Friday 28th June

Co-headteachers’ welcome

The second half of the summer term is always exceptionally busy, but reminds us all as staff that we do genuinely have the best jobs in the world. At this time we are privileged to see almost every aspect of education lived out in the daily lives of our wonderful all-through students. 

Whilst we have already written about public examinations, it is so important to note that students in every year group (all the way from Reception up) are showing such wisdom and responsibility with internal assessments at this time, and we are proud of each and every one of them. Whilst our approach is always age-appropriate, our message is the same to all – ‘please show us your best, and we look forward to supporting you with what is next.’ As many sets of results filter in, we look forward to celebrating these with you, both individually and as a collective community. 

We pride ourselves on our work to support with transition at Simon Balle. Sometimes this is just as important at interim points from year to year as it is for the big milestones across key stages or even schools. In all, our ‘why’ is to ensure that ‘nothing is left to chance’ and to lead with commitment in our communication across students, parents/carers, feeder schools and more. It is with great delight that we are visiting nursery settings and Year 6 in primary schools, hosting induction days (please see sixth form induction below) with Year 7 soon to follow, and spending time with so many to ensure high support and high expectations in equal measure. Much more to come in the next four weeks!

It is a great problem to have, but where do I start with celebrating how pastoral and personal development enrichment experiences are supporting students across our all-through school in this fortnight?! To provide a flavour, I am keen to share:

• Sports. District athletics on Wednesday (secondary) and Thursday (primary) this week – just so many achievements to share, as well as being the overall district athletics champions at both Primary and Secondary levels. It is a joy to see skills, honed through careful practice; determination, built over time; and just such community spirit in support of one another.
• Politics. If you thought the nation were gripped you should zoom in further to all that is taking place at Simon Balle. We are so proud of our sixth form politics students who are passionate and knowledgeable, as well as gaining their own experiences of all that is required to be compelling politicians, aiming to inform and persuade. Do keep an eye on our social media for more!
• Music. At the time of writing, a phenomenal (and hot!) rock gig is underway. Thank you already for so many parent comments of support in relation to both the musicality, independence and autonomy shown in such sophisticated music making. No concert must overshadow another at this time of year, and the Year 2 strings showcase is also to be very much looked forward to: the numbers and quality are a delight! Saffron Hall – the time is nearing – please keep students committed to rehearsals- please see our website for FAQs – and we look forward to welcoming you all. You can read more about all these events in June’s Musical News post.
• STEM. From the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham (which included innovation from deterring seagulls from our school site to designing and building a low-cost laptop using a 3D printer and a mobile phone as the CPU) to the Year 9 industrial cadets celebration at Glaxo, Ware, where innovation and teamwork were celebrated in winning both events!

And finally, what a community we are! It is a great time of year to celebrate this and we welcome you into school and to so many events from our Awards Ceremony to Sports Presentation Evening, and from our music concerts to Larch transition opportunities. Please do check dates and invites here and in email communications to all. Finally, an enormous plea to support us at A Slice of Summer. All details are below, but we literally cannot continue to offer all that we do as an outstanding academic school, with amazing and enriching experiences, without your support. We thank you in anticipation for all that you can offer, and we look forward to the fortnight ahead.

District Athletics Champions (Primary and Secondary Level!)

• Y3 first place
• Y4 first place
• Y5 first place
• Y6 joint first place

We only have these headlines at the moment (the news was breaking as we were going to press), so we’ll have a full report for you in next week’s Sports News https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/category/sports-news/

Sixth Form Induction Day – A Glimpse into the Future

On Monday, 24th June, our school welcomed soon-to-be sixth formers for an engaging and insightful Induction Day. This event provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience subject lessons, participate in team-building activities, and immerse themselves in the vibrant life of a sixth former.

The day began with students attending a series of subject lessons, designed to give them a taste of the diverse and challenging curriculum that awaits them in September. From the complexities of further mathematics to the creative freedom of art and design, the sessions were tailored to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm. Students appreciated the chance to meet their future teachers, ask questions, and get a feel for the academic expectations of sixth form.

In addition to the subject lessons, the induction day featured a variety of team-building activities. These exercises were not only fun and engaging but also essential in helping students build strong relationships with their peers. By working together to solve problems and complete tasks, students developed trust and camaraderie, laying the foundation for a supportive and cohesive sixth form community.

The sense of community is a cornerstone of our sixth form. Throughout the day, the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment was emphasised. Whether through academic collaboration, social events, or peer mentoring, students were encouraged to contribute positively to the sixth form community. The induction day highlighted how a strong community can enhance the overall educational experience, providing a network of support and encouragement.

As students look forward to starting sixth form in September, the induction day serves as another crucial source of support. The experience equips them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their subject choices and future pathways.

Slice of Summer and Art exhibition

Don’t forget that the Art Exhibition and the PSA’s Slice of Summer event are both taking place on Saturday 13th July. We hope to see as many of you there as possible.  Please also see the PSA section at the end of this week’s newsletter.

Youth Sports Trust – Gold!

We are delighted to share that we have again achieved the Gold award in the School Games Mark. This is a significant accomplishment and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and the entire school community.

