromwell's act; ships' crews had to be three-quarters English, and "enumerated" products not produced by the mother country, such as tobacco, cotton, and sugar were to be shipped from the colonies only to England or other English colonies.


==List of Head Teachers==
The Navigation Act 1663 (also called the Act for the Encouragement of Trade) required all European goods bound for America (or other colonies) to be shipped through England or Wales first. In England, the goods would be unloaded, inspected, paid duties, and reloaded. The trade had to be carried in English bottoms (i.e. vessels), which included those of its colonies. Furthermore, imports of 'enumerated commodities' (such as sugar, rice, and tobacco) had to be landed and pay tax before going on to other countries. This increased the cost to the colonies, and increased the shipping time.
*William Arthur


*Henry R Parker (1879-1890) left to become joint Headmaster of Campbell College.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcampbellians.co.uk/ARCHIVE/headmasters.htm#parker|title=Henry Parker brief biography|accessdate=2007-04-23}}</ref>
This Act entitled colonial shipping and seaman to enjoy the full benefits of the exclusive provisions. There was no bar put in the way of colonists who might wish to trade in their own shipping with foreign plantations or European countries other than England, provided they did not violate the enumerated commodity clause.<ref>Craven, p. 35</ref>


*Henry McIntosh (1890-1912)
===Improving Laws===
Various further acts were passed in the subsequent period, altering the system in various ways. Some imposed further taxes and restrictions on the trade of the English colonies, but others authorized (subject to payment of a tax) trade that had previously been prohibited. The 1707 [[Acts of Union 1707|Act of Union with Scotland]] allowed Scotland and Scottish vessels the same privileges as England and Wales. [[Ireland]], as an English possession, was similarly excluded from colonial trade, except the export of 'horses and victuals'. From 1705, the export of Irish [[linen]]s was also permitted, and from 1731 the import of non-enumerated commodities. These restrictions lasted until the 1780s.


*Ernest Isaac Lewis (1912-1917) chemistry scholar and educationalist who devised the 'Bridge' course to introduce senior public school pupils to industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/ead/362.htm#N1124|title=Ernest Isaac Lewis Papers (MSS.362), Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick|accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>
===Molasses Act 1733===
The 1733 [[Molasses Act]] levied heavy duties on the trade of sugar from the [[French West Indies]] to the American colonies, forcing the colonists to buy the more expensive sugar from the [[British West Indies]] instead. The law was widely flouted, but efforts by the British to prevent smuggling created hostility and contributed to the [[American Revolution]].The molasses act was part of the sugar acts, which were renewed in 1763, and caused unrest with the colonists.


*John W Henderson (1917-1943)
===Repeal===
The Navigation Acts were repealed in 1849 under the influence of a ''[[laissez-faire]]'' philosophy. The Navigation Acts were passed under the economic theory of [[mercantilism]] under which wealth was to be increased by restricting trade to colonies rather than with [[free trade]]. By 1849 "a central part of British capital's import strategy was to reduce the cost of food through cheap foreign imports and in this way to reduce the cost of maintaining labour power"(van Houten). Repealing the Navigation Acts along with the [[Corn Laws]] served this purpose, but also led to the break up of the formal British Empire.


*John Falconer (1943-1948)
==Effects==
Many scholars{{Who|date=November 2007}} have viewed the Navigation Acts as an example of inefficient state intervention. The introduction of the legislation caused Britain's shipping industry to develop in isolation. However, it had the advantage (to England) of severely limiting the ability of Dutch ships to participate in the carrying trade.The Navigation Acts, by reserving British colonial trade to British shipping, may have significantly assisted in the growth of London as a major financial centre, at the expense of [[Netherlands|Dutch]] cities. The increase in merchant shipping and in trade generally also facilitated to a rapid increase in the size and quality of the [[Royal Navy]], which led to Britain becoming a global [[superpower]] until the mid 20th Century.


*Rev Albert Ball (1948-1960)
The Navigation Acts, while enriching Britain, caused resentment in the colonies and contributed to the [[American Revolution]]. The Navigation Acts required all imports either to be sold in England or bought from England no matter what price could be obtained elsewhere. The rationale was the theory of [[Mercantilism]]: the more money one country or colony has, the more power it will hold. The colonists resorted to [[smuggling]]. [[Writ of assistance]]s were issued to enforce the Navigation Acts.


