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CREATING CONFIDENT CHILDRENWhen I grow up I want to be...PRE-PREP AND PREPARATORYDEPARTMENT

                   Contents2

musical and artistic provision and the quality of pastoral care. Our school was the focus of an ETI Inspection in 2013 in which we were graded Very Good or Outstanding in all areas. A Sustaining that, “The Wallace High School Preparatory Department continues to demonstrate a high level of capacity for sustained self-improvement in the interests of the children” (ETI, 2016). Prospective parents are most welcome to contact to come and have a look around. We look forward to hearing from you. Mr Jonny Harper BEdHead of Preparatory Department Thank you for taking the time to look at our exceptional educational opportunity that we provide in The Wallace High School Preparatory Department and Pre-Prep. It is designed to present what makes a Preparatory education with us distinctive, special and loved. Preparatory Department and children in this  school which is happy, where academic standards are high and where discipline, hard work and learning go hand in hand with our CORE values of Commitment, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence. Wallace Prep is very proud of its family ethos, its reputation for academic excellence, learning Welcome to Wallace3

PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT To accommodate working families, our canteen. Pupils can then move across to the at 9.00 am.pm and can then avail of a menu of extra-curricular activities or our After School pm and they too can attend extra-curricular Prep setting provides a state of the art facility to care for children in their pre-school year. We have invested in space and resources  For children in their pre-school year, our accommodate working parents. Pre-Prep is gross motor activities in the school hall until throughout the morning during free play until we tidy up for outdoor play around packed lunch or have a hot dinner for lunch at 12.30pm. We then engage in child-led activities for the rest of the afternoon and  Our School Day

Head of Preparatory: Mr J Harper, BEd (Hons)Head of Administration: Mrs C McDowellMrs A Ferguson, BEd (Hons) Mrs A Davidson, BEd (Hons), MEdMrs S Thompson, BEd (Hons) Mrs C Stone, BEd (Hons) Mrs G Spence, BEd (Hons) Mr M Gleave, BSc (Hons), PGCE PrimaryMrs A Patterson, BSc (Hons), PGDE Primary, MEdMrs S Jackson, BA (Hons), PGCE Primary, MALearning Support: Mrs S Dowds, BEd (Hons)Mrs S Burns Mrs A DuncanMs K YoungMrs L CameronMrs A EmmettMrs C Scanlon 5Pre-Prep Manager:Mrs N Wilson, DipPre-Prep Deputy Manager:Mrs K Pentland, BEd (Hons)Pre-Prep Assistant:Miss G SmyliePreparatory Staff

The Preparatory Department is an integral part of the Wallace community in which every child is treated as an individual. The Department retains its own identity, thus outside the classroom. Our curriculum is a treasure chest of ideas designed to challenge our pupils to think, to share opinions, to foundations in skills and knowledge through an exciting and demanding programme which is practical, appealing and ignites passion.The Wallace Community6

The Preparatory Department of The Wallace High School is a co-educational, non-denominational, single stream Preparatory Department. The Wallace High School provides education for pupils from the age of two and ten months to the age of eighteen. All children, irrespective of race, nationality or religion are welcomed into our caring, family environment. Creating Preparatory Department at The Wallace High School. Weaving the school’s core values of Commitment, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence into the NI Curriculum, we give every child the opportunity to develop his or her full potential. Our small class sizes allow teachers to provide a tailored and individual academic pathway for each pupil. This is which are designed to stimulate, develop and deepen learning. Pastoral care in the school is considered integral to the development and nurturing of the children.Core Values and AimsEXCELLENCEOPPORTUNITY COMMITMENTRESPECT 

Wallace Pre-Preparatory is full of new things and trying new ideas - all under Preparatory Department of the Wallace High the learning environment for children as young as 2 years and 10 months. Our day  The Pre-Preparatory follows The Department of Education’s Curriculum Guidance for Pre-School Education and is the starting point for your child’s educational journey. Located within the Preparatory Department, the children are educated in a facility where the child. Learning is presented to these young feeling of pressure. The opportunity for plenty of constructive, imaginative play and social experience provides a fully rounded educational foundation during the vital early years. Our Pre-School Educator plans the structure of our Pre-Preparatory activities carefully in order to develop the children’s school. We aim to promote children’s natural curiosity, creativity and critical thinking initiative is praised and the children’s growing for a positive attitude to learning and future success. Our enthusiastic, caring teaching a genuinely inclusive ethos within which every child feels secure and grows physically, socially and emotionally.Building Foundations 

