Friday 12th June
Co-headteachers’ welcome
As we move towards the end of another successful academic year, it is a natural time to reflect on all that has been achieved and to look ahead to our priorities for the future. At Simon Balle, continuous improvement is rooted in listening to our community. Whether through student leadership, parental engagement or staff feedback, the views of our stakeholders play a vital role in shaping the direction of the school. This edition of the newsletter highlights how student voice continues to influence school life, outlines important developments within our PSHE and RSHE curriculum, and shares the findings from our recent staff survey. Together, these demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that Simon Balle remains a thriving, inclusive and forward-thinking community for all.
One area about which we feel particularly passionate is student voice. Through our Student Parliament, led by our School Presidents, students play a genuine and meaningful role in shaping school life. Our mantra, ‘By the students, for the students’, is far more than a slogan; it reflects our commitment to ensuring that student voice is valued and acted upon, rather than becoming a token gesture.
The impact of student leadership can be seen across many areas of school life. Student representatives played a key role in the introduction of our Mental Health Day and contributed valuable ideas to our United Against Bullying initiatives. Their feedback has also influenced practical improvements, including adaptations to the queueing system and staff duty arrangements.
Working collaboratively with our catering provider, students delivered a presentation and posed thoughtful questions which ultimately led to the introduction of a salad bar and a wider range of healthy food options. These changes have proved extremely popular and successful.
More recently, students identified lunchtime provision as a priority. As a result, we have introduced more active lunchtimes through the purchase of additional equipment and the creation of designated areas on the field for girls to enjoy recreational activities. The new Snack Shack near the Humanities block is another example of student influence; students contributed to discussions about the food on offer and even chose its name.
Students have also helped improve access to menstrual products by ensuring these are now available in designated toilets rather than requiring a visit to Reception. In addition, they selected the charities we have supported this year, helping not only to raise funds but also to educate the wider school community about the important work these organisations undertake.
We remain committed to placing students at the heart of decision-making. Our newly appointed School Presidents already have an exciting agenda for the year ahead and will continue working alongside younger students to ensure their voices are heard and their ideas help shape the future of our school.
Student voice also plays an important role in informing our wider curriculum and pastoral provision. As part of our commitment to providing a relevant, engaging and forward-thinking curriculum, we have recently completed a review of our PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) provision ahead of September 2026. While the majority of our curriculum remains unchanged and continues to meet all statutory requirements, we have introduced a number of enhancements to ensure that learning reflects the experiences, opportunities and challenges facing young people in an increasingly complex world.
New and updated content includes learning around Artificial Intelligence (AI), deepfakes and digital trust, emerging online risks and digital safeguarding, the influence of social media and online personalities, healthy relationships, consent and personal safety, online exploitation and manipulation, sexual health and access to support services, financial wellbeing and exploitation, and current health issues affecting young people. Many of these themes build upon existing learning and reflect recent developments in safeguarding guidance and the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Our aim is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions, stay safe and thrive both now and in the future.
A full overview of the PSHE and RSE curriculum, including topics and learning intentions for each year group, is available below:
We value the partnership between school and home in supporting young people’s personal development. If you have any questions about any aspect of the curriculum, please complete the Google Form below and a member of staff will be happy to respond.
PSHE & RSE Curriculum Updates – Parent Questions Form
Alongside listening to our students and families, we are equally committed to listening to our staff. Our recent staff survey provided valuable insight into both the strengths of the school and the areas where we can continue to improve. Staff overwhelmingly described Simon Balle as a caring, values-driven and highly supportive community, highlighting the strong relationships between colleagues, approachable leadership, commitment to wellbeing and the shared focus on achieving the very best outcomes for young people. Many colleagues commented on the strong sense of belonging, professional trust and collaboration that makes the school such a positive place to work.
The survey also provided valuable insights into the areas where we can continue to strengthen our provision and build on the many successes already in place. This feedback is invaluable to Rachel Kirk and myself as we strive to make Simon Balle even better for both staff and students. Through our ongoing ‘You Said, We Did’ approach, we are committed to ensuring that colleagues feel listened to, valued and actively involved in shaping the future of the school. We are proud of the positive culture that staff describe and remain ambitious in our efforts to make Simon Balle a place where everyone feels supported, appreciated and able to flourish.
