Over 50 pupils from Years 8 – 14 have been busy in recent months in rehearsals, prop making, poster design and set decoration for what is sure to be a fantastic start to the school year.

Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of the struggle of a Jewish family in maintaining the traditions of their tight – knit community in the Russian dictated village of Anatevka in the early 1900s and as such requires a strong lead cast. With this in mind, Jake Clements (Year 12) and Chloe Webb (Year 13) take the lead roles as Tevye and Golde, both having vast experience of performing on stage.

Teacher in charge of the production Emma Rogers commented: “Wallace has a proud history of putting on excellent school productions and this one should be no different. The pupils have given up a lot of their time to rehearse and to make sure that all goes well behind stage and I would like to commend them for their undoubted dedication.”

The ticket prices for the production are £8 for adults, £5 for children, whilst a family ticket (two adults and two children) can be purchased for £20.

Emma would also like to appeal to local businesses for their support: “We are having a raffle on the last night of the show, as well as an official programme. If you would like to contribute to either then please contact me at school on 02892672311. All support from the local community is as always much appreciated.”

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They saw St.Kevin’s country in all its beauty at a site once considered one of the most important locations for pilgrimages in the ancient world. During the 5th, 6th and 7th centuries Ireland became known as “The Island of Saints and scholars”.

Erin Boyd and Laura Thompson explained, “We didn’t think it would be so pretty and we now know why St.Kevin chose it for his home”. The simplicity of this early form of Christianity stands in contrast to the lofty cathedrals of Christendom.

When St.Kevin headed for Glendalough he was no doubt looking for a location that reflected the beauty of God’s creation and the sun shone down on these modern explorers as they made their journey from Lisburn. Pupils Beth Doherty and Beth Farrelly said, “It was a long journey to make, but well worth it for the experience”. The group was lead by Mr Paul McCabe and Miss Sara Stevenson.

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They were also given the opportunity to participate in a number of fun activities in various departments which included Technology, Home Economics, Drama, Physical Education, Science and Library.

Head of Year 8, Mrs Norma Cairns was delighted to meet the new pupils and commented: “The Year 8 Intake Day is an important event in our school calendar and one which future pupils and staff enjoy. The atmosphere is always very positive and certainly helps with the settling in process.”

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The event began with local Beekeeper, Sam Baird, showing the pupils a live honeybee dissection in the assembly hall. Sam also brought a small colony of bees that allowed pupils to see the honeybees at work first hand. There was then an excellent Q & A session in which pupils had the opportunity to quiz Sam on his knowledge of honeybees.

Following the introduction to the day pupils followed a revised timetable and had lessons on honeybee biology as well as completing an “Apprentice” style business task. This task called on the expertise of the art, technology and business studies departments and involved pupils developing a brand identity for a new honey company.

Numerous aspects of product development were involved including designing packaging, creating a brand identity and an advertising campaign. The final aspect of the project was a pitch to the staff involved. This allowed the best teams to be identified.

This project allowed a lot of pupils to show their talents and there are certainly a large number of budding entrepreneurs in year 9. The pupils’ creativity, imagination and problem solving skills were all required as well as the need to plan and collaborate to achieve their goal.

All the pupils involved should be commended for their hard work but special mention should go to the overall winning team of Nathan Todd, James White, Alex Trouton, Luke Thompson and Ryan Wilson.

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The testimony was followed by a question and answer session which enabled students to better understand the nature of the Holocaust and explore its lessons in more depth. The visit was part of the Holocaust Educational Trust’s extensive all year round Outreach Programme, which is available to schools across the United Kingdom.

Head of History, Neil Armstrong, commented: “It was a privilege for us to welcome Mala to our school and her testimony provided a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced. We are grateful to the Holocaust Educational Trust for coordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Mala talk, it will encourage our pupils to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.”

Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Trust added: “The Holocaust Educational Trust educates and engages students from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust and there can be no better way than through the first hand testimony of a Survivor.

Mala’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing her testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead. At the Trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people to ensure that we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived.”

The pupils and staff present all enjoyed listening to Mala. Year 10 pupil Peter Sands said: “We all enjoyed listening to Mala who really is a remarkable lady. Her testimony was emotional and we appreciate her taking the time out to come and speak to us all at Wallace.”

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Commenting on the event, librarian Claire O’Neill said: “This is a fantastic achievement and I would like to congratulate all the pupils in Years 8 and 9 who took part during their library periods and also during their Easter holidays. The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children is a great charity and one which we are always happy to support.”

