Britannia and the British Empire what Marianne is to France or perhaps what Columbia is to the United States. Britannia became a very potent and more common figure in times of war, and represented British liberties and democracy. During the 1990s the term "Cool Britannia" (drawn from a humorous version by the Bonzo Dog Band of the song "Rule Britannia", with words by James Thomson [1700–1748], which is often used as an unofficial national anthem), was used to describe the contemporary United Kingdom. The phrase referred to the fashionable scenes of the era, with a new generation of pop groups and
Britannia Secondary School Academy. Other alternative programs in Britannia are for some students with academic difficulty, and/or have a first nations heritage. Britannia Secondary is unique in having community centre facilities within the complex. The school is situated on a 16 hectare site. The Britannia Community Centre boasts an ice rink, swimming pool, several gyms, a weight room and fitness centre, and Britannia Secondary students often use these facilities in physical education classes and in extracurricular activities. Britannia also has a library within the community centre that is a Vancouver Public Library. The school does not have a private library, instead, a room,