The Wallace High School is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a Centre of Excellence Award from Young Enterprise Northern Ireland (YENI). This esteemed recognition celebrates our commitment to fostering enterprise and entrepreneurship among our pupils and highlights our dedication to preparing them for a dynamic and innovative future.
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Excellence
Our journey to excellence has been marked by high levels of participation in various Young Enterprise programmes and our commitment to enterprise education. Our pupils have actively engaged in YENI initiatives, consistently showcasing their talents and entrepreneurial potential. Through hands-on experiences provided by these initiatives, they have learned invaluable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and business acumen, which are essential for their personal and professional growth.
At The Wallace High School, pupils have developed essential transversal skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. These experiences have not only enriched their educational journey but also empowered them to envision and create successful futures. The emphasis on these skills ensures that our pupils are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern world and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the business environment.
Programme of Events
Our Enterprise Education programme is a cornerstone of our curriculum, beginning with Year 8 pupils in September. This programme helps them develop crucial skills and positive attitudes as they transition from primary to post-primary school. In October, our Year 10 pupils delved into lessons about career choices, personal skills, recruitment processes, and understanding the cost of living, all aimed at preparing them for successful futures. By February, Year 12 pupils focused on money management skills, receiving introductions to credit and debt, savings, budgeting, and more. Meanwhile, Year 11 pupils participated in a series of enterprise challenges, where they assumed the roles of small business owners with the guidance of a business volunteer. Finally, in April, Year 9 pupils embarked on an incredible journey, experiencing what it is like to start a business. This immersive experience provided them with both enterprise and entrepreneurship skills while enhancing their overall employability skills.
In addition to the in-house events that have taken place, we had a Year 13 group participate in the YENI Company Programme. This programme allowed them to gain first-hand experience in running a small business.
Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, we express our thanks to all staff members for their continued dedication and commitment to facilitating enterprise events and programmes. Their collective effort and support have been pivotal in nurturing our enterprise culture and shaping the experiences and opportunities offered to our pupils.
Innovation and creativity are at the heart of our enterprise programme. We encourage our pupils to think outside the box, develop unique ideas, and approach challenges with fresh perspectives. This approach not only enhances their creativity but also prepares them to be future innovators and leaders in their respective fields.
At Wallace High School, we place a high value on the development of our pupils’ financial and enterprising capabilities, recognising the crucial role these skills play in their overall education. Our comprehensive approach aims to enhance our pupils’ learning experiences both within the school environment and beyond. We believe that fostering these skills will equip our pupils with the tools they need to succeed in their future careers and personal lives.
Mrs. Knight-Geddes
Mrs. Knight-Geddes, Head of Business and Enterprise Education, stated, “At WHS, our financial and enterprise education focuses on a wide range of skills, including initiative, creativity, organisational and communication abilities, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and more. These skills foster a ‘can do’ attitude in our learners, empowering them to approach challenges with confidence and resourcefulness. The transversal skills they acquire will enable them to take an enterprising and proactive approach to their future careers and lifelong learning.”
The Centre of Excellence Award is the culmination of numerous achievements and recognitions we have received through our involvement in Young Enterprise. It stands as a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality enterprise education and our dedication to the success of our pupils. We look forward to continuing our work with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland.
Last modified: June 17, 2024