Year 8 pupil Adam Heaps added: “The Readathon itself was really enjoyable and the fact that we raised so much for such a great charity makes it even more worthwhile.”

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Intake Event 2009

Life at Wallace is exciting and there are dozens of activities, trips and events for you to get involved in. If you want to prepare yourself and find out more about the “Wallace Experience” then you could start with a few of the topics below :

The History of the School
Sport at Wallace
Sample Pupil Work
Duke of Edinburgh
School Trips
Music

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The 48 Lisburn students made the trip to the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, to put their language skills into practice guided by their 5 brave teachers.

Based in the beach resort of Salou, the students got to experience everything Barcelona has to offer from the famous Parc Guell, the Ramblas, the Sagrada Familia, the Nou Camp, (which proved very popular with the boys!) to the spectacular Monserrat and Tarragona.

Spanish teacher, Carolyn Schumann said the trip to Barcelona was an amazing experience for pupils and teachers alike.

“The pupils were a credit to the school and not only broadened their linguistic skills but also learned a lot about the Spanish culture,” she said.

Wallace High School’s trip is part of an annual initiative to give pupils the opportunity to experience their new languages outside of the classroom.

Year 11 Pupil Catherine Nettleship said “I had a great time on the trip. I really enjoyed being able to practice my Spanish which will help me with my GCSE Spanish. Everyday was action packed though I have to admit that our visit to Port Aventura was a particularly memorable day!

The group returned safely to Wallace tired but happy and looking forward to our next visit to Spain!

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If you missed the information night at Wallace the event is repeated on Wednesday 19th May 2010 in Friends’ School Lisburn at 7.30pm

You can download the CEA Form here.

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Capella can be heard this coming Sunday, May 2nd, at 7.30pm in Drumbeg Parish Church, where they will sing a 50 minute concert of music from McGlynn’s Fionnghuala to Weelkes’ Hosanna to the Son of David. A retiring collection for the parish is taken at the end of the concert..

They can also be heard on June 26th in Armagh Cathedral before they embark on their tour to Cork. Capella is conducted by David Falconer.

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The young people had a wonderful time meeting and debating, socialising and networking and discussing issues of national and international significance with pupils and students from Ireland and further afield.

They took the role of delegations from Syria and Japan at the ‘United Nations’, representing their country’s views on issues as diverse as the Vietnam War, Human Rights, and the land rights of indigenous peoples. Nine Wallace pupils were at MUN for the very first time.

Neil Ross, year 12, won a ‘commended delegate’ certificate. As the Human Rights delegate for Syria he addressed the full General Assembly deftly introducing Darwinism and the need for adaptability into the ‘Democracy’ debate before executing a masterly sidestepping of issues when challenged by a major world power over Syria’s ‘democratic’ record. Rather impressive!

Caroline Smyth and Jonathan Scott, both year 12, made significant contributions to their committees and to the GA, with Jonathan sitting on the Security Council for Japan and taking a major role in the General Assembly debates.

An exciting programme of conferences is being planned for the year ahead involving young people from all year groups in the school.

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TermTalk is the official magazine of the Northern Ireland General Teaching Council (GTCNI) and Wallace features heavily in the upcoming edition, whilst ICT Co-ordinator David Cleland recently gave an interview to the Times Education Supplement about the school’s innovative use of flip video.

Commenting on the article David said: “ Wallace has a strong history of ICT innovation. We have a bank of Flip video cameras that are booked out and used by all Departments for digital content. As well as digital video the school has worked with Intel and Microsoft in a creative Ultra Mobile Personal Computers (UMPC) pilot using OneNote in History education.”

They also host one of the largest ICT networks in the province and periodically acknowledge the exemplar work of pupils on the official school website. Through this, the digital media work of Year 14 pupil Niall Burke has attracted attention from around the world.

He is excited by this development, if not a little bit overwhelmed: “All my A – level subjects offer support via the school Virtual Learning Environment and although it is great to have your work critiqued by class mates it is a little nerve racking to have my animation viewed by people around the world.”

Principal Deborah O’Hare is understandably proud of the history of ICT innovation in the school. She commented: “Wallace has invested heavily in ICT with a focus on digital media and creativity. This digital creativity is not just restricted to Art or Moving Image Arts but is encouraged in all subjects. From the first week in Year 8 pupils will use ICT in their learning. It is firmly embedded in the curriculum for all subjects and the school is ready for mobile learning using tablets or hand held devices.”

