Wallace High School Prospectus 2025 : simplebooklet.com

growing and developing our young people to leave the gates of Clonevin Park after seven years as well rounded, caring and thoughtful young adults who will make a dierence in the world and will be happy, active contributors to our society. This is The Wallace Way. We are aspirational; we always reect on how we can learn from today to improve ourselves tomorrow.Our young people learn these skills of ongoing development, referred to as transversal skills, both inside the classroom, in our co-curricular and extra-curricular programmes and in our student voice work. As you browse our prospectus and visit our School on Open Morning, I encourage you to take the time to absorb not only the range of competitions, clubs, societies, sports teams and student leadership opportunities on oer, but to reect on the value these experiences add to the development of our young people. Your child will thrive if they avail of these opportunities, combined with a rigorous academic programme of study.The Wallace Way encourages personal growth, academic rigour, self-reection and leadership. We develop young people of whom we are extremely proud. Our core values of Commitment, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence underpin our daily work and our sta are student focused, caring, compassionate and ambitious for our young people.Welcome to Wallace.D. O’HarePrincipalThe Wallace Way encourages personal growth, academic rigour, self-reection and leadership.05Sta Walk In Aid of NIPANCArkwright Scholarship Success

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Pastoral care is at the core of Wallace High School. We pride ourselves on providing support and encouragement for all our students. Our school systems are built around our desire to foster close bonds and networks, creating a nurturing environment that allows all students to thrive. Led by Mr J Reid, the Vice Principal for Pastoral Care, we have sta- and student-led structures in place to ensure that every student’s experience of life at Wallace is the best it can be.Pastoral Support Our students are supported in each year group by a Head of Year and an Assistant Head of Year, a level of pastoral care that is unmatched in most schools. Throughout the school year, students benet from the opportunity to spend extended time with their Class Tutor each week, enabling ongoing pastoral support at an immediate and informal level. The school provides access to counselling services for those who may require additional emotional or psychological support and our school nurses oer complementary support to Heads of Year by providing valuable insights into potential needs or issues. Our dedicated Child Protection and Safeguarding Team, led by Mrs L Jordan, ensures that the school can eectively support students experiencing challenging circumstances.Year 8 Induction Programme The Year 8 induction programme at Wallace High School is designed to create a supportive and engaging environment for new students and their parents. It involves pastoral care provided by the Head of Year, Assistant Head of Year, class tutors and Sixth Form mentors. Key events include a Year 8 Parents’ Information Evening in September, which oers updates, information on the iPad Scheme and opportunities for parents to interact with sta and each other. The programme also features the Year 8 Adventure Day, an o-site bonding trip, and pastoral interviews with form sta, culminating Leading in pastoral care06The Class of 2031Year 8 Adventure Day

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in the Year 8 Concert. The House system also supports students and encouraging them to take part in school life, whilst also fostering a sense of belonging and providing an additional level of pastoral support.Learning Support We recognise that some students join Wallace with Special Educational Needs (SEN), while others may be identied as having such needs during their time at the school. We are committed to helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and assessment, using an inclusive model that promotes integration and support. Our Learning Support Coordinator, Mr N McKnight, is a fully qualied specialist assessor for Access Arrangements and is registered with the British Psychological Society. Supported by Heads of Department and Heads of Year, we can tailor provision to meet individual students’ needs. Our new facility, the Learning Support Hub, serves as a quiet space for students needing a brief ‘time out’ and as a base for one-to-one support from our Classroom Assistants and literacy assistance.Student Engagement Our school Houses enable intra-year activities to thrive and the high level of student participation in house events creates natural opportunities for coaching and mentoring. Every student at Wallace belongs to a House, which provides another level of pastoral support and fosters a sense of belonging. Charitable activities are central to school life at Wallace, oering students regular opportunities to reect on their own privileged position and support others both at home and abroad. The Wellness Committee leads student-based programmes that support the whole school community through mentoring and wellbeing surveys, and its members are trained as Mental Health Champions.A level of pastoral care that isunmatched in most schools.07House Quiz and Colours DayYear 8 TeamworkYear 8 On Target

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Leading in curriculumAt Wallace High School, we pride ourselves on delivering an innovative and rigorous curriculum designed to inspire and challenge every student. Led by Mr D Cleland, the Vice Principal for the Curriculum, our focus is on academic excellence. We oer a diverse range of subjects that cater to individual strengths and future aspirations. Our dedicated sta embrace cutting-edge technology and foster a culture of inquiry and creativity. Through targeted support and stretch opportunities like the Scholars Programme and Oxbridge Club, we ensure every learner is empowered to achieve their potential. Through our Enterprise Education Programme and Project-Based Learning, our students are developing core transversal skills needed in the 21st Century. By combining traditional values with modern practices, we prepare students to excel in an ever-changing world, embodying leadership in education. 08Biology WeekProject-Based Learning