Secondary Sports Day – Friday 19th June
This year’s Secondary Sports Day will take place on Friday 19th June and promises to be a whole-school celebration of participation, achievement and House spirit.
The morning will feature a Sport Across the Curriculum Carousel, where students will take part in activities linked to Maths, Geography, Art and Design, all with a sporting theme. These engaging sessions will help students explore the connections between sport, careers and other curriculum subjects, while earning valuable points for their House through creativity, problem-solving and teamwork.
Our new Talent Beyond the Track approach recognises that success on Sports Day comes in many forms. Students will have opportunities to contribute through activities such as analysing sports statistics, designing marketing campaigns and creating sports commentary, ensuring everyone can play a meaningful role in supporting their House.
The day will also include our traditional PE field events in the morning and an exciting afternoon of athletics competition, providing students with the opportunity to showcase their sporting talent and represent their House with pride. Students will compete across a range of track and field events, demonstrating speed, strength, endurance and skill.
In the afternoon, the entire secondary school will come together on the astro for a programme of track events, including the 60m, 120m and relay races. This part of the day promises to be a fantastic spectacle, with students competing for valuable House points while being supported by their peers. The afternoon will celebrate athletic achievement while encouraging participation, determination and teamwork. The atmosphere promises to be energetic, competitive and full of school spirit as students cheer on one another and strive for success.
What students need to know:
- All secondary students should arrive at school in their PE kit.
- Students may bring a House-coloured top to change into at lunchtime and House-themed face paint and glitter are welcome.
- Please ensure students bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat if the weather is warm.
We look forward to a fantastic day of competition, collaboration and community spirit.
We are also looking forward to our Larch Sports Day on Friday 10th July, when our younger students will have the opportunity to enjoy their own celebration of sport, participation and teamwork.
Science
Year 10 students recently took part in the National Scientific Thinking Challenge, an annual competition designed by university academics. The challenge assesses students’ analytical thinking and logical problem-solving skills, focusing on the application of scientific reasoning rather than the recall of memorised knowledge. This year, over 16000 students took part nationally, with a mean score of 52%.
We are delighted to share our results:
- 24% of students achieved a Bronze Award (above 58%)
- 15% of students achieved a Silver Award (above 67%)
- 7% of students achieved a Gold Award (above 78%)
These results reflect the high standard of scientific thinking demonstrated by our students. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the enthusiasm they showed in taking on this demanding challenge. Certificates will be distributed to students shortly. Congratulations to all who took part!
Attendance and punctuality
New phone system and recording of absences.Going forward please log daily absences via the arbor app or calling the school, selecting option 1 and leaving a voicemail on the absence line. When you phone the school please listen carefully to the options 1 for absence, 2 for Primary & hold for secondary.
Late reminder – Punctuality is very important however if your child is going to be late into school please inform us of the reason why.
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
Please click the links for up-to-date SEND News across Hertfordshire and The Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer to support parents, carers and young people (age 0-25) with information about services and support within your local area.
The Hertfordshire SEND Local Area Partnership has developed a SEND Provision Plan 2026-29 which supports the delivery of the new SEND Strategy for 2026–2029. The strategy sets out our shared ambitions to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
More children and young people in Hertfordshire are requiring additional support at school, many presenting with increasingly more complex needs than in the past. Families have consistently told us they want clearer pathways and better local options. In response, this Special Education, Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Provision Plan outlines how we will strengthen support in local schools, increase specialist provision where it is needed, and ensure every child receives the right help, in the right place, at the right time.
Feedback gathered so far has helped identify key priorities and has informed the five core elements of the draft SEND Provision Plan:
- Strengthen capacity in mainstream schools
- Expand specialist capacity in mainstream schools
- Create more special school places
- Update special school designations
- Child centred placements
As part of the SEND Provision Consultation running from 23 March to 15 June 2026, we are seeking your views on whether the plan reflects your priorities, and how it can be further strengthened before it is finalised.
You can share your feedback by completing a short survey or by attending one of our consultation events. All details on how to get involved are available on the Local Offer: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SENDProvisionPlan
National Thank a Teacher Day is Back on 17th June 2026!