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Only once all transfer applications have been processed and places allocated will the School be in a position to publish how the application of admissions criteria arrived at final admissions decisions.

Wallace has sought to support parents and young people in the planning and preparation of our schools as examination centres. The Principal has met with local Primary School Principals seeking to communicate openly in the best interests of the young people transferring in this area.

There is not a direct relationship between each quintile and the traditional Transfer grades. The advice of the School is that parents should use the Transfer form to put down their chosen schools in order of preference rather than trying to anticipate whether or not the score is sufficient to gain admission.

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Carol was also heavily involved in activities outside the classroom and advises new teachers to “get involved in extra curricular activities as it gives you a whole different perspective on the pupils and the school.” She coached hockey and netball, as well as helping with Community Service, Debating and Public Speaking. Her love of History and Politics also meant that she was heavily involved in the Junior History Club and the Current Affairs and Politics Society with which she masterminded the visits of the Taioseach and Northern Ireland Secretary of State to talk to pupils. She was also the brains behind the Upper Sixth Christmas Show, Christmas Pie and the Staff Pantomime and it was a fitting finale that she produced this year’s show on her penultimate day in school in December.

Explaining her retirement Carol added: “I kept all my roll books and realised that I had taught over 7000 pupils. Enough is enough, so I decided to go when I was still enjoying myself and in good health.” She plans to spend her retirement reading and researching in the Linen Hall Library, as well as possibly going back to music lessons which is another passion as she sings with a choir in Belfast. Interestingly she also started a new activity last summer and plans to continue her “surfing education” this summer.

Carol would like to thank all those at Wallace for making her job and now retirement so enjoyable. She has always admired the way that “the school community rallies round in support of each other in times of happiness and distress.” Principal Deborah O’Hare echoed the sentiments of all staff in wishing Carol a happy retirement: “It has been a real pleasure to work with such an experienced colleague for, albeit, a short time. Carol Fulton’s legacy of concern for young people and her infectious enthusiasm for her subjects will live on in our school. I wish her a long, varied and rewarding retirement.”

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Killing Bono tells the story of the young Neil McCormick whose only ambition was to be a world dominating Rock legend. Although this quest was expertly planned he faced an unforeseen musical nemesis, a boy sitting on the other side of the classroom had plans of his own and that boy was Bono.

The school was first approached through Northern Ireland Screen in early November and after a number of visits by a location scout and Director Nick Hamm Wallace was selected for the early Mount Temple scenes of the film. A number of locations within the building were magically transformed back to the 1970s with phenomenal attention to detail.

Principal, Deborah O’Hare commented, “Welcoming a film crew to Wallace was an exciting, unforgettable experience. We are always keen to work with the community and employers to offer a varied extra-curricular programme and enriching experiences for our young people; this was a very successful venture. Our Sixth Form students, who were film extras, had a unique and revealing insight into the world of film making.”

Head of Moving Image Arts David Cleland explained, “This was a unique opportunity for our students to be part of a major film. The entire school community enjoyed the amazing buzz of an entire cast and crew filming on our site whilst two hundred of our senor students had the chance to act in the movie.”

Lower Sixth student Chloe Harris went on, “I’ll never forget this exciting experience. From wardrobe fittings to hair and make up, I loved the whole experience and can’t wait to see how we all look on the big screen! The actors were very friendly and we had a lot of fun.”

David Cleland concluded, “Meeting respected producers such as Mark Huffam and Director Nick Hamm has been a unique learning experience for our Moving Image Arts students as has spending time on location. It truly brought learning to life for them”.

During the shoot there was much excitement when pupils in the Preparatory Department received a surprise visit by both Ben Barnes and Robert Sheehan.

“Killing Bono” should hit our cinema screens at the end of 2010 and no doubt the entire Wallace community will be looking for a glimpse of their friends and familiar buildings on the silver screen.

We are obviously limited as to what photos we can use at the minute and plan a web showcase once permission has been granted by the production company in the future.

Please do not repost any of the above photos.

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Wallace opened its doors last Saturday morning to a large crowd of prospective parents and P6 and P7 pupils who gathered in the school and were impressed with the range of activities and experiences on offer. Alongside the innovative displays in each department, there was also a visit from Anthea McWilliams from the Wallace Trust who read from the recently published children’s book “Sir Richard Wallace: The Lisburn Connection Story of Fountain, Fame and Fortune.” This book was written by Miss Helen Long, a former member of staff in the English Department.