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SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM (9 periods per subject) (10 for Accelerated Mathematics & Further Mathematics) Pupils choose one subject per option block.CArtBiologyChemistryEnglish LiteratureNutrition & Food SciencePoliticsTechnologyMusicPE (Diploma)**BAccelerated MathsBiologyBusiness StudiesGeographyGermanHistoryMathematicsMoving Image ArtsABiologyComputing / SSDEnglish LiteratureFrenchDigital TechnologyMathematicsPE (A-Level)PE (Extended Cert)*Religious StudiesDBusiness StudiesChemistryGeographyHistoryDigital TechnologyPhysicsSpanishHealth & Social CareOption 5ArtChemistryFrenchGeographyHistoryMoving Image ArtsPhysicsOption 4BiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryDigital TechnologyGeographyTechnologyOption IAgriculture & Land UseBiologyChemistryMotor Vehicle & Road User StudiesPhysicsOption 3BiologyDigital Technology HistoryHome EconomicsMusic (Extended Cert)*Physical EducationPhysicsOption 2ArtBusiness StudiesGeographyHome EconomicsHistoryTechnologyOption 6DramaBusiness ComsFrenchGermanLeisure & TourismSpanishKEY STAGE 4 (YEAR 11/12) English (7), Maths (6/7), RE (3), Games (2), PE (1/2), Groups (4)Further Mathematics: Top 70 pupils based on summer Year 10 Mathematics paper. Statistics: The top 70-100 pupils based on summer Year 10 Mathematics paper.Pupils choose one subject from each option group OTHER COURSESYoung EnterpriseGames* BTEC Extended Certicate (equivalent to a single A-level)**BTEC Diploma (equivalent to two A-levels). Pupils must also select the Extended Certicate PE in block A.KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM (Period allocation in brackets)All year groups receive a Pastoral period on a Thursday morning. This period covers the LLW curriculum including RSE. YEAR 8 English (5), Maths (6), French (4), History (3), Geography (3), Art (2), Music (2), RE (2), Technology (2), HE (2), PE (1), Games (2), Drama (2), Reading for Pleasure (1), Physics (2), Chemistry (2), Biology (2), Computer Programming (1). YEAR 9English (4), Maths (5), French (4), History (4), Geography (4), Art(2), Music (1), RE(2, Tech (2), HE (2), PE (1), Games (2), Reading for Pleasure (1), German/Spanish (3), Physics (2), Chemistry (2), Biology (2), Computer Programming (1). YEAR 10English (6), Maths (6), French (4), History (4), Geography (4), Biology (2), Chemistry (2), Physics (2), Art (2), Music (1), RE (1), Technology (2), HE (2), PE (1), Games (2), German/Spanish (3).11CLICK FOREXAMINATION RESULTSPAGE 24

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At Wallace, we have a whole-school commitment to listening to the views and experiences of our students. We ensure that our students have a voice at Wallace and strive to provide a variety of leadership opportunities for our young people. We pride ourselves on helping to develop and inspire the leaders of the future and instil in them the life skills they will need for life beyond Wallace.School CouncilsOur School Council is an invaluable introduction to the workings of democracy and is a core component of the student voice at Wallace. Each class selects two representatives for a Year Council, chaired by the Assistant Head of Year. Each of these councils elects two of its members to the Executive Council. The Executive Council meets with the Principal and other members of the Leadership Team throughout the academic year. We believe these formal procedures provide our pupils with invaluable insight into the factors that govern decision-making at a whole-school level. Year Councils also support the Leadership Team’s work Leading in student voiceby providing feedback on proposed policies and sharing school initiatives and projects with their cohort. They make a signicant impact on school life, fullling our core values of commitment and respect.Senior Prefect TeamThe Senior Prefect Team comprises the Head Boy, Head Girl and their deputies. The team meets weekly with the Senior Management of the school and forms a key communication link between sta and students. They organise duty rotas for the prefects, support school events and act as ambassadors and role models. The Senior Prefects are heavily involved in the life of Wallace High School, assisting with assemblies and supporting various events.Prefects and MentorsMrs E Rogers, who oversees the prefects, follows an innovative model for their roles. Prefects provide daily practical and administrative support to sta by carrying out a range of duties before, during, and after school in various areas around the school. Each prefect is also part of a designated mentor group, such as sport, music, iLeaders, preparatory support, pastoral support, numeracy, literacy and charity. These varied opportunities empower Secondary Students’ Union of NI RepresentativesHouse Representatives and House Sta12

