Wallace High School has enjoyed an outstanding netball season, with excellent performances across all age groups. From Minor to Senior level, our teams have demonstrated commitment, resilience, and impressive skill throughout both league and cup competitions.

Minor Teams

The Minor squads have had a particularly strong year.
Minor A finished as joint winners of the NI Area League, narrowly missing out on a place in the league semi-finals on goal difference—an impressive achievement in a highly competitive section.

Minor B also excelled, finishing as runners-up in the NI Area League, losing just one match all season to Sullivan A. Their consistency and determination were key highlights.

Junior Teams

The Junior teams built on this success with an exceptional season.
Junior A were crowned NI Area League winners, and went on to finish as runners-up in both the NI League and the NI Cup, demonstrating their strength across all competitions.

Junior B competed well throughout the year and reached the quarter-finals of the Plate competition, showing steady progress and development.

Intermediate Teams

At Intermediate level, Wallace teams continued to impress across multiple squads.

Intermediate A were NI Area League winners and reached the semi-finals of both the NI League and the NI Cup, narrowly losing the Cup semi-final after extra time to Dominican—an indication of how closely contested their matches were.

Intermediate B1 had a superb season, finishing as runners-up in the NI Area League with only one defeat, and were crowned NI Plate winners, highlighting their strong form in knockout competition.

Intermediate B2 also delivered solid performances, finishing in 3rd place in the NI Area League.

Senior Team

At the highest level, Senior A achieved outstanding success. They were crowned NI Area League winners and went on to become NI League champions, marking an exceptional season for the team.

They also performed strongly in the NI Schools Cup, finishing as runners-up, rounding off a remarkable year of achievement.

A Word from the Coach

Coach Dawn Baxter praised the efforts of all involved:

“A special thank you to everyone who stepped in to provide additional support to our netball programme this year during my period of illness. It was a true testament to the strength and spirit of our community that so many were willing to ensure all training sessions and fixtures went ahead, enabling the girls to enjoy the best experience possible.”

“We are incredibly proud of every player involved this season, from our youngest squads to our senior leaders. Their commitment, teamwork, and resilience have been outstanding, and they have represented the school with real pride and determination throughout every competition this year. We look forward to even more success ahead.”

Overall, this has been a hugely successful season for Wallace High School netball, with success across all age groups. The dedication of players and coaches alike has been evident, and these achievements are a testament to the strength and depth of netball within the school.

We would like to thank Stephen Hamilton, photographer for Netball NI, for allowing us to use his photographs in this article and in our social media posts.

You can keep up to date with all the latest sporting news at Wallace via https://www.instagram.com/wallacesport

A Bold First Launch

At the start of April, the first-ever UKROC (UK Youth Rocketry Challenge) team from The Wallace High School placed their precious rocket—complete with its fragile raw egg cargo—onto the launch pad near Lough Neagh. Having had only a single prior test flight, this was the high-stakes Northern Ireland Regional Final, and the pressure was firmly on.

The dedicated team of Dan, Lewis, Josh, Josh, Matthew and Luke designed and built their rocket to incredibly tight competition criteria. Every single gram and millimetre mattered: they had to match strict weight, length and motor specifications to reach a precise target altitude of 229 metres, with a flight time of exactly 39 seconds. To top it off, they had to safely recover the raw egg completely uncracked from an undamaged fuselage.
This was quite a task for a team who knew very little about rocketry back in September. From early concepts and rough calculations to practical construction and testing, the students rapidly developed both their technical understanding and their problem-solving abilities. Their journey reflected the essence of engineering: learning through trial, error and continuous refinement.

Luckily, they had the expert guidance of James Kavanagh-Cranston—a physicist, rocket enthusiast and engineering mind at Camlin Engineering—whose advice proved invaluable throughout the process. WHS is also deeply grateful for the support of two local companies, Warmflow and Pilgrims, alongside the WHS PTA, who generously sponsored the team’s substantial rocket construction costs.

