Extra-curricular activities need 'relentless fundraising'

Many extra-curricular activities in schools are only happening as a result of "relentless fundraising", according to the head of a Newry Grammar School.

Principal of Our Lady's Fiona McAlinden said over £20,000 had to be raised for the school's recent musical production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

It’s understood that by the end of this academic year as many as 60% of Northern Ireland schools will have a financial deficit.

In recent weeks, BBC News NI has focused on some of the financial challenges schools are facing in terms of structural maintenance and also the potential for strike action over pay.

This means extra-curricular activities may seem like a luxury.

On opening night at Our Lady’s the final preparations were being made for the school's first show in five years.

Ms McAlinden said putting on a school show takes considerable commitment – Covid may have got in the way but cost is the real barrier.

“We couldn’t cut anything in terms of the curriculum at the minute,” she said.

“We are absolutely stretched to the max. So things like this have to be completely outside the money that comes from the Department to us.

“We are probably talking £20-25,000 to put on a show like this.”

It may seem a lot but on opening night you can see where the money goes.

Sets, costumes, lighting, sound and music.

More than 1,000 tickets have been sold for the three-night run but a financial balance still has to be met. This has involved ancillary events, sourcing sponsorship and prize draws.

And it’s not just in providing an arts programme where schools are facing pressure.

“It’s extremely tight and obviously there is sport as well,” Ms McAlinden said.

“There is some support for sport but also a lot of fundraising.

“Last year we got to an Ulster Gaelic final and a Northern Ireland netball final as well."

There is a lot of cost including travel associated with school sports.

“We want to give our girls everything we can, but everything comes with a cost. That will be the same in every school," said Ms McMcAlinden.

For the children involved the school show is of huge importance.

Clare Keeley is playing Willy Wonka.

“He’s crazy, mad, funny, terrifying, magical and wonderful and it’s really exciting to get to play him,” she said

“The theatre has been my most favourite thing since I was no age,” she said.

“Since I joined the school people have been talking about when there was going to be a school show so we’re all so excited.”

Playing Grandpa Joe is Anu nic Ruairí.

“It is a really big part of my life,” said Anu.

“I sing and play piano and play drums and make a lot of noise so it’s great to have this in school. I’d love to have a career in music or speaking.”

Teacher Orla Rice is the musical director of the show. She said opportunities like this help develop a wide range of skills.

“What I’ve seen is less individual growth and more growth together as a team,” she said.

"It teaches them resilience and it’s character building. They have to get used to being tired even – so it’s about resilience building for the kids and is really important for their development.”

Orla Fitzsimmons, of Parent Action, advocates for children with disabilities and additional needs.

Her son has additional educational needs and attends Beechlawn School in Hillsborough, she says extra-curricular activities are often the place that young people really come into their own.

“Our school really pull out all the stops,” she said.

One of these was the school’s own show.

"Each section of the show was a different movie, and he was able to do this 12 days of Christmas rhyme," she said.

Orla's son has has speech and language difficulties, but he memorised the rhyme boomed the words out with confidence.

“I have never seen him able to do something like that before. Not a bit fazed.

"He was so proud of himself and I would doubt very much that it's funded enough, and the friends of schools often have to go out and fundraise for things like that.”