Friday 20th June
Co-headteachers’ welcome
In a world where uncertainty and challenge seem ever-present, from global instability to the rising cost of living here at home, it is more important than ever to hold fast to the values that guide us. At our school, we remain deeply committed to building a community rooted in kindness, respect, wisdom, and above all, hope. These values are not only spoken but lived each day through the way we support one another, challenge ourselves, and strive for excellence. They form the heart of our work as we continue to educate the whole student, nurturing character, ambition, and resilience alongside academic achievement.This means not only striving for academic excellence but also equipping our young people with the character, resilience and employability skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Enrichment plays a key part in this, and we are proud of the many opportunities we offer to develop students beyond the classroom.
In the coming weeks, students will be engaged in a wide variety of experiences that reflect this ethos. Our Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition sets off on 30th June, with the Bronze award group following on 11th July, both offering young people the chance to build independence, teamwork and determination in a truly memorable way. There really is something for everyone: from our vibrant Art Exhibition to a competitive chess competition in the Larch, and a musical treat for Year 5 who attended a concert at the Barbican. Year 2 are enjoying a cultural adventure of their own with a trip to Windsor Castle, while our athletes are preparing for the district finals – the Larch competing on 26th June and our secondary phase following on 27th. What a fantastic and varied run-in to the end of term we have in store!
As mentioned in our last newsletter, our transition programme is now in full swing, and we are proud of the thoughtful, inclusive approach we take to welcoming new students and families into our community. In early years, nursery visits and one-to-one meetings with parents are already underway. These meetings are a vital part of our transition process, they allow us to begin building strong, trusting relationships with families from the very start and to ensure we understand each child’s individual needs and strengths. It also gives us the opportunity to share our high expectations and the nurturing support we offer, helping every child feel confident, secure and excited about starting their learning journey with us.
For our incoming Year 7s, preparations have been extensive and purposeful. We have already visited all of our feeder primary schools, provided tailored group tours, and hosted a SEND parent coffee morning, all designed to support both students and families through this important step. On 2nd July, we are delighted to be welcoming our new Year 7 parents into school for an evening of information and connection. While these transition activities take considerable time and coordination, the long-term value is immeasurable: students arrive in September already feeling part of the school, ready to engage and succeed from day one. It’s all part of our commitment to ensuring that every student feels known, supported, and set up to thrive.
We have also launched our Year 12 transition programme, beginning with a dynamic taster day for our future sixth formers. Students had the opportunity to sample A Level and BTEC lessons in their chosen subjects, meet their new teachers, and hear more about our outstanding enrichment programme. They also got a first look at our exciting plans to enhance the sixth form area, a space designed to balance focused study with opportunities to socialise, relax and collaborate. Our vision is clear: to create a sixth form experience where students are inspired to work hard, play hard, and leave us not only with excellent academic outcomes but also with the confidence, independence and ambition to take their next steps with pride.
And finally, please make sure our two much-loved community events are firmly in your diary. Saffron Sounds promises to be a truly uplifting celebration of our all-through musical talent, featuring performances from students across all phases as well as our exceptional adult choir, a showcase of creativity, collaboration and sheer talent. Hot on its heels is our Slice of Summer fête on the 12th July, a vibrant and joyful occasion that’s always superbly organised and warmly attended by families, friends and staff. Both events are a testament to the strength of our school community and a perfect way to mark the final stretch of what has been an inspiring and successful academic year.
Message to year 11 students
Dear Year 11 Students,
Congratulations on completing your GCSE exams!!!!! Wow, what a significant milestone you’ve reached! Over the past few months, I have watched you face the challenges of revision, the pressure of exams, and the determination to succeed with great pride. Your resilience and hard work have truly been inspiring. I couldn’t be more proud.
As you move on, I want to take a moment to say goodbye and to wish each of you the very best for your future. Whether you are continuing your education at Simon Balle or somewhere new, starting an apprenticeship, or exploring new paths, remember that this is just the beginning of many exciting opportunities ahead.
Thank you for all the effort, energy, and positivity you have brought to Year 11. You have been a remarkable year group, and I am confident you will continue to achieve great things.
Be kind to yourselves and others and embrace whatever comes next with confidence.
Good luck and take care.
Miss Green, Head of Year 11
Year 5 Barbican Trip
On Thursday 19th June, Year 5 ventured into central London and attended a school’s concert presented by the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican Centre. The concert taught the children about the genre of the concerto and how this was a musical conversation between a soloist and the orchestra. The presenter explained this in detail, with many examples from the musicians and we also heard from an amazing young pianist who performed as soloist.