A Dramatic Flight and Recovery

When the moment arrived, the motor fired and she launched… as perfectly as Artemis. Reaching her apex, the rocket began her descent: the stage separation executed flawlessly, the parachute deployed, and the team ecstatically tracked her return to Earth. It was a moment of genuine success, as months of preparation came together in a few spectacular seconds.
Remarkably, the rocket achieved a soft landing on the grass, while many competitor rockets unfortunately struck the concrete runway. This alone was a testament to the team’s careful design and effective deployment system.

However, excitement briefly turned to concern as the team realised the altimeter had abandoned ship during flight and was lost somewhere across the massive expanse of concrete and grass. Without this device, their performance data—and therefore their final score—could have been compromised.
Thankfully, the team’s sharp young ears picked up the faint electronic beeps it was emitting, and after a tense search, the crucial data tracker was successfully recovered. Relief spread quickly among the students as they realised their efforts would be properly assessed.

Had they come close to the target height and time? Had the payload survived the journey
Inside the hangar, the rocket was meticulously dismantled and the egg revealed. Sadly, the cargo had not quite made it—in fact, it was rather obliterated. While disappointing, this outcome offered valuable insights into the structural and shock-absorption challenges involved in rocket design.

Looking Ahead: Lessons and Legacy

Despite the unfortunate fate of the egg, the competition proved to be a monumental learning experience and an incredibly worthwhile vehicle for following a technical brief, designing, building and testing a physical concept. The team demonstrated resilience, adaptability and a willingness to learn from every stage of the process.

Head of Physics, C Crozier, praised the team: “This group has demonstrated exceptional resilience, technical curiosity and teamwork throughout this project. To reach a regional final with such limited initial experience is a remarkable achievement. They have embraced every challenge, learned rapidly from setbacks, and represented Wallace High School with real determination and pride.”

For our future WHS engineers, this experience has laid a strong and invaluable foundation. Beyond the technical skills, the students gained confidence, collaboration experience and a deeper appreciation for applied physics and engineering principles.

Thank you to UKROC and their national sponsors for organising such an inspiring competition, and a massive congratulations to Friends’ School Lisburn (FSL), who took the regional title and will represent Northern Ireland at the UK finals in June. We wish them the very best of luck as they progress to the next stage.
As for WHS Rocketry, this is only the beginning. Armed with knowledge, experience and renewed determination, the team is already looking ahead. It is onward, upward and into 2027.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news from Wallace High School via http://www.instagram.com/wallacehighlisburn

Total Number of Places Available: 176 (including 6 additional places approved)

Total Number of Applications Considered: 318

The Wallace High School received a total of 318 applications via the EA Connect online portal. There were 176 places available, which included 6 additional places approved. The Board of Governors applied the published admissions criteria.

In the first instance, the first 150 places and ties (i.e. 151 applicants) were allocated under the criterion of rank order of the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) score. The 150th place fell on a SEAG TSAS of 211; as there were multiple applicants with this score, all such applicants were included, resulting in 151 applicants being admitted at this stage. This left 25 places to be filled from the admissions pool.

In accordance with the published admissions criteria, a pool of applicants was then identified from the remaining applications. The next 40 applicants, ranked in descending order of their SEAG TSAS, were selected for inclusion in the pool. The cut‑off point for inclusion in the pool fell on a SEAG TSAS of 205. As several applicants had achieved this same score, all such applicants were included, which resulted in a total of 44 applicants being placed in the pool.

The published non‑academic admissions criteria were applied to the applicants within the pool, in the order set out in the admissions criteria. At each stage, applicants were admitted where the number meeting a criterion did not exceed the number of places available.

At non‑academic sub‑criteria a, b and c, 5 applicants were admitted, and 20 places remained available. The School became oversubscribed at non‑academic sub‑criterion d: as the number of applicants meeting this criterion (27) exceeded the number of remaining places available (20), only applicants who met this criterion could be considered for the remaining places.

Following the application of all non‑academic sub‑criteria, the School remained oversubscribed. In line with the published admissions criteria, the remaining eligible applicants were re‑ranked under criterion 3a). This re‑ranking resulted in a cut‑off score of 207.

