Exhibitions of pupils’ Art work, explosive experiments in Science, tropical rain forests in Geography, African drummers, PE challenges, Superheroes and Mrs Pratchett’s sweet shop in English and Norman Knights in History were just some of the exciting aspects of The Wallace High School Open Day.
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
Last modified: May 17, 2010
