MORE THAN JUST GREAT A LEVELS
Thank you to Tilly and Annabelle from @airbus for delivering an inspiring Early Careers workshop to our Sixth Form students as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Hearing real-life journeys from former students now thriving beyond school is incredibly ...powerful. It helps our current students see what life after A levels can look like in practice, not just in theory. Listening to alumni and employers who have navigated these decisions themselves makes future pathways feel tangible and achievable.

Their honest reflections on choosing between university and pursuing an apprenticeship after Level 3 study give real insight into the decision-making process. In particular, understanding the breadth of opportunities now available — including degree apprenticeships that enable students to begin their careers, gain valuable workplace experience and have their university studies funded by an employer — highlights just how dynamic and accessible these routes have become.

Opportunities like this are so important. They allow our students to begin meaningful interactions with employers, ask insightful questions, and better understand the range of pathways available to them. As they start to consider life after Sixth Form, these real-world connections help build confidence, ambition and clarity about the steps ahead.

We are incredibly grateful for your time and commitment to supporting the next generation.

#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool

ROWING CHALLENGE CELEBRATION
We would like to thank all students and staff for being such great ambassadors for the school and for taking part in the and the rowing challenge to support Children's Mental Health Day.

The atmosphere on the astro in the morning during our ...whole-school workout was fantastic, and we are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and commitment shown. Throughout the day, so many students stepped up to keep the rowing machines moving, working together to support a shared goal.

Thanks to this collective effort, an amazing 115,962 metres were rowed in total. A brilliant achievement that truly showed how teamwork and determination can make a real impact.

#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool

EXPERIENCE GCSE DRAMA - YEAR 9 WORKSHOP
On Wednesday, year 9 students were invited to participate in a 2 hour workshop to experience what GCSE classwork and content would look like. They took part in a range of drama games inspired by the practitioner Augusto Boal, explored puppetry following ...the creative ideas of the team behind Warhorse (Gyre and Gimble) and worked with performance scripts such as ‘Blood Brothers’ and ‘Teechers’.

The engagement from the students was excellent with memorable and highly creative practical work produced.

#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool

HAMILTON
This week, Year 12 and 13 History and Politics students had the opportunity to watch the acclaimed musical Hamilton in London’s West End as part of their study of the United States Constitution, federalism, and the political and historical context of the 18th century.

The ...production was phenomenal, and students were excited to spot references to key events and concepts they have been studying, while also experiencing one of the world’s most celebrated theatre productions live.

Maisie in Year 12 described the show as “a masterpiece”, while Lily summed it up as “awesome, wow”.

#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool