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Career Opportunities 36

5th December 2025Ciaran Prendergast

Find out more about KPMG Apprenticeships

KPMG Apprenticeship Programmes in Audit, Tax and KPMG Business Services

are open now.

Just like Dylan, as a KPMG apprentice, you’ll get full support as you work towards your qualifications, gaining real-world experience and finding your people. With study groups, socials, and office events, there are always opportunities to make friends without going to university.

“All the managers are really helpful with coaching you, helping you understand what’s going on.” – Dylan, Audit Apprentice

At KPMG, you’ll learn, connect, and make the difference from day one. It’s about earning while learning, and finding a career path that feels right for you.

KPMG Apprenticeships

Sports Business Opportunity

To help young people understand these opportunities, BALLISTIC BALLERS CIC is offering a REMOTE placement called From Pitch to Profit – Create Your Own Sports Business. The experience is designed to build confidence, independence, and employability by giving participants hands-on experience in sports coaching, event planning, and the fundamentals of how a sports-based organisation operates.

During the placement, young people will:

Support coaching sessions and learn how to lead activities, design drills, manage groups and communicate effectively.
• Help plan and deliver a small community sports event, gaining experience with scheduling, organising equipment, budgeting and project management.
• Build core business and leadership skills, including branding, promotion, teamwork and the essentials of running a sports-related venture.

The placement is suitable for students who enjoy sport, leadership, youth work or creative problem-solving, and for those who may not see themselves as athletes but are keen to contribute to the sport and wellbeing sector in other meaningful ways.

You can view the full placement details here: https://finder.futuresforall.org/opportunity-detail/0DC9426D-0A88-440A-C54D-08DE2DA8E8C7

Upcoming Insight Day with Care UK

What is an Insight Day?
Insight Days (run through Futures for All) are 3–5 hour sessions built to help young people explore an industry in a structured, engaging way. They’re designed specifically for students aged 14–19 and are a great fit for learners who benefit from a bite-size, focused introduction.

During this session, students will:

Take part in hands-on activities that build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
Hear directly from Care UK staff about day-to-day life in the sector
Explore a range of roles: from care and activities to maintenance and wellbeing support
Join an open Q&A to get honest answers about routes into the field
Get guidance on next steps and potential career pathways

This event is especially valuable for students who:

Are curious about care but aren’t sure where to start
Prefer shorter, structured learning experiences
Want to see how their classroom learning connects to real-world roles
Are exploring progression routes post-16

The team at Care UK have asked for students to watch the following Industry Spotlight Talk to prepare for their learning. Here is the link: https://www.futuresforall.org/inspirational-talks/industry-spotlight-with-care-uk

The University of Law Business School Work Experience Evening

On Tuesday, 16th December, 5pm – 7:30pm, we have teamed up with the University of Law’s Business School to put on an evening designed to help students learn more about the world of business.

We have some great workshops lined up, and it will be an excellent opportunity for you to have a mini-taster session on the subjects you could be studying at university. We will also be doing a mini session on applying to UCAS and how to make a standout personal statement. This will be great to take part in for the Christmas holiday application prep.

Workshop Overview:

During the event, we will be running three highly interactive workshops on the following:

Management – Do we really need managers, and what do they do in companies?
Marketing – Strategies used in businesses to attract customers effectively
Accounting & Finance – 40-minute workshop session on a live case study

Key Event Details:

Tuesday 16th December, 5pm – 7:30pm
Y12 & Y13 students
Workshops around business, marketing and accounting
Opportunity to hear more about studying these topics at university

To sign up, please use the link below:

Apply Here

Social Work and Nursing Conference

29 January 2026 | 09:30 – 13:30

Are your students passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? The Social Work and Nursing Conference at Southampton Solent University is the perfect opportunity for those interested in a rewarding career in either field. This event will provide an exciting, interactive experience that will inspire and inform.

What’s in store for your students?

Engaging Debates: Dive deep into pressing issues in social work and nursing.

Hands-on Experience: Try out essential nursing techniques and explore social work practices in action.

Exclusive Campus Tour: Visit our state-of-the-art facilities, designed to replicate the real-world environments students will work in.

Your students will have the chance to meet our talented academic team, talk with current students and ambassadors, and gain expert advice from admissions professionals. This event is not only designed to inspire but also to support your students’ educational journey, helping them make informed decisions about their future.

Why attend?

Gain valuable insight into studying Social Work and Nursing at Southampton Solent University.
Engage with industry professionals and gain hands-on experience.
Network with like-minded peers and academic mentors.