Our commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among our students is at the heart of what we do, and this recognition highlights the importance of our efforts. 

We look forward to continuing to build on this success in the future as we head towards earning the Platinum award.

Assessment in the Larch

Following the completion of Year 6’s SATs in early May, there have been a number of other exciting opportunities where students across the Larch have been able to showcase their academic progress and attainment. 

In EYFS, the team has worked alongside students to complete the EYFS Profile which has now been successfully submitted and will be shared with parents in their child’s end of year reports. Headlines for the cohort’s data include 82% of students meeting the Literacy early learning goal, 89% meeting in Communication and Language, 90% meeting in Personal, Social and Emotional Development and 95% in Physical Development.

We’re delighted to share that 95.2% of our Year 1 students have passed their Year 1 Phonics Screener. This is significantly above last year’s national average of 81% and gives our students the best possible grounding as they develop as life-long readers.

This week in Year 2, in readiness for their transition to Year 3, students have completed the optional SATs. Every student has risen to the challenge of their assessments and there is much to celebrate! We look forward to sharing each individual’s outcomes with their parents in due course.

Year 4 have worked incredibly hard across the year to master their times table facts and across two weeks in June have completed their Multiplication Tables Check. The average score for our Year 4 cohort is an impressive 23.1 out of 25 with 59% of students securing 25 out of 25. These figures are both above last year’s national averages of 20.1 out of 25 and 31%.

All the while, alongside the usual end of year assessments happening in each year group in addition to those mentioned here, we have completed a cross-school writing moderation process with Millmead Primary School to standardise our judgements from EYFS to Year 6 in writing. 

We look forward to sharing your child’s end of year data with you all before the end of the academic year and celebrating their impressive progress since September!

Please click here for our latest careers blog, including information about a fantastic virtual event opportunity with Lloyds Banking Group for Y10 – 12 students

Industrial Cadets Bronze Award

A group of Year 9 students attended the Industrial Cadets Bronze Award Celebration event at Glaxo, Ware. For the last 12 weeks students have been working on engineering projects, investing 20 hours of study. 

At the event, students presented their projects to a panel of industry professionals, competing against other local schools.There were two awards at stake: the Innovation Award and the Teamwork Award. We are pleased to announce that our students managed to win both awards, which are already on show in the trophy cabinet!

The Big Bang Fair

Following the success of the Year 9 Industrial Cadets, three students represented our school as finalists at the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham last week.

Sam and Daniel (Year 12) experimented methods of deterring seagulls from the school site, modifying a drone by attaching a model falcon to it. Bors (Year 10) designed and built a low-cost laptop using a 3D printer and a mobile phone as the CPU.

All three students did an amazing job in qualifying as finalists, competing against other students nationally. Bors finished runner-up in his category, which is a fantastic achievement.

UK Maths Trust Junior Maths Challenge invitation-only follow on round

Congratulations to Year 8 students Oliver H and Eva W for being invited to take part in the UK Maths Trust Junior Kangaroo competition. This invite-only event is open to those that have achieved highly in the Junior Maths Challenge. Just been invited puts these students into the top 0.25% in the country. Both did extremely well, narrowly missing out on merit status by a few marks.  Congratulations both.

Open events 2024

We are looking forward to holding our annual open day on Saturday 21st September. We expect all secondary students to attend school on the morning to act as guides or helpers in departments. We also invite all Year 5 (current Y4) students to be on site. Students will either be conducting parent tours in the Larch, or helping in Larch classrooms. Some children will additionally be involved in music or sport – we will write to you separately if this is the case. We will send a Google Form in September to confirm if your child is available to support.

Full details will be sent out early in September.

Our full calendar of open events in the autumn term is as follows:

• Saturday 21st September 0830-1230: All-through Open Morning
• Wednesday 2nd October 1730-1930 – Sixth Form Open Evening
• Wednesday 27th November 0900-1015- Primary Open Morning

Transition – Year 6 into Year 7

We are really looking forward to welcoming our new cohort of Year 7s that will start with us in September. The transition process is well under way and new Head of Year 7 Mr Gordon, along with other staff, have conducted primary visits to our feeder schools to meet with every new student. This process was also completed in the Larch too with our Year 6 classes as we look to get to know the students even better. There is a real sense of excitement about moving on to the next step in the educational journey, as well as a few nerves! Mr Gordon is now working on the form lists for next year and there are some key dates coming up:

• Wednesday 3rd July – Parents Transition Evening – Secondary Hall – 5.50 arrival for a 6pm start (this is a parents-only event)
• Thursday 11th July – Transition Day – All Year 6’s to arrive in school at 8.20am
• Wednesday 28th-Friday 30th August – Summer School 

Summer School Sign Up Link

Food hygiene rating

Congratulations to our catering team for achieving the highest possible rating of 5/5 during the recent inspection by East Herts District Council. This is a fantastic achievement and testament to their hard work and dedication.

Student Presidents

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of six exceptional Year 12 students as our new Student Presidents. This year, the selection process was more competitive than ever, reflecting the outstanding calibre of our student body.