*Dr Stanley Worral (1961–1974) The Worral Sixth Form Centre was built in the [[modernist]] architectural style and was named in his honour. A [[vorticist]] mural was painted on one interior wall of the centre's "[[recreation|rec]] floor". Worral left to pursue his interest in the [[ecumenical]] movement.
==Notes==
{{Reflist}}


*Dr James Kincade (1974–1988) Retired in 1988. Kincade also served as the Chairman and National Governor, Broadcasting Council for Northern Ireland.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://janus.lib.cam.ac.uk/db/node.xsp?id=EAD%2FGBR%2F0014%2FPOLL+9%2F1|title=Enoch Powell papers Section 4, quoting correct title|accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref>.
==References==
*[http://www.british-civil-wars.co.uk/glossary/navigation-act.htm Navigation Act 1651 at British-Civil-Wars.co.uk]
*'October 1651: An Act for increase of Shipping, and Encouragement of the Navigation of this Nation.', ''Acts and Ordinances of the Interregnum, 1642-1660'' (1911), pp. 559-62. URL: [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=56457&strquery=559]. Date accessed: 27 April] 2007.
*'Charles II, 1660: An Act for the Encourageing and increasing of Shipping and Navigation.', ''Statutes of the Realm: volume 5: 1628-80'' (1819), pp. 246-50. URL: [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=47266]. Date accessed: [[27 April]] [[2007]].
*'Charles II, 1663: An Act for the Encouragement of Trade', ''Statutes of the Realm: volume 5: 1628-80'' (1819), pp. 449-52. URL: [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=47343]. Date accessed: 27 April 2007.
*'Corporate Canada: an historical outline', Gerry van Houten, pg 42-43, 1991, Progress Books
* Craven, Wesley Frank, ''The Colonies in Transition'', 1968


*Wilfred Mulryne OBE (1988–2005). Wilfred Mulryne was a Church of Ireland [[lay preacher]] and a former pupil. A Classics graduate of the [[University of Cambridge]], he taught at the Methodist College, before becoming Headmaster of the Royal School, Armagh in 1979. In 1998 Mulryne was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Education by the University of Ulster. Shortly after his retirement in 2005, he was awarded the Allianz Award for Services to Education in Ireland, along with a Distinction Award from the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://plangov.ulster.ac.uk/governance/council/appointedmembers.html|title=plangov.ulster.ac.uk/governance/council/appointedmembers.html|title=University of Ulster Governance Services Council Member Biographies|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref>
{{UK legislation}}
He now sits on the Governing Bodies Association (GBA) for schools at the Stormont Assembly.

*[[Cecilia Galloway]] (2005–2006). Former headmistress of the [[Royal Latin School]] in [[Buckinghamshire]], succeeded Wilfred Mulryne at Christmas 2005. She was the first headmistress in the School's history. In 2006 Galloway's management style was criticised. Staff claimed she had increased their workloads, comparing her to [[Alan Sugar]]. She denied the claims, stating that her style was "democratic, transparent and straight-talking". On October 20 2006 Galloway announced that she was resigning from Methody citing personal problems, such as "problems with buying and selling property and the management of her husband's business interests".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utvlive.com/newsroom/indepth.asp?pt=n&id=77423|title=''UTV Live''|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> She officially left her post on [[31 October]] [[2006]].

* Mrs M P White (Acting) (2006-2007). Following Mrs Galloway's departure, Mrs White assumed acting headship. Formerly a modern languages teacher.

* Mr. S. Naismith (2007-). Appointed by the Board of Governors in March 2007, formerly of [[Regent House Grammar School|Regent House, Newtownards]]. He assumed office in the summer of 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://methody.biznetservers.com/dsp_news.cfm/news_key/47/|title= Board of Governors - Announcement of Appointment|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref>

==Recent achievements==
In 1998 and 2002, the Senior Girls Choir won the [[Sainsbury's]] Choir of the Year, the first choir to win the competition in two successive tries. The Chapel Choir won the [[Songs of Praise]] School Choir of the Year and the [[UTV]] School Choir of the Year in 2004. They were subsequently asked to sing at services in [[Westminster Abbey]] in August 2004, and in 2005 performed with the [[Vienna Boy's Choir]], in [[Vienna]], [[Austria]]. Both of these choirs are led by Ruth McCartney MBE, the head of music in Methody.

There is a Model United Nations Society within the College.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://methody.biznetservers.com/dsp_sub.cfm/page/modelunitednations|title=MCB web site MUN section|accessdate=2007-06-03}}</ref> <ref>{{citeweb|url=http://mun.methody.org/Index.php|title=Student Model United Nations Network|accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref>The college has won prizes at the Bath International Schools Model United Nations Conference , Model United Nations at Cheadle Hulme and George Watsons College Model United Nations. In 2003, a delegation of students went to Yale University, New Haven, to attend the [[Yale University|Yale]] [[Model United Nations]] Conference. They won the overall best delegation award representing the [[United Kingdom]]. In 2005, a further delegation attended [[North American Invitational Model United Nations]] Conference, at [[Georgetown University]] in [[Washington DC]]. In March 2007 a team from MCB went to New York for the National High Schools Model United Nations. In March 2008, another MCB team attended GWCMUN at [[George Watson's College]], Edinburgh. The team was successful in attaining the best delegation in General Assembly award, as well as jointly winning the best overall delegation award with a team from [[Hampstead School]]. A number of delegate also won individual awards.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://methody.biznetservers.com/dsp_news.cfm/news_key/74/|title=MCB Website GWCMUN Report}}</ref>

In 2005 a new boathouse costing £600,000, was opened on the banks of the [[River Lagan]]. In addition, the rowing club has won numerous regattas and various Head of rivers in recent years.