As remaining applicants tied on this score exceeded the number of places, the published tie‑breaker, criterion 3b), was applied to determine the 25^th place within the pool.

A total of 176 applications were selected – 151 by rank order and 25 from the ‘pool’.

An Early Start and a Cultural Welcome

A punctual 2.30am departure from Clonevin Park was fully embraced by students, staff and parents alike. Richmond Coaches, as ever, delivered exceptional professionalism, ensuring a smooth arrival at Terminal 2 for a 4.30am check-in and a 6.40am flight to Charles de Gaulle Airport.

After an enjoyable bounce on the 1960s rubber escalators in CDG Terminal 1, the choir travelled by RER and Metro to the hotel to drop off luggage. A quick supermarket stop for lunches followed before Capella, acting as cultural ambassadors, were rewarded with half-price Metro tickets from RATP staff in exchange for a short performance at the ticket gates.

Opera, Landmarks and the Irish Embassy

Armed with Metro passes, the choir continued on foot to the Opéra Garnier, before walking past La Madeleine, through Place de la Concorde, up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and finally reaching the Irish Embassy.

Here, Capella performed a programme of sacred and Irish music, warmly received by embassy staff. The visit included a guided tour, a discussion on diplomacy, and a presentation from Wallace on the Wallace Fountains, accompanied by the gift of a Tyrone crystal glass bearing the Wallace crest.

After dinner at a local restaurant, where students sampled Menu Terroir, the group continued to the Eiffel Tower. Choir members ascended the 934 steps to the second floor with ease, while Mr Falconer allowed his watch to explore previously unknown heart rates. That concluded an unforgettable first day.

Sacred Music at St Sulpice

Day two began early with a buffet breakfast and a Metro journey to the Musée d’Orsay, where free entry allowed several hours of cultural exploration. The real work followed at St Sulpice, Paris’s second-largest church and temporary cathedral during Notre Dame’s restoration.

Capella performed an entirely unaccompanied programme of sacred music, much of it from the Lenten season. The church’s remarkable acoustics enriched every note, with Annabel Wong’s Miserere top Cs resonating beautifully. The audience included local choir members, tourists and supporters, including former Wallace teacher John Crothers, who later joined the group for dinner and a River Seine boat tour.

Palm Sunday Performances and Parisian Highlights

On day three, with clocks having sprung forward, Capella sang Mass at St Patrick’s Chapel in the Irish Cultural Centre. Following outdoor singing at the Blessing of the Palms, the choir led the Palm Sunday liturgy before giving an informal courtyard performance featuring Irish-language repertoire and Fionnghuala, with former member James returning to sing the solo.

James then guided the group through the Luxembourg Gardens, Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Tuileries, before an evening in Place Clichy, enjoying pizza, Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Cœur.

A Final Farewell to Paris

Day four offered time for shopping and reflection in the Marais and Les Halles before returning to CDG and home to Wallace. Though exhausted, Capella left Paris enriched by music, culture and shared experience.

The students were exemplary throughout, representing themselves, their families and Wallace High School with pride. Their behaviour and musical excellence were matched only by their enthusiasm and commitment. Mr Falconer, Ms Colton, Ms Coughlan and Ms Steele were immensely proud of them all.

Head of Music, Mr D Falconer commented:

“This tour was a transformative experience for our singers. Performing in extraordinary venues, navigating Paris together and representing Wallace High School with pride strengthened musicianship, independence and friendships. I am immensely proud of Capella’s discipline, generosity of spirit and musical ambition throughout an unforgettable weekend of learning, growth and joy.”

You can keep up to date with life at Wallace High School via http://www.instagram.com/wallacehighlisburn

Inspiring Generosity Through Reading

Key Stage Three pupils at Wallace High School have demonstrated outstanding generosity and community spirit by raising an impressive £8,500 in support of Cancer Fund for Children. The funds were raised through a week-long sponsored reading initiative, held during English lessons, which also aimed to promote literacy and a love of reading for pleasure.

The initiative, entitled Read On, encouraged pupils to immerse themselves in books throughout the school week while seeking sponsorship from family and friends. The event successfully combined academic enrichment with charitable giving, reinforcing the school’s commitment to both educational excellence and social responsibility.

