Wanted - Irish News Unplugged Reporters

The Irish News is looking for teenagers to express their views on music, the internet, movies and current affairs in the Unplugged column which is published every Monday.

If you have an interest in journalism and a flair for writing, and you want to earn £20 per column published, please see Mr Greer for details.

Bateman Project coming soon

One of BGS's famous sons, novelist Colin Bateman, has agreed to join with us in helping to complile an anthology of writing loosely based on the titles of his books. Bateman has a huge following, and is critically celebrated for his brand of off-the-wall humour, his local settings and characters and his intricate murder-mystery plots. All boys in school, and Connor House, will be invited to contribute to the anthology, which is the "brainchild" of the Parents' Association. More details will be announced soon.

BGS Debating Teams Triumph

Both BGS A & B Senior debating teams have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Northern Ireland Schools Debating Competition. BGS is no stranger to success in this competition, having come home with the trophy in 2000 and 2004. We will be following their progress online.

Chris Eisenstadt (Year 14) is a B team member, and explains here his passion for debating:

Bangor Grammar has an illustrious history in debating. We have consistently provided some of the best and brightest teams in Northern Ireland. I belive that there is a reason why we have such active societies, both senior and junior; it is the emotional and intellectual thrill of besting someone in argument, a feeling I myself have experienced as I have debated my way to the quarter finals of the debating competition this year.

Debating, not against your peers in the somewhat relaxed environment of a Friday school debate, but against people from other schools - people who have travelled the length and breadth of Northern Ireland, each one a maverick, an unknown - is a unique experience. With my school friends, I know what to expect, but even with the trite conversation before a competitive debate it is difficult to discern the quality of an opponent until one hears the speeches.

It is an excitement, a concoction of nervousness, readiness and of adrenaline, that one feels getting up to deliver a speech, not least because of the impassive, objective face of the invigilator at the back. Nothing feels quite like getting up and delivering one’s argument, giving an impassioned oration, refuting the points of the opposition or answering questions with no forewarning. The sensation of contest is unmatched, and the incredible unease between the end of the debate and the invigilator's decision is matched only by the ecstasy of victory.

The Gryphon 2007

BGS's annual school magazine, The Gryphon, was launched today. As usual, it is a comprehensive account of the life of the school; from Speech Day to Safe Driving, from rugby to retirements, from Grammarians to Connor House and from the Tayto facory to Uganda.

Anyone who has yet to receive their copy should contact the Editor, Mr Stevenson.

Open Night plaudits for BGS drama

From Frances Burscough's column in the Belfast Telegraph, 31 January 2008:

The perfect antidote to those 11 plus blues...

Good luck to all 11-year-olds for the results of the transfer test this Saturday and congratulations to Bangor Grammar for the most entertaining open night so far this selection season. I took my wee man along expecting a series of boring speeches and departmental presentations, only to be thoroughly entertained during an evening of music, drama and comedy.

Ok, so I was slightly selective in my tour - we dashed through physics and maths at breakneck speed and gave biology a pretty wide berth, but then made ourselves right at home in the music department and enjoyed a full orchestral arrangement of Stevie Wonder oldies that would have been worthy of the Ulster Orchestra live from the Waterfront Hall. That was followed by a half hour of hilarious comedy and performance art from the drama department. The result? One of the best nights out we've had in ages. I know ... how sad is that? I really do need to get out more ...