Local primary school children had a first taste of university life, thanks to the success of the University of Ulster’s WASPS programme at the Magee campus.
Primary 6 and 7 pupils from four schools - Nazareth House Primary School and St Eugene’s Primary School, Derry, Artigarvan Primary School and Ashlea Primary School, Tullyally - took part in an innovative Widening Access Skills in Primary Schools (WASPS) initiative which was designed and delivered by staff in the School of Computing and Intelligent Systems.
The programme focused on providing a series of ‘hands-on’ practical workshops to encourage the youngsters to express their creativity and hone up their business skills using technology.
The WASPS programme, which is led by Computer Science lecturer, Dr Sandra Moffett, is funded by the University of Ulster’s Access Agreement. Now in its second year, Dr Moffett says the standard of work from the pupils is ‘exceptional’.
The runners up received iPod shuffles: ‘Eagles’ from St Eugene’s for their movie on ‘Anti-Social Behaviour, team members were Rory Deehan, Adam Helps, Megan Doherty, Clara-Jane Bradley and Aimee McDermott; Team ‘Bulldogs’ from Ashlea Primary School, Tullyally for their movie on ‘Shark Fin Soup’ - Clarissa Boyd, Lucy O’Hara, Stephanie Spratt and Tyler Riddles: and team ‘GirlPower’, Artigarvan Primary School for their movie on ‘Bullying’ - Sophie Thompson, Leanne Moore, Olivia Craig, Nikita Gurney and Emma Wasson.
Expressing his delight at winning, Mr McElhinney said: “The WASPS project, which was supported so enthusiastically and purposefully by staff from the University of Ulster has been a most stimulating and satisfying learning experience for us all and we are totally overwhelmed to be the winning school and greatly appreciate your investment in Ashlea PS.”
Other members of School of Computing and Intelligent Systems team who deliver the WASPS programme are Mairin Nicell, Anne Hinds and Karen Lee. The programme is funded for three years and during that time, a total of twelve local primary schools will have access to expertise in the School of Computing and Intelligent Systems at Magee. The next WASPS project is due to start at Magee in January 2012.
Caption
Children from Ashlea PS and principal Mr William McElhinney and teacher Mrs Sharon Black celebrate after being presented with a cheque for £500 for best overall project