23rd Apr 2025
As we approach our centenary year at Belmont House School, we wanted to look back, and reconnect with former pupils, near and far. Here we have seven thoughtful questions that we ask our alumni focusing on their lives, successes, and the school’s influence.
Name: Douglas Dorn
Time at Belmont: 1994 – 2001
Current Occupation: QHSE (Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental) Manager for Algoma Central Corporation
How did your time at Belmont House School shape your career path?
My time at Belmont shaped my career path by giving me a broad range of subjects from an early age and allowing me the flexibility to fine-tune my studies through the years. I tried to cover as wide a variety of subjects through my Standard Grades and Highers as possible, and that helped immensely while completing a Nautical Science degree that took in everything from Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering to Maritime Law. I have been able to use that breadth of knowledge in a 25-year career in the marine industry, ten as a navigational officer for Princess Cruises and fifteen working ashore for a Canadian company operating cargo vessels both domestically and internationally.
Can you share a key moment or memory from your time at Belmont that had a lasting impact on you?
Key memories for me were my first ski-trips to France (‘95) and the US (‘96). At that age I travelled more with school than at home, and it was these first two trips especially that opened my eyes to the possibilities of a life outside of the UK. I ended up moving to Toronto in early 2009 and became a dual citizen in 2019.
What skills or lessons learned at Belmont have been most valuable in your professional life?
I would say the most valuable skill learned at Belmont has been time management. Being able to prioritise various work projects while keeping a healthy balance of work and social life has served me well – especially in an industry that is 24/7, 365 days a year.
In what ways did Belmont House School’s community or culture contribute to your personal growth?
It was probably my time on the Rugby Team that had the greatest impact on my personal growth – both in terms of establishing the fundamentals of teamwork and taking the first leadership steps as a vice-captain in 4th year.
Can you describe how Belmont’s teachers or extracurricular activities helped shape your future ambitions?
Apologies to the rest of the faculty, but PE was always the part of the week I looked forward to the most. Mr. Lavery in particular was a big influence on my love of sports with his infectious enthusiasm. While I never pursued any sport above School level, I have continued to stay active – playing recreational league football every week and hitting the slopes every winter.
Looking back, how do you feel Belmont House School prepared you for the challenges and opportunities you’ve faced in life?
My honest advice would be to not get so focussed on the educational aspect of School life that the social aspect passes you by. Some of the best experiences I had at Belmont were on the rugby field, in the playground or while travelling with the School, and it was these experiences that have always inspired me to keep a positive work/life balance. Without question Belmont helped prepare me for life’s challenges. It was through Belmont that I first visited North America on the ski trips, and those early experiences of life on another continent made my eventual move to Canada much easier.
Our thanks to Douglas for sharing his experiences – would you like to feature as part of our Alumni of Belmont House School? Please feel free to get in touch with Richard Doak via email: RDoak@belmontschool.co.uk