In April 2007 the MCB Junior Choir won the Under-15 Secondary School choir competition at the Bangor International Choral Festival.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.bicf.co.uk/index.php?Results_%26amp%3B_Photos:2007:Results%26nbsp%3B|title=Bangor International Choral Festival Results 2007|accessdate=2007-05-31}}</ref> Also, in the school year 2004-2005, the Junior Choir won a competition and the title of "BBC Radio Three Children's Choir of the Year". They were led by Lynda Barrett.

International Students entering the British Council International Student of the Year competitions have also been successful with pupils shortlisted and named Northern Ireland International Student of the Year in 2008 <ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.educationuk.org/pls/hot_bc/bc_shine.page_pls_shine_home?x=862776705009&y=0&a=231007&d=1478|title=SHINE British Council International Student of the Year Awards|accessdate=2008-03-20}}</ref>

Also in June 2008 the MCB J16 8 won the Craig Cup{{Fact|date=July 2008}}, a major{{Fact|date=July 2008}} rowing competition, beating tough{{Fact|date=July 2008}} competition from Portora, RBAI, Bann and Colraine inst boatclubs.

== Future Plans ==

The school will shortly undertake extensive rebuilding works over a number of years. Essentially the whole school is being rebuilt save the Main Building, McArthur Hall, The Chapel of Unity and the Sports Hall. On the 23rd June 2008 it was announced that in 2010 the Boarding Department of the school will close down and that School House and McArthur Hall will be converted to usage as classrooms and offices. The decision made by the Board of Governors was "extremely difficult to take given the history of boarding at Methody and caused those involved great deal of angst. However, it has been taken with the best interests of the future of the overall College in mind."<ref>Letter to parents from Mr Naismith (headmaster) on behalf of the Board of Governors, 23rd of June, 2008.</ref>

== Fullerton House ==
There has been a Preparatory Department in the main buildings of the College since it opened in 1868. The present building was opened in 1975 at the Lisburn Road end of the Methodist College campus. The first position however, was in the vestibule of 11 College Gardens, Belfast.

== Downey House ==
Downey House was opened in 1933 following the purchase of Pirrie Park, from Harland and Wolff, as the College playing fields. The existing buildings were modernised and extended. It was founded by William Fullerton and named after John Downey.

==Chess Club==

Methodist College Chess Club was set up by Brian Thorpe and Arthur Willans in 1960.<ref>[[Ireland's Saturday Night]] Chess Columns by "Caro Kann" 08/10/1960 Page 5 and 24/12/1960 Page 7</ref> After Brian Thorpe's retirement in 1994, Dr Graham Murphy took over and presided over victory in both the [[Irish Colleges Chess Championship]] and the [[British Schools Chess Championship]](sponsored at that time by The Times newspaper). In addition to the outright victory in the [[British Schools Chess Championship]] in 1995, the College finished 3rd in 1970 and 1979, and 4th in 1986 and 1997. The British Schools Championship Plate Competition for runners-up of the zonal heats was won in 1994, the first year the Plate competition was held. Methody won the inaugural Irish College's Championship in 1976{{Fact|date=March 2007}}, the first of several wins. The Ulster Schools Division One title has been won on many occasions. {{Fact|date=March 2007}}

The most distinguished former member is International Master [[Brian Kelly (chess player)|Brian Kelly]], who occupied Board 1 in the successful 1995 team. Kelly also won a Gold Medal at the Chess Olympiad in Moscow in 1994 playing at Board 5. Past pupils Brian Kerr, Tom Clarke, Angela Corry and Roger Beckett have also represented Ireland at Chess Olympiads.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.rct26.dial.pipex.com/players/players.htm|title=Ulster Chess Chronicle player profiles - contains details on the players|accessdate=2007-03-20}}</ref>
The [[Ulster Chess Championship]] has also been won by Methody alumni on 11 occasions, although only John Nicholson(1971,73), Paul Hadden(1975), and [[Brian Kelly (chess player)|Brian Kelly]](1994) won whilst still at school. Brian Kelly is the only Methody alumnus to have won the [[Irish Chess Championship]] in 1995 and 2007.

==Astronomy==

The course is taught over a period of one academic year by Dr Graham Murphy, and makes use of the Faulkes Telescopes. Notably, the subject attracts many young entrants, the youngest being in 2nd form (13 years at time of exam), and 3rd form (14 years at time of exam).
A less formal club is occasionally run at lunchtimes, in which pupils can watch videos, talk about current issues, such as light pollution, and the night sky and prepare projects for science fairs. The club has made observations with the Faulkes Telescope North.

