Wallace pupils go ‘Beyond the Classroom’

experience, involving Year 8-11 pupils at the end of the previous term.

The event took place in the last days of June, when staff and pupils alike get the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves at the end of the school year.

Key stage 3 pupils experienced life in a Norman Castle, visited the Giant’s Causeway and learned more about Wallace founder Sir Richard Wallace. There was also ‘The Egg Drop Challenge, ‘House Fun in the Sunshine’, mass drumming, quizzes and an Antarctic experience which rounded off an interesting school-based day for Years Eight and Nine. A walk to Drumbo along the towpath challenged Year 10 to raise money for a Habitat for Humanity project in Malawi and Childline, whilst Castleward provided the beautiful setting for our Outdoor Adventure days of orienteering, high ropes, climbing towers, nightline, Irish Olympics, archery and team building games with ‘Clearsky’.

Year 11 students used the ‘Beyond the Classroom’ days to support their GCSE courses as well as also having some fun. Pupils sent two days at Ballykinlar army barracks with the NATO obstacle course proving a massive hit for all concerned. Certainly the competitive instincts of the pupils (and staff) were tested to the limit and the bacon sandwiches supplied after helped ease any sore muscles.

Tayto Castle provided the backdrop for another popular visit, as Business Studies students experienced firsthand the production and marketing involved in producing the famous crisp band. Meanwhile, Year 11 ICT class programmed robots to ‘exterminate’ while ‘Shakespeare Day’ proved to be very creative and great fun. Teacher in charge, Mr Jonny Reid, said he delighted with he success of the event. “‘The Beyond the Classroom’ programme is a unique end of term experience for pupils at Wallace. It gives our pupils the opportunity to explore new things, challenge themselves in different ways and work together to build strong relationships with their peers. The broad range of activities on offer really caught their imagination and inspired them.”