Encourage your students to take part in this unique opportunity to explore their future career options in Social Work and Nursing. Book your place today!

Students can attend individually and can book via this form: https://app.geckoform.com/public/#/modern/21FO00j3t6lflu00alr978edp3

Musical News 5 – December 2025

5th December 2025Heather Morgan

Recently, the Simon Balle Big Band performed at the switching on of the Hertford Lights by the Christmas Tree.

For me, the event was an inspiration. I was really, really worried about how the band would take the appalling acoustics where no one can hear anyone else. Would it rain? Would we make fools of ourselves?

I was a fool to worry. The band were incredible. Not only did they turn up on a day off, they listened, they were a team, they adapted, they danced with Santa, they played so well.

The highlight was the crowd. The Big Band is a little bit of an institution at the lights extravaganza. We've done this for....mmmm... 14 years I think. Parents, families, so many alumni, alumni families, our community, current musicians and so on were there, expecting us to be there. An incredible crowd of support. We had fun, some parents heckled (such fun!) and together, as Team Music past and present (and possibly future), we celebrated the Hertford Lights switch on and the Simon Balle Big Band.

Team Music is utterly unique. We are all part of it, not just the musicians. We are a community, a family, a team. (I think of our current Year 10 musicians - if they started in the Larch, we have been a constant in their lives for 10 years, and they are still talking to me!). We laugh together, we learn together, we get cross together and at times we are emotional together. Most importantly, we support each other through thick and thin, together, as a community. As a family. We understand each other, work together and aim to be inspired through music.

We are Team Music. How amazing is that?

Mark Taylor
Director of Music
Simon Balle Music and the Laurel Education Trust

Simon Balle Music is all about getting involved.

Ensembles, reading music, making music, being part of the team - Team Music.

I must be honest here. I am regularly asked how musicians can get involved. The answer - ask. Read music, have a wide pallet of styles and step up to be part of our incredible music. We try to encourage as many musicians to take part in Team Music, our ensembles and our performances. We need the musicians to embrace our ethos, work hard, listen to music, practice, take advice and understand that they will have to get out of their comfort zone. Sometimes, someone at home will have to ask for them.

Therefore, I am setting all musicians and families a challenge....

How much are you part of Simon Balle Music?

KS1 & 2 Curriculum

Reception have been recognising the pulse in music, then showing it physically in different ways, such as marching and clapping. We have particularly enjoyed using familiar music for this activity, such as ‘Carol of the Bells’ from ‘Home Alone.’

Y1 have been listening to ‘The March of the Toy Soldiers' from ‘The Nutcracker', and recognising the themes that represent different characters.

Y2 are continuing to learn pieces on the glockenspiel, and were particularly excited to start ‘Jingle Bells’ this week!

Y3’s reading of notation has been challenged this week by finding a piece written on the board, using their skills to read the notes, then playing it on the glockenspiel. It's been very rewarding when the children have an idea of what it might be just from reading, and it’s confirmed through their playing!

KS3 Curriculum

This term has been a vibrant and engaging one across the Key Stage 3 music curriculum, with each year group developing their practical musicianship while deepening their understanding of key musical genres and traditions.

Year 7 have been focusing on performance skills through the study of contemporary folk music. Using ukuleles as their primary instrument, pupils have learnt how to produce clear, confident chords and strumming patterns, working both individually and in small ensembles. Alongside developing secure instrumental technique, they have explored the features that define contemporary folk, discussing how traditional influences blend with modern songwriting.

Year 8 have continued to build their rhythmic fluency in the Beats and Grooves unit. This has involved hands-on performance work on the drum kit, learning to perform in three contrasting styles: rock, ballad and jazz. Pupils have gained an understanding of genre-specific drum patterns, the role of the drummer within an ensemble, and how dynamics and tempo shape a successful groove. This practical emphasis has supported the development of coordination, accuracy and ensemble awareness.

Year 9 have been strengthening their music technology skills through sequencing tasks in Soundtrap. Working towards creating a well known piece of Reggae, pupils have learnt how to construct basslines, chord progressions and drum patterns characteristic of the genre. Their creative work has been supported by studying Reggae’s rich cultural and historical background, including its origins in Jamaica and its global influence.

Across all year groups, students have shown enthusiasm, creativity and growing confidence in both performance and music-making.

Team Music Awards - November 2025

We are excited to announce our Monthly Team Music Award. Teachers across the department nominate students along with a reason - this could be for a number of reasons.

The Team Music Award ensures students are recognised and celebrated within the context of their musical learning as achievements look different for everyone!