Notable events include:

* Participation in Seagate Young Investigators Science Fair
* Observations with Faulkes Telescope North

== Rugby Club ==
The school rugby teams have won the [[Ulster Schools Cup]] 31 times, more than any other school,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/irish/4817522.stm|title=BBC 2006 Rugby Schools Cup Final Report including Winners Table|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/irish/2851175.stm|title=BBC - Schools Cup - List of Finalists|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> and [[Medallion Shield]] a record 33 times. The college owns its own rugby pitches at Pirrie Park. An extensive redevelopment plan is planned for 2010, including a new pavilion to be named after former PE teacher David Wells.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/news/article2086788.ece|title=Belfast Telegraph report of new pavilion|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref>

In 2007 Methody Medallion team beat [[Regent House Grammar School|Regent House]] 15-10 at Ravenhill to win the Medallion Shield,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulsterrugby.com/4839.php|title=Ulster Rugby Medallion Shield match report|accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> but the 1st XV lost to [[Royal Belfast Academical Institution|R.B.A.I.]] in the semi-finals of the [[Ulster Schools Cup|Schools Cup]].

In 2008, the 1st team won the [[Ulster Schools Cup]]. They beat [[Regent House Grammar School|Regent House]] 36-0 in the final, played on 17 March 2008.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/7301496.stm|title=BBC Sport 2008 Final Report|accessdate=2008-03-17}}</ref> The Medallion Shield was lost when the team was defeated in the semi-final.

== Hockey Club ==
[[Image:MCB234512.jpg|250px|thumb|''The Methody Hockey Pitch at Belfast Harlequins''.]]
The school has played [[Field hockey|hockey]] since the 1890s. One of the earliest matches was when a [[Belfast Harlequins|Collegians]] ladies team beat the schoolgirls 4-0 in 1896.<ref>[[Belfast Newsletter]] 22/10/1896 Page 3</ref>

The girl's club celebrated its centenary in 1996 with a series of special matches. MCB possesses its own artificial turf pitch, located at [[Belfast Harlequins]] on the [[Malone Road]].

In January 2007, boy's 1st XI player Douglas Montgomery was selected to represent the school as part of a delegation from [[Belfast Harlequins]] that met with President of the [[Republic of Ireland]], [[Mary McAleese]] in Phoenix Park, Dublin. This meeting was to mark the Club's cross community work.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/23_6856.php?PHPSESSID=b7a26135ea93f0a4255f9d333d6122ae|title=Irish Rugby - report of meeting with Mary McAleese|accessdate=2007-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.belfastharlequinsrfc.com/VIPVisits.asp|title=Mary McAleese visit to Belfast Harlequins|accessdate=2007-05-31}}</ref>
Alan Green of BBC Radio 5live fame was one of the most famous players, off the field, that the school ever produced. Full international players include Ian Kirk-Smith, Gregg Sterritt, Andrew McBride (for Scotland as a "forgotten exile"), Neil Dunlop and Norman Crawford. Many pupils have represented Ulster at Junior and under age levels.

The most recent success for the boys was the [[Burney Cup]] win in 1999. The Cup was presented to the team by Ulster Branch president and ex pupil Peter Wood.

The girls have not won the [[Ulster Senior Schoolgirls Cup|Senior Schoolgirls Cup]] competition since 1988 (when it beat Friends 2-0). The school has the most wins in the history of the Cup, however most of the success came prior to [[World War II]].

Of the current girl's team, Helen Stevenson was selected for the Ulster and Irish U18 team and was selected as a Reserve at the Senior Ireland development camps.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.hockeyulster.org/DOCS/0607ANNUAL%20REPORT.doc|title=UWHU Annual Report 2006-07 Helen Stevenson's selection Pages 17, 20-21|accessdate=2007-05-31}}</ref>

== Old Collegians ==

'''Academic'''
* [[John Herivel]], World War II codebreaker and Isaac Newton scholar
* [[Ernest Walton]], scientist, Nobel Prize winner, renowned for splitting the atom<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1951/walton-bio.html|title=Nobel - Ernest Walton biography|accessdate=2007-05-31}}</ref>
* [[David Perry]], games developer, formerly of Shiny Entertainment
* [[Niall Stanage]], journalist
* [[Robert Greacen]], poet and writer<ref>[http://www.writerscentre.ie/anthology/greacen.html "Irish Writers Centre - Biography"];[http://www.sarahferris.co.uk/pages/robertgreacen.htm "Writing from the North - Biography"]</ref>
* [[Sir Desmond Rea]], Chairman of the [[Northern Ireland Policing Board]].
* [[Peter McDonald (critic)|Peter McDonald]], is an author, university lecturer and critic. He is widely regarded as one of the most incisive, and sometimes controversial, critics of contemporary poetry.
* [[Alister McGrath]], Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University and author