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students and build their condence to take ownership and responsibility for their chosen area of school life.House Leadership and Sports CaptainsThese students and their deputies lead the House system in collaboration with Mrs C Elliott and Mrs W Davison. The House system complements the Year Group System by fostering a sense of belonging and healthy competition. Unlike most of the school’s activities, which are year-based, the House system promotes inter-year relationships, creating a close-knit school community. Our annual House Quiz has become a highlight of the school calendar, and House Prefects provide enthusiastic leadership to the House Reps in each year group. We strongly encourage students to participate in the diverse range of House activities and challenges throughout the year. As part of our focus on ‘The Wallace Way’ (the distinctive way we communicate our ethos), we share our expectations with Sports Captains.Sports Captains are encouraged to reect on the culture of competition and their responsibility to guide others in understanding what is expected of school teams. They embody the CORE values of Wallace, both on and o the pitch.Beyond WallaceMany of our students are involved in ensuring that student voices are heard beyond Wallace. We have ve delegates who represent Wallace students in the Secondary Schools’ Union of Northern Ireland (SSUNI). This organisation works with local government to highlight issues important to young people in Northern Ireland today and helps shape future legislation and policies.LUCY McCAFFREYCAPTAIN OF HOCKEYJON ROGERSCAPTAIN OF RUGBYELLIS SHANKSCAPTAIN OF HOCKEYMEGAN BAXTERCAPTAIN OF NETBALLWe ensure that our students have a voice at Wallace.13Year 8 Student Council RepresentativesStudent Wellness Committee

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Leading in careers provisionAt Wallace, every teacher contributes to Careers Education, ensuring that students benet from opportunities to engage with employment, training and educational prospects beyond the classroom. The aim of careers education is for students to discover and develop their interests, skills and strengths, enabling them to succeed in future studies and explore the many career pathways available. All students from Year 8 to Year 14 follow a structured careers programme, delivered by form tutors and supported by the Head of Careers.Key Stage 3 Through Skills-Based Learning and Pathway Planning, students learn the value of transferable skills and are encouraged to reect on their own strengths. They are introduced to the PeopleHawk careers platform to create digital proles and explore opportunities. The careers team provides one-to-one guidance as students choose their GCSE subjects. Students also attend an assembly on new GCSE subjects and participate in our Careers Fair, where they interact with local employers and education providers.Key Stage 4 In Year 11, some students attend the NI School Summit to engage with employers and education providers and explore future opportunities. They continue using PeopleHawk to develop their proles. In Year 12, students complete a three-day Industry-Based Learning placement, gaining insight into job roles and transferable skills. Careers Service NI interviews students, oering advice on post-16 options and individual interviews help ensure informed and realistic choices.Key Stage 5 Students explore post-18 options, including degrees, apprenticeships, and vocational qualications. In Year 13, all students attend the UCAS Discovery Event and a UCAS 14NFSH and ALU Visit to Draynes FarmUCAS ConferenceYear 12 Industry Placement

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At Wallace, we believe in an holistic education. There are a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities for students. From our successful sports and music programmes to department-led clubs and societies, there is something for everyone at Wallace. Our extra-curricular programme helps students develop key interpersonal skills and become fully engaged in school life.Sport Wallace students are encouraged to understand the link between a healthy mind and a healthy body. Mindful of the positive impact of sport in building self-esteem and team spirit, we encourage our pupils to take part in both individual and team events. We are immensely proud of the commitment of our sta to sports at Wallace; our specialist PE teachers are supported by teachers from various departments within the school, as well as by specialist external coaches who have long-standing links to the school. Our coaches are dedicated to all our teams and gain immense satisfaction from seeing pupils develop their condence and skills.The successes of many of our former students at provincial and international levels are a source of constant inspiration. Three former students recently participated in the Paris Olympics, playing for the Irish Hockey Team, with Sean Murray captaining the Irish squad. Former student David Ross represented Great Britain in wheelchair rugby at the Paralympic Games, and several former students currently play for Ulster Rugby.Our major sports include rugby, hockey (boys and girls), netball, badminton, and cricket (boys and girls), but there are also opportunities to get involved in athletics, the equestrian team, golf, judo, swimming and tennis at both team and individual levels. The Honours Boards in the Assembly Hall recognise the success and dedication of our athletes, as do the representative photographs in the corridor leading to the main sports hall. We are exceptionally proud of their achievements.Leading in extra-curricular162nd XI Boys’ Hockey SuccessJunior Girls’ Hockey Tour 2024

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Music We are delighted to have a thriving extra-curricular music programme at Wallace. The Music Department oers instrumental and vocal tuition in a wide range of areas, including woodwind, brass, strings and piano. We are pleased by the high uptake of lessons. Such is the reputation of our choirs that our students are often invited to perform at events organised by Lisburn and Castlereagh Council and we continue to maintain a special relationship with Parkview Special School.There are several musical highlights throughout the year, including the Year 8 Concert, Nine Lessons and Carols, the Spring Concert and the Junior Summer Concert. Regular lunchtime music recitals are also held and it is We understand the importance of students engaging in their development outside of the classroom.17Schools’ Cup Rugby 1st XV Semi FinalistsSenior Netball NI ChampionsHockey Outreach and Celebration Event

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always a great delight to hear Wallace come alive with festive cheer in the run-up to Christmas. These events allow us to showcase the amazing talents of our students and we take great pride in their performances.Prospective students will have the opportunity to play in the school orchestra and Jazz Band, enjoy the Guitar Club, develop their music-writing talents in the Song Writing Club and join one of the many choirs. Bursaries, such as the Celia Gourley Scholarship, allow Wallace to nurture, develop and support musical talent within and beyond the school.Departmental Clubs and Societies At a departmental level, our dedicated teachers are committed to developing transversal skills within the classroom as well as through extra-curricular clubs and societies. We oer a wide array of extra-curricular clubs at Wallace 18Concert of Nine Lessons and CarolsNight at the Musicals ShowWarhammer and D&D ClubAnnual Ski Trip to BostonEquestrian Success