Celebrating Effort, Empathy and Community Support

Head of English, Gillian Weir, expressed her pride in the pupils’ efforts and the wider school community’s involvement:

“I am delighted with the enthusiasm shown by our pupils and truly value the support of families in our long-standing connection with the charity. The initiative not only highlighted pupils’ dedication to reading but also showcased their willingness to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

The fundraising effort culminated in a special presentation event held at the launch of the school’s World Book Day celebrations. Ms Weir continued:

“It was wonderful to welcome Rebecca Oates from Cancer Fund for Children to our school assembly.”

This visit provided a valuable opportunity for younger pupils to learn more about the vital work carried out by the charity, including the exceptional support services offered at Daisy Lodge.

During the visit, pupils gained insight into how Cancer Fund for Children supports children and families affected by cancer, offering therapeutic short breaks, emotional support and a safe, nurturing environment for those navigating incredibly challenging circumstances. This helped pupils to fully appreciate the real-world impact of their fundraising efforts.

A Lasting Legacy of Literacy and Philanthropy

The Read On initiative also aligned with Wallace High School’s commitment to take part in the National Year of Reading, further emphasising the importance of literacy as a lifelong skill. By integrating reading with charitable action, the English Department successfully nurtured both a passion for literature and a deep sense of empathy and social awareness among pupils.

Ms Weir also extended her heartfelt thanks to the English teaching staff for their dedication in organising and delivering the initiative, commenting:

“It is fitting that we are following in the footsteps of our founder, Sir Richard Wallace, who was widely recognised for his altruism.”

This connection to the school’s heritage added further significance to the pupils’ achievements, linking their efforts to a long-standing tradition of philanthropy.

The success of the sponsored read highlights the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when education and community engagement come together. Pupils not only strengthened their reading habits and discovered new texts, but also contributed to a cause that supports children and families during times of serious illness.

Wallace High School continues to place strong emphasis on developing well-rounded young people who are both academically capable and socially conscious. Initiatives such as Read On 2026 exemplify how schools can inspire pupils to engage with learning in meaningful ways while making a tangible difference within their communities.

The £8,500 raised will go directly towards supporting the invaluable work of Cancer Fund for Children, helping to ensure that more families can access the care and support they need. Wallace High School looks forward to continuing its partnership with the charity and building on the success of this year’s initiative in the future.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news at Wallace via http://www.instagram.com/wallacehighlisburn

You can find out more about our other charitable endeavours in the article below:

Touchdown: From Gatwick to Kensington in Record Time

After a smooth flight and quick train transfer from Gatwick Airport into central London, the group began their adventure by dropping luggage at the Residence Inn, Kensington—their home base for the night. Excitement was high, energy levels… less so. Thankfully, the first mission was a universal priority: food. Recharged and refueled, the Politics pupils dove straight into London life, hopping back onto the Underground to begin a walking tour of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

From the sweeping lawns of Hyde Park to the regal gates of Buckingham Palace, the group soaked up the sights with enthusiasm. Cameras clicked, selfies were taken, and the ever reliable British weather held up—at least for a while. The tour wound its way through Trafalgar Square and the impressive Horse Guards Parade, giving students the chance to connect their political studies to the historic backdrop of Britain’s institutions.

Covent Garden to the London Eye: A Night of Lights and Laughter

The next stop was the vibrant and always bustling Covent Garden, where the pupils enjoyed some well earned downtime. Souvenir shopping quickly turned competitive, with some students on a mission to find the perfect gift for home—while others focused exclusively on treating themselves. Crepes were the runaway favourite snack, though rumours persist of one student sampling something from every food stall in sight.
With packages in hand and spirits high, the group made their way to one of London’s most breathtaking attractions: the London Eye. As they ascended high above the Thames, the panoramic cityscape stretched out beneath them—glittering lights, iconic architecture, and a sense of awe that even the worsening weather couldn’t dampen. As the first drops of rain began to fall, it was time to retreat to the comfort of Earl’s Court and settle in for an early night. After all, the next day promised even more excitement.

