The project focused on the use of digital media in learning and teaching, with Wallace’s six strong e-learning committee joining other two other schools in the South Eastern Education and Library board to form a collaborative cluster group, sharing training, ideas and resources.

The pilot scheme offered the opportunity for all involved to undergo extensive training from Bernard McCloskey, Head of Education at the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission.

ICT Coordinator in Wallace, David Cleland, explained, “All those who participated have put in a great deal of effort and I’m glad to say that everyone has found the experience very beneficial. Digital video has been used both in the classroom and on an extra curricular basis, with a wide range of short educational films being made, including sports training, cookery demonstrations and drama.”

Modern Languages teacher Julia McIvor added, “My pupils have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it has undoubtedly helped them in role play work in their target language.”

David Cleland commented, “Our collaborative work with St Columbanus and Lagan College has been very worthwhile and our final portfolio can be viewed by visiting www.cluster9.net. It is hoped that more staff will undergo training in digital video work next year to further enhance the learning experiences of our pupils here at Wallace High.”

Principal Mrs Anne McBride concluded, “There is no doubt that the involvement in this project has been of major benefit to all concerned. Not only do we have teachers and pupils with impressive expertise in the use of digital media, but here is also an enthusiasm for ICT throughout the school which is making an impact on learning and teaching in the classroom.”

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Monday saw the entire school community go for “A Walk in the Park” – a sponsored walk in Wallace Park, officially opened by the Mayor Trevor Lunn, which raised funds for Tearfund and Childline NI. Years 10 and 11 also took part in a charity football tournament on the school’s pitches. Over the following three days each year group experienced a myriad of exciting activities, offering opportunities to learn new skills.

On Tuesday all of Year 8 travelled back in time, experiencing castle life in Dundrum and Clough. History came to life as they measured the mottes, raced in the ditches, climbed the towers and dressed up for mock battles. Wednesday morning saw the Year group back at the Clonevin Park school, sampling a series of workshops which included digital film making, network gaming, a magic master class and dance lessons from Rebecca Leonard, the ex pupil who starred on BBC’s Strictly Dance Fever. On Wednesday afternoon the Year 8 pupils enjoyed a performance of Roald Dahl’s “Revolting Rhymes” from the Junior Drama Club. On Thursday they travelled to Belfast’s IMAX cinema to watch “Cyberworld” before spending time in W5.

Year 9’s “Beyond the Classroom” experiences began with a table quiz, careers workshop and a chance to watch the French film, Les Choristes on Tuesday. Others in the Year group enjoyed a day at Lisburn Leisureplex, taking part in team building and strategy games and playing in the pools. Wednesday saw the whole year group travel to the Ulster American Folk Park whilst on Thursday pupils travelled to Bellaghy Bawn to explore local history and poetry. Thursday also saw many workshops take place back in school, with a “Think Differently” science show and a sculptural costume class on offer. Pupils also had the opportunity of spending time at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club where they received some expert coaching.

Year 10 pupils travelled to Belfast’s Islamic Centre and Hindu Temple on Tuesday to explore faith and culture and on Wednesday they spent the day at the North Coast, visiting Ballintoy, Carrick-a-rede and the Giant’s Causeway for geological and geographical research. Thursday saw the Year 10 pupils set up a company under the watchful eye of Project Business.

Year 11 pupils also had a very busy few days with visits to the Marble Arch Caves and a Scripture Union trip on offer on Tuesday. A Design workshop from Belfast College of Art’s Gareth Landley was also well received as was a Pin- hole photography workshop from Peter Richards. Sporting activities on offer included golf lessons at Laganview from Stephen Rourke as well as hockey coaching at Lisnagarvey. Friends’ pupils were also invited to Wallace to watch the German film “The Miracle of Bern”. Wednesday saw the whole year group travel to the Scout Centre at Crawfordsburn to enjoy activities such as grass sledging, wall climbing and pot holing. A BBQ lunch was cooked by the teachers and everyone had a fantastic day. Thursday was spent back in school, taking part in a Sentinus Business Insight day.

On Friday the school community gathered for the Annual Sports Awards which were presented by former pupil and First XV Captain Chris Henry whose rugby career continues to flourish. A video which captured highlights of the week’s activities was shown – this can be viewed below.

Maurice Girvin, who coordinated the week’s events commented, “Beyond The Classroom was an unforgettable experience for the whole school community. A big thank-you goes to all the staff at Wallace for their hard work in ensuring that over fifty events and trips were a great success.” Principal Mrs Anne McBride concluded, “The Parent Teacher Association’s generous contribution to the cost of events was also very much appreciated. I think “Beyond The Classroom” caught the imagination of everyone, from pupils and parents to teachers and support staff, and will no doubt be a topic of conversation for quite some time to come.”

Video : Mr D Cleland

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Lower Sixth pupil Nikki Hussey explained, “Our usual guests are local politicians and journalists but we were delighted when Mr Sanchez accepted our invitation to come along to speak to us on Friday afternoon. It was no surprise that this proved to be one of our busiest meetings to date, with over one hundred pupils from Wallace High coming along to meet him. We had also invited pupils from our Preparatory Department as well as Friends’ School and it was great to see so many visitors and staff at the meeting.”

Chairperson of the event, Upper Sixth pupil David Lorimer went on, “Questions had been submitted to the Current Affairs and Politics Student Committee prior to the meeting and understandably lots of people wanted to hear Mr Sanchez’s reaction to Northern Ireland’s historic win over England last autumn. He was very easy to talk to and gave both informative and amusing responses to our many questions.”

Lower Sixth pupil Jenny Irvine concluded, “It was very interesting to hear what Mr Sanchez had to say about the proposals to build a new National Stadium near Lisburn. We all thoroughly enjoyed his visit and would like to thank him for sparing the time to come to Wallace, as well as thank Dr Fulton and the History and Politics Department for their assistance in planning the event.”

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