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High School, as we understand the importance of students engaging in their development outside of the classroom. These opportunities take place before, during and after school, with many students taking on leadership roles.Wallace oers over 20 clubs and societies in addition to the sports and music programmes. These range from the Junior Languages Club and Junior Scripture Union to Dance, Film and Drama. Some clubs put on performances such as the popular Night at the Musicals, or participate in external competitions. Others support school initiatives such as the Eco Club, or provide time for pupils to meet and socialise with friends, as seen in the Warhammer and Dungeons and Dragons Club.• Art Hub• Bar Mock Trials• Cookery Skills Club• Creative Writing• Dance Club• Drama Club• Eco Club• Film Club• First Tech Challenge Club• Junior Languages Club• Junior Scripture Union• Key Stage Three Scholars• Lego Club• Minecraft Club• Oxbridge Club• Problem Solvers• Public Speaking• Rotary Club• Senior Book Club• Senior Scripture Union• Warhammer and Dungeons and Dragons Club• Young EnterpriseExtra-Curricular Clubs and Societies List 2024-202519The Duke of Edinburgh Award SchemeGuitar ClubDance Club

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As a leading voluntary grammar school, we oer a vast array of opportunities for our students to be stretched and challenged beyond the classroom. Departments across the school provide a range of clubs and competitions as part of our super-curricular programme. This is further enhanced by inviting external speakers and industry experts to Wallace for talks and interactive workshops. Teaching sta also provide invaluable support to students preparing for additional assessments related to university entry, graduate recruitment and higher-level apprenticeships.Departments The sciences run annual Physics, Chemistry and Biology Olympiads for senior students. Similar competitions, such as the Faraday Challenge, oer younger students the chance to expand their knowledge and scientic skills in a competitive format.The Computing Department takes part in the Lego Club Challenge each year and has achieved signicant success at both local and national levels. They also oer a variety of other super-curricular opportunities, including the Computing Olympiad, the Oxford Computing Challenge and the Bebras Challenge.The English Department has enjoyed notable success at local and national levels in public speaking and creative writing competitions, recently qualifying for the UK Public Speaking Final. They also facilitate the Bar Mock Trials competition and run drama workshops with industry professionals.Modern Languages oer an array of linguistic and translation competitions, language immersion events, and participation in national contests. The Geography Department participates in the annual World Wise Quiz, while the History and Politics Department Leading in super-curricular20NI Public Speaking Champions and UK FinalistsUKMT Challenge Success

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has taken part in the Entwined Futures Programme since 2012.The Maths Department runs the UKMT Challenge across all year groups and recently won the Queen’s University Maths Challenge. Technology and Design engage in the First Tech Challenge, and more recently, the School Robotics Challenge at W5.Gifted and Talented A core component of our leading super-curricular programme is the Key Stage 3 Scholars Programme and the Oxbridge Club. Led by our Gifted and Talented Coordinator, these bespoke programmes enable gifted and talented students in Years 9–14 to follow an individualised educational pathway and take ownership of their learning. This unique super-curricular pathway inspires and challenges students to aim towards applying to top universities in the UK and Europe. Former students have gone on to study at Oxford, Cambridge and Sciences Po in France. Wallace is cultivating networks with alumni who have attended these prestigious institutions, as well as with outreach teams at Cambridge and Oxford.We pride ourselves on helping to develop and inspire the leaders of the future.21Biology Olympiad SuccessLego Club ChallengeIrish Computing Olympiad SuccessMiSAC Competition Success

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Leading in sustainabilityWallace High School places a strong emphasis on sustainability and governance. Our school and grounds serve as a living classroom. Sustainability initiatives at the school, including Project Refresh, aim to instil environmental awareness among students through various activities and educational programmes. The governance framework ensures the school’s strategic direction, with leadership provided by the Board of Governors, who oversee policies and resources to maintain high standards of education and sustainability eorts. These initiatives reect the school’s commitment to environmental responsibility and reducing carbon emissions.Project RefreshWallace High School’s Project Refresh focuses on sustainable retrotting rather than new construction, reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility. Led by Principal Mrs D O’Hare, the initiative builds on a decade of energy-saving eorts, including LED lighting, iPad use, solar panels and EV chargers. The three-year project will introduce hybrid heating and enhanced insulation, aiming to save 50 million kWh and cut 10,000 tonnes of CO2. This endeavour will position Wallace as both a leader and a model for educational sustainability while fostering student awareness and leadership in environmental issues.Educational ProgrammesSustainability education and the development of transversal skills in our students are at the core of our Project-Based Learning Programme (PBL) at Wallace. PBL challenges students to complete a range of problem-based tasks across all subjects, with a focus on green issues and sustainability. Students explore alternative energy 22Year 9 Tree and Hedgerow PlantingEnvironmental Speaking Competition Success