Congratulations to our November winners!

Student

Reason

Lucas

For continually coming to lessons well prepared and well practiced. He has played a new piece almost every week so far this half term! I also see him leading the second row of clarinets in LWB with kindness and humility, helping out others when they’re lost or don’t know the notes.

Ariana

For always displaying such a positive attitude in her lessons and her dedication to Larch Orchestra.

Isla

For consistently practicing and improving, and demonstrating a renewed focus in her singing. She has been making braver vocal choices, and it is exciting to see confidence building

May

For her rendition of the Last Post at the SBAS Remembrance Services

Queenie

For working very hard at her note reading skills in the last few weeks, which is now paying off in lessons. Well done!

Alexa

For always coming to her lesson with such a positive attitude, willingness to learn and taking on board all that is being taught.

Dominic

For being awarded a place in the National Children's Orchestra on Bassoon

An incredible turn out from our Simon Balle Music community last night at the Corn Exchange for 13 bands who were performing to a packed crowd of family and friends.

So many individual stories of success, including many that we work with individually across the school.

It is so amazing to see the musical journey that musicians have as part of Rock School, from Seven Nation Army through to Talkin' Loud by Incognito. Every student had their individual story of success and our Year 13 musicians are incredible role models for the younger musicians, inspiring the next generation.

For clarity, the camera shakes in time due to the good vibrations of the bass. Physics and all that......!

Rock School's first Open Mic Night took place last night - and what an incredible evening it was!

We introduced the Open Mic Night to create a performance space to showcase our younger bands with the aim to build their confidence gradually as well as their performance skills and overall musicianship.

The evening also allowed other Rock School students to perform solo/small group items that they had been working on, demonstrating the variety of musical journeys and inspiring the younger bands!

It was a real success, and we look forward to the next one in March! Please enjoy the videos here:

Newsletter 6 25/26

5th December 2025David Ayres

Friday 5th December

Co-headteachers’ welcome

After our traditional Simon Balle long weekend, we do hope that all are a little rested as we embrace all that December has to offer! It is a month where so much takes place in our community. Firstly, academically, we are so proud of Year 9, Year 7, and year groups across the Larch, with assessment windows being completed as I write. We are deeply proud of the ways in which our students show wisdom and resilience – of every age! Equally we continue to be proud of our home-school partnership, which we value so greatly. Year 9 parents will have now received summary reports (via Arbor); and with each assessment window we work hard to communicate with parents/carers in relation to attainment (the raw score achieved), progress (in relation to targets set from starting points) and attitudes to learning (the most crucial indicator for success!). At the time of writing, we wish Year 11 every success in their mock exams. We recognise their unwavering commitment as a year group to attending revision sessions across this term, and their aspiration at our recent Experience Day as they prepare for sixth form studies. Good luck!

In every month of our school year, it is our privilege as co-headteachers to view school life holistically. Sometimes it is a challenge with so much taking place! From the perspective of enrichment, it has been a fortnight to recognise, truly, the breadth and depth of what our students are not only offered, but from which they engage and thrive. In the Sixth Form, we know that our enrichment offer of ‘more than just great A levels’ is quite unique, and the mock interviews that took place for all last week provided invaluable experiences, thanks to our wider Simon Balle parent and local community as expert volunteers. Equally, our Year 6 students performing Macbeth at BEAM was an incredible achievement across the year group: the professionalism in managing such a stage; the collaboration across all; the skills in language, oracy, music and drama; the learning which is almost impossible to quantify related to not just confidence but also English and therefore the whole curriculum!

Please do continue to visit our Simon Balle webpages and social media in relation to both music and sport. We are delighted that both participation levels and a myriad of achievements would make it impossible to adequately summarise these here. Where we are absolutely clear is that there is a direct link, proven in national research, between the highest possible levels of student attendance; together with belonging in enrichment (in any form from any sport or music or art or drama or chess or reading or STEM or more!); which leads in turn to happiness and achievement. Please do stay very closely in touch with our pastoral leads – class teachers and form tutors – as we aspire for 100% of our students to belong to our special community.

As I wrote above, December promises so much. Our Frost Fair on Saturday 6th December will be an afternoon of community celebration. We are so grateful to our PSA for their tireless work to raise crucial funds for our school whilst putting the community at the heart of all that we do – choirs, stalls, Christmas fun for all ages, our business students in KS4/5 showcasing their learning, and much, much more. Please do join us and support us! Christmas events beyond this are reflective of our wonderful community and we look forward to sharing these with you – whether your involvement is in a child participating in our Reception Nativity; to reading or performing in one (or more) of our four Carol Services; to our events to fundraise on Christmas jumper day; to our local charitable giving with Year 4 and Year 12 combined in our annual tradition with a Santa dash, contributions to local food banks … and more – thank you!