'''Sports'''
* [[Jeremy Davidson]], former Ireland & British Lions rugby international
* [[Jenny McDonough]] Irish Hockey International, and Belfast Harlequins player.
* [[Iain Rice]], A [[Northern Irish]] silver medalist from the 2002 [[Commonwealth]] Rowing Championships
* [[Gary Wilson (cricketer)|Gary Wilson]], [[Ulster]] and Irish Schools cricket player.
* [[Phil Murphy|Phil Murphy]], [[Canada]] and [[London Irish]] rugby player.
* [[Niall Malone|Niall Malone]], [[Ireland]] and [[Leicester|Leicester Tigers]] rugby player.

'''Politics'''
* [[Sammy Wilson]], [[Democratic Unionist Party]] (DUP) politician, MLA for East Belfast and MP for East Antrim
* Sir [[Cecil Walker]], [[Ulster Unionist Party]] (UUP) politician, MP for North Belfast
* [[Ian Paisley Jr]], DUP politician, MLA for North Antrim and son of [[Ian Paisley]].
* [[Roy Beggs]], UUP politician, MP for East Antrim until 2005.
* [[Martin Smyth]], UUP Member of Parliament for Belfast South from 1982-2005 and Presbyterian Minister
* [[Michelle McIlveen]], DUP MLA for Strangford, elected in 2007.

'''Lifestyle'''
* [[Alan Green (broadcaster)|Alan Green]], BBC Radio 5 Live football commentator
* [[Chris Barrie]], comedian, Red Dwarf, Brittas Empire, Tomb Raider movies
* [[Caron Keating]], broadcaster, Blue Peter presenter
* [[Mike Edgar]], [[BBC]] producer and former presenter of popular radio show [[Across the Line (BBC Radio Ulster)]]
* [[Carl Dinnen]], Channel 4 news broadcaster and international journalist.
* [[Julian Simmons]], Local celebrity and travel agent in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
* [[Bertha McDougall]],[[OBE]] is the interim [[Commissioner for Victims and Survivors of the Troubles]].
* [[Myolie Wu]], Second Runner up in Miss Hong Kong 1999. Actor and singer in Hong Kong
* [[Jamie Dornan]], a [[Northern Irish]] supermodel, musician, and film actor.
* [[James Ellis (actor)|James Ellis]], actor
* [[Paul Loughran]], actor, most famous for his role as [[Butch Dingle]] in the soap [[Emmerdale]]

'''Art'''
* [[Brian McElwaine]], Fine artist.
'''Music'''
* [[Michael McHale]], concert pianist
* [[Barry Douglas]], concert pianist
* [[Andy White (singer-songwriter)|Andy White]], singer-songwriter

'''Literature'''
* [[Glenn Patterson]], writer and author
*[[Timothy Phillips]], writer on Russian affairs
*[[John Harold Hewitt]], poet and socialist

'''Religion'''
* [[Robin Eames|Lord Robin Eames]], was the Anglican Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh from 1986 to 2006. He received The Order of Merit from The Queen, in June 2007.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6750835.stm|title=BBC news report of Order of Merit Award for Lord Eames|accessdate=2007-06-21}}</ref>

==Sources==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
[[Category:Acts of the Parliament of England]]
*[http://www.methody.org Official Website]
[[Category:Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain]]
*[http://www.belfastharlequinsclub.com Belfast Harlequins]
[[Category:Economic history of the United Kingdom]]
*[http://www.educationuk.org/shine/runners_up.html British Council International Student of the Year Awards]
[[Category:Laws leading to the American Revolution]]


[[Category:Boarding schools in Ireland]]
[[de:Navigationsakte]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1865]]
[[es:Actas de Navegación (Inglaterra)]]
[[Category:Grammar schools in Belfast]]
[[fr:Actes de Navigation]]
[[Category:Members of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference]]
[[it:Atto di navigazione]]
[[Category:Methodist schools]]
[[he:חוקי הסחר הימי]]
[[nl:Engelse Scheepvaartwetten]]
[[ja:航海条例]]
[[no:Navigasjonsakten]]
[[nn:Navigasjonslovane]]
[[pl:Akty Nawigacyjne]]
[[pt:Ato de Navegação]]
[[zh:航海法案]]

Revision as of 19:52, 13 October 2008

File:MCB Logo Final 2008.jpg

Address 1 Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 6BY
Phone (+ 44 28) 90 20 52 05
Email development@methody.org
Location Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
Head Teacher Mr Scott Naismith 2007-
School type Voluntary Grammar (represented on the Independent Schools Council)
Colours Navy, White.
Facilities Pirrie Park