Whitehall, Westminster, and Real World Politics in Action

A hearty breakfast set the tone for day two, and with checkout complete, the group marched on towards Whitehall, ready for a morning immersed in the workings of UK democracy. The first stop was the UK Supreme Court, where students explored the role of Britain’s highest judicial body and gained insight into the delicate balance of powers at the top of the legal system.
After a short refreshments break, the group continued to Westminster Hall for a special meeting with Lord Rogan—a rare and invaluable opportunity to hear firsthand from a member of the House of Lords and former Wallace pupil. His stories, insights, and candid reflections gave the pupils a deeper understanding of political life beyond the textbook.

But the day was far from over. The Parliamentary Education Service provided a guided tour that allowed the group to witness both a House of Commons debate and a House of Lords debate in action. For students studying political processes, seeing live democracy unfold just metres away was amazing.

The visit ended with a high energy workshop, where teams battled it out to create their own political party manifestos and pitched their ideas to win votes. Passion, persuasion, and humour ran high—an unforgettable finale to a packed trip.

Reflections

Miss Frey, Head of History and Politics, reflected proudly on the group’s achievements and enthusiasm:
“This year’s London trip was a tremendous success from start to finish. Our pupils showed curiosity, maturity, and a genuine passion for politics that made the experience incredibly rewarding. Watching them engage with real political institutions and debates, and then channel that energy into their own manifesto workshop, was inspiring. Their enthusiasm reminded us why these trips are so valuable. Beyond the academic benefits, the pupils supported one another, embraced every challenge, and made lifelong memories. We could not be more proud of how they represented the school—both as learners and as young adults.”

The 2026 London Politics Trip was more than just a school outing—it was a vibrant, enriching dive into the living world of politics. With unforgettable experiences, new friendships strengthened, and a deeper understanding of democracy gained, the pupils returned home tired but buzzing with inspiration. And if the excitement already brewing is anything to go by, next year’s trip may be even bigger!

You can keep up to date with all the latest news at Wallace via http://www.instagram.com/wallacehighlisburn

What is NICMAC?

The Northern Ireland Creative Movement and Aerobic Championships is one of the longest-running and best-known dance competitions in Northern Ireland. Held annually at Lisburn Leisureplex, the event brings together schools, dance academies and independent performers from across the province to compete in a variety of categories, including team routines, solos, duets and trios. Performances span multiple dance styles, including Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Commercial and Street Dance, and are judged on technique, choreography and overall presentation.

The Wallace Dance Team entered seven performances into the schools’ competition, including four group routines, a Lyrical duet, a Contemporary solo and a Commercial solo. The competition was fierce, with over 1,200 performers and more than 350 entries from schools including Friends’ School Lisburn, Banbridge Academy, Hunterhouse College and Belfast Royal Academy.

Performances

The first performance came from Sophie Grieve (Year 12) and Lucy Walker (Year 12), who entered a beautiful Lyrical duet in the Intermediate Pairs Division to Anatomy by Kenzie. The girls delivered a performance filled with elegant technique and emotion, earning them 1st place.

It was then time for the Intermediate Team dances. Wallace’s Intermediate Team kicked off the section with a Contemporary-Lyrical performance to Silk by Wolf Alice. The dancers conveyed the ethereal and moody melody through seamless transitions and expressive emotion, securing a 1st place trophy.

The Intermediate Team then returned to the stage for their second routine, switching to an energetic Jazz-Commercial performance to Voulez-Vous by ABBA. Wearing eye-catching ABBA-style jumpsuits, the girls fully embodied the sassy disco beat, showcasing impressive stamina and confident stage presence. Their performance earned another 1st place trophy.

Next, it was the turn of the Junior Team. Their first dance was a haunting Contemporary piece to Something Wicked This Way Comes by James Warburton. The captivating routine saw the girls portray the story of witches, earning them 2nd place.

The Juniors also demonstrated their versatility with a high-energy routine to the iconic I Don’t Dance from High School Musical 2. Trading their witch personas for baseball players, the dancers staged a playful dance battle. The routine blended Jazz, Commercial, Street Dance and Funk to create a highly entertaining performance, which finished in 2nd place.