This special season represents so much for us at Simon Balle. Wisdom in learning remains central to all that we do, and our staff are focussed here in every lesson to ensure that excellent teaching and learning are the core of what we offer. Yet through the above we hope we have given just a small insight into how we shape ‘Creating tomorrow’s citizens today’ – giving, committing to school life and embracing opportunities.

Although it feels a little early to do so, this newsletter will be the last of this calendar year – therefore may we take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas, together with a joyful New Year in which we hope to continue to provide every young person with an education in which they can achieve and thrive. We thank you, each and every one of you, for your partnership in our educational journey.

Christmas is coming…

Christmas Dinner 2025

This year’s Christmas Dinner will be on Tuesday 16th December for secondary students, and Wednesday 17th December for primary students. The window for purchasing tickets has now closed. Secondary students will not be able to purchase any other food or drink at break or lunch on Tuesday 16th December, so students not having Christmas lunch will need to bring food with them (they will be able to sit with their friends in the hall at lunch). All students will need to bring a drink or bottle with them.

Carol Services 2025

Don’t forget the upcoming Carol Services – details can be found here:

Secondary Carol Service – Monday 15th December (Secondary)

Larch Carol Service – Tuesday 16th December (Primary)

Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day

We’re taking part in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day on Thursday 11th December! By pulling on our Christmassy knits and donating, we’ll be supporting children in the UK and around the world to keep safe, healthy, and learning. We’ll be helping them fight for the future they deserve. Just click here to donate £2 (or more if you’re feeling generous…) and it will go straight to Save the Children. The money we raise could go towards some amazing things like:
£2 could buy a packet of seeds for a family in Kenya to grow their own food, after drought has killed their crops.
£8 could buy a blanket to keep a child in Ukraine warm through winter.
£15 could pay for two weeks of super-powered peanut paste to help a child beat hunger.
£20 could buy enough supermarket vouchers for two children in the UK.
£40 could provide a family in Gaza with a Baby Kit to give them the items they need to provide basic care to their infant.

Book Flood

Sixth Form Christmas Appeal – Donations for Hertford, Ware & District Food Bank

As we approach the festive season, Year 12 students and the Sixth Form team are launching our annual Christmas Appeal in support of the Hertford, Ware and District Food Bank. Christmas is a time traditionally associated with warmth, generosity and community; however, for many families it can also be a period of additional financial pressure and uncertainty. By donating, we can help ensure that local individuals and families facing hardship are supported with essential food and household items during this particularly challenging time.

Your contributions—whether big or small—will make a genuine difference. The food bank provides vital support to those experiencing food insecurity, helping to alleviate immediate need and offering families some comfort during the holiday season.

How to Donate

Students can donate by bringing items into school and placing them in the designated Food Bank Collection Boxes located in:

The Sixth Form Learning Centre
The Secondary Student Reception
The Larch Main Reception

We warmly encourage every member of our school community to take part in this meaningful initiative. Your support will help us provide a brighter Christmas for local families who may otherwise struggle at this time of year.

The final collection date is Tuesday 16th December, after which the donations will be delivered to the Hertford, Ware and District Food Bank.

https://www.trussell.org.uk/

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us make a positive difference in our community.

If you or someone you know is struggling and would like a referral to the Hertford and District Foodbank, please see the flyer, or contact contact Tania Noxon on noxont@simonballe.herts.sch.uk or 01992 410400 ext 236.:

SEND

If you would like to speak to a member of the SEND team, you can book a virtual appointment of up to 15 minutes with a member of the SEND team, please use this Booking link.

Musical News

There is so much to celebrate – fabulous concerts, student exam success, assembly performances and more! Please read all about it here

Team Music

United Against Bullying survey

As previously communicated we are proud to have signed up to the UAB programme through the Anti-Bullying Alliance. As part of this programme, we will be gathering stakeholder feedback. Please could I ask you to complete this short survey (7 questions) by Friday, 12th December.parent & carer questionnaire link is here.

Science

We’re pleased to share that Dominic, Year 12, has been offered a place on the Cambridge Higher Aspirations Scheme (CHAS) for 2025–2026. Following a highly competitive selection process, with nearly 1,500 applicants for just over 300 spots, Dominic secured a position on the programme and will be undertaking a series of supervisions in Natural Sciences.

Congratulations to Dominic on this outstanding achievement!

