Two former pupils of The Wallace High School are preparing to head off to the “dreaming spires” of Oxford later this month. Eighteen year old, Caroline Hynds and Stephen Taylor, who will study English and Physics respectively, are looking forward to the exciting challenges which lie ahead.
Caroline explained, “I’ll be studying at St Anne’s College whose alumni include Edwina Currie and Mary Archer. It is about two miles outside the town and when I first visited it on a school trip last year I was struck by its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I’m looking forward to studying English Literature, the sheer breadth of the subject is appealing . My favourite aspect at the moment is modern poetry and I’m working my way through my lengthy reading list before term begins in a few weeks.”
Caroline has fond memories of her time at Wallace. “I was very involved with both the Writers’ Group and Scripture Union. Our Sixth Form Centre has a brilliant atmosphere. Whilst I’m sad to be leaving Wallace behind I am looking forward to life in St Annes'”
Stephen, last year’s Head Boy, will read Physics at Jesus College which was founded by Elizabeth 1. Its alumni include Harold Wilson and TE Lawrence. Having been a keen member of Wallace’s debating societies, Stephen hopes to join the Oxford Union. The Glenavy teenager commented, “Living in such a vibrant and historic city will be a big change for me as I am from quite a small village but I loved Oxford when I first visited it to undertake my work experience in January 2005. I honestly can’t believe I’ll be living there for the next three years. I know I’ll miss the creature comforts of home and my family as well as the great bunch of people who were The Wallace High School Class of 2006. As a year group we had so many wonderful experiences such as Christmas Pie and I hope we can all stay in touch.”
Caroline went on, “I will also miss family and friends but the fact that are terms are so short means that we’ll be able to meet up with friends in our lengthy holiday periods.” Both students paid tribute to the fantastic support offered to them by Principal Mrs Anne McBride, Head of Careers Mr Paul Beaton and their subject teachers, all of whom gave of their time so willingly. Whilst the pair are now focussing on making the most of their undergraduate years, Stephen hopes to study for a doctorate and work in frontier scientific research and Caroline would like a career in publishing or journalism.
Stephen added, “I’d encourage anyone who is considering applying for a place at Oxford to chat to their Careers Officer and above all, be themselves in the interview process.” Caroline concluded, “If you genuinely feel passionate about a subject then that will come through in the selection process.”
Principal of Wallace, Mrs Anne McBride, concluded, “Caroline and Stephen follow in the footsteps of many of our former pupils who have gone on to study at Oxford and Cambridge and are to be congratulated on securing their places. They will no doubt be excellent ambassadors, not only for Wallace but for Northern Ireland. The staff and I are delighted to be sending 89% of our Upper Sixth leavers to higher education and wish each of them success in this new and stage in their careers.”
Last modified: February 24, 2016