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sources, current environmental challenges and the work of leaders in green technologies, and they develop unique solutions to these problems. Wallace is also part of the Shared Education for Positive Innovation programme (SEPI). SEPI provides an opportunity for Wallace students to engage with peers from over 400 schools to nd innovative solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.Sustainability in ActionWallace is also leading the way in sustainability through the remarkable work of our Eco Club and PTA. Our Eco Club educates students on how they can reduce their carbon footprint and helps make our premises more environmentally friendly. Our PTA encourages the wider Wallace community to think about sustainability through initiatives such as collecting and selling pre-loved uniforms and sports kits.Environmental awareness through various activities and educational programmes.23Solar Panel InstallationThe Wallace Bamboo Garden Introduction of EV ChargersThe Eco Club in Action

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SUBJECTARTBIOLOGYBUSINESS STUDIESCHEMISTRYECONOMICSENGLISHFRENCHFURTHER MATHEMATICSGEOGRAPHYGERMANHEHEALTH AND SOCIAL CAREHISTORYINFORMATION TECHNOLOGYMATHEMATICSMOVING IMAGE ARTSMUSICPHYSICSPOLITICSRELIGIOUS STUDIESSOFTWARE SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENTSPANISHTECHNOLOGYSPORTS STUDIES DIPLOMASPORTS STUDIES EXTENDED CERTA2 RESULTS 2024 (% of Pupils achieving Grades)BOARDNICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEAEDEXCELEDEXCELTOTALENTERED1068303212193726222203720606216191723105317% A*4071060033291501455017001906900018% A* - A50372056026337131505950322552004421293020403365% A* - B70657081676810086695086906840751707589655270806771% A* - C10090839192891001008810095100978590675088100100831001006794% A* - D100999710010010010010010010010010010095100100509410010096100100100100% A* - E10010097100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100SUMMATIVE INFORMATIONA2 RESULTS 2024% PUPILSACHIEVING3 OR MOREA* – C202481%A*A* - AA* - BA* - CA* - D2024938709199 Examination Results24

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SUBJECTARTBIOLOGYBUSINESS STUDIESCHEMISTRYENGLISHFRENCHGEOGRAPHYGERMANHEHEALTH AND SOCIAL CAREHISTORYINFORMATION TECHNOLOGYMATHEMATICSMOVING IMAGE ARTSPHYSICSPOLITICSRELIGIOUS STUDIESSOFTWARE SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENTSPANISHTECHNOLOGYAS RESULTS 2024 (% of Pupils achieving Grades)BOARDNICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEATOTALENTERED557373527231292332461522281319612% A203219512650325022301903920234315371733% A – B80655477481007750337078257940508277586767% A – C10082789781100811008983971009210077961008410083% A – D1009586100100100941008996100100100100100100100100100100% A – E10099100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100100SUMMATIVE INFORMATIONAS RESULTS 2024%AA – BA – CA – D202432688897% PUPILSACHIEVING3 OR MOREA – C20247525

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SUBJECTADDITIONAL MATHEMATICSART AND DESIGNBIOLOGYBUSINESS AND ICTBUSINESS STUDIESCHEMISTRYDESIGN AND TECHNOLOGYENGLISH LANGUAGEENGLISH LITERATUREFRENCHGEOGRAPHYGERMANHISTORYHOME ECONOMICSINFORMATION TECHNOLOGYLEISURE AND TOURISMMATHEMATICSMOVING IMAGE ARTSMOTOR VEHICLE STUDIESMUSICPHYSICSPHYSICAL EDUCATIONRELIGIOUS STUDIESSPANISHSTATISTICSGCSE RESULTS 2024 (% of Pupils achieving Grades)EXAMBOARDNICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEANICCEATOTALENTERED8029141697010831180154257128128603915180291422103401744124% A*2971011716361616411612501730511517204% A* - A6852493659502348605637464047462068380413948594738% A* - B84838371847855808580625774806727917229647575777683% A*-C*989393888791749796888768939088479883657789939191100% < C002741100108143210201721915300% < E0000103000100000000000000% A* - C100100989396999010099100928697989080999379919995971001002024A*A* - AA* - BA* - C%125078975 OR MORE A* – C7 OR MORE A* – C20249996SUMMATIVE INFORMATIONGCSE RESULTS 2024% PUPILSACHIEVING26CLICK FORCURRICULUMPAGE 8