Deramore Park
MCB Boat House

School Board BELB
Enrollment 1850 students
School colours Navy, White.
Founded 1865
Motto Deus Nobiscum "God With Us"
Affiliation Belfast Harlequins

Methodist College Belfast, styled locally as Methody, is a voluntary grammar school in Belfast, Northern Ireland and one of the eight Northern Irish schools represented on the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and is a member of the Independent Schools Council. At present the school has 1,850 pupils, aged 11 – 19, making it one of the largest schools in Belfast and the biggest Grammar school in Europe. Located at the foot of Malone Road, in South Belfast, it possesses two preparatory departments (Downey House and Fullerton House), each with 280 pupils, aged 5 – 11. The College also has the largest Boarding Department in Northern Ireland with 142 boarders, in two boarding departments — School House (110 boys) and McArthur Hall (70 girls), though these boarding departments are to be closed in the end of summer term of 2010.[1] The College employs 155 teachers and 99 educational support staff. Although originally founded by the Methodist Church, the school is non-denominational and features one of the broadest mixes of pupils from different communities in Northern Ireland. While the majority of the school's pupils are from a Protestant background, it also includes substantial numbers from a Roman Catholic background.[citation needed] Additionally there are pupils of Jewish and Islamic backgrounds and overseas students from such places as Malaysia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong and South Korea.

The school is generally regarded for its high academic standards (regularly sending students to Oxford and Cambridge Universities).[citation needed] Past pupils of the school are known as Collegians, the school has an extensive Past Pupil organisation in the form of 'The MCB Former Pupil Association', which has several branches across the world, meeting as far as Hong Kong and Canada as well as regular alumni reunions in London and at Deramore.[2] The college also has a past pupil sporting organisation in Belfast Harlequins formerly Collegians.

History

The school was founded in 1865 by the Methodist Church in Ireland for the education of children of Methodist ministers, and opened three years later.[citation needed] Just three months after it opened, the college admitted "young ladies" to be educated on equal terms with boys, and the college has been co-educational ever since.[citation needed] As a grammar school it admits pupils based on academic selection. The Latin motto of the school is "Deus Nobiscum" (God is with us).

List of Head Teachers

  • William Arthur
  • Henry R Parker (1879-1890) left to become joint Headmaster of Campbell College.[3]
  • Henry McIntosh (1890-1912)
  • Ernest Isaac Lewis (1912-1917) chemistry scholar and educationalist who devised the 'Bridge' course to introduce senior public school pupils to industry.[4]
  • John W Henderson (1917-1943)
  • John Falconer (1943-1948)
  • Rev Albert Ball (1948-1960)
  • Dr Stanley Worral (1961–1974) The Worral Sixth Form Centre was built in the modernist architectural style and was named in his honour. A vorticist mural was painted on one interior wall of the centre's "rec floor". Worral left to pursue his interest in the ecumenical movement.
  • Dr James Kincade (1974–1988) Retired in 1988. Kincade also served as the Chairman and National Governor, Broadcasting Council for Northern Ireland.[5].
  • Wilfred Mulryne OBE (1988–2005). Wilfred Mulryne was a Church of Ireland lay preacher and a former pupil. A Classics graduate of the University of Cambridge, he taught at the Methodist College, before becoming Headmaster of the Royal School, Armagh in 1979. In 1998 Mulryne was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Education by the University of Ulster. Shortly after his retirement in 2005, he was awarded the Allianz Award for Services to Education in Ireland, along with a Distinction Award from the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education.[6]

He now sits on the Governing Bodies Association (GBA) for schools at the Stormont Assembly.

  • Cecilia Galloway (2005–2006). Former headmistress of the Royal Latin School in Buckinghamshire, succeeded Wilfred Mulryne at Christmas 2005. She was the first headmistress in the School's history. In 2006 Galloway's management style was criticised. Staff claimed she had increased their workloads, comparing her to Alan Sugar. She denied the claims, stating that her style was "democratic, transparent and straight-talking". On October 20 2006 Galloway announced that she was resigning from Methody citing personal problems, such as "problems with buying and selling property and the management of her husband's business interests".[7] She officially left her post on 31 October 2006.
  • Mrs M P White (Acting) (2006-2007). Following Mrs Galloway's departure, Mrs White assumed acting headship. Formerly a modern languages teacher.
  • Mr. S. Naismith (2007-). Appointed by the Board of Governors in March 2007, formerly of Regent House, Newtownards. He assumed office in the summer of 2007.[8]

Recent achievements

In 1998 and 2002, the Senior Girls Choir won the Sainsbury's Choir of the Year, the first choir to win the competition in two successive tries. The Chapel Choir won the Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year and the UTV School Choir of the Year in 2004. They were subsequently asked to sing at services in Westminster Abbey in August 2004, and in 2005 performed with the Vienna Boy's Choir, in Vienna, Austria. Both of these choirs are led by Ruth McCartney MBE, the head of music in Methody.