The journey to becoming a Student President was rigorous. Candidates underwent a comprehensive application process that included written submissions, interviews, and delivered a talk on the importance of student leadership. They all demonstrated a profound commitment to our school community and commitment to the role.

Meet Our New Student Presidents:

• Grace Swaffield
• Isabel Pullara
• Jesse Davies
• India O’Sullivan
• Taylor Arm
• Zoe Gollop

These students have shown that they possess the qualities necessary to lead our school with integrity, creativity, and passion. They are not only exemplary students but also role models who embody the values we strive to instil in all our students.

As they step into their new roles, we are confident that Grace, Zoe, India, Isabel, Taylor and Jesse will continue to inspire their peers and contribute significantly to the school’s growth and success. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will undoubtedly make in the coming year.

Please join us in congratulating our new Student Presidents and supporting them as they embark on this exciting journey!

A reminder that your child can sign up for the summer reading challenge either online or in person at your local library. The challenge runs from July 6th in England, welcoming children aged 4-11. Participants can read any books they like (really – anything!)  and earn rewards for their efforts. This year’s theme, “Marvellous Makers,” celebrates creativity in various forms, from dance and drawing to music and junk modelling.

You can read more about the summer reading challenge on their dedicated website.

Summer reading letter to parents and carers: Summer Reading Challenge 2024

Nominate your school to win £1,000 for the library

This summer, our big schools prize is back to give five schools the chance to win £1,000 in National Book Tokens and a year’s free membership to the School Library Association; PLUS one overall winner will receive £500 to help them create a fun and welcoming library space for all.

Nominate a school and if yours is one of the five winning entries, you’ll also receive a £100 National Book Tokens gift card to spend in your favourite bookshop.

Click here to nominate a school
This competition will close after 31/07/2024.

Drama Club Performance

Students from years 7-10, who have been attending our weekly drama club, presented their first play to years 3 and 4 on Thursday 20th June. 

Jamie in the Land of Dinnersphere is an educational play promoting the importance of healthy eating. Jamie travels to the land of Dinnersphere on a mission to defeat the evil dinner witches who have taken control over school dinners…for the worse! With the help of the audience, Jamie and his new friends ensure that children in  British schools eat well so they live healthy, happy lives.

The performers have shown outstanding commitment getting the piece ready and consistently demonstrated our values of community, courage and aspiration. They also had a great time

A special thank you to Martha Hursey in year 10 for her prop making skills – robot dude and a giant key brought the story to life for both cast and audience.

Parent Staff Association

Slice of Summer final countdown!

Final plea for volunteers. Can you spare just an hour on 13th July, and support your year group at this year’s Slice of Summer? Student signups will be entered into a draw to win a £20 Amazon voucher. Sign up now!

5th July – Larch Character Spoon Competition. Win a voucher from The Entertainer.

W/C 8th July – Year 7 and 8 Hampers. Prize for the forms with the best hamper.

Wednesday 10th July – Larch Summer Accessory Day (donate a bottle)

Friday 12th July – All-through Summer Bake Off. Drop names entries to the staff room.  £20 Amazon voucher goes to the winning bake.

Summer Raffle reminder – please return your purchased or unwanted tickets promptly. Don’t miss out on your chance to win a two night stay for up to 6 people in a beautiful Whitstable holiday home!

By 10th July – If you are able to donate any soft toys that are in good, clean condition, these will support the Year 2 Teddy Tombola area at the Slice of Summer. Please drop donations to the office by 10th July.

Bar and Refreshment support needed

The PSA are happy to be supporting the Year 8 Celebration Evening on 9th July and the Sports Presentation Evening on 10th July.

Are you able to lend a hand with these events? Help is needed with serving refreshments.  You will not be alone but we do need more offers of help.

Please see the sign up sheet for information on timings and to sign up.  Thank you in advance.

Sports Hall construction begins on Monday 15th July

We are excited to announce that work will be starting on the Sports Hall before the end of term. The contractors will be arriving on site on Monday 15th July and will begin erecting the compound that will enclose the works.

As previously communicated, the building works will cause considerable disruption to the front of the school, particularly the car park. We will send more detailed plans in the next two weeks, but students who travel by car should make alternative arrangements for dropping off and collection: the London Road car park is an 11 minute walk, has ample space and is far easier to enter and exit than the school site.

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

• Wed 3rd July: Year 2 Deer Class Development Day and Y6 into Y7 transition evening (parents-only)
• Sat 6th July: Saffron Sounds
• Mon 8th July: Year 2 Rapid Fire Cricket and Awards evening 6-7pm (Invitations to follow)
• w/c 8th July: Year 7 and 8 Hamper competition
• Weds 10th July: Sports Presentation Evening (Invitations to follow)
• Weds 10th July: Larch Summer Accessory Day
• Weds 10th July: Phase 3 Open Afternoon 3.15pm – 4.15pm
• Thursday 11th July: New Reception Parents Morning
• Thursday 11th July: Larch Transition Day
• Fri 12th July: Larch Sports Day (more details to follow in due course)
• Fri 12th July: Year 3 and Year 4 Dress Rehearsal
• Fri 12th July: All-through Summer Bake Off
• Sat 13th July: Slice of Summer and Art and Design All-through Exhibition 12-4pm
• Monday 15th July: Year 3 and 4 School Production 5.30pm – 7pm
• Monday 15th – Wednesday 17th: Year 6 School Journey to Sherringham
• Wednesday 17th: Phase 1 and 2 Open Afternoon 3.15pm – 4.15pm
• Wednesday 17th: Year 2 Celebration Event (parents invited)
• Friday 19th: Year 6 Leavers Assembly 8.50am (parents invited). Will be held in the secondary hall.

Wishing everyone in our community a positive and fulfilling fortnight ahead.

Yours sincerely,

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

Friday 14th June

Co-headteachers’ welcome

I am always astonished at how quickly the school year goes by. We are already moving quickly through June but there are so many events coming up for our All-through school. For example, you may be scheduling your calendar around the Olympic Games but Simon Balle’s own talent is firmly in the spotlight with the annual sports day coming up on the 28th June for the secondary and 12th July for the primary phase.  On the music front we can also see all that practice and dedication being displayed in the Saffron Sounds all-through music extravaganza! 

As the nation gears up for the upcoming general election on the 4th July 2024, high-profile figures, such as Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are actively engaging in TV debates, presenting their visions for the future and vying for the public’s support. This exciting period of democratic engagement serves as a fitting backdrop to our own school event and activity this term. We are thrilled to announce that our school will be hosting student hustings and conducting our very own general election across Key Stages 2, 3, 4, and 5. This initiative aims to engage our students in the democratic process, allowing them to experience firsthand the excitement and responsibility of voting and standing for election. During the hustings, student candidates will present their platforms, debate key issues, and share their visions for positive change within our school community. This event not only enhances their understanding of political processes but also develops essential skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and respectful discourse.

Following the hustings, students across all key stages will then have the opportunity to cast their votes in a school-wide general election. This immersive experience is designed to teach students the importance of participation in democracy and the impact of their voices in decision-making processes. By simulating real-world elections, we hope to inspire a lifelong interest in civic engagement and empower our students to become informed and active citizens. We look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and thoughtful discussions this event will undoubtedly generate, and we encourage all students to participate fully in this unique educational opportunity.

Please look at the school calendar as there is so much to support and for students to participate in. Finally I would like to say how proud we are of our students who are participating in external or internal exams.  Our public exams are past the halfway mark and the Key Stage 2 exams are finished, but we know how much effort students put in and our key values shine through.

Finally, we would like to thank our whole Simon Balle community for coming together over the last few days for our final Ofsted visit. Once again, students were phenomenal in every way with student voice, visits to lessons, work scrutiny and the way that they daily demonstrate our Simon Balle values. With many thanks for parental support, governor dedication and, of course, our incredible staff team. We look forward to sharing the Ofsted report with you in the coming weeks.

SBAS X MCMULLEN’S BREWERY

Educational trips are not only about having fun outside the classroom; they also offer valuable insights into potential career paths for students. Recently, our year 8 students embarked on an exciting journey to McMullen’s Brewery, where they got a taste of the brewing industry and learned about the various career opportunities it offers, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between educational institutions and industry. This experience not only enriched their understanding of the brewing process but also connected them with potential career paths. By opening their doors to our students, McMullen’s were able to showcase their operations, foster interest in their industry, and highlight career opportunities. For employers, this translates into early access to potential candidates who have already shown an interest in their field.

At McMullen’s Brewery, located in Hertford town centre, students were greeted by enthusiastic professionals eager to share their knowledge and experiences of the hospitality industry. The tour began with an overview of the brewing process, from sourcing ingredients to packaging the final product. Students witnessed first-hand the meticulous steps involved in creating different types of beers, from traditional ales to innovative craft brews. The visit highlighted the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as each department played a vital role in ensuring the success of the company. This trip also exemplified how educational experiences can support the Gatsby Benchmarks, which outline best practices for career guidance in schools. By providing encounters with employers and employees, our students gained valuable insights into the world of work. By providing encounters with the world of work, employers directly support students in making informed decisions about their future careers – a crucial aspect of career development.

Visits to employers such as McMullen’s play a crucial role in career education by offering students first hand exposure to various industries and professions. These experiences allow students to explore different career paths, discover their interests, and develop a deeper understanding of the skills and qualifications required in the workforce. By engaging with professionals in real-world settings, students gain valuable insights into potential careers and the pathways to achieve their goals.

Our visit to McMullen’s Brewery was not just a field trip; it was a journey of exploration and discovery. By immersing themselves in the world of brewing and hospitality, our year 8 students gained valuable insights into potential career paths and learned how their interests and skills align with various roles within the industry. Through experiences like these, we strive to empower our students to make informed decisions about their future careers.

