As the first term for our new Year 8 cohort ended, we could reflect on a fun-filled and engaging induction programme. Last term our Year 8 students had the opportunity to engage in a vast array of extra-curricular activities, both before and after school. As a whole year group, they learnt new skills and entertained the wider Wallace community at the Year 8 concert. They have become immersed into the House system at Wallace, enjoyed their first Christmas Pie show and enjoyed a Christmas themed movie night.
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The Year 8 Concert
One of the highlights of the Year 8 induction programme is the annual Year 8 concert, which is led by our Music Department. This year, the evening of entertainment was also managed by our talented Year 13 BTEC musicians. Organising events and supporting performances is a core element of the new course which is delivered at A Level.
As part of the Year 8 music curriculum, we strive to include everyone in the Wallace community by performing for family and friends. This performance allows all students the chance to play an instrument, bond with their new classmates and support each other. It stretches and challenges students to learn about rhythm and melody. Every year we are entertained with some four-chord classics, which are interspersed with truly unbelievable talent from singers and musicians. This event is truly unique and must be seen to be believed.
Extra-curricular Sports
At Wallace, we pride ourselves on providing excellent coaching and sporting facilities. Our Year 8 students have been participating in rugby, netball, hockey, badminton and cricket before, during and after school. They have enjoyed playing in several small-sided matches against a variety of schools. Sport truly helps create friendships, encourages teamwork and develops resilience. In 2024, many of our future sports stars will have the opportunity to play in a range of competitions and tournaments across all these sports. Students have also supported the teams in the years above, by going to cheer them on as spectators in many finals.
Extra-curricular Clubs and Societies
Wallace has a range of extra-curricular clubs and societies across several departments. In Music, our Year 8 cohort has enjoyed singing in choirs, playing in the orchestra, and taking lessons in a variety of string, brass, and woodwind instruments, as well as singing and piano. In the English Department, Year 8 have enjoyed several afternoons in the Drama Club, where they have learnt about acting, dancing and makeup skills. Recently, they went on an educational visit to the Lyric Theatre to watch a dramatisation of the Hansel and Gretel story. They have also engaged in the creative writing and poetry competitions run by the department.
In the Computing Department, many Year 8 students have been making the most of the Minecraft Club, enjoying building new worlds and collaborating on a range of projects. Our Junior Languages Club have hosted several speciality events, including the Dia de los Muertos. In the Art Department, the Art Hub has been in full swing, whilst many Year 8 participated in Biology Week. This fun packed week included baking competitions, dissections and a spelling bee.
At the core of the Wallace community is our House system. Our Year 8 took part in the annual House Quiz. This entertaining and fun packed event allowed our Year 8 to become fully integrated into their Houses and support their team!
What does 2024 have in store for our Year 8?
Our Year 8 students have been helping at the Open Morning on Saturday 6th January as guides for future Wallace students. They will be getting more opportunities to represent Wallace in a range of competitions and sports. They will take part in a range of educational visits, participate in our PBL programme in June and have fun whilst taking part in their first ever Wallace Sports Day.
Reflecting on a fun and busy first term, Mrs Rogers, Head of Year 8, stated that:
“It has been a lovely first term with our Year 8 students. They have truly embraced the opportunities that Wallace has to offer. We were delighted with their collegiality and support for the school, especially during our Open Morning. It was a delight to end our first term with the Christmas Movie Night. I want to wish everyone good luck in their January examinations.”
For more information on what Term 1 involves for our Year 8, please visit the links below and check out our instagram page.
Last modified: January 9, 2024
