Former Wallace pupil wins IT scholarship

Wallace High School Head of ICT, Mrs Ruth Foster, was delighted to receive a phone call from past pupil Adam Murray recently telling her of his scholarship success with Liberty IT.

Adam first experienced and developed a love of programming during his time at Wallace.

“My first real taste of programming was when I chose the sixth form enrichment course ‘Introduction to Programming’ from the University of Ulster,” explained Adam.

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“This course taught me the fundamentals of programming and inspired me to research programming in my spare time.

“By the time I was in Year 14 I knew for certain that I wanted to go into the software development field of work and to do this I chose to study Computer Science at university. “

Liberty IT, who received Best Workplace Award in 2015, works exclusively for their parent company Liberty Mutual Insurance, “helping people live safer, more secure lives” for over 100 years.

They are one of the world’s largest insurance companies and will provide Adam with financial support of £1,000 a year for the three taught years of his degree course and eight weeks paid summer work at the end of year one; a guaranteed paid industrial placement in year three and the opportunity for a permanent position with us after graduating.

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In addition to Adam receiving a scholarship, the Computing Department at Wallace High have developed strong links with Liberty IT in Belfast.

Brian Craig, Wallace High School’s link employee, keeps in regular contact with Head of Department Ruth Foster to discuss opportunities for supporting the students.

“Brian is a regular participant in our mock interview programme for sixth year students

“And he organised work placements for Year 13 computing students Andrew Dark, Steven Kidd and Callum Wardil,” explained a spokesperson for Wallace High School.

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“Brian also attended the school’s Open Morning to make parents aware of the links with the school and the career opportunities within the IT sector.

“For A2 Computing students there was a visit to the Liberty IT offices in Belfast with tour and presentations to cover material relevant to their examination.

“At Wallace we are pleased at the opportunities our links with local industries including Liberty IT and Allstate provide for our staff and students.

“This term some KS3 pupils will enjoy events sponsored by other top companies including Kainos and CITI Bank in Belfast.”

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