What Times News readers want to know about Belfast

Through the Times News, readers specified what they'd like to know about Belfast.

Do people break out in song at pubs?
I'm trying to get someone to answer this in a video, but until then, the short answer is: sometimes, but no more or less than any other part of the world.

Weather and climate
Today 6 degrees Celsius (42.5 degrees Fahrenheit)
Staying dry and bright in the west, but clouding over across eastern parts with some outbreaks of rain, heaviest over South Down where there will be snow over the Mournes. Strengthening north to northeasterly winds, and feeling cold.

Tonight
A rather cloudy windy night with some showers but some longer spells of heavy rain still possible across South Down, again with summit snow.


What’s the food like?
The best known dish in Northern Ireland is the Ulster fry.

As for me, I love their soups! Irish stews and broths are divine.

The fashion
 5 DESIGNERS THAT ARE SERIOUSLY SLAYING THE BELFAST FASHION SCENE

Fashion spy: checking out all the latest trends in Belfast

I've noticed the trend in Belfast is very defined eyebrows.

Is the schooling different?
While Lehighton has elementary schools, middle schools (or junior high schools), and high schools, it's a bit different in Northern Ireland.
Controlled (originally Protestant)
Catholic
Integrated (nonsegregated)
Irish (Irish language is the main one spoken and written)

School years

• Primary education
  • Primary school
    • Foundation Stage
      • Primary 1, age 4 to 5 (equivalent to Reception in England and Wales)
      • Primary 2, age 5 to 6
    • Key Stage 1
      • Primary 3, age 6 to 7
      • Primary 4, age 7 to 8
    • Key Stage 2
      • Primary 5, age 8 to 9
      • Primary 6, age 9 to 10
      • Primary 7, age 10 to 11

(For entry to grammar schools, entrance exams take place to determine places. The Eleven Plus no longer operates in Northern Ireland but schools still operate exams.)

• List of primary schools in Northern Ireland
• Secondary education
  • Secondary school or grammar school
    • Key Stage 3
      • Year 8, age 11 to 12 (equivalent to Year 7 in England and Wales)
      • Year 9, age 12 to 13
      • Year 10, age 13 to 14
    • Key Stage 4
      • Year 11, age 14 to 15
      • Year 12, age 15 to 16 (GCSE examinations)
  • Secondary school, grammar school, or further education college
    • Sixth form
      • Year 13, age 16 to 17 (AS-level examinations)
      • Year 14, age 17 to 18 (A-levels (A2))

Note that although the Department of Education uses Year 8 to Year 14 for secondary education, the traditional First-Fifth Form, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth are still used, at least informally, by some schools.

• List of grammar schools in Northern Ireland
• List of secondary schools in Northern Ireland
• List of integrated schools in Northern Ireland

Have you been to the Bloody Sunday monument?
 Yes! When we went to Londonderry/Derry (sometimes referred to as "Stroke City" because a slash is called a stroke here)

How many students are in special education?
The best answer is from Northern Ireland Assembly's Statistics on People with Learning Disabilities in Northern Ireland by Eóin Murphy

Is Belfast a scary place? Is the IRA still active?

I can't pretend to be an expert on the IRA - I'm here for such a short while and I feel it would be disrespectful to speak on behalf of the residents. This link may help.

I can say, though, that Belfast is not a scary place. In fact, no matter where I've gone in this city, the people are friendly and welcoming and engaging. Vivian and I have been to all parts of Belfast - north, south, east, west - and I have never felt our personal safety was in jeopardy.

What television shows do people in Northern Ireland watch?

I don't have a television while we're in Belfast, so I had to look up the answer to this.

Politics

This wasn't specific so I don't know what the reader wants to know about politics. BBC News should be able to provide answers.