The final performances from Wallace came from Year 11 pupil Pippa McCullough and Year 13 pupil Alexa Yeung. Pippa impressed with a feisty and confident Commercial routine to a remix featuring Swagger Jagger by Cher Lloyd and Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé, earning her a 1st Place Gold medal. Meanwhile, Alexa delivered an emotional Contemporary performance to Harry Styles’ Falling. Her routine highlighted her exquisite technique, earning her a 3rd Place Bronze medal.

The Wallace High Dance Team

Now in its second year, the Wallace High Dance Team continues to grow as a vibrant part of the school’s extra-curricular life. The team brings together pupils who share a passion for dance, providing them with an additional opportunity to represent the school.

Founded in 2024 by teachers Miss Cairns (Biology teacher and former Wallace pupil) and Miss McCallister (History teacher), the team has quickly established itself within the school community. Both teachers bring extensive dance experience and qualifications. Running weekly rehearsals, they have worked closely with the dancers, choreographing a range of routines for competition.

The team also receives valuable support from Miss Allen, who helped organise costumes for the routines.

Reflections

Reflecting on the team’s achievements, Miss Cairns said:

“It has been fantastic to see how much the Dance Team has grown in such a short time. The pupils have shown incredible commitment in rehearsals and have worked extremely hard to perfect their routines. Being able to provide opportunities like this is so important, as it allows students to showcase talents and creativity that may not always be visible within the usual school setting. Seeing their hard work come to life on stage at NICMAC was incredibly rewarding, and I am so proud of the way they performed. They truly are an asset to Wallace.”

Miss McCallister added:

“Competitions like NICMAC are a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to showcase their talent and creativity. The girls supported one another throughout the day and represented Wallace with great enthusiasm and professionalism. It has been a privilege to watch them develop both individually and as a team.”

The team would also like to sincerely thank Miss Allen and Miss Dickson for attending the evening session of the competition to support the dancers. Their encouragement meant a great deal.

Looking ahead, the Wallace High Dance Team hopes to continue building on their success and create further opportunities for pupils to perform and compete.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news from Wallace High via http://www.instagram.com/wallacehighlisburn

You can find out more about our Dance Team’s success in 2025 below:

Challenges, Creativity and Hands‑On Science

The week began with a competitive buzz as Mrs Davison launched her school-wide Physics Quiz. Open to students and staff alike, the quiz challenged participants with puzzles, brainteasers and physics trivia. House points were awarded across all year groups, with a winner in each category — and even a few determined teachers managing to secure victories of their own. The event set an energetic tone for the days ahead.

Year 8 students then took on the ambitious task of designing scale models of the Solar System. Blending mathematical calculations with creativity, teams worked together to construct representations of planets, orbits and relative distances. Many models showcased impressive craftsmanship, while others introduced an imaginative twist — including a few that were not only scientifically inspired but also edible! Regardless of approach, the project encouraged students to think critically about the scale of our universe.

For Year 10, the focus shifted closer to home as they embarked on an engaging tour of the school’s energy systems. With the help of Maintenance Manager Nigel Hyland, who led the visit with expert knowledge and enthusiasm, students explored the boiler room, plant room and roof — the latter viewed through drone footage. Along the way, they tackled quizzes and mental‑maths challenges before returning to the classroom for a demonstration of micro‑generators.

Science of Light, STEM Careers and Impressive Achievement

Years 11 and 13 had the exciting opportunity to participate in workshops delivered by Queen’s University Belfast, where they explored the science of light through hands‑on experiments. Using university‑level equipment, students investigated concepts such as spectroscopy and optical analysis, gaining insights into how scientists study the universe without leaving Earth. The sessions provided a valuable bridge between classroom learning and real scientific research.

Senior students also benefited from a CEIAG careers talk focused on the broad pathways opened by studying A‑level Physics. James, now working with Camlin, explained how his role contributes to the reliability of power networks through advanced electrical monitoring systems. Meanwhile, Ben joined the session live from Chicago, where he is currently auditing America’s second‑largest private company with Grant Thornton. Their stories highlighted the versatility and global relevance of physics qualifications.