The UK-wide celebration of all teaching and support staff is back. National Thank a Teacher Day will be celebrated on Wednesday 17th June 2026.
We are so proud of our staff community and how they go above and beyond to support the students and other staff. As always, we will be celebrating every single person who makes school life special, from classroom assistants and librarians to dinner helpers and everyone who keeps things running. They all deserve that special thank you.
To show your appreciation why not Send a Free Limited Edition Card
Want to make someone’s day? Send a free limited edition e-card to a special teacher, support staff member or even a whole school team before National Thank a Teacher Day. Just visit the Thank a Teacher website to send yours. It is free, only takes a moment and can mean so much.
Parent Staff Association
Slice of Summer – volunteers needed!
We hope to see lots of you at our summer fair, the Slice of Summer on 4th July. Our Larch dancers and choir members are busy practicing for the fair and while you are there, why not visit the incredible all-through art exhibition too.
To make the Slice of Summer a success, we need a huge number of volunteers to get involved. This is becoming more challenging every year, please help for an hour if you are available. Secondary students may fill slots with friends, primary students are welcome to volunteer under their adult’s supervision. Please take a look at the slots that need filling and sign up today: volunteersignup.org/YKLP3
1st July – Larch Summer Accessory Day
To support the Slice of Summer, Larch students are invited to take part in the annual Summer Accessory Day on Wednesday 1st July. One summer accessory can be worn with school uniform in exchange for a bottled donation. Please ensure bottles are full, sealed and in date. From prosecco to pop, gin to juice – anything bottled will be well received. Please see poster for further guidance.
4th July – Summer Raffle
20 raffle tickets will soon be sent home with all Larch students. Secondary students will soon also be able to bring packs of 20 tickets home. Sales online are now open via our website, simply complete your details online then return your counterfoils to any school office by Friday 3rd July. Maybe you will be the lucky family to win £100 in vouchers of your choice. Or a jeroboam of champagne! See website for prize list.
If you are able to donate to our raffle, please get in touch: volunteersignup.org/WT7KY
Larch Frozen Friday @ Explorers
Thanks to our wonderful volunteers including Duke of Edinburgh volunteers, we are able to extend our Frozen Fridays to Explorers. Frozen treats will be available at 4.30pm from the Larch hall and a selection will be taken to the Explorers cabin afterwards. If your child stays for Explorers Extra and would like to buy a frozen treat, please send them in with £1- preferably in an envelope.
We are still looking for help with Frozen Friday after school. Sign up today to support the sale: https://volunteersignup.org/WT7KY
Soft toys, games and toy collection
Our Teddy Tombola is always a popular stall at our summer and winter fairs. If you have any soft toys, games or children’s toys that are in clean, complete, working order, please drop them to the Larch office between Monday 29th June and Friday 3rd July only. Thank you in advance.
£12 unlimited inflatables use SoS wristbands
This year, we have a bigger and better offering and are pleased to share our unlimited use wristband deal. For £15, your child can have unlimited use of the inflatables for the duration of the fair. If you purchase by 3pm on 3rd July, the price is reduced to £12! Wristbands can be collect from the inflatables station on the day of the fair where they can also be purchased for £15. If this option is not for you, you can pay as you go on the day with 3 tokens for 5 minutes.
To purchase your wristband ahead of the fair, saving £3, visit our website!
Dates for your diary
A full calendar of events can be viewed on the school website.
- Sun 14th June: Y12 Biology residential departs
- Wed 17th June: Y1 Duxford trip
- Thurs 18th June: Y8 Colchester Zoo science trip
- Thurs 18th June: Sports presentation evening
- Fri 19th June: Secondary sports day
- Fri 19th June: Wonderstruck event for Y6
- Mon 22nd June: Reception Zoo trip
- Tues 23rd and Thurs 25th June: Sixth form induction days
- Wed 24th June: Y10 History trip (Berlin) departs
- Wed 24th June: EPQ presentation evening
- Tues 30th June: Y8 MFL trip departs
- Wed 1st July: DofE Y11 departs
- Thurs 2nd July: Y6 residential departs
- Fri 3rd July: Art exhibition
- Sat 4th July: PSA Slice of Summer