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OPEN DAY INFORMATIONSaturday 11 January 2025 at 9.00am - 12.00 midday. Principal’s addresses at 9:15am and 11:00am in the School’s Assembly Hall.To Parents/Guardians naming The Wallace High School as a preference on your child’s application on the Transfer Application.It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure that any information relevant to an application for Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision is included in the appropriate claim form for the Schools’ Entrance Assessment and attached to the Transfer Application. Glossary of Terms:SEA – Schools’ Entrance Assessment SEAG – Schools’ Entrance Assessment GroupSEA TSAS – Schools’ Entrance Assessment Total Standardised Age ScoreWallace SAS – Wallace Standardised Age ScoreWallace High School (the School)Entrance Test ResultsWallace High School (the School) will consider the outcome of a pupil’s performance in the Schools’ Entrance Assessment (SEA). On the Transfer application parents should provide details of the candidate number issued by The Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) when the pupil was registered for the assessment.Parents should attach the original SEAG “Statement of Outcomes” form to the application which includes the School’s Entrance Assessment Total Standardised Age Score (SEA TSAS).The Admissions Committee will be unable to consider the application if the original results form is omitted.Punctual and Late Application TreatmentDuring the admissions procedure when applying the criteria punctual applications will be considered before late applications are considered. The application procedure opens on 28 January 2025 at 12 noon (GMT) and an application submitted by the closing date of 20 February 2025 at 12 noon (GMT) will be treated as a punctual application. An application received after 12 noon (GMT) on 20 February 2025 and up to 4pm on 25 February 2025 will be treated as a late application.Special Circumstances (SC) and/or Special Provision (SP)If you are making a claim for your child to be considered under Special Circumstances or Special Provisions, please note that you are required to:(1) complete Form SC and/or Form SP which are available on the School’s website or by contacting the School to get a copy;(2) present all such information as you consider will assist the Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors in determining if Special Consideration/Special Provisions apply;(3) attach/include all such information to the Transfer application.Further details can be found in the Section ‘Special Circumstances’ in Appendix 1 and for ‘Special Provisions’ see Appendix 2.Admissions28

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As the School is a voluntary grammar school, a mandatory capital fee of £140 per annum is currently charged. This is reduced to £70 for the third and subsequent children in a family. This money is used to help nance new school buildings and equipment. Parents are asked to make an additional voluntary contribution of between £80 and £500 to support whole school initiatives and general upkeep of the buildings and grounds. The School’s “Charges and Remissions Policy” outlines optional extras of which parents may avail for their children. It can be found at www.wallacehigh.org.RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONS TO THE SCHOOLSelection of those applicants to be admitted to Year 8 has been delegated by the Board of Governors to an Admissions Committee appointed by the Board of Governors.ADMISSIONS CRITERIAAcademic CriteriaFor transfer to Year 8 the Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors will consider, in the rst instance, those children who have taken the Schools’ Entrance Assessment (SEA) provided by the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG). The Admissions Committee will not take into account the position of preference given to the School by the applicant on the transfer application. It is the responsibility of the parents of the child applying to ensure that all relevant information is made available to the School. Applications for Special Circumstances and Special Provisions will be considered rst and equally with all applications (see Appendices 1 and 2). It should also be noted that children resident in Northern Ireland, at the time of their proposed admission, must be admitted before any child not so resident.Wallace SAS GroupsThe School will admit children by categorising applicants into Wallace SAS Groups based on the SEA TSAS and admit applicants in the following order:282-281; 280-279; 278-277; 276-275; 274-273; 272-271; 270-269; 268-267; 266-265; 264-263; 262-261; 260-259; 258-257 and so on in Wallace SAS Groups of 2 SAS. Applicants in Wallace SAS Group 282-281 will be admitted before applicants in Wallace SAS Group 280-279 and so on until the Wallace SAS Group is reached in which the 170th place (or higher approved Admissions number) is located. In the event of there being more applicants within the oversubscribed Wallace SAS Group than places available, then the School’s non-academic criteria will be applied in the order stated below to admit to the last place available.Parents, whose children have an estimated SEA result, must apply for Special Provisions and follow the School’s criteria accordingly (see Appendix 2). The Admissions Committee will not accept an application from a child with an estimated SEA TSAS, without an application for Special Provisions. Non-Academic Criteria a) Children who are attending the Preparatory Department of the School.b) Children who have a child of the family enrolled in the School on the date of transfer.c) Children whose twin or triplet sibling(s) has (have) already been admitted to the School.d) Children who are transferring from primary schools from which the School has received pupils within the last ve years (see accompanying list) and who are the elder/eldest children* in their respective families or who are the rst in the family to transfer to a mainstream school or who are the only child in their family. e) Other children who are transferring from primary schools from which the School has received pupils within the last ve years (see accompanying list).f) Children entitled to free school meals at the time of application. “entitled to free school meals” will mean children who are listed on the Education Authority register as entitled to free school meals at the time of application or up until 4pm on 25 February 2025. If a child becomes eligible to free school meals after the online closing date of 12 noon on 20 February then the School must be informed by the parent of this before 4pm on 25 February5 2025, so that this criterion can be applied to the application.29

