Books

Floreat Collegium: A 150th Anniversary Portrait of Methodist College Belfast is a lavishly illustrated history of this Northern Irish grammar school. Through an engaging mixture of chronological and thematic chapters, Floreat Collegium tells the story of a College that grew against a formidable background of two world wars and the turbulent 'Troubles'. Flourishing from the Edwardian period in Belfast through to the 21st Century, the College is proud of the continued growth in the diversity of its pupils - an achievement that will be clearly reflected in this beautiful book.

This fully illustrated hardback will include key moments in the College's history, never-before-seen archive material and heart-warming anecdotes from Old Collegians and the wider Methody community. Floreat Collegium is the perfect gift for past, present and future students of Methodist College and for all readers interested in the wider history of developing education in Northern Ireland's capital city.

What Collegians say about Methody:

'Methody kindled my passion for education; it gave me the chance to challenge myself through the many opportunities available both in and out of the classroom, from Latin to netball, RE to orchestra, and to find out what my strengths were and what I truly enjoyed. The wonderful teachers encouraged me and allowed me to become the best I could be. This led me to teaching and to want to replicate that everyday at Rugby School with the many young people with whom I now have the privilege to work, encourage and inspire.
Lara Hampton (nee Maguire), MCB 1976 - 1990, Assistant Head (Co-curricular) & Housemistress, Rugby School

'The Methody I knew was a family small in numbers compared with today but spoke of values which were experienced even more than taught ... truth, integrity and the importance of respect for the hopes of others.'
The Most Rev Lord Eames OM, former Primate of All Ireland.

'Boarding at Methody shaped for the better my life and the lives of many other kids from all corners of the globe.'
Acclaimed actor Jamie Dornan.

'Everyone has made me feel very welcome but I will always be a Methody boy because it gave me every chance.'
Donal McCann on arriving at Eton College after winning a Lloyd Webber music scholarship to Eton. He is now an organ scholar at King's College, Cambridge.

'My brother and sister were also at Methody so to me the College was an extended family. I couldn't have asked for a better school upbringing both academic and sporting.'
Roger Young, Methody Head Boy and former Ireland and Lions scrum half.

'Methody was a great school for making friends, excelling in the subjects in which you were interested, and encouraging male and female alike to achieve their ambitions. I just didn't know what mine were then!'
The Most Rev Patricia Storey, Bishop of Meath and Kildare.

'I was very lucky to have Kieran Pope (Head of Art) as my mentor because his enthusiasm was infectious.'
Painter Colin Davidson who asked the Queen if she was still talking to him after unveiling his portrait of her. ('Of course I am', was the royal reply).

'I am so proud to have been at Methody and prouder still to have been asked to write its history. This great school has been the inspiration for an extraordinary variety of men and women who have gone on to shape the world for the better. Here's to the next 150 years!'
Alan Frame, author