The department was also thrilled to celebrate the achievements of five AS students in this year’s Physics Olympiad. Their impressive results — two Silver and three Bronze certificates — reflect outstanding commitment and talent. A special congratulations goes to Maison Baisley, who came remarkably close to achieving Gold, demonstrating excellence at a highly challenging national level.

Rockets, Baking… and Leptons? Physics Week Comes to Life!

Year 14 students took part in two particularly memorable activities during Physics Week. The UKROC rocket team is currently finalising their competition model, scheduled for its first test launch next weekend before participating in the Northern Ireland heat on 27 March. Their dedication, teamwork and technical skill have already impressed, and the whole school community wishes them the very best of luck.

Meanwhile, the rest of the year group swapped lab coats for aprons in a physics‑themed baking challenge. Creations ranged from Quark Cookies to Particle Cupcakes, but the winning entry stood out for its meticulous design: colour‑coordinated matter and antimatter leptons, carefully separated yet scientifically inspired. The activity offered a fun and imaginative way to bring physics concepts to life.

Reflecting on the week, Mrs C. Crozier, Head of Physics, shared her delight:
“Physics Week is always a highlight, but this year the enthusiasm, imagination and teamwork shown by our students was truly exceptional. Watching them explore, experiment and enjoy physics in so many different ways has been inspiring — it’s been an amazing experience for all of us.”

A huge well done to all involved in making Physics Week 2026 such a tremendous success — a celebration of curiosity, creativity and the exciting power of Physics!

You can keep up to date with all the latest news from Wallace via http://www.instagram.com/wallacehighlisburn

Find out more about our ‘Science in Focus’ weeks below:

Day One: Ferry Crossing, First Fixtures and Team Bonding

The journey began bright and early as we boarded the Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan. Spirits were high despite the 5.45am meet, and the crossing provided everyone with a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy the views across the Irish Sea before the busy schedule ahead. Some players used the time to go over tactics, while others enjoyed the novelty of travelling by ferry with their teammates. After arriving in Scotland, we travelled by coach to our first fixture at Jordanhill School in Glasgow.

Following a warm welcome from our hosts, both the U14A and U14B squads faced strong U15 opposition. The matches were fast and physical, with the B team showing great determination and the A team demonstrating excellent teamwork and passing combinations. The U14A side secured an 8–0 victory, while the U14B team won 5–0. After the matches, we enjoyed sandwiches and refreshments before heading to Flip Out Glasgow for a two-hour trampoline session — the perfect way to unwind after an exciting afternoon of hockey and let off some energetic steam.

That evening, we checked into the Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde, our base for the tour. A buffet dinner of pasta dishes and chocolate fudge cake was well received by a hungry squad, and the lively dinner-table conversations showed just how quickly the group was bonding. After a long and eventful first day, everyone was ready for a well-earned night’s sleep.

Day Two: Fixtures in Edinburgh and a Lively Evening in Glasgow

Day Two began with breakfast at the hotel before we travelled east to Edinburgh for our second set of fixtures at George Watson’s College. The drive itself added to the adventure, with pupils enjoying the scenery and discussing their goals for the day. Once again facing U15 teams, our players stepped up impressively. Having learned valuable lessons from Day One, both squads showed noticeable improvement in communication, positioning, and composure on the ball. The U14A team won 2–0, whilst the U14B team narrowly lost 2–1. The matches were competitive, fast-paced, and played in great spirit, demonstrating the commitment and progress made throughout the tour.

After the games, we swapped hockey sticks for bowling balls at Tenpin Edinburgh Fountain Park. A lively hour of ten-pin bowling sparked plenty of friendly rivalry between teammates, with strikes celebrated loudly and the occasional gutter ball greeted with laughter. We then returned to Glasgow to prepare for our end-of-tour meal at COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet. The buffet was a highlight, offering a vast range of dishes and giving everyone the opportunity to celebrate together while enjoying food from around the world.