Digital Dialogue

Year 12 student Grace: A-level Politics students recently had our first chance to interact with people involved in the US political system through the Digital Dialogue programme. We had the opportunity to participate in an online session with two ex-members of Congress (one Republican and one Democrat), learning from their valuable thoughts and experiences and enriching our understanding of the US political system.

Visit from Liberal Democrat secretary

The proposal to lower the voting age in general elections to 16 has made it even more important to ensure our young people are well-informed and engaged citizens. To that end, Freddie Jewitt, secretary of the East Hertfordshire Liberal Democrat Party, came into school in November to deliver a thorough and interactive session which gave all Year 12 students an overview of local and national politics. The session covered topics such as the democratic process, what local politics is responsible for and how this linked to the bigger picture nationally, and gave students an opportunity to ask questions about issues that mattered to them.

Politics conference

To round off a busy month for our Sixth Form politics students, 25 Year 12 and 13s attended the PolEconUK conference in Westminster in late November, with a range of high-profile speakers that included Green Party leader Zack Polanski and Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle. The conference gave students an opportunity to listen and ask questions to prominent political figures, some of whom had served at the heart of government in recent years, and showcased a range of views about contemporary issues.

English Literature A Level trip to ‘Othello’

The English Department were very fortunate to get secure tickets for the performance of Year 13 set text ‘Othello’, starring a celebrated cast of David Harewood, Toby Jones and Caitlin Fitzgerald at The Theatre Royal in Haymarket. The performances and directorial choices generated a lot of discussion, raising questions about the interpretation of the text and some highly controversial cutting of the play at the end.

It is always helpful to see as many productions as possible and this reading of the text, with older characters playing the lead roles, put a whole fresh slant on how we might interpret the tragedy of ‘Othello’. As always, it was a privilege to spend time with our students whose behaviour and engagement are unfailingly impeccable.

Travel to school

Can we once again remind parents to respect the signage relating to parking both on the school site and in the surrounding roads. East Herts District council are happy for students to be dropped at the London Road car park (next to the fire station), and have a free permit system in place for parents/carers of younger students who could not walk unaccompanied. Dropping and collecting from London Road is faster for parents/carers as you avoid the congestion in Mangrove Road, and by reducing the volume of traffic you are making it safer for students walking to and from the school.

There are several roads and estates in the immediate area (such as Balls Park) which are private and enforce residents-only restrictions. The yellow lines, zigzags and no entry signs on the White Lodge entrance are in place to make the roads and pavements safe for all users. We would expect parents and carers to exhibit the same Simon Balle values that we ask of the students when interacting with our neighbours.

Changes to National Rail timetables

For those students who travel into Hertford North or Hertford East, please be aware that the timetables are changing on Sunday 14th December. Please check https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/journey-planner/ for details as some of the changes are significant – you won’t want to miss your train on Monday 15th December!

Parent Staff Association

6th December – Frost Fair, 1.30-5.30pm

We are looking forward to welcoming you to tomorrow’s Frost Fair and wish to thank you for supporting this wonderful event. From bottle donations, volunteering, purchasing raffle tickets, signing up to a King’s Group sponsorship board, teaching and learning songs and dances – we couldn’t do it without you.

We are looking to offer something a little different next winter – watch this space!

Frost Fair Flyer

Carol Services – helpers needed

Traditionally, the PSA hand out hot mulled wine, mince pies and shortbread at the primary and secondary Carol Concert. If you are able to help serve, please sign up here.

We also feature at the Music Department’s concerts throughout the year, where we offer a licensed bar. These are ticketed events but volunteers receive complimentary entry. If you are able to help – please take a look at the upcoming concerts and sign up to slot, or two!

Dates for your diary

A full calendar of events can be viewed on the school website.

Sat 6th Dec: Frost Fair
Thurs 11th Dec: Christmas jumper day
Mon 15th Dec: Secondary Carol Service
Tues 16th Dec: Secondary Christmas lunch
Tues 16th Dec: Larch Carol Service
Wed 17th Dec: Larch Christmas lunch
Fri 19th Dec: early finish for all students (12.15pm)
Mon 5th Jan: INSET day – no students in school
Tues 6th Jan: all students return to school
Tues 6th Jan: Y13 mock exams start
Wed 14th Jan: Y12 student consultation evening (virtual)
Wed 21st Jan: Y11 student consultation evening (face to face)

Wishing you all the best for the festive period

Mrs Rachel Kirk and Mr Michael Moss (Co-headteachers)

Newsletter 5 25/26

21st November 2025David Ayres