There is a Model United Nations Society within the College.[9] [10]The college has won prizes at the Bath International Schools Model United Nations Conference , Model United Nations at Cheadle Hulme and George Watsons College Model United Nations. In 2003, a delegation of students went to Yale University, New Haven, to attend the Yale Model United Nations Conference. They won the overall best delegation award representing the United Kingdom. In 2005, a further delegation attended North American Invitational Model United Nations Conference, at Georgetown University in Washington DC. In March 2007 a team from MCB went to New York for the National High Schools Model United Nations. In March 2008, another MCB team attended GWCMUN at George Watson's College, Edinburgh. The team was successful in attaining the best delegation in General Assembly award, as well as jointly winning the best overall delegation award with a team from Hampstead School. A number of delegate also won individual awards.[11]

In 2005 a new boathouse costing £600,000, was opened on the banks of the River Lagan. In addition, the rowing club has won numerous regattas and various Head of rivers in recent years.

In April 2007 the MCB Junior Choir won the Under-15 Secondary School choir competition at the Bangor International Choral Festival.[12] Also, in the school year 2004-2005, the Junior Choir won a competition and the title of "BBC Radio Three Children's Choir of the Year". They were led by Lynda Barrett.

International Students entering the British Council International Student of the Year competitions have also been successful with pupils shortlisted and named Northern Ireland International Student of the Year in 2008 [13]

Also in June 2008 the MCB J16 8 won the Craig Cup[citation needed], a major[citation needed] rowing competition, beating tough[citation needed] competition from Portora, RBAI, Bann and Colraine inst boatclubs.

Future Plans

The school will shortly undertake extensive rebuilding works over a number of years. Essentially the whole school is being rebuilt save the Main Building, McArthur Hall, The Chapel of Unity and the Sports Hall. On the 23rd June 2008 it was announced that in 2010 the Boarding Department of the school will close down and that School House and McArthur Hall will be converted to usage as classrooms and offices. The decision made by the Board of Governors was "extremely difficult to take given the history of boarding at Methody and caused those involved great deal of angst. However, it has been taken with the best interests of the future of the overall College in mind."[14]

Fullerton House

There has been a Preparatory Department in the main buildings of the College since it opened in 1868. The present building was opened in 1975 at the Lisburn Road end of the Methodist College campus. The first position however, was in the vestibule of 11 College Gardens, Belfast.

Downey House

Downey House was opened in 1933 following the purchase of Pirrie Park, from Harland and Wolff, as the College playing fields. The existing buildings were modernised and extended. It was founded by William Fullerton and named after John Downey.

Chess Club

Methodist College Chess Club was set up by Brian Thorpe and Arthur Willans in 1960.[15] After Brian Thorpe's retirement in 1994, Dr Graham Murphy took over and presided over victory in both the Irish Colleges Chess Championship and the British Schools Chess Championship(sponsored at that time by The Times newspaper). In addition to the outright victory in the British Schools Chess Championship in 1995, the College finished 3rd in 1970 and 1979, and 4th in 1986 and 1997. The British Schools Championship Plate Competition for runners-up of the zonal heats was won in 1994, the first year the Plate competition was held. Methody won the inaugural Irish College's Championship in 1976[citation needed], the first of several wins. The Ulster Schools Division One title has been won on many occasions. [citation needed]

The most distinguished former member is International Master Brian Kelly, who occupied Board 1 in the successful 1995 team. Kelly also won a Gold Medal at the Chess Olympiad in Moscow in 1994 playing at Board 5. Past pupils Brian Kerr, Tom Clarke, Angela Corry and Roger Beckett have also represented Ireland at Chess Olympiads.[16] The Ulster Chess Championship has also been won by Methody alumni on 11 occasions, although only John Nicholson(1971,73), Paul Hadden(1975), and Brian Kelly(1994) won whilst still at school. Brian Kelly is the only Methody alumnus to have won the Irish Chess Championship in 1995 and 2007.

Astronomy

The course is taught over a period of one academic year by Dr Graham Murphy, and makes use of the Faulkes Telescopes. Notably, the subject attracts many young entrants, the youngest being in 2nd form (13 years at time of exam), and 3rd form (14 years at time of exam). A less formal club is occasionally run at lunchtimes, in which pupils can watch videos, talk about current issues, such as light pollution, and the night sky and prepare projects for science fairs. The club has made observations with the Faulkes Telescope North.

Notable events include:

  • Participation in Seagate Young Investigators Science Fair
  • Observations with Faulkes Telescope North

Rugby Club

The school rugby teams have won the Ulster Schools Cup 31 times, more than any other school,[17][18] and Medallion Shield a record 33 times. The college owns its own rugby pitches at Pirrie Park. An extensive redevelopment plan is planned for 2010, including a new pavilion to be named after former PE teacher David Wells.[19]

In 2007 Methody Medallion team beat Regent House 15-10 at Ravenhill to win the Medallion Shield,[20] but the 1st XV lost to R.B.A.I. in the semi-finals of the Schools Cup.