Please click here for our latest careers blog

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 the following booking link: Booking link

Year 10 National Scientific Thinking Challenge Awards

Year 10 took part in the National Scientific Thinking Challenge on Thursday 25th April, period 5. The challenge lasted 50 minutes and involved a series of multiple choice questions, which students had to complete online using their Chromebooks. The questions did not require recall of taught material. Students had to look at data, graphs and text and make deductions, spot trends, suggest hypotheses and identify anomalous results. Congratulations to the following students, who achieved awards in the Challenge.

Bronze

10H: Benjamin, Louise, Jenna, Ellie, Enzo, James; 10A Tatiana, Jakub, Mateusz, Emma, Laurel, Zara; 10C Evie, Nicoly, Evie, Ewan, Elliott; 10D Eloise, Carolina, Allan.

Silver

10H Eva-Mae, Isabella, Robin; 10A Lucas, Mitchell, Samuel, Robert; 10C Chloe, Adam, Charlie, Dominic; 10D Bobby.

Gold

10H: Bors; 10A Ryan, Isobel, 10A Bethany; 10C Naomi, Thomas; 10D: Charlie, Reubin, Leon, Lorenzo, Sophie, Keo.

Art exhibition

Primary art ambassadors have been over in the secondary school learning different printing processes. They have had great fun creating hanging installations for the art exhibition (Saturday 13th July at the Slice of Summer event). Well done to all, they look amazing!

Calculators wanted

For any students leaving, businesses or families at home that may have any unused calculators going spare, any donations would be very much appreciated in school. Please hand in to reception. Thank you!

Safeguarding

Please spend a moment reading these two guides to keep you and your children safe online.

What parents need to know about friendly-competition

What parents need to know about Palworld

Young Carers

Library news

Sports Writing Workshop with Alice Hemming

On Tuesday 4th June the author Alice Hemming held a Sports Writing Workshop and launched the Sports Diary Entry writing competition to celebrate National Writing Day and the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

In preparation for the writing competition, we looked at lots of different Olympic and Paralympic sports and shared our ideas on how the athletes might be feeling using all the senses and emotions. There were lots of creative ideas.

Upcoming events – click on the images below to find out more

Congratulations

Well done to Mr Pooley for being named coach of the season for all his hard work with Hemel Aces FC Under 9 Lions. He tends to keep this kind of news to himself, so make sure you ask him all about it when you see him…

Reminder about parking

Please remember to be courteous to our neighbours and other road users when accessing the school site. We have had reports from both the cricket club and local residents about parents becoming abusive when asked to move their vehicles. In all but the most exceptional circumstances there should be no need to drive to the school site.  If a student needs collecting by car they should walk down to the London Road car park and be collected there. Thank you for your support on this matter. Local residents are a valuable part of our school community and we want to maintain our fantastic relationship.

PSA news

Frozen Friday and Slice of Summer – Volunteers needed!

We currently do not have enough helpers to offer Frozen Fridays, especially on 5th and 19th July.

If you are able to support your year group Frozen Friday sale after school, please sign up to a slot.  Stock will be purchased each week, we simply need help running the sales.

• 21st June – Year 4
• 28th June – Year 3
• 5th July – Year 2
• 12th July – Year 1
• 19th July Reception

All funds raised from the Slice of Summer will go towards a shade and shelter project for students in both phases of the school.

Please support your year group at the summer fair, by taking a volunteer slot. Sign up today! 

Student sign ups will receive house points and will be entered into a draw to win a £20 Amazon voucher, once they have completed their slots. 

Let’s work together to make this year’s summer fair a success. 

• Year 9, 10, 11 + 6th Form – Prize table
• Year 8 – Inflatable Archery
• Year 7 – Ice Cream
• Year 6 – Human Fruit Machine
• Year 5 – Nerf Fruit Splat
• Year 4 – Lucky Lollies/Win a Stanley Cup
• Year 3 – Splat-the-rat
• Year 2 – Teddy Tombola
• Year 1 – Buried Treasure
• Reception – Hook-a-duck

In addition, other areas that need volunteer cover include: Bar, BBQ Serving, Inflatables, Candy Floss, Admissions, Shortbread Decorating, Bottle Tombola, Pre-loved Uniform.

Summer Raffle. Tickets now on sale.

With a top prize of a two night stay in a Whitstable holiday home (kindly donated by a Larch family) for up to six people, don’t miss out on this year’s Summer Raffle! You can now pay for Summer Raffle tickets via the PSA website where you can also view the most up to date prize list. Secondary online orders can be collected from the office, once marked dispatched. Primary students have received a pack.  Just remember to then return completed counterfoils to either school office by 12th July!

Summer All-through Bake Off – 12th July

Drop off your nut-free Summer bakes for the Slice of Summer on Friday 12th July, to the staff room (secondary) or Larch office (primary) between 8am and 8.35am in a sealed, named container. Come to the Slice of Summer on 13th July to enjoy an afternoon of games, Summer fun, candy floss and cakes! Vote for your favourite bake online. The winning bake wins a £20 Amazon voucher!

Larch Summer Accessory Day – 10th July

Wear a summer accessory with your uniform to school on Wednesday 10th July and bring in a bottle donation to support the Slice of Summer. Bottles can be dropped off at Larch reception, or into the playground crates.