Principal Deborah O’Hare, in her first Wallace Open Day gave a presentation to both pupils and parents. She also commented: “It was a pleasure to welcome prospective parents and pupils to The Wallace High School Open Morning. I should like to pay credit to our current pupils who helped organise the day and showed our visitors around the school. Equally the staff invested much time, effort and enthusiasm in preparation for this very successful morning.”

Mrs O’Hare’s address was prefaced by a presentation created by Year 13 pupil Michael Anderson about life in Wallace, which included film of distinguished former pupils Denise Watson (BBC journalist), Ulster rugby captain Chris Henry and fellow rugby star Ian Whitten. There was also much excitement in the Moving Image Arts Department where there was a display of exclusive shots featuring pupils and stars of the film Killing Bono which was recently shot on location in Wallace.

As part of the school’s procedures on Open Day a questionnaire is given out to both pupils and parents and the school was delighted with the positive responses given. Prospective parent Peter Pollock added: “There is an excellent range of subjects and extra curricular activities on offer throughout the school. I was particularly impressed with the welcoming nature, friendliness and helpfulness of staff and pupils on the day.” A new prospectus was also on offer which Peter described as “full of information, colourful and showing the full range of the experience on offer at the school.”

The many pupils who attended enjoyed the variety of activities and displays on offer. Ross Brown, P7 in Ballymacash Primary School commented: “I really enjoyed making bath bombs in the Chemistry Department and also sampling the food in Home Economics.” Emily Howard from the Wallace Prep also enjoyed “the speeches, the way the older pupils talked about the school and also the sports challenges in the Sports Hall where I got to meet pupils from other schools and be part of their team.”

The school would like to thank all those who attended on Saturday. Parents and pupils who were unable to attend can also make contact with the school to acquire a copy of the new prospectus.

Photo Credit : Conor Robinson & Catherine Harrison

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Last Saturday’s postponement of the Schools’ Cup 2nd round means that the 1st XV are still not sure who they will face when they enter the competition in the 4th round.

They have had an inconsistent year so far but will be looking to recent Irish Schools’ debutant and current captain Kyle McCall, as well as fellow Ulster players Chris Spence and Rory Stewart for inspiration. The Medallion XV have had a more impressive season and coach Jonny Reid and his boys await their draw with interest too.

Saturday 30th January sees the girls’ hockey 1st X1 play the traditionally strong Armagh Royal in the Schools’ Cup quarter final at Lisnagarvey, the first time they have reached this stage in a number of years. They will hope that captain Lauren Wilson and representative players Sophie McClean, Jo Leathem, Ellen Hood and Anna Jones continue their fine individual form and take the girls into the semi finals in February. The under 14 girls also face up to Dalriada in their next cup round, the game being scheduled for this Saturday away to the North Coast side.

The boys’ 1st X1 will look to build on the positive experience of reaching the final of both the Irish Schools and McCullough Cup last term and hope to go one stage further in the Burney Cup. Co captains Peter MacDonnell and Stephen Hunter, alongside Richard Arneill have been named in an extended Ulster under 21 squad, whilst Matthew Murphy will look to make his Irish under 18 debut this term and it is to them that Wallace will look when they face RBAI at Shaw’s Bridge on Saturday 30th January in the cup 2nd round.

Netball has been traditionally strong for many years now in the school and the junior girls will be looking to carry on this proud tradition when they compete in the Area finals this term. From here they hope to progress to the prestigious Norrthern Ireland finals day, whilst individually Sarah Montgomery, Sophie McClean, Caroline Davis, Rebecca Poots and Julie Whitten will look to make the Northern Ireland under 19 squad which will be selected soon.

In badminton the various cup and league competitions will continue, whilst Alannah Stephenson and Ryan Getty (in badminton) and Alan Montgomery and Adam Matthews (in athletics and swimming respectively) will look to continue their progress on the international stage. The senior boys’ golf team will hope that their inspirational figurehead and international player Matthew McKnight can lead them into the final of the Ulster Winter League and they are looking forward to their semi final in the coming weeks.