In 2008, the 1st team won the Ulster Schools Cup. They beat Regent House 36-0 in the final, played on 17 March 2008.[21] The Medallion Shield was lost when the team was defeated in the semi-final.

Hockey Club

The Methody Hockey Pitch at Belfast Harlequins.

The school has played hockey since the 1890s. One of the earliest matches was when a Collegians ladies team beat the schoolgirls 4-0 in 1896.[22]

The girl's club celebrated its centenary in 1996 with a series of special matches. MCB possesses its own artificial turf pitch, located at Belfast Harlequins on the Malone Road.

In January 2007, boy's 1st XI player Douglas Montgomery was selected to represent the school as part of a delegation from Belfast Harlequins that met with President of the Republic of Ireland, Mary McAleese in Phoenix Park, Dublin. This meeting was to mark the Club's cross community work.[23][24]

Alan Green of BBC Radio 5live fame was one of the most famous players, off the field, that the school ever produced. Full international players include Ian Kirk-Smith, Gregg Sterritt, Andrew McBride (for Scotland as a "forgotten exile"), Neil Dunlop and Norman Crawford. Many pupils have represented Ulster at Junior and under age levels.

The most recent success for the boys was the Burney Cup win in 1999. The Cup was presented to the team by Ulster Branch president and ex pupil Peter Wood.

The girls have not won the Senior Schoolgirls Cup competition since 1988 (when it beat Friends 2-0). The school has the most wins in the history of the Cup, however most of the success came prior to World War II.

Of the current girl's team, Helen Stevenson was selected for the Ulster and Irish U18 team and was selected as a Reserve at the Senior Ireland development camps.[25]

Old Collegians

Academic

Sports

Politics

Lifestyle

Art

Music

Literature

Religion

  • Lord Robin Eames, was the Anglican Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh from 1986 to 2006. He received The Order of Merit from The Queen, in June 2007.[28]

Sources

  1. ^ Letter to parents from Mr Naismith (headmaster) on behalf of the Board of Governors, 23rd of June, 2008.
  2. ^ "Photo Gallery of Reunions, Methodist College Belfast". Retrieved 2007-11-28.
  3. ^ "Henry Parker brief biography". Retrieved 2007-04-23.
  4. ^ "Ernest Isaac Lewis Papers (MSS.362), Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick". Retrieved 2007-04-21.
  5. ^ "Enoch Powell papers Section 4, quoting correct title". Retrieved 2007-06-19.
  6. ^ "University of Ulster Governance Services Council Member Biographies". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  7. ^ "UTV Live". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  8. ^ "Board of Governors - Announcement of Appointment". Retrieved 2007-03-19.
  9. ^ "MCB web site MUN section". Retrieved 2007-06-03.
  10. ^ "Student Model United Nations Network". Retrieved 2007-08-26.
  11. ^ "MCB Website GWCMUN Report".
  12. ^ "Bangor International Choral Festival Results 2007". Retrieved 2007-05-31.
  13. ^ "SHINE British Council International Student of the Year Awards". Retrieved 2008-03-20.
  14. ^ Letter to parents from Mr Naismith (headmaster) on behalf of the Board of Governors, 23rd of June, 2008.
  15. ^ Ireland's Saturday Night Chess Columns by "Caro Kann" 08/10/1960 Page 5 and 24/12/1960 Page 7
  16. ^ "Ulster Chess Chronicle player profiles - contains details on the players". Retrieved 2007-03-20.
  17. ^ "BBC 2006 Rugby Schools Cup Final Report including Winners Table". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  18. ^ "BBC - Schools Cup - List of Finalists". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  19. ^ "Belfast Telegraph report of new pavilion". Retrieved 2007-03-19.
  20. ^ "Ulster Rugby Medallion Shield match report". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  21. ^ "BBC Sport 2008 Final Report". Retrieved 2008-03-17.
  22. ^ Belfast Newsletter 22/10/1896 Page 3
  23. ^ "Irish Rugby - report of meeting with Mary McAleese". Retrieved 2007-05-31.
  24. ^ "Mary McAleese visit to Belfast Harlequins". Retrieved 2007-05-31.
  25. ^ "UWHU Annual Report 2006-07 Helen Stevenson's selection Pages 17, 20-21". Retrieved 2007-05-31.
  26. ^ "Nobel - Ernest Walton biography". Retrieved 2007-05-31.
  27. ^ "Irish Writers Centre - Biography";"Writing from the North - Biography"
  28. ^ "BBC news report of Order of Merit Award for Lord Eames". Retrieved 2007-06-21.

External links

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