Ideas: Own shorts OR shirt. Own skirt OR t-shirt. Flower garland. Hair accessory. Non uniform sun hat. Summer shoes (not flip flops or sliders). Beach bag instead of book bag.

Family Magic Show – Save the date!

Amigo’s Magic will be visiting Simon Balle on Friday 18th October, offering two family shows after school. Early bird tickets will be released in July; be sure to take advantage of the discounted rate.  This is an event for the entire family to enjoy.  More information to follow.

Dates for your diary

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

• w/b 17th June: Y7 assessment week
• w/b 17th June: Y10 Mock exams
• Mon 24th June: Sixth Form Induction
• Mon 24th June: Year 6 Ultimate Frisbee Festival at Sele School
• Weds 26th June: District Athletics Championships
• Thurs 27th June: KS2 District Athletics
• Friday 28th June: Foreign Language Friday Food Fiesta
• Fri 28th June: Secondary Sports Day
• w/b 1st July: Silver DofE expedition departs
• Wed 3rd July: Year 2 Deer Class Development Day 
• Mon 8th July: All-through Awards Evening
• Mon 8th July: Year 2 Rapid Fire Cricket
• Weds 10th July: Sports Presentation Evening (Invitations to follow)
• Weds 10th July: Larch Summer Accessory Day
• Fri 12th July: Larch Sports Day (more details to follow in due course)
• Friday 12th July: Doughies and All-through Summer Bake Off
• Sat 13th July: Slice of Summer 12-4pm

Wishing everyone in our community a positive and fulfilling fortnight ahead.

Yours sincerely,

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

Friday 24th May

Co-headteachers’ welcome

This point in the school calendar never fails to be momentous as we see so many of our students reach milestones and begin to go through those familiar rites of passage. All of which always leaves a mark on students, families and teachers alike, not least in the poignant leavers events of the last few weeks. 

As we reflect, the last half term alone has been a significant one as we have seen Year 6, Year 11 and Year 13 begin the process of engaging with public exams where they have the chance to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired in their time with us in a range of subjects. There is a definite energy around the school at this time and mere moments spent speaking to students during breakfast before each exam, whether students are aged 11, 16 or 18, speaks to their readiness to show they are indeed our educated citizens of tomorrow. 

But as always at Simon Balle, there is so much more on offer and so hard to do justice to the breadth of what takes place in and out of the classroom. There have been ample opportunities for physical wellbeing including our excellent performance at the County League Athletics Competition; the fantastic Year 5 hockey festival; the frolics of the Year 3 and 4 gymnastics event; the Freestyle Martial Arts sessions for Year 1 and above, and much, much more besides. On the music front there has been a veritable feast not least the incredible showcase of music at the Celebration of Wind and Brass which saw 95 performers from Year 5 onwards delight and dazzle the audience. And, when looking ahead for the students, whether it is for the next stage of education or for experiences in later life, we have seen such a range of ambitious opportunities including the McMullen careers visits for year 8, the Young Enterprise event for Year 12 and the Festival of Ideas university visit for year 9. 

And so, in reflecting on all the wonderful things that have taken place, it is time to look ahead to the last half term. We have started the process of welcoming our new families to the Simon Balle fold and begin a final, fond farewell to those who will be moving on. We never take for granted the privilege of our role in each student’s education journey and look forward to beginning this path again with those who will join us in September.

Your Past. Your Journey. Our Inspiration.

At Simon Balle All-through School we are extremely proud of our former students, and are keen to keep in touch with them.

If you are a former student of Simon Balle All-through School then why not sign up to join our Alumni network using the form below. We are always looking for inspirational stories and journeys our students have made since leaving the school, and would love to invite our Alumni to help and advise our current students by sharing their experiences.

Please fill out our Alumni Contact Form

Alumni Contact Form

PE and Sports News

Larch Sport

This week, we were delighted to welcome Chris Barlett from Hertford Freestyle Martial Arts into the Larch. Every class from Year 1 upwards engaged in a taster session where they explored the basics of the sport. Please visit our social media pages for the highlights! 

Despite it being a rainy afternoon on Tuesday, our Year 5 and 6 tag rugby teams showed fantastic resilience and determination when competing at the Hertford and Ware Tag Rugby Festival. Both teams dominated play in their tournaments and won most of their games. 

We were also delighted to see some of our Year 3 children represent the school (many for the first time) in a badminton festival on Wednesday. Again, the highlights will soon feature on our social media pages. Well done to all involved. 

Upcoming fixtures and events are listed in the ‘Dates for your Diary’ section at the end of the newsletter. Please note, not all children can be selected for these events due to limited spaces and letters will be sent out if your child is participating.

Secondary Sport

It’s been a good start to the summer term with our students competing across Athletics, Rounders and Cricket with lots of fantastic performances and so many students competing for the school. For all sports news from this month please visit our monthly sports blog – May Sports Blog

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 the following booking link: Booking link

Tickets are selling fast for this year’s Saffron Sounds, so you’ll need to move quickly to secure yours. This month’s Musical News is packed full of highlights, including the Rock Gig, the Larch Celebration of Music and Mrs Kemp’s Singing Evening. You can watch the videos and read about the upcoming events here.

