Pupils at The Wallace High School enjoyed an exciting final week of term as part of the innovative initiative “Beyond the Classroom 2006”. The week began on Friday 23 June with a full day of sporting activities including the Individual Athletics Championships, House Competitions and fun team games for each Year group.
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
Last modified: February 24, 2016