Foundation Stage P1-P2In Foundation Stage, we encourage our all areas of school life and to take pride in their achievements. Our experienced the other learning areas. A wide choice of reading, writing and mathematical skills. The work is often coordinated under historical, ‘Night and Day’, ‘Dinosaurs’ and ‘People Who Help Us’. Key Stage 1 P3-P4 stimulating with a continued focus on and Numeracy. Pupils are encouraged to ask searching questions, use reasoning arranged to support schoolwork stimulating much interest, enthusiasm and motivation. The addition of our garden and polytunnel outdoor learning and Forest Schools activities throughout the school.9Making Progress9

to moving around school making particular use of the Sports pitches, Gymnasium and ICT suites. Key Stage 2 children continue to develop independent learning strategies and prepare for transition to Post-Primary Education. Children in Key Stage 2 have their learning enhanced and deepened with the innovative technology of iPads. Pupils transferring from the Preparatory Department to secondary school will have a sound foundation in ICT and have learned the use of the newest technologies. Classrooms and resource areas are well equipped with technology to allow children  develop their learning using ICT. The visionary use of iPads for pupils enhances the school’s individual delivery of the NI Curriculum and equips pupils with essential skills for the future. Assessment Group (SEAG) Assessments is provided at parental request. Our exceptionally high and the Preparatory Department is the natural route of progression for many into The Wallace High School. two overnight educational residentials.Achieving Excellence10

UniformMcCalls of Lisburn, Reach EPS and Warnocks, Belfast. Please note that any item of school uniform or PE clothing which is listed as Uniform List GIRLS Winter - Term 1 and 2School tie White shirt- long or short sleeved Navy cardigan Navy waterproof coatSchool scarf Navy hat and glovesBOYS Winter - Term 1 and 2School tie White shirt- long or short sleeved Navy V-neck jumper Grey socks Navy waterproof coatSchool scarf Navy hat and glovesGIRLS Summer - Term 3White knee-length or ankle socks BOYS Summer - Term 3 11

The Wallace High School Preparatory Department recognises that not all children learn in the same way. Pupils with Special and catered for using the expertise within and support of the Education Authority’s Psychology Service as well as other agencies. Our learning support teacher performers and those needing that little extra help to achieve their full potential. Support is provided as a mixture of 1:1 individual withdrawal sessions and in-class support.The Preparatory Departmentand dynamic range of extra-curricular activities, all of which serve to complement the classroom curriculum, from choir to a an enthusiasm for life and an awareness of the world around them.Learning Support ProvisionExtra - Curricular Activities12

Sporting ExcellenceThe Wallace High School is renowned for its sporting excellence. Children are to participate in a range of other sports including swimming, cross-country, cycling  and gymnastics. The school relies heavily upon the enthusiasm, skill and expertise of our own many of whom have coached teams to great dedicated PE teacher for lessons throughout the week. Swimming is provided as part of the PE  and we participate in galas at Ulster and Irish level. chosen for their performance development programmes.13

The Arts are a special area of strength at the Wallace Preparatory Department. We to promote personal development, creativity, in the achievements of all our pupils. The  During the early years, pupils are introduced to musical nursery rhymes and action songs. annual Nativity. In Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils learn to play the recorder and their musical knowledge is further extended in rhythm, pitch and composition. Pupils from Primary They rehearse regularly and perform at  At Wallace, we strive to create an Art curriculum that engages and inspires children to express their individual creativity and to produce their own works of art. Across Primary experience a variety of media and techniques and present. career with a full-scale musical production. involved in the rehearsal process and perform either on stage as part of the chorus of singers and dancers. Recent productions have included Annie, Honk! JR and Oliver. develop their technical and practical skills in a highly personalised way. Our specialist teachers deliver individual lessons in several strings, piano, guitar and vocal coaching.The Arts