The children had learned two participation songs in preparation and it was incredible to see them all singing in full voice along with a professional orchestra. Other than the fact that all trains back to Hertford East were cancelled upon our arrival at Liverpool Street Station(!), the day went smoothly and the children represented the school outstandingly throughout.
Online Safety
This week’s free #WakeUpWednesday guide explores the Nintendo Switch 2, covering how its new features – from GameChat to a plug-in camera – could affect children’s privacy, spending, and screen time: guide to nintendo-switch-2
Y4 Hokusai mixed media Art workshop
The art and Design Team had a great time teaching year 4 monoprinting inspired by Hokusai ‘The Great wave’ . We created some beautiful monoprints which will then be added to a cardboard relief sculpture. These will be on display at the Art and Design exhibition at the slice of summer.
Library News
Author visit
The author John Patrick Green came to visit years 2, 3, 4 and 5 on Friday 20th June and he spoke about his inspirational journey to becoming a graphic novel writer which started when he was in school, age 9. He then gave a master class on how to draw cartoons including his very own alligator characters from his InvestiGators series.
Before his talk, John Patrick Green met Ollie, year 8, and presented him with a trophy to congratulate him for his winning an author visit to the school when he entered the book review writing competition last year.
Thank you to the Book Nook bookshop in Ware for helping to make John’s visit happen.
Year 6 visit to the secondary school library
Year 6 students have recently visited the secondary school library to learn about all the library clubs and activities they can get involved in and all the ways in which they can get rewarded for reading when they start secondary school in September. Well done to Samuel and Banu in year 8 and Lorcan and Alex in year 7 for your excellent presentations to the year 6 classes!
Speakers’ Corner
We have already had many fantastic Speakers’ Corner presentations this term and we have more lined up before the end of term. Well done to Henry, Vivienne, Alice, Kieran, Eva, Nadia, Jake and Lorcan for your engaging presentations.
Thank you also to Mr Poley who did a really informative presentation on the Cold War and the race to the moon.
Speakers’ Corner takes place in the secondary library at lunchtime on Thursdays. If you would like to do a Speakers’ Corner next term, please speak to Miss Iles.
Y5 Victoria Villasana Art Textiles workshop
Year 5 had great fun during an Art Textiles workshop this week. We started off with a photo shoot and then used the photos to heat transfer our head shots onto bags. Mrs Fish taught us different embroidery techniques, and we used Victoria Villasana as inspiration to embroider into the images on our bags.
Please click here for our latest Career Opportunity blog
A FANTASTIC SIXTH FORM INDUCTION DAY!
It was wonderful to see so many students ready to embrace the challenges ahead, eager to get involved in the wide range of opportunities on offer and committed to growing into the next stage of their academic journey.
Throughout the day, students explored the ethos and culture of Simon Balle Sixth Form, attended taster lessons in their chosen subjects, and spent time in our dedicated Sixth Form Learning Centre with current students, who provided tours and answered questions.
After break, teamwork challenges set by the Sixth Form team brought students together, and it was inspiring to see how quickly those from different schools felt welcomed by our community and threw themselves into the enrichment activities.
We can’t wait to celebrate your success on GCSE Results Day in August. Thank you for your enthusiasm, energy and brilliance today – we’re excited to work with you all in September.
Y3 Egyptian Day
Year 3 had a fantastic time during our Egyptian Day, diving into the wonders of Ancient Egypt with a range of hands-on activities. Thank you to Lisa from History Off The Page for making the day so memorable. Pupils made their own perfume and designed beautiful cartouches as well as many other practical tasks. A huge thank you to our amazing parent helpers and all of the Year 3 families for the children’s amazing costumes. In the afternoon, the children showcased their acting talents by performing Egyptian myths, including the story of Isis and Osiris and the thrilling tale of the wax crocodile. A truly unforgettable day of history, creativity and fun!
Donations wanted
If your child (Y11 or Y13) has come to the end of their exams, please could we ask that if they have any revision guides for any of their subjects that they no longer need, that they please bring them into school. There is a box in The Elm reception area for them to put any revision guides they wish to donate. Later we will offer these to current students to help them prepare for their exams next year. We have found in the past that students really appreciate this support.
We are also looking for any old items of primary or secondary school uniform that can be reused by other families. This can also be left at the Elm reception area.
SEND
If you would like to speak to a member of the SEND team, please schedule a virtual appointment of up to 15 minutes by using the following link: Virtual SEND Team Appointments.
