Inspirational ICT

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Wallace has long been a leader in innovative ICT provision and our pioneering and visionary approach was showcased in a recent visit by the BBC to the school’s Computing department. At a curricular level the school delivers imaginative and exacting provision designed to build skills and develop enthusiasm from Year 8 onwards. Programming is introduced in Key Stage 3 and taught through the fun medium of Scratch and Lego Mindstorms Robot Kits.

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BBC journalist and presenter Julian O’Neill placed his focus on the potential for employment in the IT industry, outlining the many jobs available for computer programmers in Northern Ireland. Wallace is one of only five schools in Northern Ireland teaching the new Software Systems Development (SSD) “A” level and has developed invaluable links with industry through Allstate and Liberty IT. The school was delighted to welcome the Managing Director of Allstate, Mr Bro McFerran, to Wallace to contribute to the BBC item and he spent a considerable time chatting with students about career opportunities in programming.

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Year 13 student Daniel Nash who is part of the first cohort of SSD students described how the course has fuelled his passion for programming. A work placement with Allstate has provided invaluable insights into the industry to complement in school opportunities as Daniel is currently part of a Sentinus IT Team writing a website and developing an app. Year 12 student Jenna Robinson who recently participated in a world wide Hour of Code event and hopes to study SSD next year was also interviewed about her aspirations and ambitions for the future.

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Head of Computing Mrs Ruth Foster noted “I am delighted that the school’s enthusiasm for ICT and Computing was highlighted by the BBC. We are really enthused by the commitment shown by Allstate and Liberty IT to the promotion of ICT in general and programming in particular. Both students and teachers are benefiting from the links with industry and as a department we are enjoying delivering this new and highly relevant “A” level. Our students greatly appreciated the opportunity of chatting to Bro McFerran who is a very inspirational figure and we hope he was impressed by the innovative curriculum we are offering.”

Last modified: April 29, 2014