Former Wallace High School pupils, Elaine Oliver, Jamie Humphries and Graeme Greenfield have just received confirmation of their places in the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.
Elaine Oliver from Anahilt will read Languages in New Hall College, Cambridge. She explained,“I first thought about applying to Cambridge when my Careers teacher Miss McGarry suggested it to me in Lower Sixth. New Hall, an all female college, was founded in 1954 and it’s very small with around 400 students. I hope that it will be easy to settle in as it about the size of the Sixth From here in Wallace, so it should be quite easy to get to know people. I’m very excited about the new challenges which lie ahead but I do know that I’ll miss Wallace. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my seven years at the school.
I’ve been very involved in the modern Language Debating teams as well as the School’s chamber choir and the Drama Society. One surprising thing about New Hall is that it doesn’t have a choir, so I’ll have to think about starting one up or perhaps joining the choir of another Cambridge College.”
Eighteen year olds Graeme and Jamie are both heading to Oxford, to read Medicine and Maths respectively. Graeme form Moira explained, “I decided to apply to Oxford because of its outstanding reputation. I also really liked the city itself. Trinity College, which was founded in 1555, was my first preference and the interviews there last autumn were pretty tough, however I learnt a lot from the experience. Its grounds are fabulous and it is very close to the Science buildings, which should make life a bit easier.
I’m looking forward to living in the College throughout my course and hope it will become a home away from home. I also hope to get involved n the life of the College. I completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in Wallace and also played hockey for the school so I’m looking forward to seeing what Trinity has to offer.”
Lisburn teenager Jamie will join former Wallace pupils Stephen Taylor and Jahan Zahid at Jesus College, Oxford. Jamie commented, “I’ve loved my fourteen years at Wallace and will take many happy memories away with me. Highlights include the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and the fantastic experiences I’ve had in Scripture Union.
I’m looking forward to joining Christian Union in Jesus College and would also like to take up Ultimate Frisbee. The tutorial system offered in Oxford really appeals to me and I’ve always loved studying Maths.”
The three paid tribute to the support offered to them by their teachers throughout the rigorous selection process. Elaine commented, “Our subject teachers were always on hand to offer advice and provide extra work and the Head of Careers, Mr Beaton, ensured the application process ran smoothly.
Mr Bloomfield also was very supportive, offering interview tips.” Looking to the future, Elaine is keen to work as an interpreter for the European Union whilst Jamie hopes to return to Northern Ireland and work within the church. Graeme simply intends to concentrate on completing his degree and see which particular branch of Medicine appeals at a later stage.
Wallace High School Principal Mrs McBride concluded,“We are delighted that Elaine, Graeme and Jamie are able to take up their places at Oxford and Cambridge on the strength of their excellent examination performance in this record year for A level results at Wallace. We wish all our pupils well as they embark on this new stage in their education.”
Last modified: August 31, 2007