The Winning House: 2023-24

Since September our students in the Larch centre and the Secondary phase have been earning house points for demonstrating our school values. Many have contributed to the House events put together by Ms Cannon and the House Leaders. We have had form boards, pumpkins, Christmas cards, House sport, the get rewarded for reading scheme and the Secondary talent show. This week, Ms Cannon and Mr Pooley were delighted to announce the overall winner: ASHBOURNE house. There will be the opportunity for Ashbourne students to attend a reward trip/afternoon in the lead up to the summer holidays.  

Please click here for our latest careers blog

Festival of Ideas

We are thrilled to share with you the wonderful trip our Year 9 students embarked upon at the University of Hertfordshire’s ‘Festival of Ideas’. This enriching experience was more than just a field trip; it was a gateway to boundless inspiration and a glimpse into the fascinating realms of academia and innovation.

The Festival offered an eclectic array of talks and interactive workshops, each designed to ignite curiosity and provoke thought. Among the highlights were:

Cracking the Case: Murder Trial Simulation: Students immersed themselves in the world of forensic science and law, as they participated in a gripping murder trial simulation. This hands-on experience not only stimulated their critical thinking skills but also provided a glimpse into the complexities of the justice system.

The Fascinating Past, Present, and Future of Robots in Healthcare: From robotic surgical assistants to AI-powered diagnostic tools, students delved into the transformative role of robotics in healthcare. They gained insight into how technology is revolutionising patient care and explored the ethical implications of these advancements.

Stars, Planets & Constellations: A Guided Tour of the Universe: Led by experts in astronomy, students embarked on a cosmic journey through the vast expanse of the universe. They marveled at celestial wonders, learned about the intricacies of space exploration, and contemplated humanity’s place in the cosmos.

Widening Access – Pathways to University: This workshop provided invaluable guidance on navigating the path to higher education. Students received practical advice on university applications, financial support, and the myriad opportunities available to them as aspiring scholars.

Worldbuilders – How AI is Creating New Worlds for You to Explore in Games: Venturing into the realm of gaming and artificial intelligence, students discovered how AI is reshaping the landscape of interactive entertainment. They explored the creative possibilities of AI-driven game design and gained insight into the future of immersive storytelling.

The Festival of Ideas was not just an educational trip; it was a gateway to future possibilities. Through engaging with these diverse topics, our students gained valuable insights into potential career paths and the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the University of Hertfordshire for hosting such an enriching event, and to all the speakers and organisers who made this experience possible. May this journey serve as a springboard for our students as they navigate their academic and professional futures.

Safeguarding

Please spend a moment reading these two guides to keep you and your children safe online.

What parents need to know about online financial scams & exploitation

What parents need to know about sharing photos online

Learning in the Larch

In Year 1 we held our animal dress up day to support our Geography topic of animals and their habitats. The children have written their own versions of Snail and the Whale in literacy with lots of exciting twists and animal choices. They have begun to create their own animal habitats using junk modelling and craft materials. We have shared non-fiction animal books and engaged in lots of animal discussions of various topics and interests.

In Year 2, the children have been writing their own ‘How to…’ guides based on a text called ‘Monsters’, writing clear instructions and top tips on how to look after their monsters effectively. They have also enjoyed Science, learning about the parts of a plant and what they need to survive. 

In Year 3, they’ve been creating their own stop motion movies using the iPads and Chromebooks and growing plants as part of an investigation in Science. We have been amazed by the quality of writing over the past few weeks in both English and Geography. 

Year 4 have begun their play preparations and are all very excited to learn their lines and songs! We cannot wait to see them perform. They have also been extremely busy practising their times tables ready for the upcoming Multiplication Tables Check. We’re so proud of the progress they’re making and it’s great to see this supporting their Maths lessons too. Please continue to use TTRS and other strategies shared at the recent workshop to support them maintain and improve their recall of this important knowledge.

Library news

Lots to celebrate in the Library this half term, and lots to look forward to in June!

The winners of ‘Get Rewarded for Reading’ have been announced, along with the winners of the book review competition. We’ve also had the Disney quiz, deliveries of new books and regular favourites Speakers’ Corner and Music Monday. On June 4th author Alice Hemming kicks off the diary writing competition with her Sports Writing Workshop.

Head over to the Library News to read more about all of these events

Cheerleading Success

Emilia C from Y10 has recently represented the UK in an international cheerleading competition

• The competition was called International Cheerleading Union 
• Team: Cheerleading England – Youth All Girl Advanced (Won the competition)
• Also competed for her team ‘Twisted Cheer’ (7th place) 
• Emilia has been cheerleading for 7 years and has been a part of Team England for the past year. 
• This was her second visit to America to compete. The first was in Year 8 with her team, Twisted Cheer’.
• Beating Team USA felt like a huge achievement as America is where cheerleading originated and is recognised more widely. 
• Teamwork was a huge part of their success, hard work and determination played a key role in terms of training weekly in the run up to the competition. 

