The Principal of The Wallace High School hailed the “generosity of spirit which epitomises the ethos of Wallace” in her first Annual Prize Distribution speech last Friday
Mrs Deborah O’Hare used the occasion to re – emphasise the CORE values of commitment, opportunity, respect and excellence in both curricular and extra curricular activities and also to list the many achievements of individuals, groups and teams last year.
She also thanked her predecessor Mrs Anne McBride for her “dignified, proud and effective leadership” and also “the warmth of welcome on the occasion of my appointment.”
Mrs O’Hare was proud to recognise the significant academic results achieved as well as “the expert and dedicated contribution of teachers and support staff in their successes. At GCSE almost 80% of grades were at A*, A or B, whilst 40 students gained the equivalent of 10 straight A or A* grades in points score. Almost 70% of grades at AS level were A or B, whilst at A2 level almost 90% of grades were at A, B or C.”
Sporting successes were applauded whilst Mrs O’Hare commented on the “range of extra curricular and curricular activities which stretch, motivate and support our young people, building in them advanced thinking skills, teamwork and highlighting employability pathways.” These included the school’s “renowned use of ICT”, as well as Young Enterprise, Young Innovators, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, STEM funding, Public Speaking and the range of musical opportunities on offer.
Chairman of the Board of Governors Mr Graham Sutton used his remarks to praise the Association for Quality Education (AQE) for developing its own Common Entrance Assessment for a large group of Grammar schools which includes Wallace. He said “I would like to place on record our recognition of the magnificent efforts of those at the helm of AQE in bringing these plans to fruition and also to the staff here for the work in ensuring we are fully prepared for 275 P7 children to sit the three papers here. In my opinion it has been an all round truly exceptional achievement by everyone involved.”
The Guest of Honour, Mrs Joan Christie OBE, Lord – Lieutenant for County Antrim, presented the awards and took time to speak to all prize winners. She was particularly pleased to be invited as her sister Yvonne Black was a distinguished and long serving member of the Wallace Prep teaching staff for many years and thanked all at the school for their warm welcome. She praised the “breadth of opportunities available at Wallace” and encouraged all the gathered pupils to “develop their talents, set goals, lead by example and persevere at all times.”
Last modified: November 3, 2009