Day Three: Topgolf Fun and the Journey Home

On our final morning, after checking out, we visited Topgolf Glasgow, where the competition continued as players aimed for targets while enjoying breakfast baps and refreshments. The relaxed but competitive atmosphere made it a brilliant team activity and a fun way to round off the trip. For many pupils, it was their first time trying Topgolf, adding an extra element of excitement to the final morning.

We then travelled back to Cairnryan to catch the return Stena Line sailing to Belfast. Although everyone was tired, there was a real sense of pride in what had been achieved over the three days. Conversations on the return journey were filled with match highlights, funny moments, and talk of future tours.

Reflecting on another successful hockey tour, Miss Montgomery commented:

“The tour was about far more than results. It was about resilience, teamwork and representing Wallace High School with pride. New friendships were strengthened, confidence grew, and valuable experience was gained against Scottish opposition. A huge thank you goes to the staff who organised and supported the trip — it truly was a tour to remember.”

You can keep up to date with all the latest sporting news via http://www.instagram.com/wallacesport

Excellent Conditions at Waterville Valley

Skiing began at Waterville Valley, where the group spent the first three days on the mountain. Conditions were excellent, with well‑groomed slopes and beautiful blue skies providing an ideal environment for learning and improving. Beginners made superb progress over the three days, gaining confidence in their balance, control, and turning skills. Many students who had never skied before were soon able to tackle longer runs and navigate lifts independently.

Meanwhile, the intermediate group made the most of the outstanding conditions by exploring the entire mountain. They demonstrated determination and growing technical ability, successfully skiing a wide range of runs. A particular highlight was their achievement in completing the challenging double black slope, True Grit. This was a proud moment for the group and a clear sign of how much their skills and confidence had developed during their time on the snow.

Fresh Powder at Cannon Mountain

For the final two days of skiing, the trip moved to Cannon Mountain. Here, students experienced completely different conditions, with fresh powder covering the slopes. Skiing in powder presented a new challenge for many, requiring adjustments in technique and balance. Despite this, all skiers adapted well and continued to improve steadily. The change in terrain and snow conditions added variety to the trip and allowed students to broaden their overall skiing experience.

Après‑Ski Fun and Memorable Moments

The fun continued long after the lifts closed each day, with a varied and enjoyable après‑ski programme. One evening included a trip to the cinema, giving everyone a chance to relax after a busy day on the slopes. Another outing took the group shopping at the Tanger Outlets, followed by a visit to Walmart, where students enjoyed some retail therapy and the opportunity to pick up souvenirs and treats.

Back at the resort, students also took full advantage of the excellent leisure facilities. The heated outdoor pool was especially popular, offering a unique and relaxing way to unwind in the winter air. Other evening activities included ice skating, which proved both entertaining and challenging, as well as a lively pizza night that brought the whole group together. The trip concluded with a games and awards night, celebrating individual achievements, progress on the slopes, and memorable moments from throughout the week.

On the journey home, the group enjoyed a half‑day stop in the Quincy Market area of Boston. This provided a final opportunity to explore, grab lunch, and reflect on the highlights of the trip before heading to the airport for the return flight.

Overall, the Wallace High School ski trip was a tremendous success. Students demonstrated resilience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to challenge themselves, both on and off the slopes. With excellent skiing conditions, a wide range of activities, and many shared experiences, the trip created lasting memories and helped strengthen friendships across the group. It was a rewarding and enjoyable week that will no doubt be remembered fondly by everyone who took part.

Reflections on the WHS Ski Trip 2026

Having reflected on an amazing adventure, tour leader Mr Monteith commented:

“This year’s ski trip was truly outstanding from start to finish. The pupils embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, determination, and a brilliant attitude. Whether they were tackling their very first green run or taking on steep double black slopes, they supported one another and showed remarkable progress each day. Off the slopes, their behaviour was exemplary, and they approached every activity with positivity and good humour. It was a pleasure to watch them grow in confidence, form new friendships, and make memories that will last a lifetime. I couldn’t be prouder of the way they represented our school.”

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