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g) Random computer-generated tie-breaker. The following random selection process, as determined by the Board of Governors and overseen by the Admissions Committee, shall be applied to determine the remaining applications to be accepted: - each application to be considered at this stage is allocated a random number electronically generated within Microsoft Excel; - the applications are then ranked in order of the random number with higher numbers having preference.*This is subject to satisfying verication requirements as set out below: Eldest child: The verifying letter must state that the child is the eldest child and that the child and family are known to the verier.Verication letter(s) must be written on headed notepaper and signed by one of the following who is not a family member of the applicant and who has known the applicant for at least two years: a Primary School Principal; an Elected Public Representative; a GP; a Solicitor; a member of the Clergy or a Police Ocer.Appendix 1Guidelines on the arrangements for Special Circumstances.“Explanation of Special Circumstances”The School has academic performance in the SEA as its rst criterion, subject only to the consideration of medical or other problems which may have aected performance in the SEA and which are supported by documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature. These ‘medical or other problems’ are commonly referred to as ‘Special Circumstances’. Where it is claimed that a child’s performance in the SEA has been aected by a medical or other problem, it is the responsibility of the parents to set out in the Special Circumstances Form (Form SC) precise details of the problem, append evidence to corroborate its existence and to show the educational attainment of the child to date.An Explanation of the Special Circumstances 2 Stage ProcessAccess ArrangementsParents must disclose in the information they provide for an application for Special Circumstances, if they applied successfully or unsuccessfully to SEAG for Access Arrangements for their child, on the Form SC.(If a Special Circumstances application is made in respect of matters for which Access Arrangements were granted, the Admissions Committee will consider the fact that Access Arrangements were granted.)Stage 1Does the Admissions Committee consider that the totality of the medical, social, educational or other veriable evidence make the case for consideration of this application under Special Circumstances?Yes – the application will proceed to Stage 2 of the Special Circumstances Process.No – the claim for Special Circumstances is rejected.Stage 2Considering the totality of the evidence provided, what adjustment, if any, should be made to the child’s Wallace SAS Group?For claims for which Special Circumstances are deemed eligible to be considered at Stage 2, the Admissions panel will consider the totality of the evidence provided, giving greater weighting to independent evidence and standardised assessment scores and assess the likely impact of the accepted Special Circumstances on the child. It should be noted by parents that both parts of the consideration referred to involve an exercise in judgement and an application for Special Circumstances accepted at Stage 2 does not lead automatically to a change in the Wallace SAS Group for the applicant.30

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Appendix 2Guidelines on the arrangements for Special Provisions.Parents may apply for Special Provisions consideration if their child falls in to one or more of the following categories:(i) Children whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland.(ii) Children who have received more than half their primary education outside Northern Ireland.(iii) Children who, due to a serious medical issue, supported by appropriate documentary evidence, or for a demonstrably valid reason also supported by appropriate documentary evidence, were either unable to sit the SEAG Entrance Assessment OR have an estimated outcome from SEAG because they only sat one of the two Entrance Assessment papers.Note: It is expected that all those seeking admission should sit the SEA, except for those children who take up residence in Northern Ireland after September 2024.Parents who wish to apply to the School under Special Provisions should complete the Special Provisions Form (Form SP), stating the precise reason why they believe the child is eligible for consideration under Special Provisions and provide appropriate independent documentary evidence. All relevant documentary evidence should be uploaded with the Transfer application.An Explanation of the Special Provisions 2 Stage ProcessStage 1Considering the totality of evidence provided, is this application deemed eligible for consideration under Special Provisions process?Yes – the application will proceed to Stage 2 of the Special Provisions Process.No – the claim for Special Circumstances is rejected.Stage 2All eligible applicants will be required to complete an assessment: ‘The School’s Special ProvisionsAssessment’. The results of this assessment will be used to generate a Wallace SAS group for eachchild. Only those children who complete the assessment can be considered. These children will then beconsidered with all other children who have applied, and the admissions criteria applied.Appendix 3Guidelines on the arrangements for an application for both Special Provisions and Special Circumstances.It is recognised that some parents may feel that their child’s case falls into more than one of the above 2categories. In this instance, all evidence within the relevant categories should be appended.If an application is accepted by the Admissions Committee as meeting the criteria for (1) Special Provisionsand (2) Special Circumstances, it will be treated as follows: (1) Special ProvisionsIf the application meets one or more of the 3 criteria as set out in Appendix 2 Special Provisions above, theapplicant will be required to complete an assessment and a Wallace SAS Group will be awarded accordingly.(2) Special CircumstancesIn respect of a consideration of Special Circumstances as outlined above, if the applicant is still deemed to be eligible for Special Circumstances at the time of the School’s Special Provisions Assessment and evidence can be provided at that time by the parent, then the parent should apply for Special Circumstances in relation to both the child’s SEA TSAS (if completed) and the assessment. Parents will be oered the opportunity, if their child is invited to sit the School’s Special Provisions Assessment, to indicate the existence of Special Circumstances, at that time, and the process outlined in Appendix 1 will be followed.A holistic judgement will then be made by the Admissions Committee having followed both the Special Provisions Process and the Special Circumstances Process and having considered all the evidence provided by the parents. A Wallace SAS Group will then be generated for each eligible child.The Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors will not adjust the Wallace SAS Group based onstatements made but not supported by evidence31