The Wallace High School was listed as an to schools that have shown excellence, imagination and innovation in their use of IT. This is mirrored in the Preparatory Department. ICT skills are developed through a range of cross-curricular opportunities. Key Stage 2 pupils have 1:1 iPad access which encourages the development of independence and set up with age and stage appropriate apps and software. All classrooms also have smart panels installed and are fully integrated into  There are two main ICT suites that the Preparatory Department regularly use within the grammar school ensuring that all pupils have a wide range of ICT skills across a range of devices. Virtual Reality printers are only a few of the devices at the Preparatory Department’s disposal. These devices encourage creativity, imagination and in a range of cross-curricular settings. This includes exploring the International Space  using a range of age and stage appropriate delighted with the work produced focusing on texture, layers and colour schemes. We are very fortunate to liaise regularly with the music department in order to enhance digital music through apps such as GarageBand. This focuses on rhythm, melody and compositions. such an important part of daily life. We want to prepare our children for a modern workplace and we use a variety of programs such as a range of unplugged activities. ICT

The Trustees welcome applications for admission to the Preparatory Department. In the event that there are more applicants than the number of available places, the preference for admission will be given in the following order: Preparatory Department • Pupils who have attended The Wallace High School Pre-Preparatory Department.• Pupils whose twin or triplet sibling(s) has/ have been admitted.• Pupils who have a brother or sister currently enrolled in the Preparatory Department or in the grammar school.• Pupils whose parent(s) is/are currently in permanent employment in The Wallace High School.• Pupils whose parent or parents attended The Wallace High School.• Pupil is the eldest sibling in their family.• All other pupils.Pre-Preparatory Department• Pupils who have a brother or sister currently enrolled in the Preparatory Department or in the grammar school.• Pupils whose twin or triplet sibling(s)has/ have been admitted.• Pupils whose parent(s) is/are currently in permanent employment in The Wallace High School.• Pupils whose parent or parents attended The Wallace High School.• Pupil is the eldest sibling in their family.• All other pupils.Admission Throughout the YearThe Trustees welcome applications throughout the year from families who wish to transfer from another school in years up to and including P5. Only in ‘exceptional circumstances’ as defined by the Trustees, will applications be considered by the Board of Trustees to P6 or P7 classes.Admission Criteria16

The School Fees include: • Extensive range of extra-curricular activities.• Foreign Language lessons. • Caring support of on-site school nurse. • Use of additional facilities in the grammar school. Breakfast Club and this allows parents to leave the children into school earlier than the normal start time. School MealsSchool meals are optional and are provided at an additional cost. A menu is provided to all parents in advance. Pupils taking a school meal will do so in our School Canteen at a dedicated the Preparatory Department. Arrangements a packed lunch to school. After School Care Children can enjoy the individual support of trained professionals from ActivityNI from competitive rate and allows children to stay in one place with friendly, familiar faces each day. engage in a rotating and varied programme of and arts and crafts. For those who prefer a area for completing homework, reading or engaging in individual and small group for the children.17Wrap Around Care

The Wallace High School Preparatory Department secure. We take seriously our duty of care towards children and recognise our  to care for each pupil’s physical and for learning. Pupils in the Preparatory Department have access to a full-time School Nurse on site. A Pupil Council operates to give pupils a voice in whole school issues. We want our pupils to their lives. The school endeavours to keep to the highest standard of pastoral care for every child in school. The link with parents is vital and we continue to maintain a very positive and  and home. As part of our work within the Statutory Curriculum areas of Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU) and Relationships and Sexuality Education (R.S.E), our pupils are taught:• To know their rights as a child.• Strategies to help keep themselves safe in a digital world. • How to recognise inappropriate  • How to seek help if they feel unsafe. Safeguarding Children

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The Wallace High SchoolPreparatory Department12a Clonevin ParkMr J HarperHead of Preparatory DepartmentW: www.wallaceprep.orgE: prep@wallacehigh.netWhen I grow up I want to be...CREATING CONFIDENT CHILDREN