A student in Y10 competed for the UK in America for a national cheerleading competition and they WON….student is Emilia C

Updating your contact information

Please ensure that your contact details are up to date with us.  You can do this yourself in Arbor (instructions here). You can also send any changes in writing or via admin@simonballe.herts.sch.uk

If you don’t already use the Arbor Parent Portal or the Arbor App, you can read about it here.

LAMDA lessons

We are delighted to be working in partnership with Corinne Vallé, from The Vallé Academy of Performing Arts, to offer individual and small group LAMDA Drama lessons for students. LAMDA exams offer students the opportunity not only to build confidence in acting but also public speaking and speaking of verse and prose. Students this year have had great success and we look forward to seeing their confidence and skills continue to develop.  

Looking ahead to September we will have more spaces available for secondary students. 

Should students be interested in signing up for LAMDA or if you would like more information about cost and logistics please contact Mrs Nicki Rooke at rooken@simonballe.herts.sch.uk by Monday the 1st July.

Uniform

In another great example of student voice in action, we have updated our uniform policy to allow secondary students to wear shorts in the summer months (after the Easter holidays and until the October half term). Thank you very much to all of the students that have contributed, and continue to contribute, to the democratic process that is our wonderful all-through Student Parliament.

If students wish to wear shorts, then these must be smart black shorts (equivalent appearance to school trousers). They can be purchased from Stevensons (as with all secondary uniform) or the high street (as they are non-logo items) but they must be formal shorts, not sportswear, made of similar material to the uniform trousers. Here is a link to the appropriate item on the Stevensons website.

We have also updated the uniform page on our website with a new, clearer uniform policy and the latest information on how to order uniform in time for September. For Year 6 transitioning to Year 7, please make sure that you keep Wednesday the 12th June in your diary for the secondary uniform sizing event.

Parent Staff Association

Slice of Summer Saturday 13th July – Volunteers needed!

The Slice of Summer VolunteerSignUp sheet is now open! Sign up today to support your year group. Funds raised from the Slice of Summer will go directly towards funding shade and shelter projects in both the primary and secondary outdoor areas. 

Let’s work together to make this year’s summer fair a success. 

• Year 9, 10, 11 + 6th Form – Prize table
• Year 8 – Inflatable Archery
• Year 7 – Ice Cream
• Year 6 – Human Fruit Machine
• Year 5 – Nerf Fruit Splat
• Year 4 – Lucky Lollies/Win a Stanley Cup
• Year 3 – Splat-the-rat
• Year 2 – Teddy Tombola
• Year 1 – Buried Treasure
• Reception – Hook-a-duck

In addition, other areas that need volunteer cover include: Bar, BBQ Serving, Inflatables, Candy Floss, Admissions, Shortbread Decorating, Bottle Tombola, Pre-loved Uniform.

Student sign ups will receive Housepoints and will be entered into a draw to win a £20 Amazon voucher once they have completed their slots. 

Summer Raffle. Tickets now on sale.

With a top prize of a two night stay in a Whitstable holiday home (kindly donated by a Larch family) for up to six people, don’t miss out on this year’s Summer Raffle!

You can now pay for Summer Raffle tickets via the PSA website where you can also view the most up to date prize list.

After the May half term, secondary orders can be collected from the office and primary orders will be sent home via bookbags.  Just remember to then return completed counterfoils to either school office by 12th July!

Frozen Friday – Volunteers still needed!

If you are able support your year group Frozen Friday sale after school, please sign up to a slot.  Stock will be purchased each week, we simply need help running the sales. We can not do this without your help.

• 7th June – Year 6
• 14th June – Year 5
• 21st June – Year 4
• 28th June – Year 3
• 5th July – Year 2
• 12th July – Year 1
• 19th July Reception

Dates for your diary

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

• w/b 3rd June: Y8 Assessment week
• Tues 4th June: Year 4 Tri-Golf at Sele School
• Tues 4th June: Sports Writing Workshop with Alice Hemming at lunchtime in the secondary library.
• From Tuesday 4th June to Wednesday 19th June: Sports Diary Writing Competition 
• Thurs 6th June: Year 5 Wodson Park WW Games
• w/b 10th June: Y12 threshold exams
• Mon 10th June: Year 5 and 6 Dynamo Cricket at Sele School
• Tues 11th June: Y7 Parent’s evening
• Wed 12th June: Stevenson’s uniform sizing event
• Thurs 13th June: Year 5 BMX day
• w/b 17th June: Y7 assessment week
• w/b 17th June: Y10 Mock exams
• Mon 24th June: Year 6 Ultimate Frisbee Festival at Sele School
• Weds 26th June: District Athletics Championships
• Thurs 27th June:  KS2 District Athletics
• Fri 28th June: Secondary Sports Day
• Wed 3rd July: Year 2 Deer Class Development Day 
• Mon 8th July: Year 2 Rapid Fire Cricket
• Weds 10th July: Sports Presentation Evening (Invitations to follow)
• Fri 12th July: Larch Sports Day (more details to follow in due course)

Wishing everyone in our community a positive and fulfilling fortnight ahead.

Yours sincerely,

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