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ADMISSIONS NOTOTAL APPLICATIONSi.e. All PreferencesTOTALADMISSIONS2022/232023/242024/25170170170353276290177*183**182**** Includes 2 SEN children and 5 additional places granted by DENI under Temporary Variation.** Includes 4 SEN children, 8 additional places granted by DENI under Temporary Variation and 1 child admitted under Appeal.*** Includes 4 SEN children and 8 additional places granted by DENI under Temporary Variation.APPLICATIONS AND ADMISSIONSYEARDUTY TO VERIFYThe provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines set by the School can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to oer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer application.When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Admissions Committee will only consider information which is detailed on, or attached to, the Transfer application. Parents should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the School’s Admissions Criteria is detailed on the Transfer application or attached to it.Primary Schools from which the School has received pupils in the last ve years.AcademyAnahiltBallinderryBallycarrickmaddyBallymacashBrownleeCarninyCarrCarryduCavehillCranmore IntegratedCrumlinDonacloneyDownshireDromaraDromore CentralDrumlin IntegratedDunmurryEnniskillen Integrated Fair HillFinaghyFort Hill IntegratedFriends’ PrepFullerton HouseGaelscoil a Mona Harmony HillHoly EvangelistsKillowenKing’s ParkKnockmoreLargymoreLisburn CentralMaghaberryMaralin VillageMcKinney (Dundrod)Meadow BridgeMillennium IntegratedMoiraOakwood IntegratedOld WarrenOur Lady Queen of PeacePond ParkRiverdaleRowandale IntegratedSeymour HillSpaSt Aloysius’St Anne’sSt Bride’sSt Colman’s (Lambeg)St Joseph’s (Lisburn)St Malachy’sSt Mary’s (Derrymore)StranmillisTonaghVictoria College PrepWallace PrepWaringstownThe Information Commissioner’s website www.ico.gov.uk contains guidance for parents with regard to how to access information held by schools in relation to their child.WAITING LIST POLICYIf a vacancy arises and is to be lled during Year 8, the next applicant on the original transfer list rank order will be contacted. This list does not transfer automatically into applications for other year groups.Criteria for admission other than Year 8For applications for a place in years other than Year 8, parents must complete and return the Application for Admission form, available on www.wallacehigh.org/about/admissions-criteria/admissions-non-yr8/The criteria used to establish a rank order of applications is published on www.wallacehigh.org/about/admissions-criteria/admissions-non-yr8/ For guidance on admission to Sixth Form: https://www.wallacehigh.org/about/admissions-criteria/admissions-non-yr8/ 32

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Leading beyond wallaceWe were delighted to welcome Mr Allen Reid as our guest speaker for Prize Day. Allen is a former student of Wallace who left Upper Sixth in 1999 as a School Prefect, House Prefect and winner of the Outstanding Overall Achievement Award that year. He enjoyed his time at Wallace and is grateful for the lessons and broader experiences (including achieving the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award) gained through the school.Allen subsequently attended Queen’s University Belfast, where he achieved a First-Class Honours Degree in Mathematics. He then trained as a Chartered Accountant with BDO before working as a Senior Manager at Ulster Bank.Allen is currently the Finance Director of one of Northern Ireland’s largest construction companies, Henry Brothers, and has also qualied as a Chartered Director. Allen joined the Board of Governors for Wallace in 2024, and his eldest child is in Year 10 at Wallace.During our Senior Prize Day, Allen oered some sage advice to our students, stating: Firstly, take time over decision making before proceeding with what seems right. A map or development plan will help with the direction and your gut feel is also particularly important. I know you have a target-setting culture in Wallace, so this is a great start and keep setting yourself targets.Approach the bumps on the track with the right attitude. As Winston Churchill once said, “Attitude is a little word that makes a big dierence”Persevere, be resilient, work hard and be determined when things are dicult, particularly where there is light at the end of the tunnel. By all means take that return journey where you need to, but it is not always the least expensive. I know at Wallace you are encouraged to have a growth mindset so again keep this at the forefront of your mind as you face challenges.Be ready to take an opportunity and jump on the train if the right one comes along. One of the school’s core values is “Opportunity” and you should continue to embrace these core values after you leave Clonevin Park. Change is inevitable. Don’t get derailed by change but be agile, adapt and switch to a dierent track if circumstances dictate. As an example, many people and businesses had to pivot during Covid.Don’t rest on your laurels, continue to learn, and develop throughout your career. Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you sit still.And lastly build your network, take advice, and collaborate … but you must back yourself with your career choices and give them your best shot.’He concluded his address with this nal piece of advice for our leavers: ‘I would highlight for the leavers that today might be the last time you see some fellow students and teachers. I’m fortunate to have many lifelong friends from my school days at Wallace but inevitably as life moves on it is dicult to remain in regular contact. So, my suggestion is for you to ensure that you do take the time and do make the eort to maintain the relationships you’ve developed during your time at Wallace in the years ahead.’ Mr Allen Reid33

Wallace High School Prospectus 2025

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