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust Newsletters
Please find attached the Summer Term newsletters from the school nursing team:
Newsletter Primary 2025 29.05.25 SUMMER
Newsletter 2025 Teen 29.05.25 SUMMER
Supporting Links – Parent & Carer support
This term we have held two face to face workshops for our parents and carers, which have been well attended and appreciated. A huge thank you to supporting links for the fantastic delivery and for the engagement of our parents and carers. Please can I remind you that if you book on these sessions, it is so important you attend or give notice if you are unable too. We had long waiting lists for both sessions and a number of parents / carers did not attend or cancelled last minute. We will look to put on more sessions in the next academic year but in the meantime please see attached the workshops that are on offer online in the Autumn term.
Thanks
Mr Pooley
Supporting Links Course Brochure Autumn 25
Y3 Gaudi mosaic workshop
We are looking forward to working with year 3 next week on the final part of their Gaudi workshop. Following on from their stained glass resin windows we will be adding to our Gaudi garden. This is currently an uninviting space within the Creative Arts area that could be used as a learning environment. We would like this area to become a wash of glass mosaics that will stand a lifetime of learning alongside natural forms of plants and shrubs that our students can use for observational drawing and photography.
If you would like to support this project or have connections with garden design, planting or artificial grass we would welcome your support. If you would like to make a small donation towards the long standing Gaudi garden please donate here https://www.goodhub.com/go/simon-balle-art-development
Art and Design Exhibition
We are always in awe of the incredible talent our students show throughout the year in our all- through school. To celebrate all our students’ achievements we will be hosting our summer exhibition again this year and we welcome you to visit on the 12th July 12-4 alongside the Slice of Summer. Students will also have the opportunity to visit the exhibition on Monday 14th July during the school day.
Travel to school
We have updated the Travel Plan section of our website to include information relating to public transport. There are links to local transport operators and information about cost-effective tickets that you can purchase. Please see also this information from Arriva: Direct Debit Student poster
Parent Staff Association
Experience Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight!
Join us for a magical evening with Lumos Live and enjoy a Fleetwood Mac candlelight concert at the beautiful All Saints Church, Hertford on Saturday 28th June. Choose from two performance times: 7–8pm or 9–10pm.
By purchasing your tickets through our affiliate link, you’ll be supporting fundraising for the PSA, at no extra cost to you!
Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music and atmosphere!
Larch Frozen Friday
The summer term welcomes the return of Frozen Fridays. After school each Friday, kind volunteers set up a pop up ice cream shop in the Larch playground. All items are £1. This year, proceeds will go towards supporting the Larch Computing fundraising initiative. Please support Frozen Fridays if you can, by purchasing an ice cream or filing a volunteer slot. https://volunteersignup.org/WT7KY
Here’s the list of dates and which year group will be running each sale:
- 27th June – Year 3. (Full)
- 4th July – Year 2. (Full)
- 11th July – Year 1. (Full)
- 17th July – (Thursday) Reception. 1 volunteer needed.
Thank you so much for your support — we can’t wait for a summer of Frozen Fridays!
Slice of Summer – Saturday 12th July, 12-4pm – Volunteers Needed!
We have filled 71 of 174 volunteer slots and need your help to fill more!
We’re looking for enthusiastic helpers from both phases of the school to support the Slice of Summer on Saturday 12th July (12–4pm). Whether you can spare an hour or more, we’d love your help running stalls, setting up, clearing away, or simply keeping the fun flowing. No experience needed, just a willingness to get involved and be part of our fantastic day.
To help with planning, choirs and dance groups from both phases will be performing at 1.15pm and 2.15pm.
Thank you for your support. volunteersignup.org/EQRA7
Inflatables offer
This year, we are offering £10 wristbands that give the user unlimited use of the inflatables during the Slice of Summer. We have a limited number of wristbands available. To purchase, or find out more, please visit the PSA website.
Dates for your diary
A full calendar of events can be viewed on the school website.
- Mon 23rd June: Sixth form induction day
- Mon 23rd June: Y12 History trip to Berlin
- Fri 27th June: District Athletics
- Fri 27th June: Foreign Language Friday Food Fiesta
- Wed 2nd July: Author visit with Stewart Foster in the secondary library
- Sun 6th July: Saffron Hall
- Fri 11th July: Larch Summer Accessory Day
- Sat 12th July: Slice of Summer
Wishing you all the best for the week ahead
Mrs Rachel Kirk and Mr Michael Moss (Co-headteachers)