This Saturday sees the 1st, 2nd and 3rd XVs travel to Dublin to face St Mary’s College, whilst the Medallion A and B and under 14 A teams face up to Methody at home, 10am kick of. The under 13 A and B teams travel to Pirrie Park to face the same proud Belfast opponents, also 10 am start. In hockey the senior girls teams travel to Ards to face up to Regent House, whilst the boys 1st, under 15, 14 and 13 teams face up to local rivals Friends at Lisnagarvey, 10 am start. All of these games are subject to pitch inspections and all at the school hope to get their second term off to a positive start.

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First up for the Lisburn youngster was the girls’ singles title which she then followed up with the girls’ doubles and mixed doubles titles.

Alannah recently represented Ireland at under 15 level in Slovenia and has her sights set firmly on Irish success at the under 15 competition in February.

Commenting on her triple success Alannah said,”I am delighted with both my individual and doubles success and can now look forward with confidence to the Irish competition in February.”

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The Year 13 Company, High Flyers, won Best Display at the Ballymena Trade Fair held in the Fairhill Shopping Centre.  High Flyers sell a Tornado flying toy.

The other Year 13 Company, Spark, won Best Product at the Banbridge Trade Fair held at the Outlet.  Spark make a range of environmentally friendly  bags from banners.

Finally the Managing Director of the Year 11 Company, Guddy2Shoez, won Best Sales Person at the Banbridge Trade Fair.  Guddy2Shoez sell plimsoles which they have added a hand painted design to.

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The Lisburn lads started their cup final day with a coaching session for local primary schools from Downshire, Ballymacash, Pond Park and their own Prep under the expert guidance of Iain Lewers who plays professional hockey in Holland. This was a great start to the day as the local children enjoyed their session whilst the Wallace players could forget about their big day ahead for a couple of hours.

Wallace started the game in good form and, after robbing the Banbridge centre back, Matthew Murphy failed to convert a one on one opportunity. Still the 1st X1 attacked their illustrious opponents and a Stephen Hunter reverse stick effort went spectacularly but narrowly over the bar. The Banbridge goal keeper also had to be in top form to stop three Murphy penalty corner drag flicks whilst two further efforts were superbly taken off the line, Peter MacDonnell robbed on both occasions.

Centre back Richard Arneill was having an outstanding game keeping Banbridge dangerman Stephen Dowds quiet, ably assisted by his partner Adam McCann and left back Glenn Reid who continued his fine form with another solid performance. It was therefore something of a shock that Banbridge went in at half time one goal up after a well worked goal down the right hand side.

The Wallace coaching staff instructed their forwards to put more pressure on their opponents defence and by stepping up they forced another penalty corner early in the second half which Murphy dispatched into the bottom corner with a trademark drag flick. This was his 35th goal of an excellent personal season and brought the Lisburn team right back into the game.

A period of stalemate then ensued before Banbridge followed up a penalty corner rebound after a good save by Luke Williams to go 2 – 1 up. A feature of the Wallace success this year has been their never say die attitude and this was again to the fore as co captain Stephen Hunter produced a wonderful finish to a superb move to again bring them back into the match.

At this point it appeared that there would only be one winner and as Wallace won a string of penalty corners it looked like it might at last be their day. However, despite valiant efforts from all the players Banbridge scored two late goals to kill the game off and give them victory in the first major Ulster Schools’ competition this year.

Big games are always decided by small margins and this was to be one of those days. The Banbridge goal keeper had an outstanding game and was well supported by his defenders who took three goal bound shots off the line. All the players involved in the big day from the Wallace side should be very proud of their achievement, firstly in getting to their second final this year (the Irish Schools’ being the other) and also for their display of fast, attacking and attractive hockey.

This really was a superb advert for local schools hockey with the best two teams from the first half of the season going all out for victory. The Wallace players will now have to channel all their energy into the post Christmas Burney Cup and will hope to add some silverware to their two final appearances this year.

Certainly the experience of playing in front of a large and vocal crowd will stand them in good stead and they will be now be hoping for a favourable draw in the first round of the Burney which will be released on Tuesday.

Wallace McCullough Cup final squad: Luke Williams, Glenn Reid, Stephen Murray, Jonathan Crean, Adam McCann, Richard Arneill, Peter MacDonnell (co captain), Chris Rowland, Michael Keery, Matthew Murphy, Timmy Crean, Stephen Hood, Conor Kelly, Jonathan Dunn, Stephen Hunter (co captain) and Seb Buser.

Final Score : Wallace 2 Banbridge 4

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