The Big Tree Project

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Year 9 and the English Department

Year 9 pupils enjoyed the spring sunshine this week, helping Harry our Groundskeeper in the banks of the Clonevin Park grounds.

Environment Unit

Marking the end of the Environment Unit of Work undertaken in English classes, pupils put their knowledge to practical use by planting dozens of native trees including hazel and ash, kindly supplied by Lisburn and Castlereagh’s Big Tree Project.

Head of Department Gillian Weir explained:

‘This was the perfect opportunity for our students to embrace the school’s focus on sustainability. In class we have been writing persuasive speeches on climate change, researching the work of Greta Thunberg and studying a range of literary texts on environmental issues. It will be very exciting for our Class of 2029 to see their saplings flourish in the grove planted this morning. We were delighted with the support offered by Glenn Thompson from LCCC’s Parks and Amenities Department in helping us plan this innovative scheme.’

Student Rory has been bitten by the eco-bug and stated:

“I love helping out with the garden at home and it was great to learn about the native species.”

Head of Year Julie Dumigan added:

‘As part of our ongoing Collegiality Cup, our Year 9 Council members are currently organising a Time Capsule for their newly planted grove which will be examined in 2029; I’m looking forward to seeing their ideas and to watching them grow as environmentally responsible citizens in the coming years. Our trees are a living legacy which will remember Year 9 for generations to come.’

Georgia from the Student Council is excited about the coming weeks stating:

“Planting the trees this morning was the first step in what will be a memorable experience for our Year Group. It will be great fun to open the Time Capsule when we are leaving Wallace in 2029.”

PBL

Gillian Weir concluded:

‘We are very much looking forward to our Project Based Learning (PBL) activities at the end of term when our Key Stage Three students will have another opportunity to explore pertinent eco-issues.’

Our PBL programme begins on 10th June. Students take part in a range of PBL activities across all departments and the continued focus is on sustainability.

To find out more about our sustainability programme as Wallace, please access the link below:

Sustainability Programme at Wallace

Last modified: June 3, 2024